Taking class
One question I ponder on a regular basis and still struggle to comprehend is “Why do so few Pilates’ teachers take regular class themselves?” While we recommend to our clients two to three times a week? I would wager some teachers hardly get one in every so many months, if that at all?
In street lingo, “what’s up with that?”
Now I fully understand for some there are reasons such as; live in an isolated area have financial obstacles at present and or maybe don’t make it a priority. However, another one heard frequently is, I’m too busy.
How can you tell your clients, you should study regularly when you do not do this yourself? I see this especially apparent with young and newly certified instructors.
My thinking is maybe there is something wrong within the certification programs that cultivate individuals to “think” they have learned everything? Maybe it is because often they have had little real experience in Pilates before becoming teachers? Or is it that they start teaching out on their own very soon after completing a program and therefore are limited in their appreciation of the true depth and breadth of the comprehensive system?
In addition to the factors mentioned above diverse programs allow individuals to get certified in one particular apparatus. I think this fosters a false feeling of security in knowledge. While additional training can be beneficial if that totality of the system is not understood than the overall quality of Pilates can be diminished.
Imagine if a world history teacher was only schooled in the historical development of North America? That would be one narrow perspective of world history. It’s probably done unfortunately in some educational programs.
Compare that to Pilates imagine being certified in the mat or reformer only. Thus little to no experience with the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Ladder Barrel, Guillotine and Small Chair. Moreover, in the educational phase the integration of the various apparatus is non-existent. This makes for a very one-dimensional vision.
But all of this brings to a broader issue, which besides our current political system keeps me up at night.
What is Pilates?
I’ve said this before but I still find it deeply saddening that Sean Gallagher lost the trademark lawsuit to preserve the integrity of the original system as set down by Joseph Pilates. Especially since we live in the age of “alternative facts” when anything can be called Pilates.
If you look around at some of the discussions online in the Pilates’ world it is a heated discussion. Full disclosure, I’m a 100% devotee of the original classical system, and believe it should be the only real Pilates’ titled program. You can do whatever you desire just don’t called it Pilates. Take ownership of your originally designed program and use an appropriate title.
This is not a question of being mean or derogatory to any other avenue of exercise or individual. But our credibility as a field is diminished when standards and lack of transparency are pushed to the side. What does this mean?
It means demanding much more critical thinking and questioning when you see something posted. Asking more questions, looking into their statements, background information and taking extra initiative to verify what you read.
Here’s a sample of questions that I think as a field deserve consideration:
- Does your training consist of a comprehensive program or just a few seminars with a particular teacher?
- Did you graduate and complete all requirements?
- Is your training program equipped and led with senior teachers or newly certified individuals?
- Does your program teach you how to teach the exercises or only how to do the exercises?
- When you state “studied” with a teacher for how long, number of years and was it regular private sessions or a workshop?
- Have you really studied in person with an individual or was this training via Skype, meaning not hands on training?
- What have you done since completing your training to further your Pilates’ knowledge? Not simply workshops but regular consistent training.
- For how many years have you been involved with this particular Pilates’ training? What kind of background, training did your teacher’s complete?
- As a teacher how many years have you been teaching and spending time honing your skills?
Final note
I’m honored and humbled by the incredible teachers I’ve had and continue to be inspired by. Thank you for your dedication. I encourage you to find your own mentors and you will most definitely be rewarded.
