Tag Archive for: Pilates Cedar Rapids Iowa

In today’s video Cassie shares with us her why. She talks a little about where she was in her life and what she was looking for when she started the Body Precision Teacher Training Program at Rivercity Pilates.

Cassie, like many other instructors I know, admits that she didn’t really do the program because she wanted to teach Pilates.

[tweetthis remove_hidden_hashtags=”true”]Many people pursue #Pilates Instructor Training to deepen their own practice![/tweetthis]

Click to watch the video and learn more about Cassie’s story!

Learn more about the Body Precision Teacher Training Program at Rivercity Pilates by exploring our website.

Ever wonder why most Pilates comprehensive teacher training programs require so many hours? Body Precision graduate Cassie Cumings-Peterson talks about all of the training hours she went through and how they helped her become the teacher she is today. To learn more about the Body Precision Comprehensive Teacher Training Program offered at Rivercity Pilates check out our website or contact us today!

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Joseph Pilates knew the importance and power of our own thoughts. One of the fundamental ideas throughout the Pilates work is concentration.

Concentration refers to simply paying attention to what you are doing and how it feels in your body.

This means when your mind starts to wander and you begin to think about what you’re making for dinner tonight during your Hundreds exercise , bring your focus back to the exercise and the sensations in your body.

It sounds simple yet I believe that concentrating during Pilates is one of the hardest aspects of the work. We are all so busy and have so many things packed into our lives that it is hard to spend a whole session focusing on ourselves and our bodies. It is also one of the most beneficial aspects of Pilates, as it allows us to quiet our minds and relieve the stress of our day to day lives.

During your next session or class, try to work on your concentration and let us know how it changes your workout. When your mind wanders (and it will, probably a lot!), just remind yourself to come back to the present moment and focus on the task at hand. Know that whatever else is on your mind will wait until after your session and that by this practice of concentration you are truly giving your body a gift of health!

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In this video we feature the traditional Pilates Shoulder Bridge exercise on the ball. This is a great exercise for building core strength, gaining flexibility in the back, and strengthening the arms and legs!  Try it out and let us know what you think!

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Need a little inspiration?

Watch this video to see all of the Rivercity Pilates Inspirations of the Month from 2012!

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Jen Ferguson(right)- May 2013 Inspiration of the Month

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

About 10 years ago, after my first son was born, I bought a Pilates VIDEO after I saw an infomercial. I wanted to look long and lean like all the actresses in the video. I really enjoyed it but then we got a dvd player and got rid of our video player and that was it. Over the years, once in awhile I would do an online Pilates video but nothing too routine. Then last year, Rivercity Pilates had a Groupon or Here’s the deal. Some friends and I were all going to buy one but I ended up being the only one that bought it. I worked up my courage to go by myself and was hooked after the first class.

Why did you decide to do the Empower Your Body Challenge? 

I like a challenge and thought that it would be fun to participate. One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to try going to two classes a week and I figured the challenge would help me get it started and make it routine. Also, with the two hour cardio requirement, I knew it would keep me active during a time of year that can be more difficult.

What are some of your favorite things about the Empower Your Body Challenge?

I enjoyed getting to know some of the other people in the classes a little better. I also enjoyed class three times a week – especially during the winter, it forced me to keep active. I had the opportunity to use all the different pieces of equipment and became a bit more comfortable with them all.

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

I feel stronger all over and my posture has greatly improved. I also don’t notice the aches and pains I used to have, especially in my knees. I also have noticed an increased flexibility.

How has Pilates improved your cycling?

I have noticed that my back doesn’t get as sore when I go on longer rides. My wrists also don’t get as sore because I find that I’m not putting as much pressure on them because my posture is better and I’m stronger. I have also noticed that I am able to power up the hills easier.   

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
This one is hard because I do enjoy everything, but I LOVE the exercise balls and also the reformer, especially jumpboard.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

Give it a try! I always feel great after class and everyone at Rivercity Pilates is so friendly and nice!