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.

Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Becky Monroe

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Empower your Body-Inspire your Life!
Inspiration of the Month
Becky Monroe

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

I started Pilates the last week in March. The past 2 years have been challenging for me.  I’m an only child and in the past 18 months, my then 84yo mom had a stroke, broke her hip, and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  She passed away 5 months and 2 weeks after her cancer diagnosis in my home.  My 90 year old father has moved in with me and it’s been 18 months of making sure my parents had everything they needed. I had let my fitness slide before they moved in with me and I continued down a non-healthy path and gained more weight.  I finally embraced the advice that to be a good caregiver, you also need to take care of yourself, but still I was scared. It’s hard being out of shape and overweight.

The one thing that actually got me to make the commitment to try Pilates was the complimentary session offered by Rivercity Pilates.  I felt like I could make sure I was comfortable there and try it out before  I actually signed up for sessions.  When Carey explained that Joseph Pilates invented these exercises because he was sickly, the practice of Pilates made much more sense to me.

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

I have been trying to go to Pilates 4-6 times per week to improve my health.  I started with one-on-one training sessions and made sure I was comfortable doing some of the exercises, (I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t look like an idiot), before I joined a group session.  My favorite phrase in Pilates is, “your working level”, although the instructors are terrific at letting me know how to challenge, “my working level”, so I can see improvement.  I am much more comfortable in the equipment classes than I am on the mat, but I am trying to attend a variety of classes to keep challenging myself.

 

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

I can see myself improving on some of the exercises now that I couldn’t do, (or could barely do), 2 months ago. What I love about Pilates is that you can see improvement if you commit to improvement. I think it’s the same challenge people get from playing golf. You are concentrating on yourself, so you really notice improvement.

I have more energy, I am not feeling as creaky (and old) as I was two months ago. But most importantly, one of my best friends was here this weekend and she said that I looked healthier. That’s all I needed to confirm that Pilates is helping me become healthy again.

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

Mostly I have least favorite exercises because I am still gaining the strength to do them completely. I like all the equipment classes because I find the ingenuity to create the machines to assist with the exercises amazing!  I’m a technology geek, but this equipment was developed before the depression.

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

Before I started I was trying to balance the cost of classes against the benefits as well as the insecurities. It was easy to say that Pilates was too expensive and continue to be a couch potato.  However, just 7 weeks after starting Pilates I feel better, and my closest friends can see that. In the words of Nike, “Just Do It”.  Check out the website and sign up for the complimentary session.

Inspiration of the Month – Angela Nelson

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

 

I took my first Pilates class in 2005. I have scoliosis and Pilates was recommended by my orthopedist to help alleviate back pain. After a bit of a break I resumed practice at Rivercity Pilates very first studio and found it was a great fit for me. 

 

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

I have been able to strengthen my core and regain flexibility that was lost by wearing a spinal brace for my scoliosis. My balance and posture have improved, and I am much more aware of proper positioning and breathing as I go about my day. Pilates has really helped me to maintain strength during pregnancy and recover after birth.  

You are a busy mom of four, how do you make time to take care of yourself?
I love, love, love the Schedule Ahead Rewards Program at Rivercity Pilates! With lots of kids’ schedules to manage, if I don’t put my things on the calendar far in advance they won’t happen. For me, scheduling a month in advance is key to actually getting in a workout! The flexibility of having a free late cancel means that I don’t have to worry if someone gets sick or we have a last minute conflict.
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I really love the chair – it’s such a great little piece of equipment that does so much! My favorite chair exercise is the seated twist.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
Absolutely give it a try. The instructors at Rivercity Pilates are great at adapting exercises to individual fitness levels (even in group classes – modifications for more simple or advanced levels are always suggested). You can really start at any point and you will always finish a little stronger than before!

Inspiration of the Month

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anne

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start? I have only been practicing Pilates since November 2013.  I had tried fitness classes and different types of yoga but never really found my niche.  An avid runner and self-described “gym-rat,” I really wanted something that would complement my usual work outs.  Pilates forced me to slow down and to balance my mental AND physical needs.

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice? It’s surprising how many times I consider Pilates each day.  From my posture while sitting at my desk in the office, to feeling more strength in my legs and core on my long runs, and even just remembering to breathe, Pilates is really improving all aspects of my life.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
My absolute favorite piece of equipment is the Chair. It’s small but packs a mighty work out!

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates? It’s funny because I probably sound like a broken record to my friends and family because I’ve been recommending Pilates to everyone since I started.  It’s a great addition to your traditional cardio and weight training programs- the perfect combination of core work and mindfulness.  I even got my husband (a personal trainer up in Cedar Rapids) to come with me to a recent Saturday morning class. He loved the class  (and our classmates) and is definitely coming back!