Inspiration of the Month: Danielle

Danielle Wilbanks

January 2018

Inspiration of the Month

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

I started doing Pilates in October 2017. I was having a lot of hip, back and shoulder pain and couldn’t even sit on the floor with my kids to play for longer than 5 minutes. I knew I needed to do something, but I just didn’t want to do anything high impact. My friend Sarah Shonrock kept telling me about Rivercity Pilates and how much she enjoyed it, so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad that I did! It has been the most welcoming place and not intimidating at all. I hadn’t done Pilates or Yoga to any extent before and was a little nervous about not knowing what to do, but all of the instructors are super helpful and patient.

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

I try to make it to the studio three times a week. I haven’t been to a class that I didn’t enjoy. I regularly attend Nancy’s Barre, Pilates & Fun classes and Shelley’s Every Body Mat classes. My schedule changes week to week, so I can’t make a lot of evening classes, but when I can, I really like to go to Carey’s and Shaina’s Pilates Mat classes. I like going to a variety of instructors because they each seem to challenge your body in different ways.

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

Physically, the chronic hip, back and shoulder pain that I was having has gone away. I feel more open and stronger and for the first time in my adult life I can feel my core muscles. I’ve also lost inches and weight and let’s face it, being able to get back into a favorite pair of pants is a huge benefit! Mentally, it has given me a chance to unplug and focus on nothing else but me in those hour classes. It energizes me and gets me going. Even when I’m not in class, I’ll do some stretches and breathing to get me through those long days at work. I’ve also discovered the Rivercity Pilates You Tube channel that helps me on days that I can’t get to the studio or when I’m traveling.

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

I like the balance balls, both the big ones and medium sized ones. It really helps me to engage and strengthen my core. The balls add an extra challenge and you have to focus more on what you are doing.

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

DO IT! :) Really, just give it a try. You may or may not like it, but you never know if you don’t try. Rivercity Pilates is a great place! I appreciate all of the staff and other members because everyone is welcoming and helpful. There is no expectation for you to be at the same level as someone else, just positive encouragement to go at your own pace and do the things that you can do.