Pilates provides a framework for function, fitness and sports. Recognizing basic biomechanical principles such as neutral pelvis, core engagement, and scapular stability allows us to train our bodies in good alignment and transfer these skills into athletic pursuits or daily living tasks. In addition considerations such as control, awareness, balance, and efficiency enhance the mind-body connection. As is true in many situations, one size does not necessarily fit all consumers. This is certainly true of the Pilates repertoire as those with extensive flexibility may need to emphasize exercises that promote core stability whereas those more muscle-bound may need to select exercises that enhance joint mobility. The key to the positive effects of Pilates lies in its principles, not its exercises and equipment.
Another truth to Pilates is you will never find two Pilates teachers who teach exactly alike, even if they learned from the same instructor trainer. The original classical method was passed down by Pilate's protege Romana Kryzanowska. I have had the privilege of learning from a couple of classically trained instructors who were taught with a decisively clear ideology from Romana herself. The classes are highly programmed, strict in adherence to the classical technique, and follow the Pilate's exercise sequence religiously. The instructors are articulate, possess a commanding tone in voice, and can quickly change the tempo, flow, or intensity of an exercise just by their voice modulation. The Pilates experience depends significantly on the experience and ability of the teacher to convey both the effort and release available in each exercise. In addition, I have also learned from Romana trained instructors who have progressed beyond their original classical training for more current methods in their quest to answer the "why" questions in the Pilates method. Being able to answer the "why" in each exercise is personally important to me whether the exercise relates to the mat , reformer, cadillac, or chair. The "why" is also especially important to my preferred Pilates training program, Power Pilates, which is "why" I rely on them to assist in my ongoing Pilates education and training.
Howard Sichel , a doctor of chiropractic medicine, discovered the profound benefits of the Pilates method more than twenty years ago. He founded Power Pilates in 1989. He has authored numerous articles on health and core strength as well as his specialty of applied Kinesiology. Bob Liekens, the Director of Power Pilates studied from Romana Kryzanowska and began teaching its method in 1986. The mission of Power Pilates is to promote a classical systematic integrative approach to Pilates training. The Power Pilates program is a workout that honors the integrity of the method of Joseph H. Pilates. I appreciate the lineage of the Power Pilates program and the framework they provide to make teaching the method simpler for the instructor and clearer and easier for the client to progress.
One thing that has evolved in Pilates is the ability to question why certain techniques were emphasized and why these same techniques may need to be re-evaluated. For instance, many classically trained instructors were taught to encourage a "V" position of the feet. Some classically trained instructors continue to adhere to this strict foot position today, however, biomechanically to balance musculature it is important to change and challenge the leg position based on the needs of the client (s). History reveals that Joseph Pilates himself was never a fan of the "turn-out" or how his method was interpreted by dancers. Joe was a German athletic trainer--not a dancer--but he did work with many dancers to assist them in injury recovery. Joe emphasized a "military stance" and often parallel feet. When first learning the method and to focus on the glute activation a subtle turn-out was encouraged but over time the optimal goal was for individuals to connect the front and back portion of their core in a foot parallel position. On the reformer, the footwork series is varied to assist with the balance of musculature but also due to Pilates' study of reflexology and pressure points on the feet.
I frequently field questions from clients regarding the positioning of certain exercises and the fact that a different instructor might have changed an exercise during the course of a group mat class. Today a client had attended a class where the instructor encouraged participants to do The Hundred with palms up for 5 counts and palms down for 5 counts. There will always be nuances between instructors and their trainings. It is typically helpful for the serious Pilates student to know a bit of the background of their trainer. There are plenty of Pilates programs that issue a "certificate" after a 1-day course then there are those that require extensive education, apprenticeship hours, mentorship, and ongoing continuing education. I appreciate the Power Pilates program because it is intense, demanding, and supports the Pilates system with ongoing research. There are plenty of innovators within Power Pilates. By all accounts, Joseph Pilates was a brilliant innovator creating equipment to rehabilitate war veterans from bed springs and metal pipes. His ingenuity enabled him to develop a solid program for core training. The general philosophy of Power Pilates and from individuals who knew Joe himself is that Joe would appreciate adaptations to his methods that improve efficacy and client results.
The pursuit of awareness is endless which is what makes Pilates so interesting, intriguing, and rewarding. Next week I have the privilege of ongoing education in Chicago from two physical therapists and Power Pilates Instructors at their studio/clinic, Body Evolve. This is a 1 day workshop to provide Pilates teachers with methods to incorporate a basic piece of equipment called the ARC into mat classes as well as 1:1 training sessions. Shaped like a half-barrel there are countless ways to challenge the core, strengthen the body, stretch, and improve balance. A 1-day course will not make me a premier ARC instructor, but the six hours will give me tools and principles to provide clients with other creative methods to challenge their body. Utilizing sound principles of biomechanics gives trainers the freedom to create and tweak new and old methods. Joe Pilates' intention for Contrology (Pilates) was that it should positively affect every aspect of a person's life bringing ease and enjoyment to all daily activities. I hope your Pilates experience yields these profound results.
Another truth to Pilates is you will never find two Pilates teachers who teach exactly alike, even if they learned from the same instructor trainer. The original classical method was passed down by Pilate's protege Romana Kryzanowska. I have had the privilege of learning from a couple of classically trained instructors who were taught with a decisively clear ideology from Romana herself. The classes are highly programmed, strict in adherence to the classical technique, and follow the Pilate's exercise sequence religiously. The instructors are articulate, possess a commanding tone in voice, and can quickly change the tempo, flow, or intensity of an exercise just by their voice modulation. The Pilates experience depends significantly on the experience and ability of the teacher to convey both the effort and release available in each exercise. In addition, I have also learned from Romana trained instructors who have progressed beyond their original classical training for more current methods in their quest to answer the "why" questions in the Pilates method. Being able to answer the "why" in each exercise is personally important to me whether the exercise relates to the mat , reformer, cadillac, or chair. The "why" is also especially important to my preferred Pilates training program, Power Pilates, which is "why" I rely on them to assist in my ongoing Pilates education and training.
Howard Sichel , a doctor of chiropractic medicine, discovered the profound benefits of the Pilates method more than twenty years ago. He founded Power Pilates in 1989. He has authored numerous articles on health and core strength as well as his specialty of applied Kinesiology. Bob Liekens, the Director of Power Pilates studied from Romana Kryzanowska and began teaching its method in 1986. The mission of Power Pilates is to promote a classical systematic integrative approach to Pilates training. The Power Pilates program is a workout that honors the integrity of the method of Joseph H. Pilates. I appreciate the lineage of the Power Pilates program and the framework they provide to make teaching the method simpler for the instructor and clearer and easier for the client to progress.
One thing that has evolved in Pilates is the ability to question why certain techniques were emphasized and why these same techniques may need to be re-evaluated. For instance, many classically trained instructors were taught to encourage a "V" position of the feet. Some classically trained instructors continue to adhere to this strict foot position today, however, biomechanically to balance musculature it is important to change and challenge the leg position based on the needs of the client (s). History reveals that Joseph Pilates himself was never a fan of the "turn-out" or how his method was interpreted by dancers. Joe was a German athletic trainer--not a dancer--but he did work with many dancers to assist them in injury recovery. Joe emphasized a "military stance" and often parallel feet. When first learning the method and to focus on the glute activation a subtle turn-out was encouraged but over time the optimal goal was for individuals to connect the front and back portion of their core in a foot parallel position. On the reformer, the footwork series is varied to assist with the balance of musculature but also due to Pilates' study of reflexology and pressure points on the feet.
I frequently field questions from clients regarding the positioning of certain exercises and the fact that a different instructor might have changed an exercise during the course of a group mat class. Today a client had attended a class where the instructor encouraged participants to do The Hundred with palms up for 5 counts and palms down for 5 counts. There will always be nuances between instructors and their trainings. It is typically helpful for the serious Pilates student to know a bit of the background of their trainer. There are plenty of Pilates programs that issue a "certificate" after a 1-day course then there are those that require extensive education, apprenticeship hours, mentorship, and ongoing continuing education. I appreciate the Power Pilates program because it is intense, demanding, and supports the Pilates system with ongoing research. There are plenty of innovators within Power Pilates. By all accounts, Joseph Pilates was a brilliant innovator creating equipment to rehabilitate war veterans from bed springs and metal pipes. His ingenuity enabled him to develop a solid program for core training. The general philosophy of Power Pilates and from individuals who knew Joe himself is that Joe would appreciate adaptations to his methods that improve efficacy and client results.
The pursuit of awareness is endless which is what makes Pilates so interesting, intriguing, and rewarding. Next week I have the privilege of ongoing education in Chicago from two physical therapists and Power Pilates Instructors at their studio/clinic, Body Evolve. This is a 1 day workshop to provide Pilates teachers with methods to incorporate a basic piece of equipment called the ARC into mat classes as well as 1:1 training sessions. Shaped like a half-barrel there are countless ways to challenge the core, strengthen the body, stretch, and improve balance. A 1-day course will not make me a premier ARC instructor, but the six hours will give me tools and principles to provide clients with other creative methods to challenge their body. Utilizing sound principles of biomechanics gives trainers the freedom to create and tweak new and old methods. Joe Pilates' intention for Contrology (Pilates) was that it should positively affect every aspect of a person's life bringing ease and enjoyment to all daily activities. I hope your Pilates experience yields these profound results.
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