November Inspiration of the Month: Ellen
![ellen](https://rivercitypilates.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ellen.jpg")
When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?I have consistently engaged in fitness activities for the last 38 years – well, with an occasional month off every couple of years. I started off in 1978 with jogging, then aerobic classes at the newly built gym and racquetball club near my house, took tennis, golf, and racquetball lessons (1980’s and lousy at all 3). Followed by Jane Fonda, “The Firm,” step aerobics, jazzercise, water aerobics, and a try at spinning (90’s – ugh)! At different times, I have had a rowing machine, a universal weight station, a Nordic Track, a recumbent stationary bike (anyone want to buy it?) and an elliptical. I have walked thousands of miles over the years! Same story with every one; excitement, then boredom, and eventually, abandonment…and I moved on to the next thing.
Then in 2000 in Peoria, IL, I found a trainer gym where you work out with a trainer on an appointment basis, and I was hooked! I love the one-on-one, the partnership, the friendship that develops. I continued working out that way until I fell last December and fractured my humerus. At the same time, my beloved trainer took a job in another field. So, after taking several weeks off last winter for healing, in the spring of this year I began looking for my next exercise venue.
I found Kris Cameron online and became aware of Rivercity Pilates and that she gave classes here. I saw that there were classes in Cardio Funk, Yoga, Pilates, and Strength Training, so I decided to give it a try because it offers a well-rounded exercise approach that would hold my attention, and that maybe a different form of exercise was right for this time in my life. And, it is a small place where people are friendly. No hard-bodies strutting, either!
I had tried Pilates twice over the years, mats only, in a larger group with no personal attention, and I had found it incredibly challenging and not particularly fun. So, I had quit. But, when I came here for my introductory session with Carey Sadler, I decided to try it again. For one thing, as we all know, she is fabulous! And so it began.
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
In the beginning I took classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays with Kris, and began with Reformer and Tower classes with Carey, Cardio Funk and even Yoga, (for “Every Body”, even mine!!), with Julie and I learned that Carey is not the only fabulous teacher at Rivercity! They all are!! I try to do 4-6 classes per week and 2-3 personal sessions with Carey per month.
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
The benefits I have noticed are increased flexibility, particularly hamstrings and quads, decreased lower back pain, and the improved functioning of my arm and shoulder. I feel refreshed when I leave, and I have better awareness of my posture most of the time.
Do you have a favorite Pilates exercise?
I love the equipment which makes it all so interesting and challenging. The Tower is my favorite. I love it that it takes so much concentration and attention that I have to get out of my life for 50 minutes and be totally here with my body, mind, and spirit.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
This is my “happy place.” I love the small size of the classes. Thanks, Rivercity staff for giving me a new lease on life!”
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