Inspiration of the Month Jennifer Reekers

Empower your Body-Inspire your Life!

Inspiration of the Month

November 2014

Jennifer Reekers

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

Given some weight gain and history of low back pain, I initially began Pilates with Rivercity back in 2012 in an attempt to strengthen my core and create that long/lean body we all seek! I was amazed how just one consistent mat class per week could strengthen my body.  That same year also became the time period when I decided to change careers and my Pilates practice became nonexistent as I allowed my full-time school schedule to dominate my life for almost 2 years. Today, my new career as a hairstylist requires me to stand and use my entire body for long lengths of time so I became concerned with how the physical requirements would impact my 30+ year old body. My goal is to have a healthy, strong body without my intermittent back pain. I figured if one Pilates class per week had such a positive outcome… completing multiple classes per week must feel pretty amazing?! Out of curiosity for how my body would respond, I decided to fully dedicate myself for the month of August to a highly-attended Pilates routine. I enjoyed it so much that I chose to commit to my new routine indefinitely!

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

Thanks to the newest option to purchase MONTHLY UNLIMITED Pilates Mat classes at Rivercity, I currently practice 6 times a week in the group setting! I schedule all of my classes one month in advance which allows Pilates to be more of “an appointment” in my weekly routine vs. “do I feel like working out today?” With scheduling my entire month in advance, it holds me accountable. I attend Pilates mat class twice a week, barre class twice a week, and also the Arms/Abs and Thighs/Buns classes.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates and how has it benefited the other types of exercise you do?

I have always had a straight/boyish figure but now I’m beginning to see the start of a waistline (yay, for curves)! In just 3 months, I am definitely more flexible and toned, and I no longer experience the pesky back pain! My posture is much better and my core is the most solid I have experienced since my teenage years (and I’m excited for the continued progress)! My coworkers have complimented the difference in my body even through my clothes, which are fitting better. I also really notice tone and strength added to my legs. After my initial one-month stint of Pilates alone, I returned to the gym to complete my previous leg/machine workout… and my usual weights had become too easy! I had to add 10-15 lbs more weight to achieve the optimal leg workout. I even beat 2 large, muscular men in a friendly competition of “who can hold a wall-sit the longest.” Overall, Pilates is the ultimate form of exercise. It rejuvenates me mentally while toning from head to toe and reduces the strain I was experiencing from standing all day long.

Do you have a favorite Pilates exercise?

Call me crazy, but I really enjoy the side-laying leg series (because I used to absolutely dread it)! It’s a true testament to how your outlook changes given the small achievements over time. Initially, I lacked the range of motion therefore leg series felt really uncomfortable. Now that my body is more open with improved strength and flexibility, I enjoy the challenge of the movements while enjoying more toned hips, butt, and thighs!

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

When I tell others that I practice Pilates, I find many people are intrigued but either confuse yoga with Pilates or assume that it’s not a “real workout” in comparison to other forms of exercise. Pilates is such an incredible, well-rounded form of exercise as it strengthens you from the inside-out! First, I definitely recommend someone come to Rivercity as this is the only true Pilates studio in the area! Second, I tell people that Pilates is something that an individual needs to EXPERIENCE in order to truly understand the benefits. If planning to give it a try, CONSISTENCY IS KEY! I highly encourage someone to COMMIT to Pilates for at least 8-10 weeks. Whether it’s one class a week… commit to that one class per week for a designated length of time and only THEN, determine how Pilates makes you feel. When you initially start, the smaller movements may not seem like much in comparison to the stereotypical workout… but you WILL notice a different kind of full-body strength, both mentally and physically, over time!