While I am away, I am getting a little help from my friends. I am so happy to have Maureen Ryan from Ryan Wellness Coaching as a guest blogger. Maureen is a terrific pilates instructor who is also a great runner. One of the main reasons I have been running strong and injury free this year is Maureen’s Pilates for Runners classes! She has my glutes firing in all of the right ways! (I know sounds dirty but it isn’t.) Maureen was a health and phys ed teacher for many years and is also a counselor with an MA in Counseling. Last year, she launched Ryan Wellness Coaching and now she is launching Ryan Wellness Studio. (Also check out Maureen’s Path to Mindful Wellness posts and Newsletter)
I’m so thankful to have an opportunity to guest post on Erica Finds. I met Erica (and many other wonderful friends) back in 2007, when we were training for the Boston Marathon through Fleet Feet’s Boston Bound Program. One of the things I love about running, is how it connects you to an amazing community of people! As I wrote in a recent post, I’ve always believed that one of the best ways to get to know people and get to the heart of what they’re all about is to go for a run together. Conversations and people tend to be very real when you’re running and sweating side by side.
As a runner, I know that one of the most frustrating things that can happen during training, is to be sidelined with an injury. “It is estimated that between 30 and 80 percent of regular runners are injured in a given year.” Unfortunately, like many people, I’ve found myself in this group more often than I would like. In my search for a solution, I’ve experimented with many helpful strategies. I’ve tried different running shoes, rolled out my yoga mat, went for massage, changed up my training routine and lifted weights. Finally, I discovered Pilates.
I was skeptical at first. I was a bit of a cardio junkie and it was a challenge for me to get out of my comfort zone and try something completely new. I was however, impressed with the knowledge of my Pilates Instructors. I found that some of the exercises were very similar to what I was working on with my physical therapist. Soon, I began to notice changes in my body. I thought I was just going to strengthen my core, and was pleasantly surprised to feel my entire body becoming stronger! I also discovered a new level of body awareness and better sense of balance.
I noticed that my running form was improving. I felt the spring in my legs returning! I was hooked and decided to become a certified BASI Pilates Instructor. I found the spring in my step in more ways than one. I decided to step away from my career as a P.E./Health teacher and combine my background in health, fitness, counseling and Pilates into my own business, Ryan Wellness Coaching.
I now teach at Ryan Wellness Studio and Flow Pilates and Wellness where you’ll find me teaching the Pilates for Runners and Athletes class every Thursday morning. This class combines the principles of mat Pilates with standing work and a focus on hip, hamstring and gluteal strength and flexibility. My goal is to keep you from being one of the 30-80% of injured runners! [EF: I recommend you try this class – you may suffer a bit in the short term, but it pays dividends!]
Below are a few of the benefits you’ll discover from Pilates:
> Strong Core (abs & back)
> Muscular Balance
> Strength and Flexibility (All area of the body)
> Body Awareness and Mind-Body Connection
> Improved Posture
In the spirit of Erica Finds, I have some special deals to share with her readers!
[In Chicago] Interested in Trying Pilates for Runners for FREE??
Come to Universal Sole on Saturday, November 10th at 8am for Pilates & Pancakes. I’ll be leading this in-store event and would love to meet you! After class, join the group for a run and pancakes! Please call ahead to reserve your spot.
Also, I’d like to offer $10 off reformer class at Ryan Wellness Studio for all readers who sign up during November! Just mention this article to receive the rates listed below.
If you’re interested or have any questions, please contact me at Maureen@ryanwellnesscoaching.com. Wishing you all the best!
I hope you will check out Maureen’s classes if you are in Chicago or Pilates for Runners wherever you are! We are having a great trip so far! Will tell you a bit about it tomorrow!