How my Pilates practice taught me to love Yoga!

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I’ve have to admit that before I started doing Pilates I “tried” Yoga and didn’t really love it.  And by try I mean I took a couple of classes and decided it wasn’t for me.  15 years later I love Yoga and I owe it all to my Pilates practice!

When I found Pilates I immediately knew it was a good fit for me.  It was something that I enjoyed, I felt like it was something I could do fairly well (unlike Yoga where I felt pretty incompetent because I was soo tight and inflexible that many poses seemed impossible for me), and I had instructors who were amazing and inspired me to keep at it.  I am forever grateful that all these pieces fell together, as teaching Pilates and movement has become a lifelong passion and love for me.

DSCN7362Last night after taking a Yoga class I was reflecting on:  1. How much I really enjoy Yoga now and 2. How this love really came from me learning about my body and how to move it through Pilates.

After practicing Pilates for 10 years on a regular basis I tried Yoga again and found that I really enjoyed it!  I was able to use the knowledge of my body that I learned in Pilates to do new different movements that challenged my body in different ways. Since then I have tried to incorporate Yoga and other mind-body movements and exercises into my life along with my Pilates practice so that I can continue to grow and learn!

I’m telling you this story today to inspire you to try different mind-body exercises and find one that gels with you.  Not everyone instantly loves Pilates, Yoga, Thai Chi or any other mind-body movement program.  Unfortunately many people try a class once or twice and decide it’s not for them and never try anything else ever.  They have one experience that they didn’t love and then they group all that stuff (Yoga, Pilates,etc.) together and never explore it’s possibilities again.

Different teachers and different styles of the same discipline have different things to offer students and you may be surprised to find that when you find a teacher and style of movement you connect with you may also find a movement practice perfect for your body!

At Rivercity Pilates we encourage clients to try lots of different instructors and classes and find those that connect with you.  Learn more about all the different movement classes and sessions we offer by clicking here!

 

What does it take to be a VIP at Rivercity Pilates?

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Have you seen our monthly specials just for VIP’s and wondered what makes a VIP?

603136_10151426442542526_1750838770_nTo become a Rivercity Pilates VIP you need to get 50 classes or sessions in within the year.  After achieving VIP status you will get monthly extra special deals offered only to our VIP’s for the rest of the year you accomplished this and for the following year!

We know that the best way to see and feel results from your mind body practices is to be consistent and we love to give you a little extra motivation to stay dedicated!  So if you’re not a VIP already make it a goal- we’d love to have you on the list!!

1493173_10152188575767526_297849416_nP.S. – At the end of the year we hand out some super cool prizes and awards to all of our VIP’s!!IMG_3001

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Inspiration of the Month Anne Perreau

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Wade and mommy cooking 3Ann Perreau

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates in the summer of 2013, a full year after having my son, (now 3). I was looking for a change to my workout routine and being a “yogi” for many years, this seemed like a natural choice.

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice?
Since starting Pilates, I have found more energy, more strength and flexibility, and most of all, less back pain. I have had problems with my back for years! Now after practicing Pilates regularly, my pain is reduced.

What were the benefits of staying active with Pilates during your pregnancy?
I had much more energy and less pain during my pregnancy because of Pilates. Because I stayed active during my second pregnancy, there was less weight gain and an easier delivery and transition after birth. All of these benefits were noted this time while doing Pilates, which I did not notice during my first pregnancy when I was not as active.

You are a busy mom, how do you make time to take care of yourself?
Knowing that Pilates is good for my body, I just make time to come to class regularly. I often plan ahead so that our busy family can adjust schedules to make it happen!

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I know this sounds crazy, but I love the side leg series. It was something that I could do easily during pregnancy and I have always enjoyed leg lifts.

What would you say to other busy moms who are thinking about doing Pilates?
Make time and join a class! It is very important to take care of your body. Not only does Pilates help strengthen and tone your body, it also gives you some stress relief and much needed time for yourself!

 

Have you hit a plateau?

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mermaid adjustmentsAt Rivercity Pilates we are super passionate about movement and the amazing benefits movement brings to your life.  We find that our clients can often times be categorized into clients who are private clients- those who generally only take one on one sessions with their instructor and class clients-those who only do classes.  We think both options are great and we love to encourage people to do what works best in their schedule and their budget.

Our small group classes are an affordable way to get individualized workouts in on a regular basis and often are the best option for people.  If you are a person who regularly takes classes, we want to encourage you to think about doing an occasional private session to take your own movement practice to a whole new level.

If you’ve never had a private session or it’s been a really long time you might be surprised on how much benefit you can get out of 1 session.  Even though our group classes are small we aren’t often able to stop during class and specifically go over movements specific to your body.

Have you have ever asked:

  • Why can’t I do this exercise very well?
  • Why does this exercise hurt or not feel good in my body?
  • What specific things can I do to continue to progress in individual exercises and my practice as a whole?
  • What would be the best at home routine or exercises for me to do?
  • What type of movements and exercises should I be focusing on if I want to accomplish my goals(maybe running a 5k or just looking great for that summer wedding I need to attend!)

An occasional private session can help you answer these questions and create a focus for your personal movement practice.  We know that its not practical or affordable for many people to do a private session on a regular basis but we also believe in the difference it can make in your movement practice and we provide some great opportunities for everyone to get at least a few private lessons in each year:

  • Every new client at Rivercity Pilates can start with a complimentary private session.  Take advantage of this!!  Even if you never do another private session again this session is an individualized session with one of our awesome movement instructors and you’ll be glad you did it!
  • If you are on our email list we’ll send you a yearly birthday email with some special deals only for you and one of them is a half price private session.  Treat yourself or pass the email on to your spouse or mom or friend and let them treat you!!!  Let us help you fine tune your movement practice- it’s what we love to do!!
  • Every month we offer special deals and offers only to those who are on our email list.  Be sure to read our monthly newsletter and take advantage of those great deals when we offer them!!

Have more questions about private sessions at Rivercity Pilates?   Click here or call us to talk to one of our instructors!   Special Discount available for a private session in Pilates or Yoga if you call us and mention this blog!

 

Do You Celebrate the True Purpose of Memorial Day?

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at Rivercity Pilates!  Memorial weekend is usually an exciting, busy weekend in most of our lives.  There’s student graduation celebrations, end of the school year activities, family gatherings and just the excitement of the start of summer(my favorite time of year)!!  We hope you are able to enjoy the weekend and also take a little time to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for us.

My 11 year old son Caden is a little bit of an American history buff and is fascinated by the Military, so I thought it would be fun to capture his thoughts on what Memorial Day is and how we can best celebrate.  As children often do, I think he really simply captures the essence of the holiday and how we can best honor those who gave their lives for us!

Top ten signs you might not be doing Pilates

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The Pilates method of exercise is everywhere…. or so it seems.    You can take a Pilates class at the gym, the rec center and at the yoga studio.    But are you really being taught the Pilates method of exercise?

Did you know the only true accreditation for Pilates instructors is through the Pilates Method Alliance?  Certified Pilates instructors must have a minimum of 450 hours of training and most require 600 to 1000 hours.   Here at Rivercity Pilates, our instructor training program is 654 hours.

If you answer yes to any of our top 10 signs that you may not actually be doing the Pilates Method of exercise – we encourage you to do your research and find a certified instructor!!

10 signs you may NOT actually be doing The Pilates Method of exercise:

1. You are in a room that is heated to 100 degrees.
2. You didn’t know that breathing was part of each exercise.jo star
3. Your neck hurts (or your back or any other body part!)
4.  Your instructor is working out along side you the entire time.
5. You have never heard of the Hundreds.
6. You are doing a downward dog.
7. You’ve never been corrected on your form or technique.
8.  You’ve never rolled through your spine.
9.  Everyone in the room is doing the exact same version of the exercise.
10.  You think Yoga and Pilates are the same thing.

Have questions about the Pilates Method of exercise?  We would love to share with you more about Joseph Pilates and his method that we teach!   Schedule a complimentary private session and learn what the Pilates Method truly is and what it can do in your body!!