Tag Archive for: Rivercity Pilates North Liberty Iowa

Do You Celebrate the True Purpose of Memorial Day?

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at Rivercity Pilates!  Memorial weekend is usually an exciting, busy weekend in most of our lives.  There’s student graduation celebrations, end of the school year activities, family gatherings and just the excitement of the start of summer(my favorite time of year)!!  We hope you are able to enjoy the weekend and also take a little time to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for us.

My 11 year old son Caden is a little bit of an American history buff and is fascinated by the Military, so I thought it would be fun to capture his thoughts on what Memorial Day is and how we can best celebrate.  As children often do, I think he really simply captures the essence of the holiday and how we can best honor those who gave their lives for us!

Top ten signs you might not be doing Pilates

, ,

The Pilates method of exercise is everywhere…. or so it seems.    You can take a Pilates class at the gym, the rec center and at the yoga studio.    But are you really being taught the Pilates method of exercise?

Did you know the only true accreditation for Pilates instructors is through the Pilates Method Alliance?  Certified Pilates instructors must have a minimum of 450 hours of training and most require 600 to 1000 hours.   Here at Rivercity Pilates, our instructor training program is 654 hours.

If you answer yes to any of our top 10 signs that you may not actually be doing the Pilates Method of exercise – we encourage you to do your research and find a certified instructor!!

10 signs you may NOT actually be doing The Pilates Method of exercise:

1. You are in a room that is heated to 100 degrees.
2. You didn’t know that breathing was part of each exercise.jo star
3. Your neck hurts (or your back or any other body part!)
4.  Your instructor is working out along side you the entire time.
5. You have never heard of the Hundreds.
6. You are doing a downward dog.
7. You’ve never been corrected on your form or technique.
8.  You’ve never rolled through your spine.
9.  Everyone in the room is doing the exact same version of the exercise.
10.  You think Yoga and Pilates are the same thing.

Have questions about the Pilates Method of exercise?  We would love to share with you more about Joseph Pilates and his method that we teach!   Schedule a complimentary private session and learn what the Pilates Method truly is and what it can do in your body!!

Inspiration of the Month – Gwen Johnson

, , ,

IMG_3126

 

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

I started coming to Pilates when I was struggling with Shingles and working out.  I was in a great deal of discomfort and needed to workout and I thought it might help.

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

I attend Pilates classes a minimum of 3 days a week. I have participated in individual and group classes, but by far my favorite is couples! :)

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

My favorite benefit of Pilates is starting my day in tune with breathing, which translates to a better day, which allows me to embrace the moment.

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

I love the long spine. I feel strengthened, stretched, and lean when I do it.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

I love Pilates for a couple of reasons. It is stretching and getting in touch with your muscles and at 54 it is important to keep them all working together, and I truly can see a difference in my ability to move and keep moving!

 

Inspiration of the Month – Linda Meyer

, , ,

DSCN0452

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

I started taking Pilates to get in better shape, way back in 1999 at Nolte Academy and was immediately addicted!  After a few classes I noticed my chronic headaches, triggered by neck pain, were reduced.  I continued for several years until I could no longer attend classes due to a change in my work hours.  I was so excited to discover Rivercity Pilates right here in North Liberty and there are class times available for almost any work schedule.

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

In addition to better posture and alignment, I have more energy and enthusiasm for everyday life.

Why did you decide to do the 2015 Inspire Your Life Challenge? 

I am so grateful that my girlfriend Sandy Schaefer got me motivated.  It helps to have someone to have to answer to.  One of our favorite hobbies is finding local restaurants and enjoying every bite!  I used to collect recipes, now I collect menus!  The challenge has motivated me to move more and improve my health and still be able to enjoy my food!

What has been your favorite part about the Challenge so far? 

Bridging out from just Pilates, to the Barre and the Empower Strength classes also.  It definitely rounds out the overall wellness experience.

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

Favorite equipment is definitely Tower, but you just can’t beat bouncing on the stability ball for a warm up!

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

For sure everyone should try it.  It is so good for a person’s mental and physical well-being.  It is a part of my life that is a priority. The studio is also great for adapting the routines so everyone can do it!  It would be easy to feel intimidated by an exercise class, but at Rivercity, you can be inspired and made to feel comfortable with your fitness level while you improve your health.

Pilates Roll Over

, , ,

 

The classic Pilates Roll Over exercise is part of the original 34 exercise sequence created by Joseph Pilates in his book Return to Life.  This exercise embodies the Pilates principles of control, centering and flowing movement.

 

 

Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout for Home

, ,

 

Rivercity Pilates owner Carey Sadler teaches an Intermediate Pilates Mat session that you can do at home!!