Tag Archive for: Pilates Cedar Rapids Iowa

Inspiration of the Month – Gwen Johnson

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

I started coming to Pilates when I was struggling with Shingles and working out.  I was in a great deal of discomfort and needed to workout and I thought it might help.

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

I attend Pilates classes a minimum of 3 days a week. I have participated in individual and group classes, but by far my favorite is couples! :)

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

My favorite benefit of Pilates is starting my day in tune with breathing, which translates to a better day, which allows me to embrace the moment.

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

I love the long spine. I feel strengthened, stretched, and lean when I do it.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

I love Pilates for a couple of reasons. It is stretching and getting in touch with your muscles and at 54 it is important to keep them all working together, and I truly can see a difference in my ability to move and keep moving!

 

Pilates Roll Up Mini Workout

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Rivercity Pilates owner, Carey Sadler, teaches you the Pilates Roll Up exercise starting with the most basic variation and then continuing to show how to progress the exercise.  This mini video makes a great quick workout and is a great way to learn a little more about how to do your best Pilates Roll Up!

Why Pilates is the Perfect Exercise for Women over 50

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Pilates is a fabulous method of exercise for any body, but if you are a woman over the age of 50 you may find it’s the perfect form of exercise for you.

Have you ever said:

  • I just want to stay strong and lean.
  • I see my mom aging and know I want to keep my own body fit, strong, flexible and functional so I can live life to the fullest.
  • I want an instructor/trainer who understands that I’m not 25 and trains me accordingly.IMG_2412
  • I want to enjoy my workouts.

The Pilates Method of exercise may be the perfect exercise for you and here’s why:

  • The Pilates Method combines strength, balance, and flexibility into one very efficient workout session that will keep you lean and strong.
  • The Pilates Method focuses on using proper body mechanics and teaches you how to move in a way that will balance out your body and prevent injuries as you age.
  • The Pilates Method is truly a movement practice that can be done at any level and can be done throughout your entire lifetime.
  • A PMA Certified Pilates instructor has had over 500 hours of initial training and mentoring hours that results in experienced instructors who understand how to work with bodies of all ages, levels and conditions.
  • The Pilates Method uses a variety of equipment and props so that there is a ton of variety.  You’ll develop a practice of movements and exercises that become familiar to your body but you’ll also be continually challenged.

 

Click here to learn more about trying out Pilates at Rivercity Pilates!!  Schedule a complimentary private session and learn what it can do for your body!  At Rivercity Pilates we offer private Pilates sessions, semi-private Pilates sessions(scheduled with a friend or family member) and small group classes(averaging 6-8 clients per class).

 

 

 

Pilates Roll Over

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The classic Pilates Roll Over exercise is part of the original 34 exercise sequence created by Joseph Pilates in his book Return to Life.  This exercise embodies the Pilates principles of control, centering and flowing movement.

 

 

Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout for Home

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Rivercity Pilates owner Carey Sadler teaches an Intermediate Pilates Mat session that you can do at home!!

Why adults should play and how Pilates can help!!

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Every just sit and watch children move and play? Have you ever said to yourself,” I wish I had all that energy” or ” I wish I could move like that”?   You can and it’s just as important for you to play and move as it is children!

Joseph Pilates stated,“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”

I couldn’t agree more and I truly believe our bodies are designed to move and play at any age and are ability to do so has a huge effect on our overall health and happiness. Empowering your physical body inspires your mind and spirit and truly inspires your life in all aspects!

You might be saying, sure I want to move like that but:

  • I’m too old
  • I’m too inflexible
  • I haven’t got enough time
  • I have an injury that stops me
  • I weigh too much
  • I don’t like to workout
  • …Add your favorite excuse

We love to tell ourselves these myths that allow us to stay in our comfort zone. But are they really true? Is there no possible way you could find a safe, fun way to move your body? Isn’t it true that if your body is healthy you will have more energy and zest to do everything else you want to do in life?

I LOVE the Pilates method of exercise because above all it gives me a method of teaching others where ever they are in life and in their bodies that there is a way for them to move, play and find joy in their physical movement!

Looking to find a way to incorporate movement into your life?  Sign up for a complimentary session with one of our inspiring instructors who can help you empower your body with movement and inspire your life to the fullest!

P.S.  I’ve included this video because it was my inspiration to write this post.  I LOVE to play and the Cadillac is one of my favorite pieces of Pilates equipment!  I’ve been practicing many of these movements for 15 plus years.  Please know that the Pilates method of exercise is truly a method that will teach your body how to move efficiently and without pain and you don’t have to swing on the Cadillac to accomplish that(unless you want to of course!).