Tag Archive for: Pilates Cedar Rapids Iowa

Rivercity Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Kelly Allen

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Kelly Allen

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

 My initial reason to try Pilates in March 2013 was for stress relief, not fitness. I usually run, walk, bike, and lift weights. I wanted to do something I had never experienced that would keep me focused for an hour and would make it impossible for my mind to wander.

 

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice? 

 The ability to stretch my body in ways that make it feel so much better and to have better balance. I think looking and feeling more toned and fit are the obvious benefits of most exercise, but I have never experienced the ability to stretch and have better balance with anything else.

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

 For me there are no favorites. I think one of the best things about Pilates is the variety.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

 It is one of the best investments I have ever made. I never thought I would see the changes I have seen in my body.

 

 

2 Foam Roller Techniques to Relieve Stress and Tightness in Your Back and Neck!

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Do you carry tension in your upper back, shoulders, and neck?

Check out this video on stretching and rolling out your tight spots to relieve tension and stress.

The foam roller is a great tool that can be used not only as a prop for your Pilates exercises, but also to roll out tight muscles and fascia.

Need a foam roller?  Stop by Rivercity Pilates and pick one up today!

What are the benefits of doing both Pilates and Yoga?

Check out this short video and learn why Yoga instructor Nicole Morford has added Pilates into her mind body workouts and how it has positively impacted her Yoga practice!

The Pilates method of exercise is similiar to Yoga in the sense that both exercise methods focus on strength, balance and control. They are different enough though that many clients find it beneficial to add both practices into their fitness routine to help them best work toward their fitness goals.

To learn more about the benefits of combining Pilates and Yoga contact Rivercity Pilates and set up your complimentary private pilates session today!

Pilates Inspiration – Serena

SerenaInspiration of the Month: Serena Stier (72 years old) February 2012

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?   In 2007, my sister in Washington D.C. treated me to a few sessions with her Pilates trainer.  After having done weight training off and on for some eight years with a coach and managing to injure myself regularly, I decided I must switch to Pilates.

For some three years I worked with a young Pilates instructor who also taught dance.  I enjoyed feeling so much stronger and integrated and relieved that these improvements came without injury.  We work one on one swiftly.  She gave up her Pilates practice to concentrate on dance, which led me to Rivercity Pilates.

When I began at Rivercity Pilates with Carey I learned to breathe differently and move slowly at my own pace.  Imagine my delight at discovering that this kind of work seems to strengthen me even better from my core out- Thank You!

Why do you do Pilates and what are the benefits in your life?
Pilates helps me sit straight, walk more firmly and move with greater ease.  Moreover, because Carey is constantly varying what we do, I don’t get bored.  I miss it greatly when I’m away and am delighted upon my return to Pilates that “muscle memory” gets me going swiftly again.

How has Pilates changed your life?
I am much more able to pick up and move objects I would have not attempted in the past.  I delight when my husband imagines something is too heavy for me, and I manage just fine

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment?
For me, the best part of the Rivercity Pilates equipment is the variety.  The best part of the experience is my coach, Carey, who always seems to see what I’m not doing quite right and manages to correct me so gently I hardly notice.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?
I cannot emphasize enough how important I think Pilates is for any person to gain and maintain maximum flexibility, confidence in movement, and healthy breathing regardless of their age or gender.  As someone seventy-two years of age, I especially recommend it as a preventative and antidote to the special challenges of growing older.

 

Rivercity Pilates Top 5 Ways to do the Hundreds!

The Hundreds are a great Pilates exercised designed to warm up the whole body while specifically targeting your core muscles and your Pilates breath!

Click the video above to learn our Top 5 Ways to do the Pilates Hundreds Exercise!

We are challenging you in July to do your Pilates Hundreds exercise EVERY day!

If you liked this video be sure to click LIKE and share the Pilates fun with your friends!

Pilates Inspiration – Janee

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Janee Anderson

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

I decided to begin Pilates in 2008 because I wanted something to do to help me manage stress.  I also knew I had to work on my posturing and get my body in better physical shape.

Why do you do Pilates and what are the benefits in your life?

I do Pilates because I feel it helps me manage my health.  Because I drive for a living, my back and neck are often sore.  Pilates has helped me to understand how to do a better job in managing the toll that my work takes on my body.  I have learned to use breathing to work through my exercises.  This in turn has helped me in so many other areas of my life.  Good breathing and understanding how to posture myself helps me ALL the time-not just when I exercise!

How has Pilates changed your life?

Pilates has made me more aware ALL the time of how I stand, drive my car and how I can manage day to day activity in everything I do.  The benefits are so overall in everything I do now.

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

I actually like all the pieces of equipment but find that doing an intermediate/advanced mat class is the most challenging to me personally. It is a total workout for me where I am doing all of it myself. One of my favorite exercises would have to be the teaser. That exercise is challenging on the mat or any piece of equipment.  I love it!

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

When I speak to anyone who is thinking about starting Pilates I tell them,”Do it!  It is something that will change your life and your body if you are truly committed to it.  It works the mind and the body.  For breathing, posturing and overall core strength, it is awesome no matter what your body shape or your age.”

 

If you enjoyed reading Janee’s Pilates story click like and share with your friends!