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Becoming a Pilates Teacher

admin — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:45:59 +0000

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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Mastering the Principles of the Pilates Workout

admin — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:42:59 +0000

Pilates is a workout and a philosophy. The history surrounding the work of Joseph Pilates is rich and inspiring. The pilates workout has basic principles which should guide each teacher and student through the work.

The first principle is Whole Body Movement. Though many think of Pilates as an AB or core body workout, it was truly designed to integrate the whole body . To strength and stretch the entire body is the ultimate goal. In his book, Joseph Pilates states that physical fitness is the first requisite of health and happiness. During Pilates exercises all muscles are active in some way, either as prime movers, assistors or stabilizers.

The next principle is Breathing. Every movement is facilitated by breath. The general rule is to exhale on flexion, inhale on extension and rotation. Joseph writes extensively on breathing, and the importance of breathing and fresh air for general health.

Muscle balance refers to an even conditioning of all muscles. We know that muscle imbalances create misalignment and can cause injury and disease. Pilates stresses a balanced ,even development of all muscles.

Concentration and Control are principles of conscious control of the body, mastery of movement, a mindful approach to exercise. Our brains and nervous systems control the movements of our muscles. Being mentally engaged during exercise produces far greater results.

The Centering of the body is an interesting concept. When one centers the body they are effectively distributing body weight in order to create efficient or economical movement. To center while standing imagine an imaginary line from the crown of the head through the center of the body to the heels. The weight is even in the feet, legs under the hips, pelvis neutral, (hips/asis in line with the pubic bone in the frontal plane) the ribs stacked over the pelvis , head is right over torso, ears in line with the shoulders in the side view. When we are centered moving from this point happens with ease.

Precision as a principle refers to moving with determined accuracy. To move your body in a specific way , stabilizing all other unnecessary movement. There are no sloppy or lazy movements in Pilates.

Rhythm is the principle of creating flowing natural movement. Each exercise has a rhythm and by mastering the other principles of Muscle balance, concentration , control, centering, precision, breathing and whole body movement you will achieve rhythm.

All principles are intertwined and equally important in your practice of Pilates training. You can always just copy and mimic the classic Pilates exercise repertoire by ignoring these principles, but if you desire the wonderful and amazing results of Pilates training mastering the principles just detailed are a must!

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Pilates Reformer Workout – Exercise: Footwork

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:59:06 +0000

The Reformer is the most popular choice on Pilates equipment. On this workout video you can see the Footwork exercise being performed on it.

Duration : 0:1:15

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Pilates Booty Blaster & Butt Workout – Exercisetv.tv

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:21:03 +0000

A basic mat Pilates formula that targets abs and lower body. Also, For more Exercise TV Workout Videos and Products, go to http://bit.ly/9quCuI.

Duration : 0:3:1

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Pilates Ball Exercises : Pilates Ball Exercise: Crunches

admin — Sat, 22 May 2010 13:21:06 +0000

Achieve better ab results with a stability ball basic crunch. Learn how to do basic crunches in this free exercise video about Pilates ball workouts.

Expert: Jeri Ryan
Bio: Jeri Ryan is the owner of Pilates Pure N Simple. She was certified as a Pilates instructor through Core Conditioning Physical Therapy in Studio City, California.
Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Duration : 0:1:40

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Pilates Ball Exercises : Pilates Ball Exercise: Side Leg Lift

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:55:05 +0000

Bringing the stability ball between your ankles, learn how to do side leg lifts in this free exercise video about Pilates ball workouts.

Duration : 0:1:13

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Pilates Reformer Workout – Exercises: The Teaser and the pulling straps series

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:38:14 +0000

Using the Box with the hand straps you can perform many Exercises in the pilates reformer, like the Teaser and the pulling straps series which you will see on this workout video.

Duration : 0:1:57

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Pilates Free Weight Arm Exercises : Pilates Free Weight Exercise: Straight Arms

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:31:20 +0000

Keeping your arms straight, move weights up and down in front of you. Learn how to do this exercise with free weights in this fitness video from a Pilates instructor.

Duration : 0:1:26

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Pilates Free Weight Arm Exercises : About Pilates Free Weight Workouts

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:31:17 +0000

Joseph Pilates developed a free weight workout to tone and strengthen muscles without adding bulk. Learn more about Pilates exercise routines with weights in this free video clip.

Duration : 0:1:14

Technorati Tags: arm exercises, free weight exercises, free weight workout, pilates exercises, pilates workout

Pilates Reformer Workout – Exercises: The Frog and Leg circles

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:30:34 +0000

Working out on the pilates reformer using the Leg straps. On this workout video we have two exercises: The Frog and leg circles.

Duration : 0:1:9

Technorati Tags: Frog, Leg circles, Leg straps, Pilates, pilates exercises, pilates reformer, pilates video, pilates workout, Reformer exercises, xtend equipment, xtend pilates, Xtendequipment, Xtendpilates