Pilates -The Path to a Profession

by Laurette Ryan

www.balancepointpilates.com

I feel that teaching the Pilates method whether contemporary or classical is a worthy and noble profession. I have been in many social settings, where, when asked what I did for work, felt I had to explain a whole lot, rather than just say-Pilates teacher. The reason I imagine is that most people outside of the fitness or mind body modalities (though even sometimes these people as well) will not understand or will supremely underestimate the work I do, every day.

I recently attended the teacher training summit held by the Pilates Method Alliance in Dallas, Texas. This summit was held to address the future path of the Pilates community as it pertained to “certification”. The speakers were very knowledgeable and clearly defined the options the Pilates community are facing. I was happy that the information was presented in a distinctly unbiased fashion. There were many representatives from all over the country and some international training programs present. Everyone was treated equally. Large mega-training companies and small studio based programs were all cordially listened to. I have heard , but not personally experienced that in the past the PMA was difficult to deal with. I am happy to report that I believe this is definitely a past issue and the PMA has worked hard to correct these perceptions. This PMA is focused on it’s members and the future of Pilates for teachers as well as the general public.

One theme I kept noticing was that the focus is truly on the future, working towards positive and beneficial outcomes and is not at all fear-based. In line with this, the new mission statement of the PMA is: “The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is the international, not-for-profit, professional association dedicated to the teachings of Joseph H. and Clara Pilates. Our mission is to foster community, integrity and respect for diversity; establish certification and continuing education standards; and promote the Pilates method of exercise.”

Our first speaker was James Henderson PHD, Executive Vice Pres.,CASTLE Worldwide, Inc., he is a Psychometrician for the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. He spoke to us on the definitions of, and pathways of credentialing, in a meaningful way, various professions. He really gave us a lot of information, which for many of us creative types, may have been a bit dry, but absolutely needed, so that we, as Pilates professionals, can really understand just where our profession stands today in 2009 and where it will likely go in the future and how we can help direct that.

Our second speaker, Carole Ostendorf, PhD, PT, spoke from her personal experience as the CEO of a Massage Therapy school and Executive Director of COMTA ( Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation). Ostendorf was an engaging speaker, who relayed to us some real and practical advice about the process of credentialing.

Both speakers were aptly chosen, and as stated previously, gave us their unbiased opinions and information.

After listening, we were given the opportunity to question the speakers. The Pilates Method Alliance as a group, then discussed the issues which face us at this juncture. We are at a place where we as a professional community can organize and police ourselves or the other option may be, we can wait, and let local and state governments in the U.S. provide us with guidelines and parameters. Personally I opt to be evaluated as a professional, by an organization that has a true understanding of what it is, that I actually do. For the most part and overwhelmingly there was a rather strong agreement on the proposals brought forth by the Pilates Method Alliance. The primary point being that, knowing the true meaning and value of the word “certification”. We would agree to take that particular term out of our description of what you would receive after completing Pilates teacher training. Instead, other terms such as, diploma, certificate, assessment-based certificate, *graduate would be used. The word certification would be reserved for the PMA Certification exam only. It appeared,from the informal vote, that we agreed to that and most companies will strive to be in compliance with this by July 1,2010.

By providing and directing student-teachers to a third party unbiased credential, we empower them in dealing with each other, the public and the state. This was a major point at this Summit. Also discussed was a registry of Teacher Training School to be listed with the PMA and the guidelines to be included in this registry, and the Fostering Future Professionals program for student-teachers enrolled in training programs.

I run a small teacher training program, I like it small, because we truly want to mentor our teachers. Everything the PMA offered for consideration would help and enhance what I offer. I feel it would improve the experience for teachers and offers the public a way to truly be discerning their experience of locating a Pilates teacher.

We don’t want to have to explain our profession to the public in order to receive the respect we think it is deserving of. When I teach Mat class it may look like I’m doing the same thing as your step aerobics instructor, but that could not be further from the truth. I say that, not to disrespect the group exercise instructor, because I’ve done that (group ex.) too, but because it’s plainly a fact. When I work with someone on the Cadillac or Reformer , it is not likely the same thing as your gym’s personal trainer is doing with his selection of equipment. ( I’ve been one of those too..) I want to be recognized as a Pilates professional. I want it to be understood as easily as other professions, occupational therapist, chiropractor, even plummer …nobody looks confused when somebody says they are employed in one of these professions… I want that level of understanding, that respect.

Giving potential and current teachers a clear-cut pathway to becoming a professional, through credentialing is an intelligent direction for the community to move in. Teachers have expressed concern that the PMA will become a monopoly-like entity, where you must join, and must take their exam and there will be no other alternatives. Having been involved in health and fitness for almost 30 years, I am not at all convinced of that. Besides Pilates, I have been involved and employed in the fields of Health & Wellness, Massage Therapy, Group Exercise and Personal Training, I know that the PMA may be the first third party credentialing for Pilates , but is likely, not the last.

The reality is the PMA is here and now, they are listening to their membership, the community and others. The foundations for creating a career road map exist. We can be an integral voice in the direction of Pilates as a profession. Pilates is at a critical point, Joseph Pilates is not here to personally mentor, train and guide his teaching progeny. We could let the group exercise , personal training world absorb us into their ranks or let local and state governments tell us what they think the Hundreds should look like, or we can be the masters of our own future. Reminiscing about they way it used to be is a beautiful pastime, but will not serve us in 2010 or beyond. I personally love the old stories, I want to be connected to that past, but I am also excited and hopeful for the future. A future which is full of positive possibilities, as demonstrated by what I hope is the first of many more Teacher Training Summits.

Laurette Ryan

The “Real” Benefits of Pilates

by Laurette Ryan

www.balancepointpilates.com

Pilates, as we’ve all seen numerous times, has a laundry list of benefits. They range from the physical to the emotional and mental and at times the spiritual. Pilates teachers will espouse the toned muscles -especially fantastic abs or six-pack you will get by doing pilates exercises. They will say you’ll be longer and leaner. You’ll be more mobile and flexible and strengthen your “core” . Teachers will tell you- you will improve neuro-muscular coordination, improve your concentration and reduce stress.

I am always rambling on to anyone who shows the least bit of interest in starting an exercise program all the amazing virtues of Pilates exercise, Joseph Pilates, Pilates history and the wonders of the fit & healthy lifestyle. At times, these slightly interested individuals seem to look at me with a face that says a. I’m sorry I brought it up, or b. how can I gracefully escape or c. wow, she is obsessed, the rumors are true!

However, personally, I am always impressed when I hear the benefits of training directly from my students. I know by heart the list of benefits, but when one of my students relates to me a story about how their exercise program has helped them in their daily lives, that’s when I feel fulfilled. Those stories spur me on,as a teacher, to keep preaching and teaching Pilates, health and fitness.

One of my favorite stories is about the ladies who went to Egypt,( they participate in one of my 50+ age groups). They came back from their amazing vacation and told me how excited they were, that they could swing their legs on up and get on a camel to ride of to a fancy dinner which was schedule for their tour group. Or the woman who went to China and had to use those restroom facilities which require you to straddle and squat , a feat she was sure would have been difficult, if not impossible, except for her dedication to attending our class. The gentleman who after attending Pilates for a year was able to kiss “The Blarney Stone”, he was a big guy and well over 6 feet tall. Real benefits here for middle-aged and older adults to help them to keep enjoying adventures in their lives.

I, also love to hear the stories, maybe less adventurous, but nonetheless priceless. The person who spent some time with her mother-in-law and had to keep lifting the relative’s wheel-chair in and out of her van. She was so thrilled to be able to do this and additionally to have no pain or soreness afterward.

The women who have bounced back with vigor after childbirth. The many individuals who have found recovery from accidents, surgeries and injuries to be not only completely possible , but easier .

Knowing the effects of their stories to inspire me, I asked one of my classes today to write down, what Pilates and exercise in general has done for them. Here are some of their responses.

“ Exercise helps alleviate the stiffness that comes with aging” and “able to do more gardening without the aches and pains. Feel good after class.”

Peggy writes “ am 8 mos. Post hip replacement, and starting this exercise class 2 mos .ago- definitely more flexible and strong. More importantly I feel empowered to restore wellness.”

Also- “recently, I stumbled and would have fallen, I’m sure, but was able to catch myself because of my “core” strengthened by regular exercise.”, Deanna.

I myself also have a real life story . Just last November, I returned home from the Pilates Method Alliance Convention very late at night. The next morning very early, I was half asleep wearing overly long fuzzy pajamas, I went to descend a stair case and on the top step…I went down….literally all the way down , one whole floor, on my back (luge style)- I was thrilled to not have broken any bones but was amazed that not only didn’t I have any bruises – I didn’t have any soreness, misalignments or discomfort of any kind! I have to attribute it to a flexible spine and strong core, all the result of regular Pilates practice.

So instead of a laundry list, here are some real life benefits. Keep moving – Do your Pilates today !

Laurette

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Pilates Certified?

By Laurette Ryan

www.balancepointpilates.com

Having been actively teaching in the movement,dance, fitness, mind-body world since I was 15 years old in 1977, my opinions on certifications have been changing & evolving for over 30 years. Yikes, that’s a little scary to admit and yet I feel that my longevity in the field should lend some support to my conclusions. The first time I heard of certification was in 1984, while teaching fitness classes for a small chain of womens’ fitness studios. They held their own “ certification” course, which actually wasn’t half bad. It took two full-time weeks (9-5 Daily) to complete and it did teach basic anatomy, nutrition and exercise theory.

Shortly after, I learned about “ National Certification”. My first one was with NDEITA. It was a weekend deal, kind of easy- I didn’t learn anymore than my first “ certification” but they claimed to have a “national” recognition. Next came AFAA and IDEA ( before ACE). I went with AFAA in 1985 and soon earned all of their “certifications”. In 1989 I took ACE -American Council on Exercise, Personal Trainer Certification. In the 90’s I did several AAAI certifications. In 1999 I took Physicalmind Certification. These are just my movement certifications.

Here’s what my experience has taught me, I learned something from every one of these. There was none I had wished I hadn’t taken. But with the exception of ACE, these programs,tests and exams may not have been actual “certifications”. ACE was granted accreditation by National Commission for Certifying Agencies in 2003. Now what I’ve learned over the years about a lot of other programs out there is this, some are educational, some are Certifications and some are Continuing Education.

Educational Programs teach you the foundational skills required. Certifications measure your knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge in the field. Continuing Education keeps the professional updated and improving their skills.

In our Pilates world the designation of certification has been incorrectly used to describe courses and programs more clearly belonging in the foundational or continuing educational categories. These courses and programs are still extremely valuable. Without these courses the teacher would not be able to pass the certification. Think of it like this, when you go to take your test to get a drivers license- it’s like your certification to be a driver… but taking a drivers ed course alone doesn’t allow you to legally drive. Even though you passed the Drivers Ed test- you still need to take your legal driving test. Additionally some drivers ed courses may be more thorough or better designed and turn out better drivers, and sometimes people are just better drivers no matter which courses they take, if any!

What about Pilates Certification? I, myself have provided a training course since 1999. I had been a Continuing Education Provider for Fitness Professionals since 1985 and found the choices of Pilates training programs, not to suit my area or taste in Pilates work . At one time we did call our training a certification. Having become more educated over the years, we opted last year to call our programs, Teacher Training and offer a Certificate of Completion or Achievement for our many programs.

We have watched the organization of The Pilates Method Alliance grow. We have watched as they developed an International Examination which measures Pilates knowledge. I believe this examination should be the standard. Then the public has a baseline at least to go by when choosing teachers. Honestly the public, the masses out there unfortunately do not know Mary Bowen from Mary Tyler Moore, which is sad for them.

We love our 1^st generation, we can still be trained in their lineages. We certainly never want the government to step in and require licensure. So we must police ourselves in an effective manner. The PMA requires those sitting for the examination to have certain requirements of training in the field. Joe Shmoe (sorry Joe) personal trainer cannot sit for this examination. I’m pleased in the direction the PMA has taken in these matters. My hope is that NCCA accreditation is next for the PMA exam. We are currently encouraging all our teachers to strive to pass this International Examination.

The PMA is holding an open meeting of all Teacher Training groups, small and large to discuss these matters in November 2009 , Dallas see the PMA website and get involved www.pilatesmethodalliance.org maybe I’ll see & meet you there !

Fondly, Laurette

Becoming a Pilates Teacher
by Laurette Ryan , Balancepoint Pilates
www.balancepointpilates.com

 My personal journey into the Pilates world starts in the dance studio many years ago. I was lucky to have a teacher who knew the Pilates exercises and used them as part of a proper warm-up. Even as a teen, I recognized the benefit of the training and continued to use them as my life progressed from dance-world to fitness-world through the 80’s and 90’s. At the time I had no idea there were teachers and instructors still teaching Joseph Pilates method, originally called “contrology” out there in the big world.
 I re-discovered the Pilates movement in 1999. I was already heavily involved in the fitness industry. I managed a major group Exercise Department at a large fitness facility, owned my own Exercise Studio, had a local cable fitness show and provide continuing education for fitness professionals. In 1999 something interesting happened, I was looking for something new to do, to keep my attention, when I happened upon a Jennifer Kreis video. I was in love with movement again. It resonated with me , it was so hard , yet so natural for me. I started a class and really didn’t care if I was the only one there. ( The beauty of being the one who creates the class schedule at a facility). This workout- worked! No other ab- routine had this quick effective result. I would know, in my 25 years of teaching , I’ve had 4 children !
 I found there were few training and /or certifying organizations at that time. Most teachers apprenticed under a master to learn the craft. I took a few “certifications” and then decided with my background in exercise science and dance as well as other movement modalities to create my own training program , so the teachers I would employ would share my view of Pilates ( and believe me -there are many diverse views on Pilates) . I also felt that the training program I taught would have to be one which could provide continuing education credits through a major fitness certification.
 Skipping ahead to today becoming a Pilates teacher has a more defined framework. This is a blessing as everyone does Pilates today and qualified teachers are important. Everyone can’t be taught by a master (original student of Joseph Pilates) so a relevant framework is necessary. These days a teacher goes through a comprehensive training program which should be designed to teach exercise science theory,the history of Pilates and his method, all apparatus and exercise repertoire, client screening and safety & liability. My feeling is all training programs should prepare the teacher to take the PMA Certification Exam. www.pilatesmethodalliance.org  The PMA test is great way for teachers to show they are qualified to the general public. I also feel the training doesn’t end there. Training to be a Pilates professional never, never ends.
 My personal opinion is also that training programs should focus on training professional teachers, not on the selling of Pilates products and equipment. In teaching teachers we should aim to create educated , intelligent , open minds  who are capable to choose the type of apparatus and props that help them best teach the work. Every time I have taken a seminar/workshop with a 1st generation teacher, I am always so inspired by how open to learning, exploring and growing they still are. My personal wish on my journey with Pilates work is that I end up just like that. Thank You Joe, Thank you, 1st generation!

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