Tag Archive for: Pilates Iowa City

How Quick are Pilates Results?

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RCP-55One of the most common questions I hear on a client’s second visit, goes something like this:

“I felt really great after our session. I felt taller and my posture was better. My ____________________(fill in the blank with an achy body part like low back, shoulder, neck, foot, etc.) seems to be feeling better . . . could that really have been just from that one session?”
My simple answer: YES!

Here’s why:

The Pilates method of exercises teaches your body how to create and maintain alignment and balance in your body. The exercises not only strengthen and stretch your muscles, but they train your brain to recognize imbalances so your body can self correct. Once you are taught how to do it, you will naturally start practicing finding your alignment and balance throughout your day. The continual practice helps to bring your body into alignment and you WILL FEEL a difference very quickly!

It’s kind of like learning to ride a bike. After you’ve done it once, your body recognizes how to do it and continues to improve the skill of bike riding every time you ride. The more you practice riding your bike the better you get at the skills and it becomes almost unconscious. The same is true as you learn the skills of aligning your body and accessing your core muscles.

Like any new skill you are learning, the more consistent you are with practicing – the better you will become. We suggest incorporating Pilates into your fitness routine a minimum 2 to 3 times a week to see the maximum benefits.

Want to see how your body feels after a Pilates session? Schedule your complimentary session today!

Inspiration of the Month Anne Perreau

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Wade and mommy cooking 3Ann Perreau

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates in the summer of 2013, a full year after having my son, (now 3). I was looking for a change to my workout routine and being a “yogi” for many years, this seemed like a natural choice.

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice?
Since starting Pilates, I have found more energy, more strength and flexibility, and most of all, less back pain. I have had problems with my back for years! Now after practicing Pilates regularly, my pain is reduced.

What were the benefits of staying active with Pilates during your pregnancy?
I had much more energy and less pain during my pregnancy because of Pilates. Because I stayed active during my second pregnancy, there was less weight gain and an easier delivery and transition after birth. All of these benefits were noted this time while doing Pilates, which I did not notice during my first pregnancy when I was not as active.

You are a busy mom, how do you make time to take care of yourself?
Knowing that Pilates is good for my body, I just make time to come to class regularly. I often plan ahead so that our busy family can adjust schedules to make it happen!

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I know this sounds crazy, but I love the side leg series. It was something that I could do easily during pregnancy and I have always enjoyed leg lifts.

What would you say to other busy moms who are thinking about doing Pilates?
Make time and join a class! It is very important to take care of your body. Not only does Pilates help strengthen and tone your body, it also gives you some stress relief and much needed time for yourself!

 

Pilates Day 2015 at Rivercity Pilates

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Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Pilates Day 2015 with us!!

 

We started off our Pilates Day 2015 with 2 Free Pilates Mat Class and we were super excited to have so many of you join us!!  Guest instructor Cassie Cumings-Peterson taught an all levels Fundamental Mat Class and Rivercity Pilates owner Carey Sadler taught Return to Life on the Mat.

After classes everyone grabbed a snack and watched the hard working students from Hillside Christian School as they demonstrated a mini Pilates Mat Class.  The students at Hillside Christian School range from kindergarten to 8th grade.  Every week for the last 3 years Carey has been teaching a Pilates Mat class at the school.   Be sure to check out the video clips of their fabulous demonstration!!

The Rivercity Pilates Staff had a special surprise for everyone on Pilates Day!  After watching Michelle Obama and Ellen Degeneres do a little choreagraphed dance to Uptown Funk in honor of Michelle’s Get Moving campaign, the staff decided to do their own version.  We had a blast practicing and performing for everyone and we hope you’ll watch the video and dance along!!

Everyone who came to Pilates day was eligible for door prizes!  We gave away T-Shirts, Toesox, headbands and a copy of one of our favorite Pilates books: Horatio Moves by Jenna Zaffino.

After prizes, our staff jumped on the reformers and demonstrated some of the wonderful exercises that can be done on this traditional piece of Pilates equipment!

Thanks again to everyone who joined our celebration!  We look forward to seeing you next year for Pilates Day 2016!!

 

Quick and easy Pilates way to strengthen your legs, ankles and feet in alignment!

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This Pilates Standing Footwork series is great to do at home and can help strengthen the muscles of the hips, knees, ankles and feet in alignment.  Adding the Pilates Magic Circle connects you into your core muscles and helps you find that whole body connectedness!!

 

 

A quick instructional video to help you start(or fine tune) your Yoga practice!

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Are you intimidated by attending a Yoga class because you’re worried that you won’t know what you’re doing?  Do you believe you are not flexible enough to even take a class?  These common misconceptions often keep people from starting a mind body practice of Yoga or Pilates that could have a profound effect on their lives.

In the video below, Yoga instructor Meghann Foster breaks down the common Yoga sequence called Sun Salutation A.  She breaks down the movements so you can find a version of the exercise that works best for you.

Not ready to try a Yoga class yet or maybe looking to try Yoga out in a one-on-one situation before joining a class?  Rivercity Pilates offers private and semi-private Yoga instruction that allows you to create an individualized Yoga practice at your own pace.   Try a complimentary session today!

 

 

 

Pilates Roll Up Mini Workout

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Rivercity Pilates owner, Carey Sadler, teaches you the Pilates Roll Up exercise starting with the most basic variation and then continuing to show how to progress the exercise.  This mini video makes a great quick workout and is a great way to learn a little more about how to do your best Pilates Roll Up!