The Method Pilates ? The Importance of Education for Pilates ...

When I first discovered Pilates in the late 1990?s at a dance studio in London, I was introduced to the classical method and immediately fell in love. My posture improved, I became stronger and noticed a difference in everyday life. Little aches and pains gradually diminished and I found myself looking at myself and my body in a different way. I became intrigued by this method and how exercises which may look simple from the outsiders perspective, when done correctly, are strong and powerful and able to change bodies.

Fast forward to 2004, and I found myself in the United States! I joined a gym and tried to find somewhere that I could take some mat work classes. Easier said than done. It became apparent to me that much of what was being taught in gyms and fitness centers was a far cry from what I had learned from my past instructors. No corrections, very little reference to how to correctly engage the core and on proper alignment.

I began my training to become certified in mat work and Standing Pilates through the PhysicalMind Institute in 2010. I was determined to continually improve my knowledge and teaching ability ? not only for my benefit, but for the benefit of my students who pay good money to learn Pilates. Many of my students are seniors and I continue to educate myself about working with this population and addressing their needs on issues such as osteoporosis and arthritis.

Any internet search on how to become a Pilates Instructor will yield a wide variety of results. Quality programs, such as those offered by the PhysicalMind Institute are interspersed with those offered online and via home study. I believe that there is a place for home study and online study but I firmly believe that nothing can compare with the invaluable learning experience given by working professionals at a studio. I am very glad that whilst PhysicalMind Institute offers online study programs, there is also a studio portion.

Just because you may feel like your personal practice is very good, does not mean that you can teach someone else. For me it was invaluable to practice teach with others, to look closely at other bodies and to be able to get that invaluable hands on experience whilst learning.

For example, in my own practice, dealing with a senior population, I need to know contraindications for those who may have osteoporosis. I need to have been properly educated to know that an exercises such as rolling like a ball, open leg rocker, jack-knife, boomerang and seal to name a few are all unsuitable for this client. Sure, I could find this information out if I looked it up online, but I am thankful for my training from the PhysicalMind Institute that I had proper information given to me on why these exercises are unsuitable and how to modify and offer alternative exercises to these clients. It frightens me that one could get an online certification and potentially cause injury to someone unintentionally through lack of education.

Of course, continuing education in Pilates is also extremely important. Once you become certified in Pilates, it is important to continually review what you have learnt. Can you remember everything you were taught two years ago if you did not refresh your memory on it? It is also crucial to remain up to date with the latest findings and research. This is not only going to enhance your own professional knowledge but it is also going to benefit your clients in terms of what you can share with them and teach them. Don?t forget that with the wealth of information now available to consumers via the internet, our clients are more educated than ever themselves and will be able to spot someone who is not trained properly.

Whilst the principals of Pilates are the same today as they were during Joseph Pilates? day, there are some very knowledgeable minds in today?s Pilates world that it is good to learn from. Today?s Pilates clients have much different issues with their bodies today than a hundred years ago which is why we need to continually educate ourselves on how best to help them.

Education does not end when you receive your certification ? I believe that then, it only begins. Continuing to learn is invaluable and there are so many opportunities out there it is our duty as professionals to take full advantage to learn from the wealth of information out there.

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Gillian Wood was certified through the PhysicalMind Institute in 2010 and is currently teaching a variety of ages and abilities. When not teaching Pilates, she enjoys running and Yoga and is currently studying to receive her 200 hr RYT Yoga Teachers certification.

Source: http://themethodpilates.com/articles/the-importance-of-education-for-pilates-instructors/

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