Tag Archive for: Pilates Coralville iowa

How can Pilates help me relieve stress in my life?

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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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Pilates Shoulder Bridge on the Big Ball

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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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2012 Pilates Inspiration of the Month Video

 

Need a little inspiration?

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

Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Jen Ferguson

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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!

 

Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Dan Lusche

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Dan Lusche- January 3012 Inspiration of the Month

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

I started Pilates now almost two years ago. I did not know much about Pilates. My friend Sophie Joly, who also takes Pilates classes, can be very motivating. She did not quit asking me to try it. I decided to be open-minded and I came, and stuck with it.

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

Once I had tried Pilates, I realized how much it helps for my posture and mobility. It is simply a pleasure to see this kind of improvement. When I started, I had a tiny tear in my Achilles. I had a hard time walking pain-free. The strengthening of my body as a whole has improved it so much that I now consider running again, which I had quit due to the injury.

How has Pilates empowered your physical body?

I would definitely say that I noticed how much the breathing technique affects the control of the body and the possibility to obtain body strength. It is a good experience to observe how slight changes (actually whether I do it right or wrong) in how I do the exercises affects the outcome. All the instructors are so skilled in guidance that I have better learned to pay attention to the correct position of my arms, legs, etc. during a particular exercise. I am much more in control now. I think I can summarize the physical improvements that the various parts of my body as a whole are improving in terms of flexibility and strength.

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

I like the exercises that I have problems with because I can find out whether I am able to improve. I need that challenge. For instance, doing the Saw in mat class. I also like the exercises with the ball. Those are hard and good for me. Per aspera ad astra as the old Romans said, freely translated as through persistent exercise to reach the stars.

What would you say to someone thinking of starting Pilates?

It is worth a try, and if you like to be in charge of your body and like improvements, you will enjoy it. Be open-minded and persistent. From nothing comes nothing.

Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Ari Bult

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February 2013 Inspiration of the Month – Ari Bult

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

I started Pilates in May, 2012. Sara Tack encouraged me to go. She kept telling me I had to go and I’d love it. She’s very persuasive. It was nice to know I could come and have a private session with Carey at no cost to help me see if Pilates was right for me.

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

I started out because of low back problems and the low back pains went away after two weeks of Pilates (3 times a week) and have stayed away! The benefits for me are that I don’t have pain at work or when I sleep, but on top of it all I feel great, energized, less stressed, and have some muscles for the first time in my life. I feel strong in my mind, body, and soul. Amazing feeling!

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

I love the equipment classes, but I am now challenging myself to take a regular mat class. For me the equipment classes help me to relieve stress but the mat classes challenge me to be stronger.

What would you say to someone thinking of starting Pilates?

I do hair and constantly tell my clients about Pilates and what it does for you inside and out. Like Sara encouraged me, I continue to encourage others. But really, my body and spirit say it all!