Tag Archive for: Pilates Cedar Rapids Iowa

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

I Can’t Do That

Are you concerned about not being able to do that Pilates Roll Up or maybe you can’t quite master your Teaser?  Watch this week’s Empower Your Body~Inspire Your Life moment with Rivercity Pilates owner Carey Sadler to find out the secret to mastering those challenging exercises!!

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!

Top 3 Reasons Every Runner and Cyclist should do Pilates!

1. If you are injured you can’t ride or run. I know how torturous it is to not be able to get your miles in.

Seriously, when you constantly repeat the same movements without varying your exercise your body becomes imbalanced and imbalances cause injuries.

It all comes down to prevention. Pilates will help you create balance in your body and prevent injuries!

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2. By creating balance in your musculature and increasing your core strength you will improve your cycling and running. Whether you are competitive with just yourself or others- you will see an improvement in your speed and endurance by adding Pilates to your fitness routine.

3. You might actually enjoy it! If you love to move and
challenge your body, you will probably find yourself looking forward to the
challenges of your Pilates practice.

Want to try it out?
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary Pilates session !

Click here to see our latest class schedule!

Do you know a runner or cyclist who could benefit from adding Pilates into their fitness routine?  Use the buttons below to share this blog!

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!

Weight Management & Pilates

Have you ever heard anyone say, “I do Pilates to lose weight and keep it off”?  Probably not, and here’s why:
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The Pilates method of exercise encompasses so much more than physical exercise and physical benefits!  Even if you started practicing Pilates to drop some pounds, usually the transformation that happens by practicing Pilates is so much bigger than weight loss that you forget to even mention it when you’re chatting with your friends about the benefits of your Pilates practice!

Those who have started on their Pilates journey often find :

  • Their body feels better when they practice on a regular basis( and reminds them when they don’t)
  • Their clothes fit better and they are buying smaller sizes(whether or not the number on the scale has moved or not)
  • They are calmer and feel less stressed out all the time
  • They enjoy working out and learning about how their body moves
  • They are learning to appreciate their body and what it can do without worrying about a number on a scale   ***This is huge and will affect your overall life happiness by leaps and bounds
  • They are happier
  • They LOVE Pilates but often can’t put into words exactly why!( Which is quite frustrating to their friends and family who want to learn about this Pilates magic that has transformed their life!)

The Pilates method of exercise ties together controlled, precise, balanced movement that not only exercises your body but also challenges your mind and spirit to become the best you ever!

It’s a well known fact that many people lose weight and inches by regularly practicing Pilates, but honestly it’s usually not the reason someone continues to practice.  If you are tired of looking for that quick fix to lose weight but know you would benefit from adding a regular exercise program to your life- then give Pilates a try!

Sign up for a complimentary private session ar Rivercity Pilates today and learn more about what Pilates can do for you!