Pilates is Magic, IF...

Pilates is Magic, but let me clarify...

Pilates is magic and produces amazing results when done correctly!
In order to be done correctly, it needs to be taught correctly.
In order to be taught correctly, the instructor must have received quality training.

"Of course, that's common sense" you might say.

[now I sigh] as I need to let you in on a well known secret in The Pilates World, but very much hidden from the General Public...

Are you ready?

(drum roll please)

Pilates instructor training is not all equal!
(at least the trainings that have popped up over the last 10 years).

Here's the scoop... (like the tie in to the name of this blog?)

- Unlike Hairdressers and unlike massage therapists, Pilates Instructor Training is not regulated by any public agency. As such any person is free to say they teach Pilates. 

Pilates Instructor Training ranges from 400+ hours of workshops combined with required apprenticeship under a qualified mentor before being able to teach, all the way to attending a weekend workshop of 8-16 hours only and then Monday morning being able to teach.

Scary!

Now, before I get people angry at me for exposing this fact, I need you to understand that this is a matter of safety for you! (some more than others).

You, the potential client must make an educated decision about who to work with.

Consider this:

While there is no official regulating agency for Pilates Instruction, the Pilates Industry as a whole, recognizes Pilates Instructor Training courses which require several hundred hours of Apprenticeship prior to being qualified to teach.  These programs, regardless of the fundamental variances in theory and approach, all require a person to observe, practice teach, and work closely with a highly trained and respected mentor. 

So what do you look for?

• First: make note If the studio or instructor makes it a point to specify what Instructor Training Programs their instructors have gone through. Instructors who have completed a quality program take pride in their training, and make it a point to be detailed and specific about what their training included. 
• Second, find out if your instructor (and Studio) actually practice Pilates on themselves.  Something you would again think was just understood.  Quality instructors believe in The Method. They not only teach it, but they also personally do Pilates themselves.
• Finally,  you will want to consider your current physical state: do you have any on-going medical issues or chronic ailments that may need to be considered?  If so, you will want to be sure the person you are working with has the training and experience to work with your specific situation. If you are otherwise healthy and pain free, you will want to ensure the instructor explains and adjusts each exercise to personally focus on your body's present condition and ability rather than just following a choreography of the workout. 

Quite simply, you need to really do some digging before just jumping into doing Pilates.

Pilates is magic  if done with focused precision, controlled and balanced movements, which consider your unique movement habits, weaknesses, and strengths. If taught properly, the results are amazing!