Are you doing enough?

Carey Sadler - owner of Rivercity Pilates.When it comes to your health, wellness and exercise time do you ever just ask yourself…..am I doing enough?

These days we are lucky enough to have access to a lot of science and research that is able to tell us what kind of things are going to help us feel our best, age well and live our best life….but sometimes that can be overwhelming!

As a movement professional I often see how the “what we should be doing list” simply overwhelms people and instead of adding a healthy habit or two to their life, they simply don’t do anything.

One of the favorite parts of my job is helping people realize that little habit changes go a long way in helping you prioritize your health.  Little changes are the key to my own health and well being and I want to remind you they can help you too.  These changes don’t need to feel like a lot of work!

The latest addition to my own routines has been adding a weighted vest to my morning dog walks. A morning walk with my dogs is a habit I created long ago and it is very rare for me to miss a day (mainly because my dogs are very good at reminding me how much they love it!).  In my attempts to add more weight bearing movement time to my life I decided I would just add in wearing a weighted vest while I walk.  So far this is an easy addition for me because this habit is already stacked with something I’m doing anyway.  All I have to do is put on the vest each time I walk.

Will this addition make a huge difference in my strength? Probably not huge….yet I know overtime adding in extra weight bearing movement time will help me maintain and improve my muscle strength and my bone density.

What little thing could you add into your routine to improve your health and wellness? Simple things like adding a weekly movement class, adding a daily walk, practicing extra sit to stands, adding simple stretches into your daily routine or adding a little extra resistance training to something you are already doing…will make a difference…and it is enough!

NEW! Roll & Release Small Groups!

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Carey Sadler, Owner Rivercity Pilates, North Liberty IOwa

If you have worked with me it’s likely you’ve heard me say, the most effective things to help us feel better in our body are often the most simple things. They are often so simple that people don’t do them because they seem so simple that they don’t convince themselves to add these things into their routines or into their daily life.    

Years (and years) ago I started practicing and learning rolling techniques with a teacher named Jill Miller.  Rolling is a way to practice self massage techniques to release tightness and tension in muscles and connective tissues throughout the body. Personally I found the practice empowering because when I noticed tightness or discomfort in my body I felt like I always had a tool I could easily use to help my body feel better. 

As a teacher I loved that I could use the techniques to help clients do the same thing.  As a teacher I also noticed that by adding in regular rolling sessions with my clients they  were feeling better in their body, were able to work in a more balanced way and got more out of the Pilates and strength training work they were already practicing because of it.  Needless to say I am a big fan of rolling!

There is one thing I notice though that I’m not a big fan of….these simple techniques fall into the category of almost too simple! Most people say that even though they can immediately feel the benefit of this work, they don’t prioritize adding it into their life. 

For many of my clients, they weren’t doing the beneficial rolling practice unless I made sure they were doing it when they came to see me.  This inspired me to create our Roll and Release Small Group Sessions as a regular offering at the studio.

I’m so excited to announce that we’ll be offering weekly Roll and Release small group sessions that will allow more of you to create a regular rolling practice in your life!

When you come in for your session we’ll have a mat set up for you with a lot different balls and rollers available for you.  Your teacher will guide you through a variety of movements and rolls designed to help you release tension and tightness throughout your body. 

These sessions are doable by ANY body and no experience is needed. If you are new to rolling check out the video I included below as an example.  This Psoas roll is one I recommend for those with tightness in their hips. If you have a ball at home try it out and let me know what you think.  

Starting July 20th we’ll be offering a weekly Saturday 10am and a Monday 5pm Roll and Release Small Group Session!   

Curious about creating a rolling practice? Email me to try out a Roll and Release session for free!

NEW PILATES TOWER CLASS

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New Monday 11 am Pilates small group equipment session with Shiho!

Ready to create a regular Pilates practice in your life?  Need the accountability of coming to the studio?   

Shiho is now offering small group Pilates Tower sessions Monday’s at 11 am, Wednesdays at 9 am and Thursdays at 5:30 pm. 


The Pilates tower system uses a system of springs attached to various handles bars and specialized attachments to support and challenge your body giving you a whole body workout that is super effective!   The Pilates tower is a favorite of our clients who are just starting a Pilates practice because the springs assist you and even though it is assisting you — you are still working at a level that is perfect for progressing your strength and mobility!


Small group sessions are limited to 4 participants and often fill quickly.  Schedule in Mindbody under appointments or simply email us and we can get you scheduled!

Sign up for Pilates Tower

Simple, consistent movement has made a difference in my life!

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Carey Sadler, Owner of Riercity Pilates.

I often get asked what my Pilates practice looks like.  As a studio owner I have access to all the toys and all the Pilates equipment but I have to tell you the Pilates Mat exercises are the bread and butter of my Pilates practice!

Over the years I have found personally that keeping my movement practice consistent is the key to me feeling great and the Pilates Mat exercises are easy for me to get in no matter where I am and with very little “extra stuff” needed.

In the morning when I wake up I start my day with a 15 minute meditation and then practice a simple Pilates Mat routine.  I also get in workouts on the Pilates equipment and I play and move a lot when I’m at the studio but my Pilates Mat practice…is really my thing!  I love that whether I’m at home or traveling I can always find time and space to get my Pilates practice in!

If you are looking for guidance on learning the Pilates Mat exercises and creating a practice in your life I want to encourage you to try one of our in studio small group sessions…you might just create a movement practice that you can continue for the rest of your life!

Schedule a session Sunday’s at 5pm, Wednesdays at 8 am or Thursday at 4:30 pm!

Rivercity Pilates In Studio Small Group Session schedule in North Liberty, Iowa.

NEW! 4 Week Beginner Friendly Arms & Abs Pilates

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Kimberly is excited to be offering her Arms & Abs Pilates Mat Class as a 4 week in studio series in February, Wednesdays at 6 pm! We love a session theme and Arms and Abs has been a favorite among clients over the years!

Looking for a workout that improves your core strength and specifically strengthens your upper body? 

This 4 week beginner friendly Pilates series will practice Pilates Mat exercises with a special focus on strengthening your core muscles and improving your arm and shoulder strength Pilates style!

This small group session will be 5 clients maximum.  Sign up now to snag a spot and get our early bird discount!! Early Bird Discounts ends on January 15th!  ( save $15 with the early bird pricing!)

You’ll get to use a variety of props to support and challenge you.

As always at Rivercity Pilates you’ll feel comfortable working at your level and you’ll feel comfortable asking Kimberly questions about what you are doing.  

4 weeks for only $89

Brand new to the studio?  Take a complimentary private session with Kimberly to get introduced to the studio, get introduced to Pilates and learn more about opportunities to work with Kimberly and the rest of our Rivercity Pilates staff!  Kimberly has openings on Monday January 15, January 22nd or January 29th at 7 pm. Click here to schedule.  

If you need to miss a week…no worries! You can make-up your missed session in any other group session on our schedule. Already have a Pilates Mat Session Package? You can use any Pilates Mat, Strength or Yoga Package for this series!

Purchase the 4 Week Series

NEW Yoga Workshop with Kim Blackwell

Yoga for Aging Strong Workshop

Wednesday, January 31 at 10 am

Space limited to 5 clients
JUST $25

Designed for those new to Yoga, 50 and over,  who want to learn about the benefits of Yoga, try it out and get all their questions answered in a fun, non intimidating environment.  


This might be for you if you have said:

  • I kind of want to try yoga but….
  • What if I have a hard time getting to the floor and back up?
  • Want if kneeling is uncomfortable for me?
  • What if I’m really tight and inflexible?
  • What if my balance is not very good?
  • I’m not sure if I have the body shape to do Yoga.
  • I’ve had a knee replacement.
  • I have had a hip replacement.

Kim will chat in the beginning about the benefits of Yoga, explain how it can be adapted to any body and then you’ll learn some basic Yoga movements in your body.  The session will be informative, fun and we promise you’ll be comfortable asking as many questions as you like!


Everyone in class will have a chair to sit in during discussion time and Kim will always the option of doing each exercise with a chair.  This means if you don’t want to get to the floor for an exercise you’ll always have that option!

Expect to leave this Yoga workshop having a better understanding of how practicing Yoga could help you and feeling confident that you can practice Yoga if you want to.


You do not need a mat or anything specific for this workshop.  Simply bring yourself in comfortable clothes.

Workshop Bonus: Every participant will get access to a free Yoga for Aging Strong on Demand Class, perfect for practicing what you learn at the workshop anytime!

Register for the Workshop

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