Tag Archive for: Pilates Cedar Rapids Iowa

What can you learn from my dog Sadie?

Sadie

If you haven’t met Sadie, she’s my adorable, lovable and oh so sweet Goldendoodle! (I may be a little biased!) Sadie is the ultimate example of what I am talking about today and so I thought it was a great excuse to share a cute picture of her with you!

Have you ever noticed how animals rarely stop moving? Have you ever noticed how even if they have an injury or even an ache or pain they have a natural drive to keep moving? It’s hard to slow them down! I like to call it their “moving mindset”!

Do you have a “moving mindset”? As a movement teacher for 23 plus years I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of people over the years and I’ve been lucky enough to get to observe people’s movement and exercise time over long spans of time (5, 10, 15, even 20 years).   And when I look at the movement practices of those who have been successful at consistently adding movement time into their life long term as a health tool, there is one thing that stands out to me…their “moving mindset”.

First let me say I just made up the term “moving mindset”. Here’s my definition of it:

“Moving Mindset” : realizing that movement is a necessary component of health and wellness that keeps the body and mind happy.  Those with a moving mindset keep moving no matter what is happening in their life and their bodies.  Those with a moving mindset accept that some movement is better than than no movement. Those with a moving mindset know that having pain or an injury aren’t reasons to stop moving…these things just motivate them to get creative and move what they can.

Here’s an example:

I think that a lot of people believe that the biggest benefit of taking Pilates at a studio with a trained instructor is the knowledge the teacher has of each exercise, or maybe it’s the individualized adjustments the teacher gives you on exercises or even the inspiration you get from having a teacher encouraging you as you move.

Of course all of those things are great benefits and are fabulous…but I think probably the most important benefit you’ll get from your Pilates teacher is the gift of a “moving mindset”. 

The “moving mindset” is something that will stay with you forever where ever you are.Here’s how our Rivercity Pilates community keeps moving:

I don’t know about you, but reading about what others are doing helps motivate me and keep me inspired! Check out a few of the responses we got last week if you are looking for a little motivation!

Do you have low back pain?

If you have low back pain and tightness — this might be the answer you’ve been looking for! We’re going to use our massage therapy balls, but you can also use any balls you have at home.

WARNING: Don’t judge until you’ve tried rolling for relief. It’s seriously AMAZING!

Want to learn more? You may want to try our 30 minute virtual Rolling for Relief class on Mondays at 11 central! Email us for more info!

How do I join an In-Studio Group Session?

Can I schedule myself for a group session even if I don’t attend every week? YES!!  

We have a variety of “open” small groups that happen each week at the studio. A lot of our clients do attend regularly and simply schedule ahead to reserve their spot.

Small groups are limited to 4 participants. Yet we often have a spot open in a group and you can request to join the session if there is an open spot in our Mindbody system.  This option is available in Mindbody (on the appointments tab) up until 2 hours before a session. 

After you request a session we will approve your request and send you a confirmation email to let you know that your spot is reserved.

Here’s a quick list of our weekly “open” groups that may have an opening:

  • Monday 11 am with Shelley Mockler
  • Monday 6 pm with Kimberly Burke
  • Tuesday 6:30 am with Carey Sadler
  • Tuesday 10:30 am with Carey Sadler
  • Tuesday 6 pm with Shannon Ottoson
  • Wednesday 6:30 pm  with Curtis Strahan (Pilates Mat session)
  • Thursday 10 am with Nancy Kaff (Barre & Pilates Mat Session)
  • Thursday 5:30 pm with Rachel Piper
  • Friday 6:30 am with Carey Sadler
  • Friday 10 am with Carey Sadler
  • Sunday 8:15 am with Rachel Piper

What will I be doing in these small groups?

Each session is designed to be unique to the participants who attend. Your Pilates teacher will design an individualized session using the Pilates equipment and props. Sessions are designed to help you build strength and mobility in a safe effective workout.  Sessions that are focused on Barre and Pilates Mat are noted above.

Can I join a group if I’m brand new?

If you are new to the studio and haven’t practiced Pilates with us we ask that you sign up for a complimentary private session before joining a group session.  We want to make sure we get to know you, so we can design a session that best fits your needs!  

How to schedule yourself in an in-studio group:

This video will walk you through the process of finding an opening and scheduling yourself for a semi-private group. If you have any questions, please email us.

NEW: 30 Minute Roll & Release Class

Our new 30 Minute Roll and Release Class might just be the best 30 minutes of your week!

This 30 minute virtual class will explore a variety of ways you can use massage therapy balls to release tight muscles, improve circulation and create a sense of ease in your body. You can attend live on Mondays at 11 am, or just sign up for the class and we’ll send you the recording.

Props used during class will include Yoga Tune up balls, Massage Therapy Plus balls, the Alpha Ball, a grippy playground size ball, and a yoga block.  We do have all of these available at the studio for purchase.

Different balls provide a different sensation and surface area and everyone will be encouraged to use whatever balls they have to explore variations in their body.  

If you’d like to see what this class will be like — grab your massage balls (or tennis balls, or anything you have at home – and watch this video!

Rivercity Pilates Diversity Scholarship

Rivercity Pilates Diversity Scholarship

Our Rivercity Pilates Diversity Scholarship was created to increase opportunities for the Black, Indigenious, and People of Color [BIPOC] community to practice Pilates.

Who is eligible for the Rivercity Pilates diversity Scholarship?

Any person who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a person of Color is encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

What does the recipient of the scholarship receive?

The scholarship recipient will start with an introductory private Pilates session. During the introductory session, the recipient will learn about the history of Pilates, will be introduced to the Pilates Method of exercise and will work with a professional Pilates instructor for an individualized session. The recipient will be given a take-home Pilates starter pack including props that can be used to take virtual Pilates classes. The recipient will be set up with an individualized package allowing them to take sessions in studio and take virtual classes.

To apply for the Scholarship, fill out the form below.  

Please note that all applicants will stay in the system, so no need to reapply.

Current Scholarship Schedule:

  • January 2023 [application deadline November 15, 2022]
  • June 2023 [application deadline April 15, 2023]
  • January 2024 [application deadline November 15, 2023]

To apply for a scholarship – fill out the form below.

What does movement do for you?

I’m guessing if you are reading this blog you are interested in growth.  You probably are part of our community because like me you enjoy learning and you enjoy the process of empowering yourself through knowledge and understanding. 

You enjoy learning techniques that help you feel better in your body and in your life. Have you ever specifically thought about your growth in your life when it comes to exercise and movement?

Growth when it comes to how you use movement in your life can come in a lot of different ways but here’s just a short list of ways I’ve seen growth in my own life and in the lives of so many of our community:

  • Just plain moving more daily,   This includes more steps, more stretches, more movement breaks throughout your day.
  • Exercise has become a habit that you don’t even question in your life, not a fad that you start and stop.
  • Exercise is not punishment or something you do because you feel like you ate too much of something or that you ate the wrong thing
  • Being mindful of your alignment and posture in your daily life
  • Increased mobility (things like tying your shoes and reaching for things on a high shelf are easier!)
  • Increased strength
  • Knowing how to use movement and even self massage techniques to help your body feel better when you have achiness or tightness
  • You actually miss your “exercise time” if you don’t do it

Challenge for you!

When you are done, look at the list and celebrate how far you’ve come!

Need help? One of our students shared her list!