Inspiration of the Month – Kathleen

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Kathleen Knutson IOM
Inspiration of the Month
Kathleen Knutson

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I starting taking Pilates classes at Rivercity a little over a year ago. I had sporadically taken large group mat classes over the years at various gyms but was looking for a smaller studio to get better instruction on the proper form of Pilates.
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?  
I usually take 2 classes a week, one equipment and one mat. I would like to fit in one more this fall/winter per week as my schedule allows.
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 

I’ve really noticed positive differences in my balance, range of motion and strength. Especially in my neck and core.  Core strength is important to me because I have moderate scoliosis.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?    
Any exercise that involves stretching my spine one way and then the other are my favorites. Feels great!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
Pilates is a great alternative to traditional strength training such as cross fit or HIIT.  There’s less risk of injury.  Cardio is also very important.  I very much enjoy taking Jazzercize classes in Cedar Rapids too.

Inspiration of the Month Natalie Suiter

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Natalie Suiter IOM
Inspiration of the Month

Natalie Suiter

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
Two months ago, I hurt my knee while doing Plyometric exercises. It was so bad, that I couldn’t straighten my leg fully.  I was very frustrated because of the new physical limitations I had, so I started researching what I could do to heal my knee and continue to be active.  At the same time, a friend referred me to a free month of Pilates at RCP.  This was awesome since I had been reading a lot about the positive outcomes of a regular Pilates practice. I spoke with my physical therapist and he said Pilates would be a great addition to my physical therapy exercises.  I signed up and got started right away; excited to heal my knee and continue to be active.
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?  
I have been taking 2-4 classes per week.  My goal is to take a variety of classes with a variety of instructors.  I enjoy the different teaching styles and personalities of the instructors.  It’s fun and challenging when the instructors incorporate different equipment in class, for example, one of my favorites, the foam roller. I have learned a lot and I hope to continue to learn as I attend classes at Rivercity Pilates.
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 
In just 2 months of practicing Pilates regularly, the functioning of my knee has improved enough for me to start incorporating activities I did prior to my injury.  I’ve also noticed improved posture, increased body awareness, confidence, strength and a slimmer figure.
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?    
My favorite exercise is the windmill on a foam roller.  My favorite Pilates classes at RCP are Tower and Foam Roller Mat.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
I think it is hard with all of the health and fitness information available to decide what kind of exercise will get the best results.  Many people want to be thinner, healthier and in better physical shape. However, a lot of the exercise plans or regimens out there just leave people overwhelmed, frustrated and injured; not Pilates. I would consider Pilates to be foundational to a balanced, healthy body! Pilates is fun, challenging and your body will never be the same once you commit to a regular Pilates regimen.

Inspiration of the Month – Jessica

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Inspiration of the Month
Jessica Dlask
When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates in November, 2015. I had previously taken yoga classes while living in Chicago but had never tried Pilates. I had heard it was a great way to build your strength and the exercises were adaptable based on your individual level, both of which appealed to me. I had always enjoyed group fitness classes and thought I would give it a try.
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?  
I try to practice Pilates at least 2-3 times a week and regularly participate in both mat and equipment classes. I have recently started trying to add a yoga class to my workout regimen as well for a slightly different type of workout.
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 
I sit at a computer desk much of the day and run a home based clothing business in the evenings and weekends which involves quite a bit of lifting and bending resulting in a lot of strain and tension on my neck and back each day. Pilates gives me the opportunity to stretch and lengthen my spine, helping to improve pain and discomfort. It helps clear my mind after a busy work day and allows me to challenge myself in each class. I love that I can notice the progress I make on exercises I do regularly but am also challenged by new exercises as well.
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  
My favorite piece of equipment is probably the reformer as I enjoy the movement and the ability to change the tension for an increased challenge. I especially enjoy footwork and leg circles on the reformer. In mat classes, I have a love/hate relationship with the leg series!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
I would encourage anyone and everyone to try Pilates as it is easily adaptable for people of all fitness levels. I have challenges with flexibility, hip and arm strength and know that there are always ways to make an exercise work for me. The instructors are attentive to your strengths and challenges and continue to help you improve. I love the atmosphere of the studio where I can walk in and be greeted by staff asking about my dog or upcoming wedding plans – there is a strong sense of community that keeps us coming back.

Inspiration of the Month – Colleen

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Empower your Body-Inspire your Life!

Inspiration of the Month

Colleen Rhodes

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates in June 2012 because I wanted to add a variety to my weekly workout regime.  I know that it is very important to move your body in different ways as opposed to doing the same routine (i.e. running) all the time.
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing? 
I do one-on-one sessions with Carey.  Sometimes twice a week.
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
I always tell people Pilates is like my spinal adjustment.  I always feel taller when I leave.  I have noticed that my core is much stronger which makes doing other exercises and daily activities easier.  Also, when I’ve had some physical limitations, (i.e. foot surgery, knee issues), Carey is able to adjust my session accordingly so I still get a good workout.
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  
I enjoy all the equipment, however, the Cadillac is probably my favorite.  This is another reason I love Pilates.  Carey has me using the different equipment, as well as other tools, (i.e. foam rollers, balls, balance boards, etc.), which makes for a different workout every time I come in.  I am never bored.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
I always tell people it is a great workout and can be done at any age, and any fitness level.  I also tell them to do the first complimentary consultation so they get an idea about Pilates and perhaps diminish the mystery or fear of doing something different.  Using the Nike slogan, “Just Do It” and you will get hooked:)

Inspiration of the Month Natasha Pashkova March 2017

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When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I discovered the Pilates exercise method a long time ago through books and DVDs and began practicing at home. To get better motivation and more consistent Pilates exercises, I started to search for Pilates group classes in the Iowa City area. The Rivercity Pilates website sounded like it was exactly what I was looking for. However, it took me a few months of thinking about joining the studio until my daughter Anna finally suggested trying the complimentary session together last August. Since then, taking classes at the Rivercity Pilates studio has become part of my well-being routine.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
I have done various group classes and try to go to the studio at least twice a week. The classes that I’ve attended the most are Pilates Mat, Barre and Pilates Mat Combo, and Restorative Yoga. Taking these classes helped me learn the correct technique of different Pilates exercises, how to control breathing and body movements, gain strength and flexibility, and experience relaxation of the body and mind.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
Through regular Pilates practice, my core muscles have become much stronger and my posture has improved. I started to feel less stressed emotionally and more energized physically. Reduced tension in my shoulders and neck has also helped me avoid frequent headaches.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
My favorite mat Pilates exercise is probably Rolling Back. Also, the challenge of doing the Teaser makes me feel stronger and more balanced.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
Definitely give it a try! Don’t wait too long…just invite your relative or a friend to take a session or a class together to get started. At the Rivercity Pilates studio you can find exercises for any fitness level and the convenience of different class schedules.

Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Cheryl Johnson

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 Inspiration of the Month
April 2017 — Cheryl Johnson

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
Several years ago Peg Schollmeier started things off by telling me how helpful Pilates was for her and that I should give it a try. A little while later I did an introductory session with Carey, but still I did not start a regular practice of Pilates. Last spring, Shelley offered me private classes as part of her instructor training. I could feel how it worked my lower abdominal muscles.

But, I still did not start participating in classes or continue a regular practice of Pilates partly because of being out of town and somewhat because I was a little nervous doing the mat classes as I was worried I wouldn’t do the exercises correctly or keep up. Around Christmas, I signed up for the Pilates mat class package and decided that I had to commit to doing Pilates regularly. I had an upcoming trip in February to Machu Picchu and Galapagos and I wanted to be able to enjoy this active trip. They promised me I would feel and see results and I have! My goal was to do a teaser at Machu Picchu!

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?    
I try to do 4-5 mat classes a week and I’m not sore after doing this many classes!
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
I have been told all of my life to stand up straight and had trouble doing so. Now, I know that the secret to this is not throwing your shoulders back, but in engaging your core, especially your lower abdominal muscles and doing the “abdominal scoop”. I noticed in everyday movements that I feel myself engage my core now in order to bend over and stand up, picking up grandchildren, and in balancing and carrying things.
Importantly, on my trip I noticed how much easier it was to hike on uneven ground, jump out of and pull myself back in dinghies, and climb multiple steps. I am in general much less achy as I get up in the morning.  I feel better than I have in a long time!
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  
I love the feeling of Swan and how it strengthens my back. The Pilates exercises have so many different components and variations  that as I have become more familiar with them I find I can concentrate on aspects to improve and push myself with each exercise.   Shelley has been so patient and encouraging in stressing over and over the fundamentals and how to do them correctly in her classes. Combining mat, barre and dance with Nancy is fun and brings out my inner ballerina. Carey’s morning class pushes me to do more including incorporating the challenging “stretcheze band” and the big ball with the Pilates exercises. I have never been bored with a “routine” class.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
Do it!  I love the supportive and encouraging atmosphere at Rivercity Pilates. You will see so many benefits. I did reach my goal and was able to do a teaser on Machu Picchu with all kinds of people watching!! A teaser that still needs work, but I did it!