Rivercity Pilates North Liberty Iowa Archives - Page 23 of 37

Momtrepreneur

Motivation and Inspiration, Pilates in Your Life, Rivercity Pilates Instructors, Teacher Training

The British definition of Momtrepreneur! “Mumpreneur”

I love this new word that has been thrown out a lot in social media: Momtrepreneur. It sounds fun, hip and cool! As a Momtrepreneur with 3 kids, a growing Pilates studio and a pretty busy Pilates teaching schedule I can tell you it doesn’t always feel “cool”or “hip” or even”fun”.

Quite honestly there are many days that I question why I didn’t just stay home with my kids or work a few hours part time instead of going all out and trying to build a growing, successful business. I’m pretty sure my super supportive husband who would never say it out loud has this thought that too!

It never fails when I start to have some moments where I’m doubting what the heck I’m doing- something happens to remind me how much I truly love to teach Pilates and really enjoy the challenge and journey of growing a business and life around that.

For me those moments are almost always teaching moments. It doesn’t matter if I’m over tired from lack of sleep, stressed out about getting the kids where they need to be, feeling guilty about not getting to every single event of my kids or not having a real conversation with my husband all week, or anything else. Something somewhat magical happens when I start teaching.

I find it practically impossible to think about what’s going on in my own life and as soon as I start connecting with clients, paying attention to their bodies and movements, and teaching I feel like I’m in the zone. And by the zone, I mean that space in your life that you truly enjoy being in and you really are just doing what you love… And it really makes it all worthwhile!

So if you’re thinking of becoming Momtrepreneur, my best advice is to find something your passionate about and go for it! It’s not always the easiest path but I think you’ll find it is truly a rewarding one and the happiness factor of loving what you’re doing is worth it!

Is exercise like getting your hair cut?

Motivation and Inspiration

I often wonder if other people get as excited as I do when I get my hair cut appointment reminders from my hair stylist? It seems silly but it always makes me happy. I have an amazing, talented hair stylist who always gives me a hair style I love. But when I think about why I love “Hair Days”, as I call them, there’s so much more to it.

Like most people, my life seems packed full of stuff….running a business, kids activities, family time, laundry, dinner, etc., etc., etc. When I take some time to do something for myself it is heavenly! An entire hour or two of time where I get asked what I want and can sit and chat with one of my favorite people is truly a gift in my life. I always enjoy my time and walk away feeling refreshed, energized and happy. (And if I’m lucky I can go 2 maybe 3 days where I barely have to do anything to my hair and it looks like I just walked out of the salon!)

When I really sit and think about it I have lots of other moments in my life that give me that happy Hair Day feeling. Things like vacation time, talking with friends, dates with my husband, hiding out somewhere by myself reading a book, journaling, going for a walk or a run and my Pilates practice. Yes I included exercise in that list! I think one of the reasons I love to move so much is that my movement time is my ME time. Just like after a Hair Day, when I get time to exercise and move I always feel better afterwards. I have time to focus on myself and do something I enjoy. I get that same refreshed, energized and happy Hair Day feeling that helps me be a better person when I go on to tackle everything else I do in life.

As you may know, I’m pretty passionate about Pilates and movement, but even more than that I’m passionate about helping people find a way to move that makes them happy! I really believe that movement should be a tool you can use in your life to help you feel better inside and out. If you’re looking to explore some movement options you might enjoy, myself and the staff at Rivercity Pilates would love to help you discover it! Contact us today to schedule a complimentary private session or class to get started!

Meet Shelley & Pippin

Motivation and Inspiration, Pilates Student Stories, Rivercity Pilates Instructors, Teacher Training

We have a little dog named Pippin. He came into my life much like Pilates did…unexpectedly! We weren’t expecting or planning to get another dog after losing our beloved lab of 13 years…maybe we should just be pet-less for a while, I thought. But, a friend posted Pippin’s photo on Facebook with, “Free to a good home”. My husband and I both asked each other, “Did you see that dog’s photo on Facebook? Isn’t he cute?” and then, “Should we go see him?”. Needless to say, we brought him home with us the very day we met him!

He was a bit of a challenge at first. He was a year and a half old when he came into our home and those formative years were spent in a large family and his “puppyhood” was somewhat undisciplined. He needed some attention and re-training for some bad habits and just a lot of love, consistency, and patience to build his confidence that we would kindly teach him and give him a new and loving home.

I unexpectedly found Pilates again in 2012, after many years away from it, when driving on Hwy. 965 in North Liberty. Did I see that sign on that building that said “Rivercity Pilates”? Wow! I thought…so close to home and I remember loving Pilates! But, I was undisciplined, hadn’t been exercising, and my confidence in starting something new was very low…and like Pippin, I had some bad habits! I’d have to start at the beginning, meet new people…would they be patient with me and would I feel at home there? I was going to be a challenge…just like Pippin!

I went home and Googled Rivercity Pilates and really liked what I saw on the website. I got up my courage and made the call to schedule my complimentary Private Pilates session with Carey. I was nervous, but excited. I felt undisciplined and lacked confidence, but Carey was very patient with me. I kept going pretty regularly and I became stronger and more confident. I had rediscovered a form of mind-body exercise that I loved and gradually, (like Pippin new to our home), I became more comfortable and more at home at the studio, and more importantly, in my body! A year later when I couldn’t come to the studio for almost 9 months I missed it so much and couldn’t wait to get back to a regular Pilates practice. Now, I’m really “at home” with Pilates and anxious to keep learning more.

Shelley and Carey

Hopefully, my Pilates practice is maturing from “puppyhood” to the next level that is within my own abilities and strength, but with a gradual increase in knowledge of the methods and sequence of movements and how they feel in my body. Just like Pippin, I’ve learned to be more comfortable and feel at home…him with us, and me with Pilates.

Unexpected? Maybe not! Pilates coming into my life like Pippin coming into our family? Yes, I think they were both meant to be.

So, what’s next for me? Pilates Teacher Training starts tomorrow! Can’t wait for my next unexpected journey!

Shelly’s Story: 12 months of Pilates Teacher Training

Motivation and Inspiration, Pilates in Your Life, Pilates Student Stories, Teacher Training

Today, as I finished another tally sheet for my teacher training log book, I realized that I have been on the road to becoming a Pilates instructor for just over a year. Wow, how the time has flown! Knowing that I have let other things in my life take priority over Pilates in the past month, I decided to take this opportunity for some self-reflection. So, I set aside my long, ever-present to-do list, and reflected on what I have accomplished in my first year in the Body Precision Comprehensive Teacher Training Program, and where I want to focus my energy in the upcoming months.

Before moving forward, I took a few minutes to look back at why I decided 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 physical 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.

Then I thought about what I have accomplished in the past year…
I completed all of the workshop hours and a little less than half of the observation hours, practice teaching, and lessons required for the comprehensive program. More importantly, I gained a deeper understanding of the Pilates method and learned what most of the exercises feel like in my body, or at least what they feel like right now. And, most surprisingly, despite adding more “requirements” to my life, I found better balance. Better balance between work and personal life. Better balance in my emotions. Better balance in my body.

What has been my biggest challenge in the past year?…
Time! When I contemplated starting the teacher training program, I was concerned about the amount of time I would need to dedicate to the program. I have a full-time job, and then some. I had just finished a 4 year graduate program, had a paper to revise, and had a fall class to teach. Did I really have time for Pilates? Maybe I needed to slow down and take a break. Was I really ready to jump in to another commitment? Well, I decided to take the plunge and I am glad I did. Finding time to dedicate to Pilates has been a challenge, however. I try to combat the challenge by scheduling time each week for observation, practice teaching, and my own practice. And when all else fails, I remind myself that even if I get in as many hours as I would like each week, I am still making progress.

Where I want to focus my energy in the upcoming months…
Getting back to scheduling time for me! Fall is a busy time of year for me, much like it is for other people…. It is back-to-school time (I teach a physical therapy class in the fall semester), football season (Go Hawks!), and a busy time of year for work-related conferences. Amidst all of the other demands on my time, I want to get back to making Pilates a priority on my schedule. I always feel great when I walk in the studio… the hard part is putting it on my schedule. So, for the next few months, I am going to focus on getting Pilates on my schedule at least three days a week!

Shelly

I can’t do the same thing that the super fit 20 year old is doing!!

Getting Started, Group Classes, Motivation and Inspiration, Private Pilates and Yoga Sessions

When it comes to an exercise program, have you ever said something like this (either to yourself or out loud)?

I’m too out of shape to take that class.
I can’t do the same thing that the super fit 20 year old is doing!!
I’m too inflexible to try that.
I have an injury or ailment that won’t allow me to exercise.

I have some exciting news for you!! At Rivercity Pilates, we offer private and small group sessions that you will feel completely comfortable in. From the moment you walk in the door you’ll feel the difference and know this isn’t your typical gym or fitness setting.

[tweetthis hidden_urls=”http://pic.twitter.com/zbNaxIiyhp” remove_hidden_hashtags=”true”]Have U heard this in #Pilates? I cant do the things that 20 yo does![/tweetthis]

Our private sessions and group classes are designed for “real” people who are looking to empower their bodies through mindful movement. We know that everyone has different needs when it comes to exercise and we can help you find an exercise routine that fits your life and your body.

We believe that mindful movement can have a positive effect on everyone’s lives. Our instructors and staff specialize in creating private sessions and small group classes that are tailored to your individual needs.

Don’t know where to start?

We offer a complimentary private Pilates or Yoga session to all new clients to the studio. This private session will introduce you to mindful movement and also to the studio and everything we offer. Click here to learn more!

Want to try out one of our classes?

Your first Pilates, Barre, Yoga, Strength Training, or Cardio Funk class is FREE! Just sign up online or contact us to sign up and be sure to let us know it’s your first class.

Inspiration of the Month Pam Ballard

Inspiration of the Month, Motivation and Inspiration, Pilates in Your Life, Pilates Student Stories

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

When my good friend, Patti Lounsbury, asked last November if I would like to join her for a session at Rivercity Pilates, I accepted without hesitation. I had heard of Pilates, but not a clue as to what it was, already working with a personal trainer….and the rest is history. I’ve loved it since day one, and I’ve never looked back.

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

I typically go twice a week, and I have found the Tower classes to be best for my strength, flexibility and pesky back that needs to be accommodated.

[tweetthis remove_hidden_hashtags=”true”]Pam’s #Pilates story. A friends invitation turns into a habit. [/tweetthis]

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

I always feel energized during and following each class. We work hard, but have fun, laugh, and feel challenged. To me, the most important thing is to maintain full mobility, and Pilates is the answer. Also, the atmosphere at Rivercity Pilates is unbelievably welcoming and friendly.

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

As mentioned above, my favorite is the Tower, with a full series of exercises that are ideal for me, as well as Carey, who modifies any exercise to fit personal ability OR disability.

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

No one should hesitate to try Pilates. The classes are purposely small, but the participants are varied, with all levels of age, strength, experience, and body size. Honestly, everyone can benefit!

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