The positive response to Pilates at the Y as well as at Hometraining, LLC always motivates me to pursue further education. As is true with most interests and professions, the more you know the more there is to know. Pilates on Tour, sponsored by Balanced Body provides intensive trainings with instuctors from diverse backgrounds including Doctorates of Physical Therapists, conditioning specialists with professional sports teams, Doctors of Chiropractics, and Master's of Biomechanics. Many of the instructor trainers have devoted decades to the Pilates Method and work to utilize current research to optimize results whether doing mat work, reformer, cadillac or other apparatus. I am eagerly anticipating this year's workshop July 7-11 in Chicago.
The primary challenge is selecting which workshops to attend as multiple subjects are offered each day at the same time. Topics include, Pilates for Serious Spinal Diagnosis taught by Pilates instuctors and Physical Therapists Arlene Bass and Sharon Gawin. Together they explain spinal steonosis, herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal fusion, and spondylithesis as well as the most effective and appropriate Pilates based exercises for each condition. At the same time, Shoulder Mechanics, Alignment and Pilates program Design is offered by Kinesiology professor, Karen Clippenger from California State University; Turn with Ease Mat and Reformer Sequences for Rotation by Pilates worldwide presenter Elizabeth Larkham; or Tom McCook, trainer for Olympic gold medal swimmers Natalie Coughlin, Jenny Thompson and Misty Hyman. McCook presents Creating a Balanced Pilates Studio Session learning release work, Franklin Method, resistance stretches and Pilates movement principles. How do you choose just one? The entire conference presents with registration challenges as the above examples are from one day only. Instructors and topics are pertinent and practical to all the clients I work with on a regular basis.
Overall, my goal is to attend a balance of classes to provide variety to my group mat classes but also careful instruction to the invidual with history of back surgery, hip replacement, or neck injury. Sometimes the classes geared toward a clinical disorder initially appear less interesting than a class that features a variety of props and circuit style training however understanding disorders of the spine and being able to teach the individual with a history of injury significantly improves my teaching style as well for the healthy clientele. If trainers and Pilates instructors understand the mechanics which contribute to dysfunction and can assist in the strengthening and function of individuals with complex medical histories then they are more adept at appropriately challenging the healthy population as well.
That being said, I will select a variety of classes. Balances Body offers numerous Reformer trainings which, based on the fantastic response of my Home Training clients I look forward to pursing. It is also a shopping opportunity and a time to expand my own studio--likely adding a "tower" to my Allegro reformer and perhaps the Pilates "Chair"--not the laz-y-boy!
A client recently asked me to describe my own professional backgound. It has been a gradual process from teaching exercise classes in college, participating in programs at Kaz gym (Bill Kazmeier's gym in Auburn, AL), obtaining my AFAA aerobic certification, Master's of Health Science from UF, Personal Trainer certificate from the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), then about 7 years ago beginning my Pilates training through Stott and Power Pilates as I taught classes for a variety of out-patient orthopedic clients while working as an occupational therapist. Like a lot of the biographies I read from the Pilates on Tour presenters my appreciation for how the human body moves, its function as well as dysfunction continues to inspire my ongoing education. The best way for an instructor to progress is to remove themselves from the studio setting and become a student. The human body will always intrigue me. This interest motivates me to expand my knowledge and to surround myself with with experts in the field. It is a privilege to share their knowledge and skills with my clients. Like my kids, I can't wait for summer vacation! Thank you for reading.
The primary challenge is selecting which workshops to attend as multiple subjects are offered each day at the same time. Topics include, Pilates for Serious Spinal Diagnosis taught by Pilates instuctors and Physical Therapists Arlene Bass and Sharon Gawin. Together they explain spinal steonosis, herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal fusion, and spondylithesis as well as the most effective and appropriate Pilates based exercises for each condition. At the same time, Shoulder Mechanics, Alignment and Pilates program Design is offered by Kinesiology professor, Karen Clippenger from California State University; Turn with Ease Mat and Reformer Sequences for Rotation by Pilates worldwide presenter Elizabeth Larkham; or Tom McCook, trainer for Olympic gold medal swimmers Natalie Coughlin, Jenny Thompson and Misty Hyman. McCook presents Creating a Balanced Pilates Studio Session learning release work, Franklin Method, resistance stretches and Pilates movement principles. How do you choose just one? The entire conference presents with registration challenges as the above examples are from one day only. Instructors and topics are pertinent and practical to all the clients I work with on a regular basis.
Overall, my goal is to attend a balance of classes to provide variety to my group mat classes but also careful instruction to the invidual with history of back surgery, hip replacement, or neck injury. Sometimes the classes geared toward a clinical disorder initially appear less interesting than a class that features a variety of props and circuit style training however understanding disorders of the spine and being able to teach the individual with a history of injury significantly improves my teaching style as well for the healthy clientele. If trainers and Pilates instructors understand the mechanics which contribute to dysfunction and can assist in the strengthening and function of individuals with complex medical histories then they are more adept at appropriately challenging the healthy population as well.
That being said, I will select a variety of classes. Balances Body offers numerous Reformer trainings which, based on the fantastic response of my Home Training clients I look forward to pursing. It is also a shopping opportunity and a time to expand my own studio--likely adding a "tower" to my Allegro reformer and perhaps the Pilates "Chair"--not the laz-y-boy!
A client recently asked me to describe my own professional backgound. It has been a gradual process from teaching exercise classes in college, participating in programs at Kaz gym (Bill Kazmeier's gym in Auburn, AL), obtaining my AFAA aerobic certification, Master's of Health Science from UF, Personal Trainer certificate from the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), then about 7 years ago beginning my Pilates training through Stott and Power Pilates as I taught classes for a variety of out-patient orthopedic clients while working as an occupational therapist. Like a lot of the biographies I read from the Pilates on Tour presenters my appreciation for how the human body moves, its function as well as dysfunction continues to inspire my ongoing education. The best way for an instructor to progress is to remove themselves from the studio setting and become a student. The human body will always intrigue me. This interest motivates me to expand my knowledge and to surround myself with with experts in the field. It is a privilege to share their knowledge and skills with my clients. Like my kids, I can't wait for summer vacation! Thank you for reading.
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