Pilates Mat 2: Props and More Instructor Certification

This is a greaty time to start reviewing the exercises.  Start by reading the descriptions and then view the video alongside.  After you have a general understanding of the movement, start to perform the exercise with the video and recognize areas that challenge you or areas you never considered.  The more YOU practice and understand all of the intricacies, the easier it will become for you to teach a wide array of students. 

"Many times the words we use to teach, are achieved from our own physical experiences."

This is a great time to start to review the advanced movements in your manual.  Be sure to read all of the descriptions and modifications, then watch the videos alongside.  Once you have a general understanding of the movement, perform them alongside the video, taking note of any challenges, or areas of weakness.

The root of all movements in any pilates series is the placement of the core.  From there, all movements are designed to challenge that placement in order to taget stabilizer, and primary, muscles that are not performing at their best.

In other words...

• The foundational posture is to hold the shoulders back and down -- this lifts the chest and opens the ribs -- then contract the ribcage in, and slightly down, to engage the abdominals.  At the same time the pubic bone should be aiming down and away from the body - this places the pelvis in its optimal position.

• Ears over shoulderders, shoulders over hips, hips over the heels of the feet - This is the same posture for standing -- sitting --lying down

• Together, the above, places the core in its optimal position.

• From here, all movements are disigned to TRY to change that posture, all as a means of keeping the muscles and stabilizers engaged to maintain this foundational posture.

The movements that are includeded here are a great way to prep your students into finding their ideal posture for the rest of the series.  I use this as a way to get their mind on their body, so they are physically and mentally prepared for the class.

When compiling the right movments for your particular class or client, keep in mind that these series, that I offer here, can be combined with other movements and placed in a different order, if needed. 

Traditional Pilates keeps movements in a very precise order, as we all know, the human body changes more effectivly with change and variety.  Having the ability to choose movements bepending on a clients specific needs is a very powerful talent. At the same time, creating variety in classes by creating a specific goal for the class, can help students better achieve their physical goals.

I have shared with you an array of movements.  If you have taken my Pilates Mat Certification, here on Udemy,  you would have recieved even more.  From here you can rearrange and formulate classes depending on strength levels and goals:)

From this point on we will be adding either the flat band or the Pilates ring. 

Safety Cue: 

• Always check the integrity of the band.  It should be smooth with no holes or tears.  Also, avoid sticky or hard bands, this happens when the rubber becomes old. Bands come in various thicknesses of resistance (many use a variety of colors).  Choose the right resistance for the participant, and proceed to drop the resistance as they increase their strength and form.

• The Pilates ring should be round, with a cushioned covering around the circle.  Once the ring wears out...it is no longer a circle and many times the covering is torn, or gone altogether.

• Choosing the right equipment, that is intact and safe, is a priority for all classes.  You, as the instructor, are in charge of their safety once they are in your class or training session, even if it is virtual.  Be sure to inspect the equipment, and teach your participants how to inspect their equipment as well.

Please note the following: 

• These props are used to assist areas of weakness, not to increase resistance (like strength training)

• The idea is to utilize these props to assist areas of weakness, so that those areas, form, and even technique, become better.  This will assist the participant to utilize their muscles as a team.  The stronger the participant gets, the LESS they will require the prop.

• This class only uses the flat band and Pilates ring, use your imagination when choosing props for a student.  Remember, the idea is to get the student to move, while maintaining the integrity of their core.  You are using the props to help assist if they can not hold their form.

• When someone can not hold their form, try to identify which muscle is not working optimally, then choose a prop to assist that particular muscle.  With time, decrease the use or resistance of the prop, until the muscle starts to work the way it should.