Inspiration of the Month Kathryn Smith

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

I started Pilates back in high school when I was dancing a lot with my studio. During college I spent most of my time doing yoga, but after graduating, I wanted to still incorporate movement into my life and missed Pilates. I have been coming to Rivercity for a little bit over a year and a half now. I’m working to become certified as a mat instructor because I just can’t get enough Pilates in my life and want to help others with Pilates exercises.

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

I try to attend at least 2 classes a week. I love to mix it up and do barre class or yoga class as well. My favorite type of session is a traditional mat class so I can focus on areas that I can continue to improve in. I also am working towards becoming certified as a Pilates mat instructor, so this traditional practice has helped a lot with the course. 

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

Pilates is something I can always rely on to make me feel better. It takes care of various aches and pains from other workouts. I feel more centered and connected when I am regularly going to classes. With my training I have also been able to really focus in on my own practice and have seen a lot of improvement in various movements and exercises as the months have gone along.

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

Mat class is my favorite. When it comes to a specific exercise that I love, I have a love/hate relationship with side leg exercises. My hips are weaker than other parts of my body so it’s a big challenge to me, but it has been paying off. I also love spine stretch and spine twist.

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

Try it out!! You won’t regret it, and if you stick to it, there will be improvements in your life and with your body. It’s such a great outlet to have in life to center in and focus on yourself and your body for a small chunk of time each day.