Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Becky Monroe

, ,
Empower your Body-Inspire your Life!
Inspiration of the Month
Becky Monroe

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?

I started Pilates the last week in March. The past 2 years have been challenging for me.  I’m an only child and in the past 18 months, my then 84yo mom had a stroke, broke her hip, and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  She passed away 5 months and 2 weeks after her cancer diagnosis in my home.  My 90 year old father has moved in with me and it’s been 18 months of making sure my parents had everything they needed. I had let my fitness slide before they moved in with me and I continued down a non-healthy path and gained more weight.  I finally embraced the advice that to be a good caregiver, you also need to take care of yourself, but still I was scared. It’s hard being out of shape and overweight.

The one thing that actually got me to make the commitment to try Pilates was the complimentary session offered by Rivercity Pilates.  I felt like I could make sure I was comfortable there and try it out before  I actually signed up for sessions.  When Carey explained that Joseph Pilates invented these exercises because he was sickly, the practice of Pilates made much more sense to me.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?

I have been trying to go to Pilates 4-6 times per week to improve my health.  I started with one-on-one training sessions and made sure I was comfortable doing some of the exercises, (I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t look like an idiot), before I joined a group session.  My favorite phrase in Pilates is, “your working level”, although the instructors are terrific at letting me know how to challenge, “my working level”, so I can see improvement.  I am much more comfortable in the equipment classes than I am on the mat, but I am trying to attend a variety of classes to keep challenging myself.

 

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?

I can see myself improving on some of the exercises now that I couldn’t do, (or could barely do), 2 months ago. What I love about Pilates is that you can see improvement if you commit to improvement. I think it’s the same challenge people get from playing golf. You are concentrating on yourself, so you really notice improvement.

I have more energy, I am not feeling as creaky (and old) as I was two months ago. But most importantly, one of my best friends was here this weekend and she said that I looked healthier. That’s all I needed to confirm that Pilates is helping me become healthy again.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?

Mostly I have least favorite exercises because I am still gaining the strength to do them completely. I like all the equipment classes because I find the ingenuity to create the machines to assist with the exercises amazing!  I’m a technology geek, but this equipment was developed before the depression.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?

Before I started I was trying to balance the cost of classes against the benefits as well as the insecurities. It was easy to say that Pilates was too expensive and continue to be a couch potato.  However, just 7 weeks after starting Pilates I feel better, and my closest friends can see that. In the words of Nike, “Just Do It”.  Check out the website and sign up for the complimentary session.

Thank you for the amazing memories!

, , ,

A few days ago I said goodbye to Rivercity Pilates. As emotional as it was to have my last private lesson and walk out the front door, the studio has always been so much more than a building to me. If you’ll allow me to stroll down memory lane, I’ll do my best to explain what the past five years have meant to me.

IMG_2884

I met Carey when she was at her first studio. The space was small (think large walk-in closet). Carey’s “office” was in the corner and all of her bookkeeping was done by hand. She had three Chairs, the Cadillac, and a Reformer. We did a lot of mat classes and I fell in love with the Chair. I was welcomed right away by the studio’s clients and distinctly remember how much the side leg kick series killed!

I started Pilates to help with the stress of studying for the bar exam and to get in shape for my upcoming wedding. It was a fantastic stress reliever and I found myself looking forward to class. I was nervous when I was the only student in class but Carey put me at ease and told me all the good progress I was making. Soon I found myself craving Pilates and wanting to learn all I could about it. When Carey set out fliers for her teacher training program, I decided to take the plunge.

My plan was to learn the Pilates method as best I could for myself – with no intention of teaching. I continued school (a Master’s in Political Science) while pursuing my Pilates certification. After nine years of higher education, I did some serious soul searching and decided to teach Pilates with Carey. It was absolutely the right decision. I learned so much while I was at the studio. I learned about the importance of movement and deep breathing. I learned to trust my body and to teach others how to use theirs. And I learned that a community of friends like those I found at Rivercity Pilates is invaluable in this life.

I met amazing, creative, strong, brilliant, hilarious, and kind women and men while working at Rivercity Pilates. They invited me into their lives and trusted me with their stories. I celebrated births of grandchildren, successful dance recitals, job promotions, and engagements. I listened to and hugged clients who lost parents, were stressed about the holidays, or missed their children that were away at college. Being a part of my clients’ lives was my favorite part of the job. In turn, they supported me. They asked about my life, celebrated the birth of my son, and took me out for dinner to say goodbye.

So thank you. Thank you Carey for your vision to bring Pilates to Eastern Iowa. Thank you for being a wonderful boss, mentor, and friend. Thank you to each and every Rivercity Pilates client for making my days brighter simply by walking through the door. I will miss each of you. You’ve shaped me in ways you cannot imagine.

Keep doing your Pilates and please stay in touch.   

All the best,

Cassie

 

Inspiration of the Month – Angela Nelson

,

 

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?   

 

I took my first Pilates class in 2005. I have scoliosis and Pilates was recommended by my orthopedist to help alleviate back pain. After a bit of a break I resumed practice at Rivercity Pilates very first studio and found it was a great fit for me. 

 

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice?

I have been able to strengthen my core and regain flexibility that was lost by wearing a spinal brace for my scoliosis. My balance and posture have improved, and I am much more aware of proper positioning and breathing as I go about my day. Pilates has really helped me to maintain strength during pregnancy and recover after birth.  

You are a busy mom of four, how do you make time to take care of yourself?
I love, love, love the Schedule Ahead Rewards Program at Rivercity Pilates! With lots of kids’ schedules to manage, if I don’t put my things on the calendar far in advance they won’t happen. For me, scheduling a month in advance is key to actually getting in a workout! The flexibility of having a free late cancel means that I don’t have to worry if someone gets sick or we have a last minute conflict.
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I really love the chair – it’s such a great little piece of equipment that does so much! My favorite chair exercise is the seated twist.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
Absolutely give it a try. The instructors at Rivercity Pilates are great at adapting exercises to individual fitness levels (even in group classes – modifications for more simple or advanced levels are always suggested). You can really start at any point and you will always finish a little stronger than before!

Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Sandy Schaefer

, ,

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?

 I started Pilates in July 2013 to improve movement and strengthen core muscles.

 What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice? 

 I have issues with my back. Pilates is helping to increase my ability to strengthen these muscles.

Why did you decide to do the 2014 Empower Your Body Challenge? 

I started the Challenge so that I would begin a regular exercise and diet program.  With the e-mails, weekly goals, and class requirement I am getting into good practices. I also liked the ability to participate in unlimited classes.

 What was your favorite part about the Challenge? 

I am getting 6-8 classes in a week. I have started jump board, very fun! I am going to try ball mat class this week. I make a weekly schedule so I have planned in cardio time so I get it done.

 Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?

I really enjoy the tower. I feel that it has helped me the most. I move easier with the tower and am able to get up into teaser position now.

 What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates? 

I know that it took time for me to get into a Pilates program, but I am really finding that it is helping my movement and my spirit. All the instructors are so accommodating to my limitations and offer modifications which encourage me to keep working. The biggest benefit so far has been my ability to stand straighter because my back and core muscles are getting stronger!

If you have neck pain, Pilates may be the perfect exercise method for you!

,

Do you have chronic neck pain, limited range of movement in your neck, fused cervical vertebrae or other neck issues? The Pilates Method of exercise may be the perfect form of exercise for you.stiff-neck-1

Often times people with neck problems give up exercise all together because popular exercises can exaggerate their pain and leave them frustrated without seeing any results.

If you are someone who has been dealing with neck pain or problems -know that just one session with a qualified Pilates instructor, may change your views of exercise completely.

The Pilates method of exercise is a total body exercise that works the entire body and is completely adaptable. Exercises can be designed to create strength, balance and flexibility in your body without causing more pain in your neck.

In fact, many clients find that their Pilates practice helps them create balance in their body which reduces neck discomfort and leaves them feeling an overall sense of well being. By concentrating on specific movements and breath, the Pilates Method of exercise is great stress relief as well.

If you are interested in trying out the Pilates method of exercise here are a few quick tips:

1.  Ask about your instructor’s background, teacher training and their experience working with your specific issues to help you find an instructor who is a good fit for you.

2.  Make sure you fill out your health form completely and keep your instructor informed on how exercises feel in your body. Your feedback will help your instructor fine tune exercises so you get the most benefit in your body.

3.  Start off with private sessions.  Although private sessions are more expensive than group classes, they are essential especially if you have physical pain or are overcoming an injury or chronic problem.  Private sessions will allow you to learn the method specific to your body so that you are able to get the maximum benefits and not aggravate any existing conditions.

4.  If you want to work into group classes just let your instructor know.  Your instructor can teach and prepare you to learn how to modify exercises for your body so that you can safely and easily integrate into small group classes.  Your instructor can also give you suggestions on which type of class might be the best fit for you.

5.  Talk to your health care providers(doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc.) and let them know what you are doing.  Most Pilates instructors welcome the chance to work together with health providers when planning your Pilates sessions.

To learn more about scheduling your complimentary Pilates session at Rivercity Pilates contact us today!

 

 

 

A Love Letter From Your Pilates Instructor

,

heartPilates instructors are very passionate people who LOVE what they do and they love the people they work with.  In honor of Valentine’s Day,  this letter was written to show you how much we care!

Dear Devoted Pilates Client,

1.  You are amazing!  I am amazed and inspired daily by your devotion to your Pilates practice!  I know, as much as you love your Pilates sessions, that it is not always easy to get to the studio.  Life happens and there are a million excuses you could use to not come in- but you do.  Your devotion inspires me in my daily life.  Thank You!

2. You are making amazing progress in your Pilates practice and in your life every time you practice.  As instructors we are often giving you feedback on how to improve your practice because that’s part of our job.  I probably don’t spend enough time telling you how far you’ve come and how great you’re doing.  One of the wonderful parts of my job is that I get to see people create positive changes in their bodies on a daily basis. Keep it up!

3.   I love to celebrate the little milestones with you!   Can you pick something off the floor without your back hurting?  Can you sit comfortably on the floor with your kids or grandchildren?  Are you sitting taller at your desk or has your posture improved?  I love to hear about and celebrate these moments with you.  I practice and teach Pilates so that I can help others live life to the fullest and it makes me happy when I hear your success stories!

4.  Please don’t feel bad about speaking up and telling me something doesn’t feel good in your body.  I know that not every exercise or movement is right for every body and it does not bother me at all if you tell me that something hurts or doesn’t feel right. In fact- I LOVE the opportunity to find something that does work for you.  Changing, modifying and creating exercises designed specifically for your body is what I am trained to do and I LOVE to do it!  It makes me cringe to have a client work through the pain.  I believe and know that exercise does not have to hurt to be super effective.  If you are in pain, then you are not getting the benefits of the exercise and you might be doing more harm than good to your body.

5. Thank you for choosing me to share your Pilates journey with you!  Working with amazing, nice, thoughtful clients makes me happy!  I know there are lots of choices when it comes to instructors and I truly value you as a dedicated client.

With Love,

Your Pilates Instructor