Tag Archive for: BME

Mat Pilates or Equipment Pilates?

Have you ever wondered what is better- Mat Pilates or Equipment Pilates?  Or maybe you are curious about what the difference is between the mat work and the equipment work.  Keep reading and hopefully we’ll answer your questions!

First of all it’s important to realize that Pilates is a method of exercise and there are lots of different ways you can practice Pilates. The effectiveness of the Pilates work doesn’t necessarily come from having a particular piece of equipment to use, but really comes from HOW you do it. That being said, the Pilates equipment was to designed to help you learn the method more efficiently and to allow your body lots of different variations to do different movements.

What is Mat Pilates?
When we talk about Mat Pilates, we are talking about using the Pilates method to do exercises using only your own body as resistance.   Sometimes we use small props in the mat work such a a small ball, a theraband or a Pilates Magic Circle(a small ring that provides flexible resistance).   Joseph Pilates created a sequence of exercises that is often called the traditional Pilates Mat sequence. Since the method is highly adaptable to any body, there are lots of different variations of these exercises that can be incorporated into any workout. The mat work is especially nice when you are traveling or just don’t have access to any equipment.

What is  Pilates Equipment?


Joseph Pilates designed spring based equipment to support and advance the body while practicing the Pilates method of exercising. The movements that we do during mat work and while using the equipment are very similiar. The springs of the equipment are often referred to as extra muscles, or an extention of the body.  They allow the body to experience a movement that they maybe could not do otherwise. They help teach the body how to move properly so that it can repeat that movement in other situations.

What should I do?
I like to encourage our clients to do a mix of both mat work and equipment work.  During private sessions, your instructor will combine various mat and equipment exercises to create a workout program optimal for your body’s needs.  If clients are primarily taking group classes I really encourage them to take a mix of both mat and equipment classes.

What are the benefits of doing both?
Doing the Pilates Method in a variety of ways will create the optimal results in your body and allow you to continue to progress through the exercises.  The different pieces of equipment and mat work really work together to create change in your body.  For instance, there may be a particular movement or exercise that is challenging for you( for example: teaser on the reformer long box).  By practicing the mat variation of this exercise you will create the strength and balance to help you perfect it on the reformer.  Another great example is an exercise called the roll-up.  In the mat work we try to leave the legs anchored to the mat as we roll down through the spine to a lying position, and then roll back up to a starting position with the same control.   Doing this same exercise on the Pilates equipment called the Cadillac (holding on to a bar attached to springs), teaches your body this same movement and helps you build the strength to do the mat version, in a very supported way.

Is Mat or Equipment better? 
Both Mat and Equipment Pilates are great for your body and equally effective.   If you have the opportunity I suggest using a variety of both mat work and equipment work to help you strengthen, balance and align your body to receive optimal results!

Try it today!

Could you feel results after only 1 Pilates session?

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One of the most common questions I hear on a client’s second visit, goes something like this:

“I felt really great after our session. I felt taller and my posture was better. My ______________(fill in the blank with an achy body part like low back, shoulder, neck, foot, etc.) seems to be feeling better . . . could that really have been just from that one session?”
My simple answer: YES!

Here’s why:

The exercises you did in your first session were taught in a way unique to your body.  Your teacher took time to learn what was going on in your body at the beginning of your session by going through your health intake form and asking you questions about your movement time in your life.  After learning about you, your teacher taught a session that was designed to help your body stretch the muscles that were tight and strengthen the muscles that were weak or underdeveloped.  Doing these exercises tailored to your body resulted in your body practicing great alignment and had your body working in a really balanced way.  When you do this…your body appreciates it and you’ll know it because you actually feel better…even after just one session!! 

Wondering if that feeling better in your body after your first session will continue? It absolutely will!  Every time you practice Pilates you will be repeating this process of strengthening your underdeveloped muscles, stretching your tight muscles and bring your body closer and closer to your ideal, balanced alignment and posture! 

Like anything though…the more you practice Pilates the more you may take for granted how much it is helping you and not be so aware of it after each session.  Many of our clients comment to us that they forget how much their Pilates practice helps them feel better in their body until something happens in their life that they end up taking a few weeks off.  Clients comment that they can just feel a difference in their body, even after just a week or two.  Luckily, as soon as they get back to their movement time the “feel better” results come right back!

Ready to try an exercise method that gives you results every time you practice it?  Click here to read more about our complimentary first session or click here to set up a time for your first session!  

Wait….those people in that Pilates class look normal

Just last week I was chatting with a client during one of her introductory private sessions and we were talking about adding some more classes into her regular routine.  She mentioned that she was enjoying her beginner classes she had started doing and she thought she was ready to add in another time or two per week. She also mentioned how relieved she was to see that the people that were headed to a different class on our schedule that day were….well…normal.  I could tell that seeing a variety of ages and body shapes heading into class helped her realize that she too could do a class and not feel out of place! 

So many times in life I think the thing that stops us from doing something that might make a huge difference in our life and in how our body feels on a regular basis is our fear, our fear of worrying about what other people might think of us and our fear of not fitting in.   I know that my passion and “my why” in life have a lot to do with helping people realize how movement can be an amazing health tool in their life to live their best life.  I’ve also come to realize that the hardest part about sharing my passion with others is that for me to get to have the chance to share it with people I first have to convince them that their fears of not fitting in, not being strong enough, not being flexible enough, etc to start a movement practice are not really true!!    

If you are one of those people who really wants to add some movement time into your life but you are just plain scared that you might not fit in or you might not be able to do it..you are not alone!  Most of our clients feel that way when they get started!  But I have to tell you…it doesn’t take them very long to figure out that Rivercity Pilates is a place where everyone fits in. 

Let me help you out with rethinking some of those fears! 

  • I am too old…    nonsense!!   If you are wanting exercise and move at whatever age you are, doesn’t it make sense that there are others close to your age that feel the same way? 
  • I am too out of shape…..    I know you probably don’t believe me but I can promise you that our teachers are experts at giving you exercises that are within your abilities that can be done at a level you are comfortable at AND you will not feel out of place doing it! 
  • I’m not sure if I can do it because of …(fill in the blank with an ailment or injury)    Again….I know this might be hard to believe but our teachers not only know how to give you exercises that allow you to strengthen and move no matter what is going on….they do it all the time even in small group settings.  When you take small group classes at our studio you will see people in class doing lots of different variations on exercises because we know that not every body is the same.  You won’t feel out of place adjusting an exercise for your body because we insist that everyone does the exercise in a way that is beneficial for their body (and we of course will help you figure out what that way is!) 

Ready to get out of your own way and experience how movement can help you feel better in your body?  Schedule you complimentary session today!

 

 

 

What’s a good age to become a Pilates teacher?

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Are you  surprised to know that many of the people that take our Pilates teacher training programs are in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s?  There of course are absolutely no age “rules” about how old you should be to teach Pilates.  I would guess that the average age demographic that most people start to add Pilates into their life is usually between 40 – 60, so I think it’s pretty fabulous to be able to train teachers who are in this same age demographic.  If you’ve thought about the possibility of teaching Pilates but ruled it out because you thought you were too old…think again! 

  • One of the things that I believe makes a great Pilates teacher is being able to empathize and relate with your students and so many times this is easier when your students have similar life experiences.  If you are 55 and new to Pilates and exercise…would you rather learn from a 20 year old( who may be very knowledgable and a great teacher..)  or would you be more comfortable learning from a 60 year old who knows what it feels like to exercise and move in a body your age?  
  • Does the idea of having to take a training program intimidate you because you feel too old to “go back to school again”?  The Pilates teacher training program is a very hands on type of program and most participants find they actually enjoy the process of learning to teach Pilates no matter what their age.  Unlike the traditional school setting we grew up with this program can be very flexible to work around your schedule and the “training time” is often fun stuff like doing Pilates in your own body or teaching Pilates to others.  No matter your age you will actually find yourself enjoying “school time”! 
  •  The process of becoming a teacher includes keeping yourself healthy through your Pilates practice and learning how to use your experience to help others do the same!   What this means at any age is that becoming a Pilates teacher actually improves your physical and mental health!  (Who doesn’t want that?!) 

We believe that teaching movement is truly a way to change lives… both yours and the lives of your students!  Want to explore the possibility of becoming a Pilates teacher and sharing the power of a Pilates practice to change peoples lives for the better?  Contact us today and we’ll send you details about our teacher training programs so you can learn more!  

We’ll be starting a new training program session in early 2019!! 

How much should I weigh before becoming a Pilates teacher?

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Rivercity Pilates Teacher Trainees 2016

Have you ever wondered if you could be a Pilates teacher?  And if so …why haven’t you pursued it?  

The number 1 question I get from people as they are considering becoming a Pilates teacher is:  Am I physically ready to go through the program?   This may be code for, “Do I need to lose weight or be better at Pilates to become a Pilates teacher?”  There are absolutely no rules about where you need to be in your body and life when you start the teacher training program!! If you are waiting be at the “perfect weight and shape of your life”, it probably will not happen! 

The beautiful thing about our teacher training program is that you are required to have a Pilates practice in your own body.  You are required to log in many hours of personal practice, private lessons with professional Pilates teachers, and group classes.  It honestly doesn’t matter where you are starting in your own body and it doesn’t matter if you have some things going on in your body that affect your movements.  If you commit to going through the program, by the time you are done you will have a consistent Pilates practice in your life and you will learn the knowledge and skills you need to help others create a practice in their own life.

So much more important than your starting place of your own Pilates practice, is your willingness to commit to getting all the program hours completed.

Instead of worrying about their weight or body size, I encourage those contemplating Pilates teacher training to ask themselves these questions:

  • Do you enjoy doing Pilates?
  • Does the idea of creating a regular Pilates practice in your life excite you?
  • Are you willing to put the time in it takes to continue learning Pilates in your own body?
  • Do you enjoy teaching and inspiring others to improve their quality of life?
  • Do you like learning about how your body functions and moves?
  • Are you looking to do something that makes a difference in other people’s lives?

If you answered yes to many of these questions…then we should talk!! We would love to talk to you in more detail about our upcoming Pilates Mat Training program starting this September!!  Contact us today to set up a time to talk to Carey about how you could become a Pilates teacher!

How do I find the best Pilates teacher for me?

If you are new to Pilates, you may be a little overwhelmed when it comes to finding a Pilates instructor or maybe you didn’t even realize that it was important to make sure your instructor was qualified and a good fit for you!

When it comes to fitness many people think that a good trainer or instructor is simply someone who can push you to strengthen your body and do something you might not choose to do if left to yourself.

And yes, a good instructor will motivate you to do what you might not have thought you can do.  But more importantly, your instructor will teach you how to do it with the proper form and technique for your individual body so that you don’t get hurt and you get the maximum health results from your efforts!

There is a lot more to TEACHING movement and exercise than just calling out exercises.   A good instructor will be able to guide you through a movement while helping you adjust and fine tune your technique at the same time.  A good instructor will help you learn a movement in your own body and not just having you mimic what they are doing.

Whether you are taking a class at the local gym or a Pilates or Yoga studio- it is still important for you to research your instructor!

You may be surprised to know that many fitness centers and studios don’t require any sort of formal training or teaching experience for their Pilates teachers.

Often times it is assumed that if someone can teach a aerobics class or is a trained Yoga instructor that they are qualified to teach a Pilates class.  Many times these instructors have never even taken a Pilates class from a qualified instructor.   Often times these unqualified teachers have no Pilates teaching experience or training at all.

So what should I look for in an instructor?

1. Learn about where they did their training.  How many hours of training have they completed?  Was the training only mat work, or did it include equipment?  Were they trained to work with different populations, including those with injuries or special needs?

Most credible Pilates training programs start out with 100-150 hours of training, minimum for a basic Mat Instructor program.  To qualify to take the Pilates Method Alliance Professional Certifying Exam, instructors must have a minimum 450 hours of training on all Pilates apparatus and Pilates Mat work at all levels. Most fully trained instructors have 700 or more training hours logged in before they take their exam.

2.  Ask about their teaching experience.  How long have they been teaching?  Do they teach group classes only, private sessions or both?

3.  Ask to talk with them in person or maybe try out a class or session with them.  It’s important for you to feel comfortable with your instructor at all levels.  Not only do you want to make sure they are properly trained but you want to make sure you enjoy their teaching style.  Every teacher brings their own unique style to their teaching and it’s important to find an instructor that best fits you and your personality.

Want to learn more about how to find a Pilates instructor?  Go to http://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org and read more.    Founded in 2001, the Pilates Method Alliance is the professional association and certifying agency for Pilates teachers.  For the past decade, Pilates teachers from around the world have worked together to create a unified community, to share knowledge and information, and most importantly, to establish the practice of teaching Pilates as a profession.