Pilates and Safety: Where should you choose to spend your time?
Joseph H. Pilates believed his method would change the lives of many by giving them improved energy and health. He worked with individuals one-on-one helping them to achieve their personal goals. He’s been quoted as saying, “You can be a 30 year old in an 80 year old body, or an 80 year old in a 30 year old body.” Just ask anyone who has done Pilates and they’ll tell you that their body craves it daily!
Safety
I’ve been in this business since 2007 and will be celebrating 10 years this November. As an ICU nurse for the greater part of my career, I fell in love with the biomechanics of Pilates and had a strong desire for the rest of the world to have access to this movement. Pilates studios are opening like fast-food chains on every corner. Some studios are equipped with instructors who are uncertified or who lack safe bio-mechanical knowledge. These instructors may have taken online or weekend courses which teach nothing on safety, individual client needs, or of injuries and how to address them. These instructors may only learn exercises of which not all are appropriate for the general population.
Furthermore, clients are being allowed on the equipment without a thorough discussion of any injuries they have. These clients may have no “core awareness” and will therefore suffer in a large class setting. Classes are also being taught without any hands-on corrections or modifications.
Joseph Pilates worked in a small, controlled environment paying close attention to every client’s movement. I’m all for exposing Pilates to the masses, but we must do so safely and without losing sight of the original method.
What is YOUR Pilates?
Ask yourself these questions about the space you have chosen to exercise in. I highly encourage you to explore different options in your market if you answer “no” to any of these questions:
• Does your Pilates equipment class have less than 4-8 clients?
• Does the studio require 1+ introductory private sessions?
Our studio requires these sessions to ensure you are safe and that your personal needs and goals will be met. These sessions should teach you about your individual postural issues, your body type, and what it will take to achieve the goals your desire. You will learn what neutral spine is, how to find it, and the importance of proper breathing. You will learn that you should never experience ANY pain in your lower back while exercising.
• Does your instructor give you hands-on corrections?
• Does your workout feel safe and effective?
• Does your instructor seem focused on each and every client in class?
• Is your instructor willing to share their education or credentials?
Pilates is a wonderful form of exercise to add to your exercise regimen. Pilates is meant to be performed with control. It is a strong discipline that when done correctly will provide you with amazing results. If you answered no to any of the questions above, then you have not experienced Pilates the way it was truly meant to be. I urge you to seek out a studio where you can practice Pilates and experience all the benefits it has to offer.
Written by Kim Munoz/ Owner and Founder Nola Pilates, Registered Nurse, Comprehensively Certified Pilates, Certified Post-Op Breast Cancer Specialist Call 504 483 8880 or email info@nolapilates for more information