Friday, June 26, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Mix up the Mat
Recently, I have noticed that there has been an increase in mat class attendance at the studio. It has been a wonderful and pleasant surprise. Being a Pilates studio in southeast Michigan with a failing automotive industry can be a little unsettling. Luckily, I do have a very dedicated client base and being the sole owner and teacher at the studio, I have the ability to offer classes in sessions at an extreme discount.
With several clients opting for mat classes, it is important that the classes always remain challenging and interesting without sacrificing the method. Those of us who have been trained properly are aware that the exercise progress in a certain order. When we have clients that come in several times a week are we concerned that they will get bored? Do we then stray away from the list in order to make the class interesting? Do we add Yogalates to the schedule? Nope!
Using a small apparatus in class adds a whole new element and challenges muscles in new and exciting ways. Magic circles are a great way to add a little extra resistance. Light weights can be used for the rowing series. Thera-bands are great to use for upper body work and stretching. The dreaded thera-ball is great for balancing.....as is the foam roller. These subtle and easy additions keep the muscles working differently and keeps the clients working hard without losing the integrity of the method.
I don't believe anything that has proven to work for over 100 years needs to be changed. Do you?
With several clients opting for mat classes, it is important that the classes always remain challenging and interesting without sacrificing the method. Those of us who have been trained properly are aware that the exercise progress in a certain order. When we have clients that come in several times a week are we concerned that they will get bored? Do we then stray away from the list in order to make the class interesting? Do we add Yogalates to the schedule? Nope!
Using a small apparatus in class adds a whole new element and challenges muscles in new and exciting ways. Magic circles are a great way to add a little extra resistance. Light weights can be used for the rowing series. Thera-bands are great to use for upper body work and stretching. The dreaded thera-ball is great for balancing.....as is the foam roller. These subtle and easy additions keep the muscles working differently and keeps the clients working hard without losing the integrity of the method.
I don't believe anything that has proven to work for over 100 years needs to be changed. Do you?
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