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How to Find the Best Pilates Instructor in Town

admin — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 14:29:40 +0000

The Pilates Method of body conditioning, which strengthens both the body and mind, has been around since the 1920s, but in just the past couple of years, interest in the method has grown by leaps and bounds. As a result, so have the number of instructors. But according to Kevin Bowen, co-founder of the Miami, Fla., based Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), the national not-for-profit trade association of Pilates professionals, not all of them are qualified to teach Pilates.

The Pilates Method is safely taught only by teachers comprehensively trained in the Pilates Method and the use of Pilates equipment, both of which differ significantly from other exercise systems, says Bowen.

Developed in the 1920s by German-born Joseph and Clara Pilates, the Pilates Method is an exercise system that focuses on precise, controlled movements and breathing, using a special spring-driven apparatus. Pilates training improves strength, balance, posture, and flexibility. It also helps to achieve elongation of muscles. Among the first to use the Pilates Method were dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine. Today, many athletes use it as well. They include basketball star Jason Kidd and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.

To help you choose the safest Pilates alternative, the Pilates Method Alliance recommends the following guidelines for evaluation of Pilates instructors:

* Make sure the Pilates studio, gym or health club you choose has at least one comprehensively trained Pilates teacher on staff at all times when the facility is open for business.

* If you choose a studio with Pilates equipment for private lessons, you should receive a comprehensive physical assessment and initial training session prior to beginning the Pilates program. The assessment should include your personal fitness goals and medical history, including injuries, plus a clear, measurable assessment of your muscular strengths, weaknesses and imbalances.

* If you choose a group class with Pilates equipment, the PMA recommends there be no more than six participants per comprehensively trained instructor. Participants should receive physical assessments first, as above, and constant supervision while using equipment. Drop-ins should be prohibited without appropriate screening.

* For Pilates mat classes, the PMA recommends that no more than 10 to 12 participants are assigned to one comprehensively trained teacher. Classes should be defined with appropriate levels for the clientele and should include mandatory pre-screening for health related issues, as above.

The PMA also recommends that all programs teaching the Pilates Method of exercise provide the following information to clients:

* The names and various parts of the Pilates apparatus.

* The names of each Pilates exercise.

* The appropriate sequencing of the exercises, repetitions, and use of resistance.

* The appropriate set-up of the Pilates apparatus for each exercise, including all possible safety issues.

* Proper spotting and verbal cuing techniques for each exercise.

* The components of each exercise.

* The objectives of each exercise.

* The design of the clients specific program. Why a particular apparatus is used for a particular exercise.

* How to effectively modify, break down and/or adapt an exercise for your personal Pilates regimen.

The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is the international, not-for-profit professional association dedicated to the teachings of Joseph H. and Clara Pilates. The PMAs mission is to protect the public by establishing certification and continuing education standards for Pilates professionals.

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Contact www.pilatesmethodalliance.org to find a trained Pilates teacher in your area.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Written By: ARA

The Power of Pilates

admin — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 12:20:54 +0000

Happy Birthday Zanya

An estimated 6 million people across the country are now strengthening their bodies and minds, and losing weight, with the help of pilates exercises, the fastest growing fitness trend in decades. Among the Hollywood celebrities publicly touting its benefits, Goldie Hawn, Candace Bergen, Brad Pitt, Ben Afleck and Matthew Broderick.

Thanks to the Methods popularity, a growing industry has emerged. More than 11 thousand people in the U.S. now claim to be pilates instructors, but according to the Pilates Method Alliance, (PMA), the international, notforprofit, professional association that establishes certification and continuing education standards for Pilates professionals, at least 25 percent of them have not been properly trained.

If you are working with an instructor who doesnt have adequate training, you run an incredible risk of getting hurt, says Kevin Bowen, co-founder of the PMA. Pilates isnt something you just start doing one day. You have to make sure you have an instructor who understands the Method and how to make the exercises work for you.

If done correctly, pilates exercises strengthen, tone and stretch the body, encourage proper breathing and facilitate good posture. Here are 10 important questions you should ask an instructor before signing up for their class:

1 What kind of training did you go through and where?

2 How much time was spent in your original training?

3 How long have you been teaching?

4 Did you only learn the mat work or was your program comprehensive in nature, teaching you pilates exercises on the pilates equipment? 5 Do you understand the body, have basic knowledge of kinesiology and understand fundamental biomechanics?

6 Do you understand the aging process?

7 Do you pay close attention to safety and guidelines?

8 Does the facility where you teach practice safety standards for group classes?

9 Do you have a commitment to continuing education?

10 Are you affiliated with a professional organization like the Pilates Method Alliance?

For help finding a pilates studio or instructor in your area, who is likely to answer these questions to your satisfaction, log onto the Pilates Method Alliance Web site at www.pilatesmethodalliance.org. Click on the link on the left hand side that says Finding a Teacher. That will take you to a page with a link to a searchable database.

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Courtesy of ARA Content

Written By: ARA

Choosing the Right Pilates Class

admin — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:20:07 +0000

Every Pilates studio, health club, spa and fitness facility has its own training classes and programs. If you have a limited budget, it is a good idea to join a group class. This is a great, relatively economical place for beginners to start, and have fun. Using standing, sitting and recumbent positions, the instructor guides students through the various stretches and movements.

Ideally, group mat Pilates classes have a manageable student-teacher ratio, not more than fifteen students per teacher, so the instructor can monitor each individual’s form and progress. Separate classes are held for beginner, intermediate and advanced students.

With the coming of smaller, less-costly equipment Allegro, more and more fitness clubs are adding group Reformer classes to their program. Ideally each participant has some experience on a Reformer prior to joining a group class.

Students work through a sequence of Reformer choreography at the appropriate level in unison, with the Pilates instructor monitoring for safe and proper form.

The most effective way to learn, practice and perfect Pilates performance is to go for a personal training session, in which the instructor devotes undivided attention to a student’s specific needs. These sessions usually begin with a warm-up on the mat, but a variety of Pilates equipment can be explored as well.

Club and studios have Pilates classes themed around specific props like the balance ball, resistance band or the Pilates circle/ring. A small prop can add variety and a challenge to a group mat class, and expands the programming possibilities for a facility.

Some clubs and studios offer Pilates classes designed for those who golf, play tennis, or swim in the summer, while programs for skaters and skiers are popular in the winter.

Studio and clubs are also offering a blend of Yoga and Pilates as “Yogalates” or “Piloga”. Similarly, cycling and Pilates are being blended for a unique hybrid “Cyclates” program.

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Pilates Info provides detailed information about Pilates exercises, equipment, videos, classes, studios, certification, and more. Pilates Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Written By: Richard Romando