Hi!

I had some proud Pilates teacher moments last week that I wanted to share with you. In the course of the week I had 3 different Rivercity Pilates teachers come see me to take a private Pilates session. All 3 of them, when I asked them how they were feeling at the beginning of their session mentioned they didn't feel great. One of them was getting over a nasty virus that had her resting and in bed for a few days, one of them said she felt like she was catching something and was feeling low on energy, and the other was feeling achy and tired in her body. Yet ALL of them also mentioned that they knew some movement would help them feel better...and of course they were right!! They all walked out of their sessions feeling better than when they started!

Of course I'm not saying you should exercise when you are outright sick....but what I am saying is something that these ladies reminded me of this week: Movement can be part of your healthcare plan that actually helps you feel better when you have stuff going on in your body. Movement can help you feel better even when you don't really want to do it!

What is your mindset when it comes to exercise and how you feel in your body? Are you like most people who immediately say to themselves...I don't feel good so I'm not going to move or exercise. Or are you like our Rivercity Pilates staff who said," I don't feel the best but I know moving my body will help it feel better." No matter where you are starting with your exercise mindset...you can change. The next time you don't feel the greatest...check in and see what you are telling yourself about exercise and moving your body. Challenge yourself to change your mindset and try to do some sort of movement and see what happens!

Please note: I am not telling you, you need to come to the studio if you are sick!! Please stay home if you are ill! I am saying that even if you are sick and need to stay home, some gentle movements could actually help you feel better!!

I hope everyone has a fabulous month and as always, myself and our staff at Rivercity Pilates are excited to be able to help you continue to use movement as part of your health care plan that keeps you happy and healthy!

3 Simple Exercises to Improve Your Balance

Do you want to improve your ability to balance and gain confidence in all your life activities? You are not alone! Balance is important for EVERYONE and a lack of confidence to balance can make us nervous to get out and enjoy the things we want to do in life! Personally I'm thankful for my confidence in my balance everyday when I navigate walking my dog on what can often be icy, slick sidewalks and roads during our Iowa winters!

Gaining the strength, mobility and confidence you need in your ability to balance is not hard... but you have to practice it if you want the benefits! In this month's video I give you 3 simple ways you can practice balance at home. Less than 5 minutes a day practicing any of these exercises will help you!