Tag Archive for: Pilates North Liberty Iowa

Did you schedule your ME time?

time-quoteI don’t know about you, but about this time every year I find myself asking, “Where did summer go?”  Summer is one of my favorite times of the year and it always seems to go by so quickly!

I also find myself sitting down to schedule my life for the rest of the year.  I try to sit down and put EVERYTHING in my calendar.  This includes kids activities, school events, my work schedule, my husband’s schedule, family outings, and MOST IMPORTANT my ME time!

I consider ME time anything that refreshes my soul, nourishes my body and quite frankly keeps me sane!  This includes my weekly Pilates and Yoga sessions, meditating, running, walking, journaling, and other little things like time to read a book, time to catch up with friends, and just time alone.

Learning to schedule ahead has not always been my strong point and there was a time when I would really resist schedules.  I’m a little bit of a free spirit, and I enjoy being able to be spontaneous, go with the flow and not have the pressure of a schedule.  I have learned over the years to rethink how I see a schedule.

I have learned that if I want to get something done the best way to do that is to put it in my schedule.  There are always days of course, when life happens and things are not on schedule or just plain don’t get done.  But for the most part, having a specific time scheduled to do something has allowed me to be more efficient, less stressed and just plain happier.ical picture

Scheduling ME time was not something I was comfortable with at first either.  As a mom, wife, and business owner I have lots of commitments that in my mind need to come first before me.  I used to schedule everything else and then tell myself that after everything else was done then I would sneak some time for myself.

The problem was that by the time everything else got done I either ran out of time or was just too plain exhausted and didn’t have the energy to do anything for myself.  And since I wasn’t doing anything to nourish and refresh myself,  I continued to not have the energy to find that space in my life.  It was a vicious cycle that I had to change!

My own experience with scheduling was the catalyst for our Schedule Ahead Rewards Program.  I knew if scheduling ahead could help me be more committed to my health and well being, it could help others too.

The program itself is pretty simple:

We remind you every month to schedule ahead your sessions and classes.

At the beginning of every month we check to see if you have scheduled ahead. If  you have scheduled ahead at least 4 sessions or classes you earn $5 of Pilates Bucks( ie an account credit you can use towards anything we sell including  classes, sessions, a cute pair of Toesox or a fun Lucy headband!).  Not only are you creating a commitment to your workouts and your health, you are getting paid for it!

AND you also get one free late cancel per month.   So there are no worries about getting charged for a class when something unexpected comes up and you don’t have time to cancel within our 24 hour cancellation period.

So what are you waiting for? Click here to get the details of the program and learn how to sign up!

 

 

Change a life by nominating a cancer survivor for our Pink Ribbon Starter Program Giveaway!

At Rivercity Pilates we’re passionate about Pilates and the wonderful effects it can have on your PRLogo_colorbody and your life!  We’ve seen how transforming Pilates can be for cancer survivors who are trying to move on with their life and regain a little bit of normal again.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ll be giving away a Pink Ribbon Starter Package to one lucky person.  To nominate a cancer survivor you think would benefit from Pilates, just send us an email at rcpilates1@gmail.com.  Tell us about your nominee and why you think they deserve to win the Pink Ribbon Starter Package.

Cancer survivors feel free to nominate yourself!!

All nomininations must be in by October 31st.  The winner will be announced on November 1st!

Some of the wonderful benefits of Pilates for cancer survivors:

  • Helps regain strength and mobility in joints and muscles

  • Enhances energy levels

  • Improves self confidence and control

  • Reduces feelings of depression

  • Decreases stress and tension

  • Enhances physical and mental well-being

A little information about our Pink Ribbon Starter Program:

Our Pink Ribbon Starter Package is a month-long program. It includes two private sessions weekly (eight sessions total), with Pink Ribbon Certified Instructor Carey Sadler.  Participants will also receive a personalized, at-home workout they can use to supplement their in-studio sessions.  This package normally valued at $480 can be purchased as a new client for $350.

This package is designed for cancer survivors who are looking to explore the Pilates method of exercise as a way of strengthening their body, mind, and spirit. Carey will help you discover the joy of movement as you learn to appreciate the wonderful body you have and all of its amazing capabilities.

Learn more about our Pink Ribbon Starter Program by clicking here.

Please share this post so we can share the news about our upcoming giveaway.  By simply sharing this post you could change a cancer survivor’s life by giving them a chance to empower their body and inspire their life!

Rivercity Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Kelly Allen

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Kelly Allen

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

 My initial reason to try Pilates in March 2013 was for stress relief, not fitness. I usually run, walk, bike, and lift weights. I wanted to do something I had never experienced that would keep me focused for an hour and would make it impossible for my mind to wander.

 

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

 The ability to stretch my body in ways that make it feel so much better and to have better balance. I think looking and feeling more toned and fit are the obvious benefits of most exercise, but I have never experienced the ability to stretch and have better balance with anything else.

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

 For me there are no favorites. I think one of the best things about Pilates is the variety.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

 It is one of the best investments I have ever made. I never thought I would see the changes I have seen in my body.

 

 

2 Foam Roller Techniques to Relieve Stress and Tightness in Your Back and Neck!

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Do you carry tension in your upper back, shoulders, and neck?

Check out this video on stretching and rolling out your tight spots to relieve tension and stress.

The foam roller is a great tool that can be used not only as a prop for your Pilates exercises, but also to roll out tight muscles and fascia.

Need a foam roller?  Stop by Rivercity Pilates and pick one up today!

What are the benefits of doing both Pilates and Yoga?

Check out this short video and learn why Yoga instructor Nicole Morford has added Pilates into her mind body workouts and how it has positively impacted her Yoga practice!

The Pilates method of exercise is similiar to Yoga in the sense that both exercise methods focus on strength, balance and control. They are different enough though that many clients find it beneficial to add both practices into their fitness routine to help them best work toward their fitness goals.

To learn more about the benefits of combining Pilates and Yoga contact Rivercity Pilates and set up your complimentary private pilates session today!

Pilates Inspiration – Serena

SerenaInspiration of the Month: Serena Stier (72 years old) February 2012

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?   In 2007, my sister in Washington D.C. treated me to a few sessions with her Pilates trainer.  After having done weight training off and on for some eight years with a coach and managing to injure myself regularly, I decided I must switch to Pilates.

For some three years I worked with a young Pilates instructor who also taught dance.  I enjoyed feeling so much stronger and integrated and relieved that these improvements came without injury.  We work one on one swiftly.  She gave up her Pilates practice to concentrate on dance, which led me to Rivercity Pilates.

When I began at Rivercity Pilates with Carey I learned to breathe differently and move slowly at my own pace.  Imagine my delight at discovering that this kind of work seems to strengthen me even better from my core out- Thank You!

Why do you do Pilates and what are the benefits in your life?
Pilates helps me sit straight, walk more firmly and move with greater ease.  Moreover, because Carey is constantly varying what we do, I don’t get bored.  I miss it greatly when I’m away and am delighted upon my return to Pilates that “muscle memory” gets me going swiftly again.

How has Pilates changed your life?
I am much more able to pick up and move objects I would have not attempted in the past.  I delight when my husband imagines something is too heavy for me, and I manage just fine

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment?
For me, the best part of the Rivercity Pilates equipment is the variety.  The best part of the experience is my coach, Carey, who always seems to see what I’m not doing quite right and manages to correct me so gently I hardly notice.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?
I cannot emphasize enough how important I think Pilates is for any person to gain and maintain maximum flexibility, confidence in movement, and healthy breathing regardless of their age or gender.  As someone seventy-two years of age, I especially recommend it as a preventative and antidote to the special challenges of growing older.