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!

 

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!!

Confessions of a Pilates teacher…sometimes I skip the Hundreds!

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If you’ve ever taken a class or a private session with me you know that I’m super passionate about the Pilates method of exercise.  I love to tell stories about Joseph Pilates, I love to share insight about how genius the exercise system Joe created is and I always have you doing some form of the Hundreds!!

The Hundreds were designed to warm the body up, increase circulation and prepare you for the rest of your work out. When I’m teaching it’s rare that I don’t have my clients doing some form of the Hundreds.

 But today I have a confession to make….   I make it my own personal practice to move daily and this always includes some traditional Pilates exercises, but sometimes I skip my Hundreds!!

Let’s face it- the Hundreds are hard no matter how many times you’ve done them.   And there was a time that I would just avoid getting on the floor or a mat to move because the thought of doing the Hundreds wasn’t very enticing.  Over the years my thinking has changed and so has my movement practice.

There are many times when I just carve out some time and do the traditional mat sequence or reformer sequence and I do my Hundreds.  There are some days when I only do my Hundreds(something is always better than nothing). There are also many days when I do whatever I feel like( AND I SKIP THE HUNDREDS)!

Yes I know the classic Pilates sequences inside out and upside down and could recite them in my sleep.  Yes I know the benefit and beauty of the sequencing Joe created.  But I’ve also learned through my own movement practice and movement teaching:

  • The best movement practice is the one that you actually do on a consistent(ie daily) basis.

  • Trusting your instincts and moving in a way that feels good for your body has big benefits both mentally and physically.

 So what do I do on the days I’m not following the Pilates sequences?

  • I LOVE to do Roll Ups and Rolling Like a Ball is my all time favorite Pilates exercise.   Shoulder bridge feels great on my spine even if it’s all I do.

  • Some days I pick my favorite exercises and at least start with them.  Some days I make up my own movements or practice some variations of exercises that I want to share with my clients.  Some days I just stretch or practice my favorite Yoga poses and sequences.

It’s OK to “break” the rules and skip ahead to your favorite exercises.  It’s OK to skip the Hundreds or not doing Swimming.  Do what feels good and create a practice you love- your body will thank you.  And you may be surprised to find yourself adding in some of those not so favorite exercises in on occasion( or maybe not….)

Pilates Day 2015 at Rivercity Pilates

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Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Pilates Day 2015 with us!!

 

We started off our Pilates Day 2015 with 2 Free Pilates Mat Class and we were super excited to have so many of you join us!!  Guest instructor Cassie Cumings-Peterson taught an all levels Fundamental Mat Class and Rivercity Pilates owner Carey Sadler taught Return to Life on the Mat.

After classes everyone grabbed a snack and watched the hard working students from Hillside Christian School as they demonstrated a mini Pilates Mat Class.  The students at Hillside Christian School range from kindergarten to 8th grade.  Every week for the last 3 years Carey has been teaching a Pilates Mat class at the school.   Be sure to check out the video clips of their fabulous demonstration!!

The Rivercity Pilates Staff had a special surprise for everyone on Pilates Day!  After watching Michelle Obama and Ellen Degeneres do a little choreagraphed dance to Uptown Funk in honor of Michelle’s Get Moving campaign, the staff decided to do their own version.  We had a blast practicing and performing for everyone and we hope you’ll watch the video and dance along!!

Everyone who came to Pilates day was eligible for door prizes!  We gave away T-Shirts, Toesox, headbands and a copy of one of our favorite Pilates books: Horatio Moves by Jenna Zaffino.

After prizes, our staff jumped on the reformers and demonstrated some of the wonderful exercises that can be done on this traditional piece of Pilates equipment!

Thanks again to everyone who joined our celebration!  We look forward to seeing you next year for Pilates Day 2016!!

 

Quick and easy Pilates way to strengthen your legs, ankles and feet in alignment!

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This Pilates Standing Footwork series is great to do at home and can help strengthen the muscles of the hips, knees, ankles and feet in alignment.  Adding the Pilates Magic Circle connects you into your core muscles and helps you find that whole body connectedness!!

 

 

Inspiration of the Month – Gwen Johnson

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

I started coming to Pilates when I was struggling with Shingles and working out.  I was in a great deal of discomfort and needed to workout and I thought it might help.

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

I attend Pilates classes a minimum of 3 days a week. I have participated in individual and group classes, but by far my favorite is couples! :)

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

My favorite benefit of Pilates is starting my day in tune with breathing, which translates to a better day, which allows me to embrace the moment.

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

I love the long spine. I feel strengthened, stretched, and lean when I do it.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

I love Pilates for a couple of reasons. It is stretching and getting in touch with your muscles and at 54 it is important to keep them all working together, and I truly can see a difference in my ability to move and keep moving!