Inspiration of the Month Christy Novak

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start? I started Pilates about 20 years ago through the UI Dance Department’s Saturday and Evening class program.  I took Pilates Mat classes for a number of years across a variety of instructors and one of these introduced me to the Reformer, which I loved!  I took private lessons with her for a year before moving to Pennsylvania, then had only intermittent Reformer classes during summers when I traveled to Prague for work.  I was thrilled to find Rivercity Pilates when I moved back to this area.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing? I take 3-5 equipment classes each week in addition to 4-5 other classes including Yoga, Barre and sometimes Zumba.  

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? My goal was to see how much I could push my hip, after being treated for bursitis almost continuously for 2 years.  It kept stiffening up and I was getting really frustrated about not being able to sleep or resume normal activity.  I am delighted with the outcomes – I not only can move again but I’ve met wonderful people along the way!  My new goals are to make it through Shaina’s Reformer Jumpboard class and Shelley M.’s Reformer Flow Class!

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  I like all of the equipment, though I think the Reformer is still my favorite.  The Oov has been a pleasant surprise – I didn’t think I’d be able to stay on it, and I find that my back loves it.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?Don’t think about it!  You gain a new appreciation for your body and how it works. Enjoy the journey – we all have different challenges and a sense of humor does wonders!