How do I get started?
The best way to get started is to schedule a complimentary introductory session. This first one-on-one session will introduce you to the studio, answer your questions, and we can give you a recommendation as to what type of sessions would be best for you. This first session can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you. Please call us at 319.471.2380 or click here to schedule your session.
If you are scheduling online just choose to schedule a 50 minute private session. If you and a friend want to do the complimentary private session together you could both schedule a semi-private session at the same time and date. If you have any problems at all please feel free to contact us and we can get you scheduled from our end.
What are the advantages of private lessons?
Individualized instruction utilizing all of the Pilates equipment and mat work is the most effective way to achieve results in your body. If you are new to Pilates or have an injury you are overcoming, private lessons are essential to learning the method correctly. Private instruction offers you complete one-on-one attention from your instructor and allows you to move and learn at your own specific pace.
What is a Pilates session like?
Our “sessions” are probably not what you typically envision when you think of an exercise class. We only call them classes because they are at the same time and day every week. These small group sessions usually range between two and six people (five being the maximum we allow in a Pilates session).
Each session is a Pilates workout specifically designed by your instructor to safely challenge everyone in the group. Your instructor will know you and class will be designed around your health and fitness needs. Your instructor will NOT be working out with you! The instructor will be verbally teaching the class and will be walking around helping individuals adjust their form to get the most out of every exercise.
We know that the true benefits of the Pilates method happens when you commit to a regular Pilates routine in your life. Our “classes” are a fun and affordable way to receive high quality individualized instruction in the Pilates method in a comfortable small group setting!
Should I take private sessions, semi-private sessions, or group classes?
Every body and every personality learns differently and the best process for you to learn will be unique to you. There really is no right or wrong way.
We suggest starting your Pilates journey with 3 – 6 Private sessions. By starting your learning process with private sessions you have a chance to learn the basic ideas and Pilates principles in a way that is very specific to your body.
These private sessions will give you a chance to learn the Pilates fundamentals such as how to breathe during your exercises, how to engage your deep abdominal muscles, and how to stabilize your hips and shoulders. These sessions will also give you a chance to create body awareness about how your body moves, where your individual imbalances may be, and give you an idea of places you can focus and work as you continue your Pilates practice.
After your introductory private sessions, how you continue your Pilates training is really up to you. Some clients take just private or semi-private sessions, some take just classes, and many do both. We suggest trying them all so you can find out what you enjoy most!
What makes this Pilates experience different from the class I took at the gym or the DVD I do at home?
The Pilates method of training is based on the idea that you are strengthening the body in alignment while doing very precise movements. It’s very difficult to learn the proper technique without a skilled instructor to help you align your body and give you feedback. Just doing the choreography of the exercises without using the proper muscle groups will not produce the results that you will achieve when you learn the method properly. The individual instruction you receive at Rivercity Pilates will be tailored to your body and create uniform balance, strength and flexibility in your body.
Who does Pilates?
This unique full-body exercise system is an integral part of conditioning for many actors, dancers, athletes, and health-conscious people worldwide. People of all ages and fitness levels, from the professional athlete to the morning walker can work effectively at their own pace. This method is especially appealing to those who have trouble getting started and feel uncomfortable with exercise.
What will Pilates do for me?
Change the Way You Look
We each have our own distinctive body shape, size and dimensions. Keeping this in mind, there are a number of ways that Pilates exercises can improve the way you look:
• Better posture
• Increased overall muscle tone especially related to the torso and abdominal wall referred to as the powerhouse/scoop
• Less overall bulk – you’ll move with more grace and ease
Change the Way You Feel
• When your body is incorrectly aligned for sustained periods of time, it is not uncommon to experience fatigue, discomfort and irritability. Pilates exercises will give you more energy and stamina to enjoy life!
• Lowers stress levels and increases overall sense of well-being
• Fewer headaches and less incidence of back pain (when skeletal structure imbalance is posture-based)
• Boosted immune system
• Sharper mental focus
Change the Way You Move
Have you ever watched children at play? Their movements flow naturally with grace, strength, stamina, suppleness and speed. They don’t have tight muscles – they have bodies that work well because they are constantly on the move in a wide variety of ways. As adults, our movements become restricted to those activities that we perform day in and day out. We spend very little time moving in ways that are not a part of our daily routine. The Pilates exercise system will teach you how to restore your body’s natural movement potential, developing:
• Improved flexibility
• Greater ratios of muscle tone leading to increased stamina for sports and leisure activities
• Less incidence of chronic injury
What should I bring to class?
Wear comfortable exercise clothing such as T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and workout pants. Avoid wearing extremely baggy clothes as they prevent us from helping you with your alignment and can make it hard for you to move comfortably. Please refrain from chewing gum during class. Classes do not require footwear and you may go barefoot or wear socks. If it is your first class at Rivercity Pilates, please complete and bring the following three documents: (1) Health Intake, (2) Studio Policies, and (3) Injury Waiver, or arrive a little early to allow time to fill out the forms before your session.
How often should I do Pilates?
We recommend exercising every/most days and suggest incorporating your Pilates practice into your routine. To get the most benefit from your Pilates practice consistency is really the key. You will see and feel results whether you are practicing twice a week or daily as long as you do it consistently! Your instructor can help you determine what combination of classes and private sessions might work best for your fitness goals, schedule, and budget.