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Jul
2
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Mar
1
By Laurette Ryan
Balancepoint Pilates
www.balncepointpilates.com
I’m sure by this time many of you have seen that hilarious fake info-mercial by Mr. Jimmy Kimmel entitled “Hottie Body-Humpilates”. I, like many if not most of you, got a good chuckle.
I would like this opportunity to respond to “Humpilates”. Part of me wishes Mr. Pilates himself were alive and could go on Mr. Kimmel’s TV program and teach him the Saw or Roll-over in his classical manner (as seen in Mary Bowen’s home movie reels…if you know what I mean). I admit that fantasy, my Pilates friends, really makes me chuckle or lol, if you wish. I was wondering why I would have such an evil fantasy…I’m thinking that Lolita San Miguel, Mary Bowen and Ron Fletcher could go on Kimmel and teach him a thing or two…Too bad Kathy Grant isn’t with us- she’d show him why Pilates is for men- she could have taught him a little respect! ….And what about Romana, could he survive Romana?, well he’s probably got a personal masseuse, he might be okay.
I’m normally quite reasonable, a peace-loving individual with a good sense of humor. So why did I want to see Mr. Kimmel suffer a little? I’m sure his piece was all in good fun, it’s not actually called Jimmy K’s Pilates. There are two reasons. First, it’s the “-ilates” thing. People tack the “-ilates” onto everything…Cardio-lates, Yoga-lates, Spin-ilates,Dance-ilates Box-ilates, I’m just waiting for Driv-ilates and Sleep-ilates. I’m sure all these fusion classes are great fun and serve a need, but the public unfortunately can get a little confused…what is Pilates, really? … is the Warrior pose part of the repertoire? They can’t figure it out.
(Can you imagine going in to get a broken leg cast and getting a cast AND a pedicure …..you might wonder how pink toenails helped fix your broken bones- it’s what our students are thinking).
So obvious “Hump-ilates” is a joke….. but it does perpetuate that line of thinking which is- add “-ilates” to anything and you have the hottest new workout.
Secondly, have you noticed how Hollywood so often makes Pilates the punch-line? I laugh, because I can laugh at myself. Pilates teachers and enthusiasts probably get a laugh too and we’re happy to see ourselves recognized by popular media. What happens though, is that as we seek to gain professional recognition in our communities, stereo-types are created which do not portray us in a credible or favorable light. Do you think those stereo-types encourage the middle-aged blue collar worker with back pain ,(whose Doctor recommended he exercise) to seek out a qualified Pilates Professional to help him out?
Pilates is an amazing way to strengthen, condition, improve and yes, I believe heal your body. People don’t laugh at Dental Care…(*they may have though, years past-when dental care was a side-business of your Barber) This may be reason to think about the trend for Group Exercise Teachers to get a “Weekend Mat Certification” ….think about it. Dentist are considered professionals. Would you even consider going to a Dentist/Barber these days?
I feel we need to be vigilant in few ways to keep pushing our profession forward. The support and promotion of a Third-Party Credential, adhering to a recognized and accepted Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice guideline are keys and however we get there..the fact is- we must. The Pilates Method Alliance ( www.pilatesmethodalliance.org ) is at this time, the only organization offering this, that I am aware of. (If there are any others meeting this criteria, please feel free to share them with us.)
So, Mr. Kimmel -Thank You for your very funny skit and Thank You for making us take a moment to consider our profession, it’s current state and our future direction.
Mary Bowen’s website : www.pilates-marybowen.com
Lolita San Miguel’s website : http://lolitapilates.com/
Ron Fletcher’s website: http://ronfletcherwork.com
Yours in Peace and Pilates,
Laurette
Sep
26
What kind of Pilates Teacher are you?
Laurette Ryan
I actually started my movement teaching career almost 33 years ago. As scary as it was to get up in front of a group and do my thing, it was always exciting and addictive too. The first time I ever taught a class I could barely speak,I had butterflies and my heart was racing a mile a minute, and I couldn’t wait to do it again! The butterflies lasted about 15 years at least, although they were smaller and smaller as the years went on.
In the beginning I just wanted everyone of my students to love to move -just like I did. My focus was choreography. I would write out complete outlines for a class. Trying to include new and exciting exercises, trying to invent the most incredible exercise-that no one had ever thought of yet. (Sometimes, I did crazzzy things!)
The next phase I went through was my form and safety phase. The phase where you are surprised that anyone can tie their shoe without herniating a disc or you are sure that turning your head in any direction is certain to put you in a neck brace. It really put the brakes on any “crazzzy” choreography. The more you learn about safety, contra-indications and potential injury -the more frightened you become. At a certain time in a teachers’ development this is a good and positive thing. It brings about a sensible melding of creative fun choreography and safe effective movement. You begin to see that, Yes, we (most healthy adults) can and in fact must be able to tie our shoes and turn our heads without risk of injury and you don’t have to do 3 sets of 500 leg lifts to tame those saddle bags!
In my next teaching incarnation I began to explore the entertainer in me. That part of me that was always excited to get up in front of a group and become an object of their attention. You start to see that people come for the workout , but they stay for the connection. You must try to create a rapport, make them feel like- “hey that teacher knew I was here-she’s/he’s not just working-out for herself/himself.” Personally, I like to banter with a class a bit, learning a little about them (helps me understand why they might be there) and share a little about me. I have often found sharing a little about yourself with humor is a wonderful way to connect with people and can be entertaining as well. (P.S. Please do not share trials and tribulations of your life-EVER! Class time is not YOUR workout or YOUR therapy appointment!)
Now going into my 4th decade (OMG-as the kids say) of teaching. I am starting a new phase and honestly I’m not quite sure where this one is going. This is the phase where, I know how wonderful, effective, amazing and miraculous this work is. I will talk your ear off about it’s joys and wonders. Let’s talk anatomy and philosophy and related modalities and history and more ! But when encountering that individual or student who has decided that they need you to tell them every day how good it is, and how they can do it and how they should do it and on and on and on…you know, the person who saps your energy. I’m not talking about that client or student who just needs some encouragement. I’m talking about those people who have a million reasons (read-excuses) why this probably won’t work for them. I have very little patience now . I’ve started to develop a radar for those who merely want to “talk” about their health issues, they identify with their issues and they really don’t want to improve their condition. I think we’ve all spent hours and hours of our precious time with these students only to find next year- they’re still talking. So let me be clear , it’s not those who just need a little push I’m talking about-most everyone we meet has been there at sometime…it’s those who never have any intention of taking you up on the wonderful information you gladly and most times freely, provide. So in my current phase when I encounter Bonnie-Back pain or Tina-Ten pounds , I merely state that Pilates absolutely works, I know it does and do you want to? Or no? End of conversation…. I feel like a grumpy old person or my Dad,when you asked him “why?” one time too many. Someone told me it’s normal at “my age”…hmmm how does that make you feel?
I view this phase like this; I have seen the proof, it’s no longer a matter of faith for me, it’s a matter of fact. I have a strong and abiding faith-based-in-fact in the work of Joseph Pilates and I want you to share in it’s rewards. I hope that my strong belief in the work will in some way inspire others. So that’s where I’m at. Where are you at? I’d really love to hear…..Isn’t it exciting to know that decade after decade you will be changing and growing in your teaching. I think it is, and as always, I wonder, what would Joe think?
Laurette Ryan
Balancepoint Pilates
Mar
7
Your Own Pilates Retreat
by Troy McCarty
So you would like a room to work on your pilates exercises and have some meditative space too. Super – but what next?
Try to make your Pilates room a soothing color. My personal Pilates room is lavender. It’s filled with natural sunlight. I keep this room as inviting and calm as possible. It’s a place where I go to communicate with my body. It’s a time where I do a bit of life editing and always walk out of filled with great energy.
What about music? I personally love music in the background when I work out, but remember to keep your focus. I listen to something that doesn’t have big tempo or style changes. In this fashion, the music doesn’t really set or disrupt my pace. You want your awareness to be on your body – the music should float in and out of your consciousness.
So the setting is right, but what exercises will you perform? My first suggestion is to schedule some private mat work with your favorite instructor. Ask them to audio tape it or at least give you a “cheat sheet.” This is someone who knows your body, how and when you cheat and what modifications need to be made to certain exercises to keep you safe and working hard. If that’s not a good option for you, go to www.balancedbody.com. They offer a great variety of DVD titles – start with a beginner video and see how it goes. Watch the video a few times before you try it – make sure you understand the exercises and even consider going slower than the video instructor to start – to make sure you’re focusing on your form.
What about equipment? Start with a comfortable mat. There are many great mats out on the market. I would recommend one that is not too cushy so you can feel your spine and pelvic placement. I like the four-fold mats sold by Balanced Body. They can be great for mimicking some reformer foot work and offer stability as well. I also keep a medium sized playground ball, a magic circle (ring), a 55 cm fit ball and a towel handy..
Now you’ve been doing your own mat work, attending your reformer classes and feeling like you need more. You are determined to make the big leap and purchase a reformer. First, let us set some ground rules. The reason you have had tremendous results (physically and mentally) from your reformer classes is because you have an expert guiding and watching your every move – spotting things in your movement and your body and communicating the information back to you. You don’t have to think about what to do next, you simply have to follow cues and do the work as instructed. I have seen many clients with incredible intentions purchase a reformer and then 8 months later admit it’s become a clothing rack. Unless you are planning to attend a comprehensive reformer certification class, apprentice in a studio and then teach for a while, you really shouldn’t be managing your own reformer workouts. In other words, if you feel you will benefit from practicing on your own reformer – terrific. But remember that this will not replace regular, bi-weekly instruction from a certified instructor. If you are still interested in a reformer, there are many good ones on the market, Peak and Balance Body are the two I like the most. I would purchase a wooden reformer. The wood is so sturdy and smooth – it is probably similar to what you’re working on in your studio. Just make sure to buy your reformer from a reputable company – this is about safety and yours shouldn’t be compromised. If you have children, keep your Pilates room locked once you add your reformer – again, think safety.
There are many teachers that will make house visits. It would be a good idea to hire a coach to periodically come in and watch you work at home. They can focus on what habits you’re practicing (good and bad) in your own environment.
I love my own little studio in my home. I normally teach about 8 hours a day, but make certain to squeeze a good hour in daily at my home studio. It’s my own little oasis. I have trees right out side of my window often frequented by many birds, and a pond just a ways back. Hearing my soft classical music, the birds chirping, and the water feature trickling into the pond – it’s almost an hour-long vacation each day!
Guest Contributor-Troy McCarty
About Troy-McCarty- the owner and director of White Cloud Studios encountered the world of Pilates while working as a professional dancer in New York City in 1988 and has been doing Pilates ever since.
Troy moved to Cleveland 1995 and opened Cleveland’s first Pilates Studio, the White Cloud Studio in Lakewood. Now with two to other studios in Chagrin Falls and Cleveland Heights, White Cloud has been changing bodies in Cleveland for 8 years. Troy McCarty’s White Cloud Studios were the first to introduce Pilates to the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Cavaliers and to the Cleveland San Jose Ballet. Because of his expertise, Troy McCarty is a regular fitness consultant to Channel 5 and appears frequently on other stations.