Tag Archive for: BME

5 Things Not to Expect at Pilates!

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Thinking of trying out Pilates or starting an exercise program during the pandemic?  Here’s our list of the top 5 things NOT to expect during your Pilates virtual Pilates session!

1.  Don’t expect to feel bad about not exercising or not being in as good of shape as you think you should be.  It happens to everyone and we will help you realize that getting back into shape is easier than you think.

2. Don’t expect to be so sore that you can’t walk down the stairs or lift your arm to brush your hair.  We know that exercise does not need to leave you in pain to be effective.  You can expect to get a great workout that is perfect for your body! 

3.  Don’t expect to do the same exact thing every session.  Each class or session is designed to meet your needs on any given day and those needs are constantly changing. Expect us to tailor your exercises to your body and continually challenge you with new variations and movements.

4.  Don’t expect to be able to do everything perfect the first session or even your 100th session.  (I know….this one is hard for most of us and especially if you tend to be a perfectionist!!) Pilates is designed to safely challenge your body and your mind so that you can continue to evolve to the best you!

Try not to be so judgmental toward yourself and KNOW that the benefits of Pilates are more dependent on you doing it on a regular basis rather than how perfectly you do it!

5.  Don’t expect to dread coming in to the studio to exercise.  In fact- most of our clients look forward to coming in!  (this may be hard to believe if you have always been a person who just doesn’t like to exercise- you’ll have to trust us on this one!)

Ready to try out a complimentary virtual Pilates session at Rivercity Pilates?   Contact us today to set up your first session!

When’s the last time you were coached?

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Often times I find that our male clients end up starting their Pilates practice because their wife or significant other convinces them to try it.  Once they get into the studio and start practicing Pilates on a regular basis they start to realize they actually enjoy the work and can feel the difference in their body.

I was checking in with a wife of one of our new to Pilates male clients this morning and she mentioned something that got me thinking a little bit more about how we teach Pilates.  She said he mentioned,” It’s been a long time since I’ve been coached and I’m really enjoying the instruction and coaching.”

Coaching is one of the things that really separates Pilates from any other fitness trend.  Pilates Instructors are trained to coach each body to learn exercises and movements that are very specific to their body.  Pilates instructors are not just worried about giving you a workout, they are trained to educate you on how to move your body more efficiently so that you can get a better workout and move better throughout your life.  Pilates instructors are trained to give you movement tools that you can use in all the other movements you do outside of the Pilates studio setting.

If you’re someone that enjoys learning new things or maybe you were an athlete in your younger years (or still are) you might find that learning to practice Pilates is something you’ll really enjoy!  Schedule a complimentary session at Rivercity Pilates today and let the coaching begin!!

Pilates is perfect for scoliosis!

If you are one of the many people with scoliosis, you know that not all exercises are equal when it comes to strengthening, stretching and balancing your body.  Depending on the severity of your scoliosis you probably figured out at an early age that many traditional exercises and sports just plain do not feel good in your body.

If no one ever explained to you why this is, you may have even learned to dislike exercise and movement because of your bad experiences.  Movement and exercise are supposed to help you feel better, stronger and move easier.  Unfortunately for those with scoliosis this is not always the case.   Your curve and twist in your spine can make certain movements painful and even impossible.   Many movements can actually create more imbalance in your body and cause pain.

Here is where the Pilates method of exercise  (with the guidance of a professional Pilates instructor) comes in.   One of the founding principles of the Pilates method is creating balance in the body which is done by strengthening  while in alignment.  Another key to the Pilates method is that each exercise is individualized to the body doing the exercise with their specific alignment and body features in mind.  What this means to you is that each Pilates session should be tailored to your body(and your spinal curve) so that you can create balance in your musculature that eases some of the common aches and pains caused from scoliosis.

Please note that Pilates as an exercise form has become very popular lately and not all instructors and all classes are created equal.  I recommend that everyone start off their Pilates journey with an experienced instructor one on one if possible.  A professional Pilates instructor can evaluate your individual body and give you recommendations specific for your body.  This is especially important if you have scoliosis.

Every body with scoliosis is different and there are not cookie cutter adjustments to exercises that everyone with scoliosis should do.  Having a properly trained instructor will allow you to learn the method properly without getting injured.  Need to find a qualified instructor?  Click here to find a PMA certified instructor near you.  Be sure to ask lots of questions about their experience and training working with individuals with scoliosis.

If you have scoliosis and are looking for an exercise method that is enjoyable and makes your body feel better when you do it- check out Pilates!

Schedule a complimentary private Pilates session today and learn what Pilates can do for you!

“I think that benefit of Pilates over other other forms of exercise is the focus on precision and balance. Scoliosis causes imbalance in both flexibility and muscle strength. Pilates’ focus on precise, controlled movements allows me to work on building strength in weak areas and improving flexibility in muscles who range of motion is limited by my curvature. Even in group classes, the instructors are always paying attention and offering suggestions on how to improve balance and symmetry in execution of the exercises.”     ~Angela

Missy Arey IOM

“I have scoliosis with a triple curvature in my spine, (the largest at 69 degrees) and then  had back surgery to improve it.  I was unable to move easily through my spine and through the scarring.  Pilates has changed this completely.” ~Missy

Pilates improves your golf game!

Tiger Woods, Rocco Mediare, Phil Mickelson, Carin Coch, Annika Sorenstan, Camilo Vilegas, Richard Beem, Butch Harmon, Betsy King, David Duval, and Kelli Kuehne all do Pilates to improve their golf game. There must be a reason – right?

What can Pilates do for your golf game?

1. Pilates will strengthen your core muscles.  The overall core strength gained from Pilates can help improve your swing by increasing your ability to stabilize your body as well as being able to initiate movement from those core muscles.

2.  Pilates will increase your flexibility. When you have more mobility in spine and  more flexibility in your muscles you can easily get more rotation. More rotation in your body makes for a more efficient, powerful golf swing.

3.  Pilates will improve your concentration.  Concentration is one of the founding principles of Pilates and every movement requires you to concentrate on exactly what your body is doing.  Concentration, like any other skill will improve the more you practice it.  Your improved concentration will allow you to fine tune your golf swings and make the most out of your game.

4.   Pilates will balance your body and help you prevent injuries.  The Pilates method of exercise promotes uniform development of all the muscles in the body.  By creating balance in your musculature you can prevent overuse injuries which can be very common for serious golfers.

Learn more about the benefits of Pilates by scheduling your complimentary private Pilates session today!

The #1 reason people don’t try Pilates

Could this “excuse” keep you from being healthier and happier?

“I am too out of shape to even try it!”  or “I tried a few of the moves at home and I can’t do them at all!”

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We don’t expect you to be able to do everything perfect on your first session (or even your 30th session)! 

Pilates at Rivercity Pilates is designed to take you from whatever level you are at (from a true to beginner to someone with years of experience) and give you the tools to take your Pilates practice to the next level.

Our experienced instructors, small group classes and private sessions create an environment that allows you to be comfortable learning, strengthening, stretching and balancing your body.

We want everyone to know that there are NO prerequisites to starting a Pilates fitness program.  The Pilates method of exercise is adaptable to any body of any size, shape, or physical condition.

You don’t need to be able to do a push up, touch your toes or even sit criss-cross applesauce with your legs to start Pilates!

Our instructors can create an exercise program individualized to your body that will leave you feeling energized, de-stressed, healthier and happier!

We also want you to know that Pilates is a method of exercise and not just a series of choreographed exercises.  What this means to you is that not every exercise is good for your body.  Every body has its own unique characteristics and your instructor will help you learn what types of movements and exercises will best benefit your individual body.

Starting a new exercise program can be very intimidating and we know that often the hardest part is that first step of getting started.  This is why at Rivercity Pilates we offer a no pressure, completely free private session for all of our new clients. We are passionate about the Pilates method of exercise and want as many people as possible to experience what it could do in your body and in your life.  This first session is a wonderful way for you to experience Pilates with us and see if it’s something you want to pursue.

Be sure to watch Audrey’s video to hear her talk about what scared her most about coming in to the studio and how she felt after she started!

Click here to get started at Rivercity Pilates and schedule your complimentary private Pilates session.  We look forward to seeing you at the studio!

Can exercise be enjoyable??

How do you feel about exercise?  Is it something you enjoy and look forward to?  Or do you think of it as a chore, something you know you should do, but not necessarily something you want to do?

At Rivercity Pilates we believe that movement and exercise should be fun and enjoyable.  Exercise should be something you look forward to and something that leaves you feeling energized, accomplished and ready to face the rest of your day!

As instructors some of our most memorable moments are when our new clients are introduced to the Pilates work and have the realization that they are enjoying what they are doing and they actually are looking forward to their next session or class!

Rivercity Pilates client & instructor, Kimberly Burke, when talking about why she does Pilates, stated,” My mood is always better after class- even when I start out happy, I get more so.”

For many people, there is a belief that exercise has to be miserable and that if you aren’t dripping in sweat, huffing and puffing with muscles that are so sore you can’t walk up the steps, then it’s not doing you any good.

At Rivercity Pilates we know that this is not true and we would love to prove it to you!  We offer a complimentary private session to ALL of our new clients so you can experience the Pilates difference yourself!

Rivercity Pilates client Michelle Johnson, was asked what she would say to someone who was thinking of starting Pilates and here’s what she said, “I encourage everyone to try Pilates.  Pilates is gentle, progressive and movements are performed slowly so you learn to do each exercise precisely.  There is something for everyone and it will improve how you feel. You will walk away from every class feeling motivated and wanting to come back again.”

If you’re ready to find an exercise and movement program you LOVE contact us to set up your complimentary session.  We would love to share our passion for Pilates with you!