Today's post comes courtesy of an email I received from an individual looking into certification programs. The question of course is.....Which certification you would look for in hiring a new Pilates instructor? What a loaded question.
Finding the right certification program can be tricky. Becoming a Pilates trainer is both costly and unbelievably time consuming. It's like going back to school all over again. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that just aren't cut out for it. Right off the bat I would cancel out any programs that claim you can be a Pilates trainer in a weekend because you just can't.
When I became a trainer this was going to be my full time job. I wasn't messing around. At this time, there were only two studios in Michigan and not many people knew what Pilates was. I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to be an apprentice and work along side other experienced trainers where I was able to co-teach and learn everyday in a hands on environment. I was there everyday taking classes, teaching, reading my manuals and doing my own self workouts. The studio prided itself on giving challenging and disciplined workouts but we could also cater to individuals that might have physical limitations. It took months but in the end I am so thankful for the experience and everything that I've learned. Eleven years later and a lot of hard work I'm proud to be able to own and run my very own studio.
In picking a training program I would go with something as close to an apprenticeship as possible. Getting feedback daily from someone experienced is key. Before committing to a program I would take classes from the trainer and make sure that you have a positive experience and enjoy the workout you are receiving. Try and see if the clients that come through the door are life long and committed. Make sure your trainer is professional and will make time for you during your training.
As far was which certification programs I would look for in hiring a trainer? I don't rely heavily on the merit of certification programs. I can't believe I just admitted that! Let me explain. I am partial to a classical approach but I have learned many great things from being exposed to other methods. Knowledge is power after all. I live in southeast Michigan and Stott is the most popular certification course in my neck of the woods. Over time I have gotten really tired of all the different methods out there claiming that my method is better than yours because of x, y and z and blah, blah, blah so I don't get involved in much of that. Some people like apples, others like oranges.
I think that great trainers are few and far between and you should cherish them when you find them. You need to have so much knowledge on the exercises and on anatomy of movement but you also have to be able to relate to your clients. Things I have seen other trainers do over the years just baffle me. Some have strayed so far from the method that you can't even call what they do Pilates. They show up late for their appointments (if at all), talk to much during their clients workout, don't have their workout game plan done before their clients come in... and the list can go on. After completing a certification program you will be dealing with not only many different body types but different personalities as well. You need to be both professional and nurturing towards people and this too will take time and experience to learn.
To discuss this topic click here.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What Makes Your Pilates Trainer Fantastic?
For today's blog, I would really appreciate the comments, feedback and viewpoints of all of you that read and enjoy this blog. I want to hear your opinion!
I always envisioned opening a Pilates Studio were clients not only received a great workout at a lower price but I also wanted a nurturing and inviting environment that felt like home. As the client base gradually grows it is nice to see the clients interacting and motivating each other.
There are some things at the studio that I just will never change. I will always be a Drill Sargent. Without that discipline and drive I would never have had the courage to start my own studio. Classes will always start on time and you really need to be on time (a huge pet peeve of mine). Lastly, I will always expect clients to work as hard as possible within their ability.
Having that said, I am always open to suggestions or comments from others. Feedback is good! I'm always looking to make a good thing even better. I keep my ears open when client talks. Recently, I have been thanked in ways that I just never really thought possible. A client made a comment that Pilates as helped change her lifestyle and one has commented about having increased self esteem. What better thanks is there than that?
So my question to all of you is........
What makes your Pilates Trainer fantastic?
I always envisioned opening a Pilates Studio were clients not only received a great workout at a lower price but I also wanted a nurturing and inviting environment that felt like home. As the client base gradually grows it is nice to see the clients interacting and motivating each other.
There are some things at the studio that I just will never change. I will always be a Drill Sargent. Without that discipline and drive I would never have had the courage to start my own studio. Classes will always start on time and you really need to be on time (a huge pet peeve of mine). Lastly, I will always expect clients to work as hard as possible within their ability.
Having that said, I am always open to suggestions or comments from others. Feedback is good! I'm always looking to make a good thing even better. I keep my ears open when client talks. Recently, I have been thanked in ways that I just never really thought possible. A client made a comment that Pilates as helped change her lifestyle and one has commented about having increased self esteem. What better thanks is there than that?
So my question to all of you is........
What makes your Pilates Trainer fantastic?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Pilates Exercise Focus: The Benefits of Exercising the Feet
Today's guest blog comes courtesy of Aliesa George, and Centerworks.
The Benefits of Exercising the Feet
The first Pilates exercises taught on the Reformer are for Footwork. And throughout a traditional Pilates workout, the feet are involved in every exercise. Sometimes pointed, sometimes flexed, and on many exercises moving between these two actions - to stretch, strengthen, and lengthen the calves, improve ankle mobility, and help improve balance. Nice that we’re laying on our backs for all this to begin so there are no worries about falling down while we’re finding our center, and strengthening our feet!
Just like every other aspect of Pilates training, focusing on your footwork will help improve every other exercise and skill you do! Our feet are a long ways away from our brain – and paying attention to what’s happening from our head to our toes can sometimes be a challenge. Every Pilates exercise that focuses specifically on healthy movement and stability at the feet is helping us get in better touch with our body and improving our posture and structural alignment from the ground up!
Did you know that Joseph Pilates even invented two small pieces of equipment specifically to help improve foot fitness? One is called the “Foot Corrector”, and the other is the “Toe Tensometer.” The good news, you don’t necessarily have to have these special Pilates foot-fitness toys to get the most from your Pilates training program or fitness workouts. By paying attention, and being consciously aware of correct alignment for your ankles, arches, and toes, and by doing all your exercises with the best form possible, you can get great results for healthy and happy feet! (And the rest of your whole body too!)
Joe Pilates developed lots of different exercises on the Reformer, Trapeze Table, and Chairs that allow you specific attention to your footwork. And Pilates Matwork is great to keep the pressure off your feet and still be exercising. But you’ll get even more great benefits out of every workout if you pay attention to, and know, exactly what your feet should be doing on every rep!
Why should we even care about our feet?
Well, we only have one pair! Foot replacement surgery doesn’t sound like a very fun option. (Not sure that it’s even available yet…) Our feet have to last a lifetime to help take us where we want to go. If we’re not carrying our body weight correctly on our feet – sooner or later a knee, hip, or back problem will result. (These additional joint injuries and pains can end up costing thousands of dollars in lost work time, foot pain, knee pain, back pain, medications, and surgeries!) And fixing a foot, knee, hip, or back issue with surgery may or may not solve the problem if the root of the issue is a muscular imbalance, or improper function at the feet!
Here’s the good news… All of this can be improved with your Pilates training and the right foot-care exercises! Aren’t you glad you do Pilates! Enjoy all that barefoot time you have during your Pilates workouts. Pay attention to when your feet are pointed or flexed, and do it well! Know that with each repetition of a Pilates footwork exercise you are helping to maintain your good health from the ground up!
Aliesa George is a Pilates teacher, workshop presenter, and the founder of Centerworks. She enjoys sharing her expertise with Pilates teachers and students to tweak Pilates exercise technique, and improve health and fitness. Discover more of her great Toe Tips and check out her helpful foot care products here.
The Benefits of Exercising the Feet
The first Pilates exercises taught on the Reformer are for Footwork. And throughout a traditional Pilates workout, the feet are involved in every exercise. Sometimes pointed, sometimes flexed, and on many exercises moving between these two actions - to stretch, strengthen, and lengthen the calves, improve ankle mobility, and help improve balance. Nice that we’re laying on our backs for all this to begin so there are no worries about falling down while we’re finding our center, and strengthening our feet!
Just like every other aspect of Pilates training, focusing on your footwork will help improve every other exercise and skill you do! Our feet are a long ways away from our brain – and paying attention to what’s happening from our head to our toes can sometimes be a challenge. Every Pilates exercise that focuses specifically on healthy movement and stability at the feet is helping us get in better touch with our body and improving our posture and structural alignment from the ground up!
Did you know that Joseph Pilates even invented two small pieces of equipment specifically to help improve foot fitness? One is called the “Foot Corrector”, and the other is the “Toe Tensometer.” The good news, you don’t necessarily have to have these special Pilates foot-fitness toys to get the most from your Pilates training program or fitness workouts. By paying attention, and being consciously aware of correct alignment for your ankles, arches, and toes, and by doing all your exercises with the best form possible, you can get great results for healthy and happy feet! (And the rest of your whole body too!)
Joe Pilates developed lots of different exercises on the Reformer, Trapeze Table, and Chairs that allow you specific attention to your footwork. And Pilates Matwork is great to keep the pressure off your feet and still be exercising. But you’ll get even more great benefits out of every workout if you pay attention to, and know, exactly what your feet should be doing on every rep!
Why should we even care about our feet?
Well, we only have one pair! Foot replacement surgery doesn’t sound like a very fun option. (Not sure that it’s even available yet…) Our feet have to last a lifetime to help take us where we want to go. If we’re not carrying our body weight correctly on our feet – sooner or later a knee, hip, or back problem will result. (These additional joint injuries and pains can end up costing thousands of dollars in lost work time, foot pain, knee pain, back pain, medications, and surgeries!) And fixing a foot, knee, hip, or back issue with surgery may or may not solve the problem if the root of the issue is a muscular imbalance, or improper function at the feet!
Here’s the good news… All of this can be improved with your Pilates training and the right foot-care exercises! Aren’t you glad you do Pilates! Enjoy all that barefoot time you have during your Pilates workouts. Pay attention to when your feet are pointed or flexed, and do it well! Know that with each repetition of a Pilates footwork exercise you are helping to maintain your good health from the ground up!
Aliesa George is a Pilates teacher, workshop presenter, and the founder of Centerworks. She enjoys sharing her expertise with Pilates teachers and students to tweak Pilates exercise technique, and improve health and fitness. Discover more of her great Toe Tips and check out her helpful foot care products here.
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