Inspiration of the Month Patti Lounsbury

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When did you start taking virtual classes and what inspired you to start?

  • I have loved Pilates for years since originally starting. 
  • I broke my ankle at the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic with surgery in January and am still healing, learning to walk and balance again. I required a lot of physical assistance and was unable to drive.
  • On April 1, I started virtual Pilates. It is so convenient to do the classes in my bedroom on a yoga mat. I love the virtual classes because I can spend nearly two hours per day performing strengthening and mobility exercises.

How often have you been taking classes?
I have been taking virtual classes twice per day since early April.

What benefits and improvements have you noticed in your body and life from taking classes?

  • Long range: Lumbar pain has been a problem I’ve had for many years. Since starting Pilates several years ago, the lumbar pain is considerably less and mostly gone. Indeed, prior to this injury, if I missed pilates for a couple of weeks (for example during vacation), the lumbar pain returned.
  • Short term: Since the fracture, there was considerable muscle wasting in the right leg that was visible in the right calf and knee. The muscle wasting is no longer visible and I am able to bear full weight on the right leg. The Pilates exercise helped considerably with these achievements.
  • In addition to the muscle wasting, there was total loss of balance in the right leg, something I had not anticipated. The Balance Exercises, I now do in addition to the twice daily virtual Pilates classes, are helping considerably with that.

Do you have a favorite exercise, movement or stretch?
I have found that all of the exercises that I have taken have been enjoyable and beneficial. I am so thankful that I was and am able to take them twice per day. My favorite exercises are “rolling like a ball” and “seal”.

In addition, I love all of the stretching exercises. One exercise that I find difficult is the “Teaser”. I am amazed at how the instructors can still talk while doing this! However, I do have to admit, that the teaser has gotten a teensy weensy bit easier since I started. 

The spinal exercises feel very good. All of the leg, arm, and core exercises are beneficial. Indeed, at first I thought, “How can I do this? I am so out of breath!” But the exercises over time have become manageable and I have become much less short of breath. However, I am certainly not at the point where I can say they are easy!

What would you say to someone who was a little hesitant about trying virtual classes? 
I would say, “Do it!”. If you don’t find it helps after a few weeks, you can always quit. But I would say the chances or your feeling better and stronger are very great. 

In addition, the instructors stress that if an exercise is painful, then you don’t do it. I have yet to find an exercise that was painful. My main limiting factor has been that some exercises were too difficult. Another favorable factor is that if I signed up for a class that was too difficult for me, Carey would catch it and have me change classes! I have always felt and continue to feel that the instructors’ main concern is the participant’s comfort, strength, improvement, and wellbeing.

Inspiration of the Month Kathy Oleson

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When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?  I first tried Pilates when my daughter who was living in Berwyn, Pa.  started teaching them.  I would go out to visit and  take a class or two when I stayed with her.  She got me a Pilates DVD from the studio she was working at and I started doing them a few times a week at home.  I knew I needed to exercise but never made the time for myself; she was my inspiration. 

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?  Retiring in 2016 I started doing mat classes 5 times a week along with the DVD.    I must admit if the grand-kids were at my house, I definitely skipped Pilates to spend time with them.    Currently I use my foam roller a lot for exercises to strengthen my back.  I also enjoy the Pilates and Yoga chair classes as they have helped me regain balance along with the barre classes. 

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?  Nine months ago I had emergency ileostomy surgery;  I know that having a strong core and flexibility helped me recover faster.  I remember one of the first nights in the hospital the nurse was explaining to me how to get out of bed; I just rolled like a ball to sit up, swung my legs over the edge and was out of bed.  Definitely surprised her.    Even putting those silly skid proof slippers on I would just roll like a ball up, put socks on and roll back down.   I feel so much better overall after I do Pilates in the morning.

What do you love about virtual classes? I live 70 miles from my daughter’s studio; I would love to take more classes there but it’s just not realistic. I save 2 hours of driving by being able to do virtual classes. I know that if I am having trouble with an exercise I can text or call her and ask questions on how to modify it for me.  I feel like I am in a classroom setting and I am more aware of executing my movements correctly not just moving thru them.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?  Would you suggest virtual classes?  To me the key is to keep moving so I can enjoy my grand-kids.   I would and do tell friends and family take time for yourself; you are worth it.  I am a proud promoter of the Virtual Classes. 

Inspiration of the Month

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May 2020 – Anat Levtov

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I first visited the Rivercity studio for a yoga class with a friend in the summer of 2017. Earlier that year I had gastric bypass (weight loss) surgery and had added physical activity to my daily routine – but there is only so much walking one can do! As my health and mobility improved, I was excited to try something new and took advantage of the first free class to take a few private equipment classes. I loved the combination of the controlled pace with the strength and flexibility work and started attending mat classes about twice a week. 

Over the next year, I tried the barre, reformer, Oov, and my two favorites – jumpboard and the summer paddleboard Pilates on the lake! I loved every single class, but the 25 minute drive to and from my house to the studio started to get long, especially with the endless construction on 965, and I hadn’t taken a class for over a year when #Quarantine started in March. 2.

How often are you taking virtual classes during #stayathome and what type of classes have you been doing?    Amazingly for me, I’ve been taking at least 5-6 classes per week, sometimes even two per day on Sundays. I have been trying everything that fits in my schedule – mat classes with Carey, Shannon, Janee, and Jane; barre with Nancy; big ball and intermediate flow with Kathryn; Tower on the mat with Rachel; yoga with Kim; and even Zumba for my first time ever. Carey was kind enough to drop off some props at my front porch, so I’ve been able to break in my new theraband, playground ball, and foam roller in different classes. I’ve been mirroring my computer screen on my TV so I can follow along without twisting and have had the chance to do several classes on my screened porch on a nice day – you can’t beat the late afternoon breeze and chirping birds during yoga!

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates and Yoga, especially during this challenging time? 
I honestly can’t imagine what I would do without virtual classes right now! I am not much of a morning person usually, but I have found that starting my day with a 6:00 am class (and only having to get up a few minutes before to make it!) has been a great mood-setter for a positive day. Taking yoga on Sunday nights has also been a great preparation for the work week, which involves a lot of sitting and screen-staring.

The first time I took the big ball class, I had to stop every few minutes to take a break. I’m thrilled to say that I have noticed a marked improvement over the last few weeks in my range of motion and strength, and I can definitely get through the majority of the class without crashing on the mat. I even felt brave enough to take an intermediate class these last two weeks – I loved trying new exercises and knowing that I am working towards completing them! I, for one, am hoping that the virtual options continue alongside in-person classes once this is all behind us.

Do you have a favorite exercise? 
Jumpboard is totally the best – cardio with no impact! I also think that end-of-class roll down and plank walk-out on the paddleboard is such a fun experience – balance, strength, and fear of falling in the water all together!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates or Yoga?  This is the perfect time to try something new. You’ll be in the comfort of your home but still have the guidance of an experienced instructor and the support of such a friendly and welcoming community. Do it!

Inspiration of the Month

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When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start? I started Pilates in spring of 2019, not long after finishing treatment for breast cancer.  I was still feeling a bit rundown and I needed to restore range of motion in my left arm and shoulder.  I also know that, now in my mid 50’s, I need to do something to stay in shape so that I can continue to enjoy the physical activities I once did without thinking about it.  One of my sisters has been after me for years to try Pilates, but I’ve never liked going to exercise classes.  Rivercity Pilates kept coming up on my Facebook page so I studied the website, signed up for private sessions with Carey, and eventually decided that group classes weren’t nearly as scary as I thought…in fact, they’re fun!

2. How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?    I started with a once per week private session, then added a group equipment class to that routine after a couple of months.  I transitioned to one group mat and one group equipment class per week for a couple of months, then added a third class (mat, equipment, yoga…depending on what I can fit in my schedule).  That third weekly class made a HUGE difference in my strength, and my ability to fine tune my movements.  I work 8-5 M-F so it’s great to be able to mix it up with early morning, evening, and weekend classes.  With the recent move to virtual classes I’m hoping to fit in four per week.

3. What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? Before beginning Pilates I had trouble with my rotator cuffs–they were easily injured from normal life activity.  A year after beginning Pilates, that issue is gone.   Similarly, the chronic lower back pain I’d had for decades is gone. Most importantly, Pilates has me in the overall better shape that allows me to engage in the physical activities I enjoy–walking, gardening, skiing, biking, and more are all easier and more enjoyable because I’m stronger and more nimble.  

4. Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  I like (and miss) the reformer!   

5. What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?Give it a try!  You will feel better and you will discover a fun and supportive community.

6.  A special shout out to virtual classes! I like to stay active, but find I won’t maintain a regular fitness routine on my own (sad, but true!). Thankfully Rivercity Pilates, and the instructors, chose to offer some virtual classes while so many of us are staying at home.  At a time when every routine in our lives is upended, the opportunity to continue Pilates classes with familiar instructors and classmates is comforting and provides a bit of normalcy in an otherwise wacky time.  If you haven’t tried it yet–give it a go!  

Inspiration of the Month

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1. When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
When I started Pilates a couple of years ago.  I was growing weary of strength training and was looking for an alternative.  My goals are mostly to be strong and able to do the things I love:  travel, garden, and hopefully age gracefully.  

2. What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
As a nurse, I am very aware of the importance of avoiding falls so I really appreciate the balance class.  I am much more conscious now of using my core to do the things I want to do without falling.  

3. How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
Initially I was pretty sporadic in my attendance but I am working fewer hours now and have figured out a schedule I like:  tower on Monday, balance class on Wed and then either a mat or yoga class or reformer.  I have done Hatha yoga and Iyengar yoga in the past and a few others but am new to Yin Yoga and have really been enjoying it!    I also recently did some beginner reformer classes which were great.  

4. Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment ? 
I guess I enjoy doing a variety of things every week, so it is nice to have so many choices.  I have found that scheduling ahead has helped me to attend classes regularly – part of establishing that routine.  I also really appreciate how the instructors use different props to keep things interesting.   But the oov is one piece of equipment that I have not yet learned to love!  

Thanks to everyone at River City Pilates!  

Inspiration of the Month Jenny Theony

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When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start? I joined Rivercity Pilates at the end of summer.  I came for the Yoga and stayed for the Yoga AND Pilates!  I wanted more Yoga in my life to compliment the cycling that I do. After taking some Pilates classes, I realized that both Pilates and Yoga would help with strength and stretching and general overall health.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?    I do about two Yoga classes and two Pilates mat classes each week.  I’ve recently started taking the beginner reformer classes as well.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?  Both Yoga and Pilates have helped build some core strength and flexibility.   I wasn’t getting that on a bike and my back feels so much better.  From cycling I had very tight quads and calves, which contributed to some knee pain and plantar fasciitis issues.  Yoga and Pilates have helped me stretch out those muscles and work on overall leg strength.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?    I love the whole mat sequence.  I don’t have a favorite exercise, but I am looking forward to improving my teaser! It’s still a big challenge for me.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates? Do it!  Everyone can benefit from Pilates and it is truly for every body!  Rivercity Pilates is very welcoming and a perfect place to give it a try.