Understanding The Profession Of A Pilates Instructor
August 9, 2010 by admin
Filed under Sports And Fitness
Cindy Heller asked:
Because today’s society is filled with jobs that require stressful long hours, more and more people are realizing that they want a job that promotes well-being for both themselves and others which often lead them to consider a career in providing and teaching Pilates Instruction.
The Important Role Of The Pilates Instructor
The importance of a Pilates instructor is to impart proper Pilates instruction. A certified Pilates instructor is first required to maintain the integrity of Pilates instruction.
With this integrity, it allows for the Pilates instruction to be taught the way that it was intended to benefit those who wish to derive value from this exercise program. The proper instruction will reduce potential injuries to the student and will optimize the results gained from the proper performance of the exercises techniques.
The Prerequisite Of A Pilates Certification
The first thing you should know in applying for a Pilates certification will mean to embark upon a career path that requires much interaction with people. For people who have a limited amount of patience when it comes to working with other people, this might not be the ideal career choice, because much of the job will involve trying to help people who are struggling with pilates techniques.
Another important prerequisite to teaching Pilates is to have prior solid comprehension of the Pilates essentials. Pilates essentials consists of the six principles of Pilates, Pilates concepts, Pilates theory, anatomy and how to relate to it, and also, analysis of posture and muscle imbalances.
If you choose to attend a Pilates essentials course, it would provide you with all the necessary tools that can be used for program design and would impart also an understanding of the Pilates Principles, concepts and theory. In addition the Pilates essentials course also teaches how these are implemented into the Pilates training programs.
Therefore it is a good idea if you are well-versed in pilates as a hobby before embarking on getting a Pilates certification. This way, the course training process will be easier for you to understand, thus easier to relate concepts to people as an instructor.
The Pilates Mat 1 Certification
Before you get any other Pilates certifications, you must first complete the Pilates Mat 1 certification course. Once you have successfully completed this certification course, it will enable you to teach Pilates classes that are level 1 or level 2.
The focus of this course concentrates on the history of the Pilates method, and how different Pilates moves benefit the body in different ways. Other topics require you to learn the proper form of each Pilates move, how to perform the exercises for the class, the name of each Pilates exercise, and the most efficient way of performing verbal cues regarding the exercises.
The Pilates Mat 2 Certification
After you have successfully completed the Pilates Mat 1 certification and wish to teach more advanced classes, you can attend the Pilates Mat 2 certification. One of the goals of this course is to teach the instructor how to choreograph certain Pilates moves to make them harder, and tailoring certain moves for people in certain categories, such as the elderly.
Where Do You Get Pilates Training
Because Pilates instruction is such a serious physical rehabilitation exercise program, in Great Britain there are government standards in place for its instruction. Although there are no such licenses or standards required outside of Great Britain, there are several centers available that provide instruction for a Pilates instructor. In addition, there are movements that demands for Pilates instructor accreditation.
If you are in the US and you are interested in finding and participating in Pilates training, one place specifically where you can receive Pilates training is the Pilates Center. Pilates Center is a full-service and state of the art client focused Pilates exercise facility which provides personalized private lessons and group lessons.
In addition, the Pilates center is an internationally renowned teacher training school that has in fact been labeled as the “Harvard of Pilates Teacher Training Programs”. The Pilates center is a company which was established in 1990 in Boulder, Colorado, by Amy Taylor Alpers and Rachel Taylor Segel.
The Pilates industry is fast becoming a truly booming business, and opportunities abound for qualified instructors. Whether you want to work in a Pilates studio, a fitness club, or a therapeutic clinic, for instance, you first need to get certified from a reputable Pilates training institution.
Since there are many different places that offer Pilates training, what you have to do is to browse through the options and find the one that suits you and your particular situation best.
Because today’s society is filled with jobs that require stressful long hours, more and more people are realizing that they want a job that promotes well-being for both themselves and others which often lead them to consider a career in providing and teaching Pilates Instruction.
The Important Role Of The Pilates Instructor
The importance of a Pilates instructor is to impart proper Pilates instruction. A certified Pilates instructor is first required to maintain the integrity of Pilates instruction.
With this integrity, it allows for the Pilates instruction to be taught the way that it was intended to benefit those who wish to derive value from this exercise program. The proper instruction will reduce potential injuries to the student and will optimize the results gained from the proper performance of the exercises techniques.
The Prerequisite Of A Pilates Certification
The first thing you should know in applying for a Pilates certification will mean to embark upon a career path that requires much interaction with people. For people who have a limited amount of patience when it comes to working with other people, this might not be the ideal career choice, because much of the job will involve trying to help people who are struggling with pilates techniques.
Another important prerequisite to teaching Pilates is to have prior solid comprehension of the Pilates essentials. Pilates essentials consists of the six principles of Pilates, Pilates concepts, Pilates theory, anatomy and how to relate to it, and also, analysis of posture and muscle imbalances.
If you choose to attend a Pilates essentials course, it would provide you with all the necessary tools that can be used for program design and would impart also an understanding of the Pilates Principles, concepts and theory. In addition the Pilates essentials course also teaches how these are implemented into the Pilates training programs.
Therefore it is a good idea if you are well-versed in pilates as a hobby before embarking on getting a Pilates certification. This way, the course training process will be easier for you to understand, thus easier to relate concepts to people as an instructor.
The Pilates Mat 1 Certification
Before you get any other Pilates certifications, you must first complete the Pilates Mat 1 certification course. Once you have successfully completed this certification course, it will enable you to teach Pilates classes that are level 1 or level 2.
The focus of this course concentrates on the history of the Pilates method, and how different Pilates moves benefit the body in different ways. Other topics require you to learn the proper form of each Pilates move, how to perform the exercises for the class, the name of each Pilates exercise, and the most efficient way of performing verbal cues regarding the exercises.
The Pilates Mat 2 Certification
After you have successfully completed the Pilates Mat 1 certification and wish to teach more advanced classes, you can attend the Pilates Mat 2 certification. One of the goals of this course is to teach the instructor how to choreograph certain Pilates moves to make them harder, and tailoring certain moves for people in certain categories, such as the elderly.
Where Do You Get Pilates Training
Because Pilates instruction is such a serious physical rehabilitation exercise program, in Great Britain there are government standards in place for its instruction. Although there are no such licenses or standards required outside of Great Britain, there are several centers available that provide instruction for a Pilates instructor. In addition, there are movements that demands for Pilates instructor accreditation.
If you are in the US and you are interested in finding and participating in Pilates training, one place specifically where you can receive Pilates training is the Pilates Center. Pilates Center is a full-service and state of the art client focused Pilates exercise facility which provides personalized private lessons and group lessons.
In addition, the Pilates center is an internationally renowned teacher training school that has in fact been labeled as the “Harvard of Pilates Teacher Training Programs”. The Pilates center is a company which was established in 1990 in Boulder, Colorado, by Amy Taylor Alpers and Rachel Taylor Segel.
The Pilates industry is fast becoming a truly booming business, and opportunities abound for qualified instructors. Whether you want to work in a Pilates studio, a fitness club, or a therapeutic clinic, for instance, you first need to get certified from a reputable Pilates training institution.
Since there are many different places that offer Pilates training, what you have to do is to browse through the options and find the one that suits you and your particular situation best.
Yoga Teacher Training Aspects – Physical Commitments and Communication with Students
Paul M. Jerard Jr. asked:
If you teach any form of Yoga, you are expected to be a living example of good health. This can be easy for some and a daunting task for others. Any one of us could suffer from any one of the multitudes of ailments or diseases, while living a healthy lifestyle.
When students see you for the first time, they make initial judgments. Whether it is right or wrong, people make judgments. Bearing this in mind, Yoga teachers should be eating correctly, cross training, getting a good night’s sleep, and abstaining from bad health habits.
Body weight is difficult to control; especially if you have reached middle age. As a result, your diet and physical activities should be regulated according to your present weight. Walking, jogging, or swimming, should be part of your daily routine.
How much cross training is necessary? This depends on your present body weight, your blood pressure, and the condition of your heart. Some studies recommend walking 10,000 steps per day.
You could log this in by using a pedometer. It has also been discovered that moderate intensity exercises, such as: Swimming, biking, walking briskly, or dancing, are also of great benefit to our overall physical health.
The most important thing is to take part in physical activities, which you find stimulating. In good weather, a brisk walk outside is a wise habit. Granted, there are machines, which are designed for moderate intensity exercise. The elliptical trainer is a good example of such a machine.
Eating correctly, and moderately, should be no mystery to any of us. The Sattvic, or Yogic Diet, has plenty of solutions for weight control. One thing to consider is that raw vegetables, fruits, and water, are of extreme value to your physical health.
On another note: For Yoga teachers, there are many advantages to fine tuning the art of spoken communication. When compared to writing, speaking is much more personal. The interaction with one student, or an entire class, establishes a rapport.
Working face-to-face, with a class, allows you to use voice inflection, body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures. Through this, you have created a form of unconscious human interaction, which results in trust.
Some Yoga instructors manage to make each student feel important during class time. A Yoga instructor gives physical assists, when needed, and addresses each student’s needs. This is much different from being a public speaker because of the student / teacher relationship.
Yet, a public speaker must also establish a bond, develop trust, and create an open atmosphere. In any type of classroom setting, the student should never be afraid to ask a question. The open environment enables the collective group to make progress, and prevents misunderstandings.
Once open communication is established, there are no limits as to what students can learn in your Yoga classes. Information is exchanged rapidly, clearly, and without confusion. Many times, sincere students, who ask in-depth questions, stimulate the interest of the entire group.
Some Yoga teachers have a firm policy of not answering questions during class time. The concern, among these teachers, is how to handle a disruptive, or ego-driven, student. If you have a person who you feel is purposely disrupting the class, keep your answer short and offer to discuss the question after class.
Yoga instructors can misunderstand the motives behind a student’s questions or actions too. Take the time to see the big picture and resist judgments. The student, who is curious, has sought you out for the answers to his or her questions. Students, who ask a lot of questions, cause us to research an old topic again. There is no harm in this because curious students make their teachers better.
Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
If you teach any form of Yoga, you are expected to be a living example of good health. This can be easy for some and a daunting task for others. Any one of us could suffer from any one of the multitudes of ailments or diseases, while living a healthy lifestyle.
When students see you for the first time, they make initial judgments. Whether it is right or wrong, people make judgments. Bearing this in mind, Yoga teachers should be eating correctly, cross training, getting a good night’s sleep, and abstaining from bad health habits.
Body weight is difficult to control; especially if you have reached middle age. As a result, your diet and physical activities should be regulated according to your present weight. Walking, jogging, or swimming, should be part of your daily routine.
How much cross training is necessary? This depends on your present body weight, your blood pressure, and the condition of your heart. Some studies recommend walking 10,000 steps per day.
You could log this in by using a pedometer. It has also been discovered that moderate intensity exercises, such as: Swimming, biking, walking briskly, or dancing, are also of great benefit to our overall physical health.
The most important thing is to take part in physical activities, which you find stimulating. In good weather, a brisk walk outside is a wise habit. Granted, there are machines, which are designed for moderate intensity exercise. The elliptical trainer is a good example of such a machine.
Eating correctly, and moderately, should be no mystery to any of us. The Sattvic, or Yogic Diet, has plenty of solutions for weight control. One thing to consider is that raw vegetables, fruits, and water, are of extreme value to your physical health.
On another note: For Yoga teachers, there are many advantages to fine tuning the art of spoken communication. When compared to writing, speaking is much more personal. The interaction with one student, or an entire class, establishes a rapport.
Working face-to-face, with a class, allows you to use voice inflection, body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures. Through this, you have created a form of unconscious human interaction, which results in trust.
Some Yoga instructors manage to make each student feel important during class time. A Yoga instructor gives physical assists, when needed, and addresses each student’s needs. This is much different from being a public speaker because of the student / teacher relationship.
Yet, a public speaker must also establish a bond, develop trust, and create an open atmosphere. In any type of classroom setting, the student should never be afraid to ask a question. The open environment enables the collective group to make progress, and prevents misunderstandings.
Once open communication is established, there are no limits as to what students can learn in your Yoga classes. Information is exchanged rapidly, clearly, and without confusion. Many times, sincere students, who ask in-depth questions, stimulate the interest of the entire group.
Some Yoga teachers have a firm policy of not answering questions during class time. The concern, among these teachers, is how to handle a disruptive, or ego-driven, student. If you have a person who you feel is purposely disrupting the class, keep your answer short and offer to discuss the question after class.
Yoga instructors can misunderstand the motives behind a student’s questions or actions too. Take the time to see the big picture and resist judgments. The student, who is curious, has sought you out for the answers to his or her questions. Students, who ask a lot of questions, cause us to research an old topic again. There is no harm in this because curious students make their teachers better.
Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Pilates And Winsor Pilates
Steven Giles asked:
The idea of Pilates and its controlled movements to tone certain body areas and maximize your inner core while using your mind to help you identify key body points was first invented by Joseph Pilates. This has become much more than that in past years and one such method is called Winsor Pilates. Invented by Mari Winsor and is based off Joseph Pilates original movements with the goal of overall weight loss through body sculpting, toning abs, and strengthening back muscles, bones, and ligaments. Achieving maximum flexibility is part of any Pilates regiment and Winsor Pilates is no exception. As the Winsor rules states, “let’s get moving, sculpt, and lost weight.” Before beginning Winsor Pilates, make sure you are being guided by a certified instructor, have purchased DVDs, or have found an online website dedicated to teaching the subject. Mari Winsor has developed movements in her routine that focuses on your abs, chest, exercise ball workouts, upper body, back and leg muscles and even a good prenatal Winsor Pilates workout is offered. Body toning continues to be the most popular requested result for Winsor Pilates. Trimming and shaping or “dynamic sequencing,” is a Winsor Pilates quest for almost anyone who is interested in these techniques. In accordance with Pilates basics, Winsor Pilates not only strengthens your core body but also focuses on toning and sculpting your body back to its youthful flexibility. Every form of Pilates, with the recommended DVDs by a certified instructor, including Winsor Pilates can be performed in a group atmosphere or in the privacy of your own home. It is a convenient exercise regiment for the busy person. Winsor Pilates also encourages floor work on mats as well as working with a sculpting circle, a piece of equipment designed to ensure more resistance during your workout. While specific muscle groups are targeted in Winsor Pilates, each exercise is performed in a selected and recommended order to achieve the best and fastest results. In Winsor Pilates, routines are outlined and followed in sequence instead of random Pilates exercises used in other Pilates styles. Winsor Pilates is great for people who are suffering from back pain or people looking for specific area relief. The movements are not considered aerobic on any level and doctors and physical therapists often use Winsor Pilates movements targeted towards muscles, ligaments and joint flexibility to help improve affected areas while toning. As one back pain sufferer put it after beginning a Winsor Pilates routine, “I feel I have the flexibility back I had as a cheerleader in high school.” That’s quite an improvement for people with back injuries from poor posture or injuries. By focusing on the muscles that need to be rejuvenated, Winsor Pilates can be a successful way to relieve pain while strengthening muscles for optimal performance.
All Pilates workouts, including Winsor Pilates, especially when geared at people trying to regain strength in core muscles, should be outlined and overseen by an experienced professional. You can find specialists on the Internet, through online DVDs and through in-class instruction. There is simply no better way to increase movement and performance to certain core areas than Winsor Pilates and with the right techniques, you too will enjoy the rewards that this can bring. There are a range of DVD’s on sale at http://www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist. Please visit my blog at http://stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2
The idea of Pilates and its controlled movements to tone certain body areas and maximize your inner core while using your mind to help you identify key body points was first invented by Joseph Pilates. This has become much more than that in past years and one such method is called Winsor Pilates. Invented by Mari Winsor and is based off Joseph Pilates original movements with the goal of overall weight loss through body sculpting, toning abs, and strengthening back muscles, bones, and ligaments. Achieving maximum flexibility is part of any Pilates regiment and Winsor Pilates is no exception. As the Winsor rules states, “let’s get moving, sculpt, and lost weight.” Before beginning Winsor Pilates, make sure you are being guided by a certified instructor, have purchased DVDs, or have found an online website dedicated to teaching the subject. Mari Winsor has developed movements in her routine that focuses on your abs, chest, exercise ball workouts, upper body, back and leg muscles and even a good prenatal Winsor Pilates workout is offered. Body toning continues to be the most popular requested result for Winsor Pilates. Trimming and shaping or “dynamic sequencing,” is a Winsor Pilates quest for almost anyone who is interested in these techniques. In accordance with Pilates basics, Winsor Pilates not only strengthens your core body but also focuses on toning and sculpting your body back to its youthful flexibility. Every form of Pilates, with the recommended DVDs by a certified instructor, including Winsor Pilates can be performed in a group atmosphere or in the privacy of your own home. It is a convenient exercise regiment for the busy person. Winsor Pilates also encourages floor work on mats as well as working with a sculpting circle, a piece of equipment designed to ensure more resistance during your workout. While specific muscle groups are targeted in Winsor Pilates, each exercise is performed in a selected and recommended order to achieve the best and fastest results. In Winsor Pilates, routines are outlined and followed in sequence instead of random Pilates exercises used in other Pilates styles. Winsor Pilates is great for people who are suffering from back pain or people looking for specific area relief. The movements are not considered aerobic on any level and doctors and physical therapists often use Winsor Pilates movements targeted towards muscles, ligaments and joint flexibility to help improve affected areas while toning. As one back pain sufferer put it after beginning a Winsor Pilates routine, “I feel I have the flexibility back I had as a cheerleader in high school.” That’s quite an improvement for people with back injuries from poor posture or injuries. By focusing on the muscles that need to be rejuvenated, Winsor Pilates can be a successful way to relieve pain while strengthening muscles for optimal performance.
All Pilates workouts, including Winsor Pilates, especially when geared at people trying to regain strength in core muscles, should be outlined and overseen by an experienced professional. You can find specialists on the Internet, through online DVDs and through in-class instruction. There is simply no better way to increase movement and performance to certain core areas than Winsor Pilates and with the right techniques, you too will enjoy the rewards that this can bring. There are a range of DVD’s on sale at http://www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist. Please visit my blog at http://stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2
Yoga- the Extreme Satisfaction of Soul
Dev Sri asked:
Yoga, the extreme heights of peacefulness attained through the silencing of the soul.
Yoga, the oldest way of spiritual practice is one of the six schools in Hindu philosophy. Towards the end of twentieth century, yoga teachers moved to the West and travelers from the West to India led to the flourishing of Yoga in western countries. In the West, yoga gives stress on different postures associated with it. The Bhagavad Geetha, The Upanishads, The Yoga Sutras of Patajali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Rahasya and many other Hindu texts holds writings based on Yoga.
Classification:
Karma yoga- Yoga of action
Jnana Yoga- Yoga of wisdom
Bhakti Yoga-Yoga of devotion
Raja Yoga- Yoga of meditation
Yoga, the science of liberation helps its disciples to reach the extreme point of liberation. Since Yoga has a basic therapeutic healing power, is practiced together with other medications. Ashtanga Yoga and Ayurveda is simply mixed in the practice of Yoga.
Yoga lay emphasis on the body, mind and the emotional area of a person. At the final stage the Yogi (one who practice Yoga) reaches the ‘moksha’ stage where there is no interruption of thoughts occurs. Concentration and meditation are indivisible parts of Yoga that infills the meditator with the extreme pleasures of peace and joy.
According to Hinduism, yoga is practiced to attain the union with the God and Buddhism says Yoga as a practice that deepens wisdom, thought and insight. Western countries give emphasis on individualism. Yoga is a practice to spiritual awareness and insight for a normal person.
Yoga Therapy:
Yoga Therapy is an extensive healer that promotes positive health. Anxiety, hypertension, heart problems, asthma, diabetes, etc are some of the conditions in which Yoga is applicable. Yoga therapy is approved by the Medical Researchers as it is found to be effective in most of the ailments. Yoga therapy is an effective stress manager. It includes physical postures, breathing techniques and other relaxation methods.
Sri Ramakrishna Parama Hamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Sivananda, Parama Hamsa Yoga Nanda, Mira Bhai from Bhakti tradition, Sankaracharya from jnana tradition, etc are some of the celebrated yogis of the ancient India.
Yoga, the extreme heights of peacefulness attained through the silencing of the soul.
Yoga, the oldest way of spiritual practice is one of the six schools in Hindu philosophy. Towards the end of twentieth century, yoga teachers moved to the West and travelers from the West to India led to the flourishing of Yoga in western countries. In the West, yoga gives stress on different postures associated with it. The Bhagavad Geetha, The Upanishads, The Yoga Sutras of Patajali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Rahasya and many other Hindu texts holds writings based on Yoga.
Classification:
Karma yoga- Yoga of action
Jnana Yoga- Yoga of wisdom
Bhakti Yoga-Yoga of devotion
Raja Yoga- Yoga of meditation
Yoga, the science of liberation helps its disciples to reach the extreme point of liberation. Since Yoga has a basic therapeutic healing power, is practiced together with other medications. Ashtanga Yoga and Ayurveda is simply mixed in the practice of Yoga.
Yoga lay emphasis on the body, mind and the emotional area of a person. At the final stage the Yogi (one who practice Yoga) reaches the ‘moksha’ stage where there is no interruption of thoughts occurs. Concentration and meditation are indivisible parts of Yoga that infills the meditator with the extreme pleasures of peace and joy.
According to Hinduism, yoga is practiced to attain the union with the God and Buddhism says Yoga as a practice that deepens wisdom, thought and insight. Western countries give emphasis on individualism. Yoga is a practice to spiritual awareness and insight for a normal person.
Yoga Therapy:
Yoga Therapy is an extensive healer that promotes positive health. Anxiety, hypertension, heart problems, asthma, diabetes, etc are some of the conditions in which Yoga is applicable. Yoga therapy is approved by the Medical Researchers as it is found to be effective in most of the ailments. Yoga therapy is an effective stress manager. It includes physical postures, breathing techniques and other relaxation methods.
Sri Ramakrishna Parama Hamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Sivananda, Parama Hamsa Yoga Nanda, Mira Bhai from Bhakti tradition, Sankaracharya from jnana tradition, etc are some of the celebrated yogis of the ancient India.