Tag Archive for: Pilates North Liberty

Should I take private Pilates sessions, semi-private sessions, or group classes?

The Pilates method of exercise is based on learning specific principles of breath, control, precision, flowing movement, centering, and concentration.   Learning the method is truly a process that is continually challenging you to connect to your body so you can learn to breathe more efficiently, move from your center, and create uniform development or balance in your body.

Every body and every personality learns differently and the best process for you to learn will be unique to you. There really is no right or wrong way.

We suggest starting your Pilates journey with 3-6 private sessions.  By starting your learning process with private sessions you have a chamermaid adjustmentsnce to learn the basic ideas and principles in a way that is very specific to your body.   These private sessions will give you a chance to learn the Pilates fundamentals such as how to breathe during your exercises, how to engage your deep abdominal muscles, and how to stabilize your hips and shoulders.

These sessions will also give you a chance to create body awareness about how your body moves, where your individual imbalances may be, and give you an idea of places you can focus and work on as you continue your Pilates practice.

After your introductory private sessions, how you continue your Pilates training is really up to you.

Private sessions offer complete one-on-one attention from your instructor and allow you to move and learn at your own specific pace.  Individual sessions are also great for fine tuning and making adjustments to your movements that are specific to you.

Semi-private sessions are a great way to work out with a friend and still get the individualized attention of a private session.

Small group classes are a fun, effective way to do a Pilates workout while still getting great adjustments IMG_2412and feedback from your instructor.

Some clients take just private or semi-private sessions, some take just classes, and many do both!  We suggest trying them all so you can find out what you enjoy the most.

Consistency is the key in creating an effective Pilates practice in your life, so try to find some regular times that you can put into your weekly schedule.

 

 

Rivercity Pilates Inspiration of the Month Jan Allen

,

jan allen

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

 I started I February 2012 in hopes of gaining better strength and flexibility. I had a total knee replacement in Sept 2011 and was struggling with regaining strength in my pelvis and legs.

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

The benefits I’ve gained are an increase in my overall flexibility and strength. I’ve found that I feel taller and lighter in mind and body at the end of my sessions with Cassie.

What is your favorite exercise?

My favorite exercise has to be Long Spine on the Reformer.

 What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

I would tell anyone considering Pilates that I look forward to my sessions every week. It doesn’t feel like work and you will benefit in many unexpected ways.

Pilates and Pregnancy Week 17 – Stretching, slowing down and feeling baby move!

,

18wks

Welcome back to our Pilates and Pregnancy blog! This week the baby is the length of a sweet potato (about 5.5 inches). I am most excited this week because I felt the baby move! Early on I thought I felt movements, but as this is my first pregnancy, it’s really hard to know for sure. Lately however, they’re pretty consistent. Baby likes to move in the late afternoon, if I’m sitting still. What a wonderful feeling!

This week we started working on the half barrel. The half barrel is fabulous for pregnant clients, especially later on in their pregnancy when they cannot lie on their backs for extended periods of time. It allows you to do exercises while being propped up at an angle.

We started with some stretches. I’m really enjoying the side stretching (lateral flexion) and extension exercises. Variations of Mermaid and Cat are my favorite. I think this is because my body is concentrating so much energy in my abdomen right now that everything gets a little tight. Stretching out my side waist and belly feel great!

We also worked on the Tower. Exercises that were “easy” for me pre-pregnancy, like different variations of our Leg Spring Series, are more difficult now. I move at a little bit of a slower pace, but it’s still fabulous to move.

We forgot to take a picture this time, but my mom was here over the weekend and snapped this one.

We’re going to take a week off for Thanksgiving, but I’ll be back with a blog for Week 19! Enjoy your holidays!

Pilates Home Workout with the Big Exercise Ball

,

 

Do you have a big workout ball sitting around your house somewhere? Grab it and a comfy spot on the floor to try this challenging 25 minute Big Ball Workout!

 

Do you Dread Exercising??

Are you someone who doesn’t necessarily LOVE to exercise? You know you need to do it and you know you feel better when you’re done…but the motivation to be consistent isn’t always there?

Client Arianna Coe shares her story of how she got strong without even realizing, despite the fact that she doesn’t have a strong work ethic when it comes to exercise!

If you’re dreading your exercise program – we’d love to share the Pilates experience with you. Many of our most regular clients started with us with a dread of exercise. We’ll show you that exercise can be enjoyable and effective!

Get started today by scheduling your complimentary private session!