Get to know Len!

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Note from Carey: Prior to the 2020 pandemic, Rivercity Pilates clients raved about Len’s classes when he would spend a day as a guest instructor at our studio. When we started doing virtual classes during the Pandemic — I asked Len if he’d like to teach classes at Rivercity Pilates and was excited when he said yes! Len teaches our virtual Tuesday Beginner Pilates Mat and our Thursday Pilates for boomers classes! This Saturday, Len is teaching our #LiveBetter workshop this month — The Pilates Principles. This workshop is going to be a shortcut to more results for everyone who practices Pilates, whether you’ve taken 1 class or 100 classes!

We asked Len for permission to add a blog he wrote to our website about his Pilates journey. Here it is!

My biggest Pilates achievement is becoming a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher at age 60.

They say that 50 is the new 40, but this wasn’t the case for me! When I turned 50, I began to notice signs of aging; stiffness, less flexibility, more aches and pains, not being able to do things I did when I was younger. I figured that if I felt this way at 50, what would life would be like at 70 or 80? My excuses for not exercising disappeared when a new fitness center opened where I worked. One day a personal trainer encouraged me to try a Pilates class. I entered the class reluctantly but left it feeling like I’d come home. I had discovered a way of exercising that felt right; for my body, mind and soul. I felt stronger, breathed deeper and stood taller. I had more energy and my flexibility improved. The stiffness I’d attributed to “getting older” had gone and I was more confident about maintaining a great quality of life. I soon developed a thirst to find out more about the Pilates method.

I found a local studio and delved even deeper into the Pilates world. The more Pilates classes I attended, the more I wanted to attend! I started thinking about teaching Pilates but didn’t know how I would be able to do the training and work full time. Sometimes, fate works in strange ways.

When outsourcing eliminated my corporate job I decided to take the plunge and join the training program. It consisted of 750 hours of instruction, workshops, observations, and student teaching, covering the mat and all apparatus. The instruction helped me understand the exercises and get them in my body. Observations exposed me to different instructors and their styles. Workshops deepened my understanding of the method and taught me proper cueing. Student teaching helped me practice my skills. Tests on Pilates principles, anatomy, and exercise order ensured comprehension. Practice classes provided feedback and the final exam, performing the entire advanced reformer series, was like a rite of passage.

Fifteen months later, at age 60, I became a Pilates instructor. Quite an amazing transformation! Now, I enjoy enabling my clients to realize their own transformation. Working with “Baby Boomers” like myself, I feel I am best able to relate to their particular needs and concerns. It has been an incredible journey.

This year I celebrated my 7 year teaching anniversary and have never been happier. Joseph Pilates taught until he died at age 86. Many of Joe’s original students, collectively known as the Pilates elders, taught into their 80’s and even 90’s. I look forward to teaching as long as I can.

To register for “The Pilates Principles”, click here!

So Excited About This

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They say there’s a rainbow in every cloud, and although this shutdown has been hard, we’ve discovered some rainbows, and we were lucky enough to confirm another one yesterday. Here’s the formula for our newest rainbow.

Len Palombi is a friend of mine, and I learn from him every time I go to one of his classes. Len discovered Pilates as an older adult, which led him to become an instructor and specialize in Pilates for older adults and is the creator of Pilates for Boomers. In Len’s words, “After trying different fitness methods, I discovered Pilates and began an incredible transformation.  I’d love to help you achieve your own Pilates transformation.”

Our longtime clients may remember Len as a “visiting” instructor from the Chicago area. His restorative Pilates class was a hit with all who attended back in 2018, and now he’s going to teach it every week! Some of us will never forget his imagery as he leads the class – he is able to give examples that everyone can relate to!

Fun with Len after a worksop

Len is going to teach two classes every week which are described below. I took “Unlocking the Spine” via a video this week, and found it to be very effective at both making my back feel terrific, and helping me improve my mind-body connection as I listened and watch Len. This class is truly a testament to the Pilates method, as the movements were small and controlled throughout the class – yet afterwards I felt like I was moving better and had more energy! I hope you all will try both of Len’s classes!

Appropriate for all levels. No prerequisites required. This Mat class includes a gentle full body warm-up and basic Pilates exercises.  The focus is on breathing, gentle stretching and strengthening done at a slower, deliberate pace to provide a restorative workout.  Sign up for Virtual Restorative Pilates Mat.

Modifications will be offered to accommodate physical limitations and make the exercises accessible. This class is ideal for new students unsure of their skill level or physical abilities, older adults looking for a beneficial but lower intensity workout, as well as students looking to recover between higher intensity workouts.

Unlock Your Spine: Appropriate for all levels. No prerequisites required. This class is based on a movement method called undulation.  It consists of gentle, spine focused movements that re-hydrate connective tissue, restore muscle strength and joint mobility.  It’s gentle and accessible and a great complement to Pilates because it increases flexibility in a way that stretching cannot. Many people have practiced undulation to relieve neck, back, shoulder, muscle and joint pain – or simply to feel more limber. Sign up for Virtual Unlock Your Spine Class.

Denise — our Zumba Gold & Ballet for Fitness instructor!

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Tell us about yourself / your family.  
I’m an Iowa girl. I grew up in Des Moines, moved to Manchester, where my husband Scott grew up, raised our 5 kids there, & just moved to Cedar Rapids.

I have 3 daughters & 2 sons. My oldest, Jessica, is an ASL interpreter fit the Cedar Rapids Schools. My daughter Amanda lives in Tampa, Florida, where she is s branch manager for one of the libraries. My daughter Meghan is a graphic designer who has duel citizenship in Israel & the U.S. She lives in Rishon Letzion Israel with her husband Shay & our grandson Rahmi. My two boys, Jordan & Cameron Live in Chicago. Jordan is a manager at a restaurant, Cam’s day job is in claims, but he is in a band that has been together for many years. They are getting ready to release their 5th cd.

Describe yourself in 5 words.  
Creative, caring, open minded, loyal

Tell us about your first Zumba experience.    
I started Zumba when the DVD’s came out years ago. Loved it! I’m a dancer/dance instructor, so the format just spoke to me

When/Why did you start practicing Zumba?  
As I mentioned above, I love to dance! I like that it’s based on Latin rythms, with a bit of hip hop, oldies, & world music in the mix.   I started with dvds, then live classes.

Favorite food / or favorite restaurant
Oh my gosh, I love lots of different foods & restaurants. I like trying new cuisines.   I love recipes passed down from my grandmas, so Mexican & Jewish food.

If money were no object, what would you do all day?  
Well, I’d still teach group fitness. I’d also teach dance classes for free/non profit for those who can’t afford class.    Then I’d travel!!

Why did you become a Zumba/fitness teacher?   
Because I love dance fitness, &  love to work with others to get/stay fit.

Describe why you love Zumba ( or dance) in three words.    
Fun, Fitness, Positivity

What are your favorite ways to incorporate movement into your life in addition to dance/fitness?    
I love working with free weights. Since I teach lots of cardio, I do weight training workouts whenever possible.

 

 

Have you taken a class with Rachel?

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We have some new teachers in the studio, and we thought you might like to get  to know them better!    

Tell us about yourself / your family.  I absolutely love to read and I’m a total nerd, in general.  I love Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Science. I now love to nerd out over Pilates…

I met my husband, James, just after I turned 19!  We’ve always let each be who we are and we always have the best time together, even if we are just sitting around doing nothing.  We have a son who is autistic and he is our pride and joy.  He continues to make us better parents and people.  He’ll turn 7 this June.  We have two miniature schnauzers, who are totally nuts.  We love our family. My mom comes out almost every week (to do Pilates :) ) and my in laws live around the corner, so we see them almost every day.

Describe yourself in 5 words.   Honest, awkward, creative, loyal, helpful

Tell us about your first Pilates experience.    When/Why did you start practicing Pilates?  I was hurting a lot. Physically and mentally. I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to get back into shape or be strong, again.  I went to my complimentary session with a lot of anxiety, but I ended up feeling so good about what I’d been able to do that I knew I had to go back.  I fell in love with Pilates so fast!  

I love how Pilates allows you to start at your own working level, which can change based on how your body is feeling that day.  I love how it allows you to feel results quickly, and it helps you gain control and strength. 

Favorite food / or favorite restaurant   I love pizza. And chocolate covered almonds from Trader Joe’s.

If money were no object, what would you do all day?  My husband said I would do Pilates and read and play with dogs.  He’s right, but I’d also make time for him and my kiddo :)   I also love volunteering and community work.

Why did you become a Pilates teacher?   I’ve always loved learning and teaching/training. 

One of my original interests in the teacher training program stemmed from my hope of helping correct my son’s posture and stance.  He tends to walk on his toes and hunches his shoulders quite a bit.   So far he has been very open to “doing some Pilates” and some days is very excited to “do some new moves”.  

I also had hopes that I could help others feel good about what they can do with their bodies using the Pilates method.

Describe why you love Pilates in three words.    For Every Body

Would you rather hike or bike?  I don’t do the outdoors. If someone made me choose, I would choose hiking because there would be shade. I would probably complain about the bugs, though. 

If you could live anywhere in the world — where would you want to live?  Somewhere with some cloud cover, minimal wind, and a temperature that only fluctuates between 65-70deg.

What are your favorite ways to incorporate movement into your life in addition to Pilates?    I’m sort of a busy body at the house – I’m always running around doing something.

Meet the Instructor – Shannon

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What do you love about teaching Pilates and Barre? 
I love those moments when a client finds an exercise in their body, feels the intention of the movement, and a new connection with themselves. I really appreciate that Pilates and Barre both are not just about one thing or one muscle group at a time. Both exercise methods require that our entire selves are active, alive and participating. I like to tell clients: nothing is ever dead in Pilates or Barre. Feel energy everywhere.

How would you describe Barre to someone who has never done it?  I do not have a dance background, so I like to tell people that.  Dance experience is not required at all. Barre is similar to Pilates in that our focus is on the whole body working together; something is always stretching while something else is strengthening, all the while being supported by form and posture. Barre, like Pilates, is good at finding and working the smaller, supporting muscles that can bring greater stability, balance, and tone.

You have been teaching Pilates for a long time, besides being a mom and having a full time job. What benefits has this had for you in your life? 
I started taking Pilates mat classes about 18 years ago and really fell in love with the focus required by this movement practice. I began to learn my body and to become very in touch with it. That, more than anything, has served me over the years, through pregnancies and crazy schedules and periods of higher stress. When we practice Pilates with intention and remember to keep our mind engaged, then we really have an opportunity to come into ourselves. Pilates has consistently offered me a practice that helps me manage stress, spend time with like-minded and amazing people, a way to connect with myself, and a way to remain healthy, strong and flexible well into my 40’s.

 

Meet the Rivercity Pilates Instructor: Jane

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Tell us about yourself / your family.
I’m a small-town Iowa girl, born into a family that can trace its roots back for generations. My brother (older) and sister (younger) would probably describe me as a “problem child,” and admittedly, that middle position does have its challenges. Yet I think that’s why I always felt a need to break out of the mold, and why I am today, so fiercely independent. We traveled often as a family, which helped to instill in me a strong sense of Roots as well as a huge urge for Adventure.

For family reasons, I returned to Iowa after almost 10 years away- in Arizona, as a school media specialist, and in a brief gig as a computer lab instructor on Grand Cayman Island. My only son and daughter-in-law live in North Liberty, so buying a house in Tiffin seemed like a perfect choice. (Not too close, not too far!) I have one grand-dog, Jack, and two grand-cats, Oliver and Jones. Three fur-babies live with me in Tiffin: an Arizona rescued Min Pin, Maci Rose; an Iowa-born Maine Coon, Gypsy; and an Iowa stray tortoiseshell, Thunder.  

Describe yourself in 5 words.

  1. Sensitive
  2. Compassionate
  3. Risk-taker.
  4. Driven
  5. Faithful- in every sense of the word.

Tell us about your first Pilates experience.    When/Why did you start practicing Pilates? 
Over 30 years ago, I took a Pilates class at my local YWCA and loved it. Much more recently, during a similar class in West Des Moines, I noticed nice changes in my body. I felt longer… leaner… stronger. Out of all the exercises and classes I took, Pilates was by far my favorite.

After moving to this area in 2017, I signed up for emails from Rivercity Pilates. Due to life circumstances, it took several months to actually contact the studio. But when I received an email about the teacher training program, I signed up for a complimentary session with Carey as well as the training program. I started taking classes and practicing regularly, and I’ve never really looked back.

Favorite food / or favorite restaurant
Cantina Laredo in Gilbert, Arizona. It makes my mouth water just to think of their guacamole.

If money were no object, what would you do all day?
Travel, travel, travel… or …………Become a professional chef!
Open my own Pilates studio (not in Iowa)!
Take art classes!
Become a floral designer and open a flower shop!

Why did you become a Pilates teacher?
To be honest, I became a Pilates teacher because the timing was perfect in my life. More importantly, I love how practicing Pilates moves my body and quiets my mind; as a retired educator, I’ve rediscovered my love for teaching and learning in general. It’s a perfect union.  

Describe why you love Pilates in three words.
Pilates moves me. (In every sense of the word!)    

Would you rather hike or bike? 
Hike! It’s a great way to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and notice the small things in Life up close and personal. I’ll never forget the first time I hiked the Superstition Mountains in Arizona; a tarantula crossed the path directly in front of me and I found it fascinating, even though I am terrified of even the smallest eight-legged creature.

If you could live anywhere in the world — where would you want to live?
I love the desert and frequently look for houses near my former home in Gilbert. If personal finances allowed, I would love to have a cabin in the mountains so I could escape the heat periodically. It can get pretty intense although it truly is a “dry heat.” I loved it!  

Or on a beach… I did it for a very brief time and loved every second of it.

What are your favorite ways to incorporate movement into your life in addition to Pilates?
I walk my dog daily- frequently more than once, do a lot of yardwork, and also do a little biking. I had trained with professional boxers in the West Des Moines area before moving last spring; I was at the gym every morning at 7am and Ioved every minute of those training sessions. Finding a similar facility has been on my to-do list!        

Who would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?
My family and my fur-babies. But I hope friends would visit!   

If you won an amazing prize, and the choice was either take an incredible vacation or get the dollar value in cash — which would you pick?
The vacation- in a heartbeat. I’m not really into money.

Would you rather enjoy a houseboat or a speed boat?
It would really depend on the weather and the mood of the day, as I love both.  

Do you have a guilty pleasure?    Something that is generally looked upon as wrong — but you keep doing it?
Eating junk food! <grin> (Although I hate its effect on my body!) And binge-watching cooking shows and Big Bang Theory.

If you could live in a book, TV Show or Movie – what would it be? 

Definitely a book because I love the printed page. My favorite genre is Historical Fiction yet it would be impossible to select a single title. More than likely, it would be whatever book I am reading at the given moment. I tend to lose myself when I read.

What animal best represents you and why? 

Cats! They’re such quiet and curious creatures, absolutely fascinated by everything in their world. And I love watching them move!  

Do you have a pet peeve?

I have actually lost sleep over this question, because I don’t know if I have a pet peeve. There are several things I don’t like but in general, I’m pretty accepting of other people and things in my world. If I had to choose, I would have to say that a pet peeve is people who judge others; I try not to do that, perhaps because others have harshly judged me. We’re all here for such a short time and judgment seems a waste of it.