Tag Archive for: Pilates North Liberty

Inspiration of the Month – Jessica

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Inspiration of the Month
Jessica Dlask
When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates in November, 2015. I had previously taken yoga classes while living in Chicago but had never tried Pilates. I had heard it was a great way to build your strength and the exercises were adaptable based on your individual level, both of which appealed to me. I had always enjoyed group fitness classes and thought I would give it a try.
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?  
I try to practice Pilates at least 2-3 times a week and regularly participate in both mat and equipment classes. I have recently started trying to add a yoga class to my workout regimen as well for a slightly different type of workout.
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 
I sit at a computer desk much of the day and run a home based clothing business in the evenings and weekends which involves quite a bit of lifting and bending resulting in a lot of strain and tension on my neck and back each day. Pilates gives me the opportunity to stretch and lengthen my spine, helping to improve pain and discomfort. It helps clear my mind after a busy work day and allows me to challenge myself in each class. I love that I can notice the progress I make on exercises I do regularly but am also challenged by new exercises as well.
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  
My favorite piece of equipment is probably the reformer as I enjoy the movement and the ability to change the tension for an increased challenge. I especially enjoy footwork and leg circles on the reformer. In mat classes, I have a love/hate relationship with the leg series!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
I would encourage anyone and everyone to try Pilates as it is easily adaptable for people of all fitness levels. I have challenges with flexibility, hip and arm strength and know that there are always ways to make an exercise work for me. The instructors are attentive to your strengths and challenges and continue to help you improve. I love the atmosphere of the studio where I can walk in and be greeted by staff asking about my dog or upcoming wedding plans – there is a strong sense of community that keeps us coming back.

5 Reasons to Join the Rivercity Pilates Teacher Training Class this fall

 5 Reasons to become a Pilates Teacher

1. Inspire others to add more healthy movement into their life.
2. You can’t teach Pilates without doing it in your own body (keeps you committed to your own Pilates practice).
3. You can teach Pilates anywhere in the world. Teach at the local gym, rec center, or at a studio near you!
4. “Yoga Pants” are standard uniform for Pilates teachers.

5.  Do something you love and are passionate about!

Our Pilates Mat Teacher training module starts this fall and we’d love to have you join us!! Check out our website for details or contact us to set up a time to come in and talk about program details with Carey!!
Learn more about the details of the program by clicking  here.

Move first in the morning!!

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As a Pilates teacher I often am up bright and early to teach classes and clients.  I try to make it a point to get to the studio early enough that I have a little time to move a little myself before I start teaching, so that I’m a little more awake in my brain and body.  Sometimes I forget how great this early morning movement time is for my body….until there’s a day when I don’t have to teach bright and early.  On a weekend or day off when I am not up moving around first thing during my day I often have a moment mid morning or mid day when I realize that my body just feels “creaky”.  And by creaky I mean my body feels tight, I’m not moving with as much ease as normal and my energy levels are not as high as normal.  That’s when  I have that realization that I skipped my morning movement time!  So I take a few minutes (yes that’s it…maybe 5-10 minutes tops if I have the time) and I move my body in a variety of ways.  Usually I do something as simple as:

  • rolling through my spine with Pilates roll ups and rolling like a ball
  • I do some extension exercises like swan
  • some sort of gentle side stretch

The difference in how my body feels is kind of amazing.  So my suggestion for you is to play with a morning movement routine!  It doesn’t have to be complicated and you can do it in your pajamas or maybe before you even get out of bed.  Find some simple movements you can do each morning to wake up your body and try to make a habit of it everyday.

 

 

 

 

Will Pilates help me gain flexibility?

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“True flexibility can be achieved only when all muscles are uniformly developed.” – Joseph Pilates

The Pilates Method focuses on balancing out your muscles around each joint in the body (we refer to it as uniform development). By creating balance we naturally become more flexible, stronger, and our bodies move with ease, just like when we were kids. It is truly a combination of stretching and strengthening various muscle groups that allows the body to create this balance.

Pilates instructors are trained to look at individual bodies and movements and fine tune each individual’s movements to create balance in each body. If you have ever wondered why there are so many variations and modifications to Pilates exercises – this is why! Every body is unique and its needs change from day to day.

As instructors it’s our job to help clients tune in to their bodies and learn how to adjust their movements in Pilates, fitness, and life.

Learn more about the Pilates Method of exercise by exploring our website!

Valentine Pilates: Serena & Steve

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This is the fourth post in our Valentine series about couples who practice Pilates together at Rivercity Pilates.  On Friday evening, February 17 at 6:30pm – our monthly “Life Inspired Get Together” will be free Pilates and Yoga session for couples!

A Dialogue on Couples’ Pilates
SS = Serena; SB = Steve

SS: I’m so glad that we are now doing Pilates together. What led you to join me?
SB: I saw how much good it was doing for you, and appreciated the focus on the core. I needed that.

SS: I hope you don’t mind how competitive I am.
SB: You’re not competitive at Pilates, just at other things!

SS: Of course, I can’t compete with your strength, but I’m very pleased that the two of us can do the same exercises and benefit, even though I’m ten years older than you are.
SB: You help me to attend the sessions regularly.

image12SS: Do you agree that Carey is really good at working around whatever special challenges each of might have on a day, such as my impaired hip movement, or whatever.
SB: Or my sore back.

SS: My favorite exercises are scooting along on the reformer, bouncing on the big ball, and improving my sense of balance.
SB: Mine is the Cadillac.

SS: I love how we both feel so good afterwards, and can share these feelings together.
SB: Ditto.

SS: Three words to describe a session? Loving, exercising together.
SB: Working, improving, challenging.

Valentines Pilates: Susan & Mike

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757c68fa-ddf2-4334-88b7-6e5e7410fb71This is the second post in our Valentine series about couples who practice Pilates together at Rivercity Pilates.  On Friday evening, February 17 at 6:30pm – our monthly “Life Inspired Get Together” will be free Pilates and Yoga session for couples!

How did you start doing Pilates together?  
Susan:  My sister and I were already going weekly and he’s off work Friday mornings.
Mike:  Couple of years ago

When you are out with friends/family, who is more likely to talk about their Pilates experience?
Susan:  Me
Mike:  Susan

Are you competitive with each other?
Susan.  I don’t think we’re competitive but I comment too much on his less than ideal form.
Mike.  in most things

fullsizerender28Do you keep each other accountable?
Susan:  Not really.
Mike:  She nags, I obey

How does it help you to exercise with your partner?
Susan:  We don’t otherwise exercise together. We have always walked together.
Mike:  otherwise I wouldn’t do it

How has Pilates influenced your overall health?
Susan:  Unquestionably, Pilates has improved my health overall.
Mike:  improved balance and posture

What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
Susan:  anything with the roller
Mike:  favorite is upside down push up

 Least favorite?
Susan:  Anything with the chair
Mike:  Anything with bands, balls, “magic” circles
What do you want to tell other couples about your Pilates experience?
Susan:  That we have a lot of laughs in there. The vibe is good.
Mike:  It’s not that bad
What 3 words would you use to describe your Pilates Sessions?
Susan:  Welcoming. Positive. Fun.
Mike:  Fifty minutes long