Tag Archive for: Rivercity Pilates North Liberty Iowa

Why adults should play and how Pilates can help!!

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Every just sit and watch children move and play? Have you ever said to yourself,” I wish I had all that energy” or ” I wish I could move like that”?   You can and it’s just as important for you to play and move as it is children!

Joseph Pilates stated,“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”

I couldn’t agree more and I truly believe our bodies are designed to move and play at any age and are ability to do so has a huge effect on our overall health and happiness. Empowering your physical body inspires your mind and spirit and truly inspires your life in all aspects!

You might be saying, sure I want to move like that but:

  • I’m too old
  • I’m too inflexible
  • I haven’t got enough time
  • I have an injury that stops me
  • I weigh too much
  • I don’t like to workout
  • …Add your favorite excuse

We love to tell ourselves these myths that allow us to stay in our comfort zone. But are they really true? Is there no possible way you could find a safe, fun way to move your body? Isn’t it true that if your body is healthy you will have more energy and zest to do everything else you want to do in life?

I LOVE the Pilates method of exercise because above all it gives me a method of teaching others where ever they are in life and in their bodies that there is a way for them to move, play and find joy in their physical movement!

Looking to find a way to incorporate movement into your life?  Sign up for a complimentary session with one of our inspiring instructors who can help you empower your body with movement and inspire your life to the fullest!

P.S.  I’ve included this video because it was my inspiration to write this post.  I LOVE to play and the Cadillac is one of my favorite pieces of Pilates equipment!  I’ve been practicing many of these movements for 15 plus years.  Please know that the Pilates method of exercise is truly a method that will teach your body how to move efficiently and without pain and you don’t have to swing on the Cadillac to accomplish that(unless you want to of course!).

#1 Pilates exercise to strengthen your core and stretch your upper back!

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This quick and easy Pilates move feels great and works amazingly to strengthen your core, stretch your upper back,shoulders and chest and increase the mobility in your spine.  We know it sounds like a lot for one exercise- but that’s the magic of Pilates!  Try it yourself and let us know what you think!!

The Journey to Finding your Roots

 

Julie

“Roots are not in landscape or a country, or a people, they are are inside you.” 

Isabel Allende

 

As I celebrate one year back in the US after living in Mexico for 8 years I find myself nostalgic.   As I reflect on this period of my life I long for my friends, the language, the food and the chaos of the city but most of all for the experiences of great growth that living abroad brought about in my life.

It was an adventure that began as a student intending to study for (at the most) two years in Mexico.  The plan was to learn Spanish, have some adventurous fun, eat lots of guacamole, get my degree and be back.  But what ensued was a love affair and I don’t mean of the romantic kind.  It was a love affair with myself.

Yes, I got my degree and I learned Spanish and I did eat LOTS of yummy food but more than anything I learned about myself.  I learned who I was in the face of being completely different and out of place.  I learned how to navigate life on my own.  I learned how to let go and be led.  I learned how to be flexible and adaptable and how to live with less comfort and things. I guess you can say that I learned who I was and what I needed.

And what I needed was roots.  I needed a place to grow down into as well as growing out into the world.  I needed stability and fertile soil.  There is this sensitive, feminine part of me that I wasn’t allowing out to play.   I was smashing it down into the crevices of my being as I embarked on getting ahead in the world, on the search for a well paid job, on the hunt for what society and my family expected of me.

So in the midst of the chaos of Mexico City, a bit alone and confused, I was able to explore what truly made my heart sing.   It allowed me to set sail again on my own adventure, of going deeper into the ground that holds me, into the roots of my soul, into the depths of me.  It has been a journey, unimaginable and at times dark and difficult, and at other times light and frivolous.  It is a journey that continues…

As I think about what lies ahead for me, I am lit up by the thought of helping others along the path of creating authentic, rooted lives.  In the midst of life; in the heart of motherhood; in the darkness of divorce or joblessness; on the cusp of retirement; in the transition from dependent to independent, there isn’t a better time to embark on the journey to your roots.  Because roots are inside you, they are you and they will allow you to grow oh so much taller.   – JULIE JACK

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Julie Jack, whom many have already met as a Barre and Yoga teacher at Rivercity Pilates will be deepening her involvement with the studio as a Life Coach.  She will be offering private sessions by appointment, as well as a monthly (FREE) group for women focused on living authentic, vulnerable, full lives.

Inspiration of the Month Shelley Mockler

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Inspiration of the Month

Shelley Mockler

September 2014

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

I tried my first complementary session in April 2013. I was inspired to try Pilates because I thought it might be a good option for some of my physical therapy clients. I wanted to learn more about the method to see if it would be a good fit for my patients, but I ended up enjoying my introductory session so much that I decided to come back to establish my own practice.

A few months after my introductory session (July 2013), I made it back to the studio to start my practice. At that time, I was a full-time student and was also working full-time. I had fallen out of my usual exercise routine and Pilates seemed like a great option to help me to get back in to a more consistent exercise routine.

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

 I started out taking private lessons to learn the method and then transitioned to group classes. I took lessons and classes every other week when I started and gradually added in more sessions after the first few months.

 I currently take a mix of mat and equipment classes at the studio 1-2 times per week and also add in 1-2  mat sessions at home.  I am working on building up to a daily practice using the videos from Rivercity on YouTube.

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

 From a physical perspective, I have noticed that my muscles are more toned and my posture is better.  I also pay more attention to how I am moving throughout the day.

From a more global perspective, Pilates has helped me transition focus to my personal wellness again. I always feel refreshed when I am done with a session, which keeps me coming back for more.

 

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

 My favorite piece of equipment is the chair.  I love that there are some many options in such a small package!

Some of my favorite exercises are rolling like a ball (because it is fun!), teaser (it’s hard, but rewarding), and elephant (because it feels good).

Why did you decide 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 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.

 

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

 Give it a try!  Set aside an hour for the complementary introductory session and see what you think.  Pilates is appropriate for almost anyone, so don’t let wondering if you are flexible enough, strong enough, fit enough, etc. keep you from trying it out. Rivercity Pilates offers a supportive environment that will help you be successful!

 

 

Inspiration of the Month August 2014: Nancy Kaff

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Inspiration of the Month

August 2014

Nancy Kaff

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

I started Pilates in January. I had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September and I knew that I needed to keep my body strong. I came to the studio and Cassie immediately warmed my heart. I had been a ballet dancer in my younger years so I knew about Pilates.

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

I take private class with Carey three times a week.

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

It is helping me strengthen my body. I had stem cell replacement in my knee in the middle of June and Carey is helping also with my knee. My body is getting stronger all the time. Carey makes me work hard and keeps me in line, especially with my ballet feet. Every time I leave a class or the studio I feel good.

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

I’m not quite sure I have a favorite exercise yet, but I definitely know my least favorite is the mermaids!

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

I think I would have to say to someone starting Pilates that it seems like you are not working hard but it’s the best work out for your core and soul. I have come to think of Carey as my friend not just my instructor. I love the staff. Also Sara gives great massages and has helped me so much with my achy bones.

 

 

Inspiration of the Month- Nancy Roberston

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Inspiration of the Month
July 2014
Nancy Robertson

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started after taking a free lesson with Cassie, who had been my law school intern several years ago. I had always wanted to try it and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I am the Executive Director of a domestic violence/sexual assault center that serves twelve counties and is extremely stressful. Cassie’s knowledge of this work was helpful in my being able to talk about the challenges of the week during my lesson.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
I have been doing one private lesson per week since last May. I would love to do classes and lessons more frequently but I drive from either Oskaloosa where I work, or Des Moines where I live.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
I often say that I should be paying for therapy in addition to my lesson because that is what I feel like I get from my sessions. The opportunity to work the stress out of my body is extremely beneficial. My core strength is greatly improved and I get great satisfaction from being able to do a movement that was extremely difficult when I started. I am often questioned about the fact that I make an hour and a half drive for my lessons but I feel like it is worth it both for my physical and mental health. Having to make that drive I really make my lessons a priority. I believe it is the one thing I do each week that is strictly for me. I think if I were doing Pilates in Des Moines it would be easy to say I’ll go tomorrow, and then never really get there.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I really enjoy the work on the Cadillac.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
It is a great workout for the body and soul. Try the complimentary lesson and see what you think. It isn’t something you have to do three or four times a week in order to see results.