How do you maintain strap tension during Rowing 90 Degrees? Connection with the springs can really help keep you in your powerhouse to get more out of this exercise. With a little practice you will be able to keep your straps from going slack at a critical moment. It's all in the timing of your torso movement with your arm movement.
Filed under: Movement Matters
Crack the code on your teasers so you can into your Powerhouse and out of your thighs. There are so many ways to cheat in this exercise, especially if you have been doing it for awhile. Try it out and let me know how it works!
Filed under: Movement Matters
OK now, how do you get into the Open Leg Rocker? Watch this quick clip to see how to use your powerhouse to get into the Open Leg Rocker. This is how it was done in the good old days (as seen with Ted Shawn). The key is pulling back and into your powerhouse to lift your legs. It is sure to make you work and might even make you giggle!
Filed under: Movement Matters
Ever been stuck? Stuck teaching in a similar fashion, cueing with the same words, seldom varying lessons, and working on the usual apparatus day after day. In recent conversations with several teachers, I was curious to hear how they keep workouts fresh for their clients, how they planned and built progression into their sessions and if they truly worked with Pilates as a full “system”. Remarkably, each person shared the tendency to shy away from equipment they didn’t understand well or didn’t personally practice on, or found they regularly got in a rut teaching the same way with the same tempo using the same cues and the same exercises with their clients. Without a plan or a map, how can you get where you want to go? It is no surprise they periodically felt “flat” and uninspired in their teaching. I personally related to their stories as I been there before myself. While workshops were inspiring and I got plenty of information and new ideas, it wasn’t until I did my own homework and applied what I learned that transformation ensued. Here is what I did to develop a strategy for each client.
1. Take inventory of their current Pilates goals.
2. Prioritize current body issues, exercises or movement patterns currently challenging them.
3. List the exercises I had given them on each piece of equipment.
4. Ask if they were progressing and if so, in what way and how that looked.
5. Write this for each person, using it as an opportunity to check in and reset goals.
I was amazed at the insight this process brought seeing everything written down in black and white. It enabled me to create a plan and purposefully construct a workout strategy that targeted their needs. I decided to zero in on one or two priority issues at a time. I pulled out my exercise lists on all the apparatus and created a complete list of all the exercises that could help each issue, fully realizing that I would tackle each issue in stages. At the top of the list were mat and reformer exercises. Then I listed the remaining exercises on the cadillac, chairs, barrels, and accessories that could help my client. Now I was ready to get creative.
My goal was to plan five different workouts that specifically addressed the areas I identified. I developed a template with 7 columns and enough rows to list each exercise I planned to cover over the course of six sessions. The first column listed the exercises either beginning with mat or reformer then 2-5 exercises on 2-3 other apparatus, and an ending. The remaining six columns represented 6 sessions where I could take notes after the session. I took care not to introduce more then 1-2 new exercises or variations per apparatus in a given session, indicating which exercises I would introduce each session. This allowed both me, and my client, to grow into the full program over the six sessions. I discovered it was much easier, with the full lists in front of me, to come up with five different workouts and created a theme for each session.
By spending the time to invest in my client’s progress and success, I found I had invested in myself as well. This process pushed me out of my comfort zone and re-opened my eyes to the beauty and vastness of the Pilates System. I also realized how important it was for me to actively continue exploring the possibilities available within the Pilates system and keep on seeking greater depths of what it has to offer, remaining wide open to the unfolding its mysteries. Romana was right when she said, “stay true to the system and the system will stay true to you.”
Filed under: Business Matters,Movement Matters
Build your business even in this economic climate. Sure it can be a challenge so here are a few ideas to help you build your base by getting exposure to potential new clients. Take a multi-dimensional approach and remember that you generate the energy – so yes, just get out there and do it.
1. Word of mouth: There is nothing better then word of mouth referrals. If you already have a few happy clients let them know you have space available if they know anyone who would benefit from your services. If you are already teaching small group classes or mat classes, offer a 30-minute apparatus special.
2. Public Speaking: This is not as scary as it sounds. Share your passion for and the benefits of the work! Local community groups, senior centers, Chamber of Commerce and even hospitals are always looking for speakers to talk on various wellness subjects. Another is local sports teams or coaches.
3. Network and cross-market with local shops and businesses: Create a community of Pilates lovers! Meet the owners and sales people at your local spa, salon, massage, and clothing stores. What can you do to help them increase value for their customers? Perhaps they are personally interested in what you offer or feel it can add to their customer experience. Simply ask if they are willing put your information in a visible spot. Get your brochure, business card, and post card in front of as many people as you can. You can do the same with chiropractors; massage therapists, and physical therapists if this is the population you want to attract.
4. Create a fun event that brings people together: An open house inviting current clients, friends, and the local community - that is informative, yet fun - perhaps a demo with your students performing 3 reps of reformer or mat, maybe set to music to give extra flair. Include local artists to show their work, have cheese, wine, and appetizers. Give it a theme like ‘ladies night’ - be creative!
5. Make some noise: Write an article for the local newspaper, or get them to write a story about you. It could be a success story, a charitable cause you champion or an educational article. You will be amazed how many people read these stories and pass on valuable information to others.
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