Tag Archive for: Pilates Iowa City

Inspiration of the Month Shelley Mockler

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Inspiration of the Month

Shelley Mockler

September 2014

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

I tried my first complementary session in April 2013. I was inspired to try Pilates because I thought it might be a good option for some of my physical therapy clients. I wanted to learn more about the method to see if it would be a good fit for my patients, but I ended up enjoying my introductory session so much that I decided to come back to establish my own practice.

A few months after my introductory session (July 2013), I made it back to the studio to start my practice. At that time, I was a full-time student and was also working full-time. I had fallen out of my usual exercise routine and Pilates seemed like a great option to help me to get back in to a more consistent exercise routine.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?

 I started out taking private lessons to learn the method and then transitioned to group classes. I took lessons and classes every other week when I started and gradually added in more sessions after the first few months.

 I currently take a mix of mat and equipment classes at the studio 1-2 times per week and also add in 1-2  mat sessions at home.  I am working on building up to a daily practice using the videos from Rivercity on YouTube.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?

 From a physical perspective, I have noticed that my muscles are more toned and my posture is better.  I also pay more attention to how I am moving throughout the day.

From a more global perspective, Pilates has helped me transition focus to my personal wellness again. I always feel refreshed when I am done with a session, which keeps me coming back for more.

 

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

 My favorite piece of equipment is the chair.  I love that there are some many options in such a small package!

Some of my favorite exercises are rolling like a ball (because it is fun!), teaser (it’s hard, but rewarding), and elephant (because it feels good).

Why did you decide to go through the Body Precision Comprehensive Teacher Training Program?

 I decided to go through the program for both personal and professional reasons.  On a personal level, I wanted to learn the method in more depth and refine my own practice.  I enjoy learning on my own, but do best when I am part of a structured program, so the Body Precision Comprehensive Teacher Training Program seemed like the best way for me to take my practice to the next level.

On a professional level, I wanted to learn the method so I could incorporate Pilates principles and exercises in to my work as a physical therapist. Pilates incorporates many principles that are familiar to me as a therapist and I think the method will be a good addition to my practice. It was important to me to learn the method in more detail before incorporating it in to my professional practice.

 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?   

 Give it a try!  Set aside an hour for the complementary introductory session and see what you think.  Pilates is appropriate for almost anyone, so don’t let wondering if you are flexible enough, strong enough, fit enough, etc. keep you from trying it out. Rivercity Pilates offers a supportive environment that will help you be successful!

 

 

Pilates Swan on the Foam Roller

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The swan is a Pilates extension exercise that helps open the chest and deepen the breathe while stretching and strengthening the abdominal muscles.  The foam roller allows you to really work on stabilizing your shoulders while articulating through the spine. Grab your foam roller and move with us!!

My Journey to Becoming a Pilates Instructor- Here we go!

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We are excited to announce that our Fall Body Precision Comprehensive Teacher Training Program at Rivercity Pilates has started!  We are lucky to have one of our current staff members, Abby, participating in the program, and she will be updating us every so often on how it’s going, funny stories, and any struggles or successes that she experiences on her way to becoming a Pilates instructor!

 

73759_1522883310332_2105133_n(1)            Hello! My name is Abby, and most of you know me already but I’m going to tell you a little more about myself anyways.  I am 23 years old and born and raised in the Iowa City area.  I went to college at Smith College, in Massachusetts, and have returned to Iowa because you truly can’t get better weather, landscapes, or people anywhere else.

I have just started my Master’s at The University of Iowa in the College of Education and when I graduate I will be licensed to teach Social Studies courses at the high school level.

For funzies, I like to do Pilates (obviously), run, hang out in the garden, and bake.  I also spend way too much time watching Netflix (Madmen is my current obsession), because honestly, what else do college students do?

Why did I decide to do the Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Program?

I decided to the teacher training for several reasons: first, I love Pilates. Absolutely adore it. There are very few exercise programs out there that you will be able to do when you’re 20 years old or 90, and this is one of them. After a class, I feel strong, stretched out, relaxed, and at peace with my body, even on those days where I just really wanted to stay in bed (which happens more than I should admit).

Second, the success stories that I see come in the studio door every day are inspiring. Movement is so important for not only our physical health, but also our mental health, and while working here I have been lucky enough to see many women (and men) walk through that door and have less pain, more strength, more mobility, and more happiness every day because of Pilates. And I want to be a part of that.

Finally, this studio is my escape.  Whether I’m taking yoga, Pilates, Barre, working behind the desk, or even just studying, the atmosphere that Carey has created in this studio is addictive.  Bad day? Sad day? Stressful day? Even an awesome day? Walk through this door and you will feel even better.

Ok, so I want to be a Pilates instructor, but why now? One reason.

Why not?

I’ve been in school my whole life, studying and learning is second nature to me, I love it. Yes, I’m in graduate school and will probably have a lot on my plate, but this is different. This is movement. Taking a Pilates class counts as studying (how cool is that?), and it will keep me in shape and happy.

In two or three years I will have to get a “real job”, and we all know that means less hours in the day for yourself. If I insert Pilates into my life now, before the stress, the possible kids/partner, midlife crisis etc. show up, I’ll have better tools to deal with all of that and remain mindful and healthy.

 

So, here’s my to-do list before the second workshop (end of September):

1.)   Find a practice teaching client (or 2!)

2.)   Start observing classes

3.)   Work on making Pilates a daily occurrence, whether that’s a Reformer class at the studio or a teaser before bed.

 

Disclaimer:

This whole writing about myself thing is new to me, so if anyone has questions or something they want me to talk about, tell me! I’ll be checking in every few weeks and letting you know how the program is going. So stay tuned!

 

Why swinging on the monkey bars is part of this mom’s exercise routine!

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I’ll admit, I love to move and exercise.  Just because I love it doesn’t mean I get to spend hours a day working out.  In fact, just like everyone else I struggle to fit in movement.  As a mom of three and a business owner my schedule is usually packed full and I don’t often have a half hour let alone an hour to workout.

When I had my first child I lear-1ned pretty quick that I needed to readjust how I looked at my exercise and movement routine.  I had the honor of having a very colicking baby boy who only quit crying if you were holding him(usually involving some sort of movement), was nursing him or all of the above with the vacuum cleaner on!

Once I realized that my visions of the  baby napping while I got to run on the treadmill or even just getting on the floor to practice Pilates was not going to happen- I started to get creative.  It turns out my son loved to be snuggled up in a sling and gently bounced while I sat on a large exercise ball.  He also enjoyed stroller rides on bumpy gravel paths and quite frankly was pretty happy as long as I was holding him.  This time period in my life was when I truly learned to incorporate movement and exercise into everything I did.  It’s amazing what a great workout it can be climbing stairs while holding a baby, or doing some squats!

Fast forward 11 years and 2 more children later and you’ll still see me incorporating movement whenever I can.  Sure, life is a little bit less hectic now that the kids are older, but honestly not that much.  You’ll still find me stretching my hamstrings while I brush my teeth, doing some squats as I fold baskets full of laundry,  running up and down the stairs a few extra times when I have the chance and of course swinging on the monkey bars with the kids at the park!   I’ve learned that moving, stretching and strengthening my body helps me feel better and it doesn’t matter if I’m taking a Yoga class or just jumping on the trampoline with my kids- it all counts.

So if you are a busy Mom struggling to fit in your “regular” workout I encourage you to think outside the box.  Stop worrying about how many minutes you get in or if you are doing enough and do what works for you.  Don’t let the the act of getting exercise in create more stress in your life.

What’s your routine? I would love to hear what you do to fit exercise and movement into your life! Share your favorite exercises and help someone else use the power of movement to inspire their life!

Using the Small Ball for Stretching and Strengthening the Foot

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Do you struggle with foot pain, foot cramps or stiffness in the feet and ankles?

Often forgotten about, our feet are our base and their strength and flexibility allow us to move in our day to day activities with ease. Our foot health and alignment can effect the whole body including knees, hips and our spine.

In today’s video, Carey shows you a few simple, effective exercises you can do to keep your feet healthy, strong and flexible utilizing a 4″ ball.

Inspiration of the Month August 2014: Nancy Kaff

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Inspiration of the Month

August 2014

Nancy Kaff

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

I started Pilates in January. I had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September and I knew that I needed to keep my body strong. I came to the studio and Cassie immediately warmed my heart. I had been a ballet dancer in my younger years so I knew about Pilates.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?

I take private class with Carey three times a week.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?

It is helping me strengthen my body. I had stem cell replacement in my knee in the middle of June and Carey is helping also with my knee. My body is getting stronger all the time. Carey makes me work hard and keeps me in line, especially with my ballet feet. Every time I leave a class or the studio I feel good.

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

I’m not quite sure I have a favorite exercise yet, but I definitely know my least favorite is the mermaids!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?

I think I would have to say to someone starting Pilates that it seems like you are not working hard but it’s the best work out for your core and soul. I have come to think of Carey as my friend not just my instructor. I love the staff. Also Sara gives great massages and has helped me so much with my achy bones.