THE PILATES PROFESSIONALS AT ‘THE PILATES PLACE SOUTH WEST’ REALLY GET THE JOB DONE PROPERLY!
It is the Pilates secret south of the river Thames, the Director Mehg Hoffman says, we actually don’t advertise, as we are reasonably busy from recommendations and word of mouth. We’d prefer to stay on the quiet so as to keep the quality of the work we do at a high standard.
I have 4 teachers working with me at this moment, the teaching and quality of the individual teachers is of a high standard and is ever increasing as we constantly work towards improving our knowledge and technique.
The reason for doing the article with What’s Local, is our concern for the public’s well being. We are dedicated professionals applying our method of training and teaching Pilates delivering great results. Anyone who has experienced Pilates, knows that results take time, it’s important that teachers are willing to devote themselves to the client’s development.
There are many good Pilates teachers practicing locally now, but we still hear of the cowboys/girls taking high fees for very inadequate or inappropriate classes or sessions. We’ve often had to deal with the injuries and weaknesses that do result from poor physical instruction.
((Later is a list of what to look for in a good Pilates teacher). Since I started teaching more than 16 years ago, many associations, foundations and societies of Pilates have developed, that the discerning aficionado would have problems deciding who is properly trained what is the proper training for a good – great teacher.
The Pilates professionals at The Pilates Place south West, are often from overseas coming from a variety of institutions, so in order to standardise the studio practice, Mehg assesses their knowledge, then increases their competencies at all levels by further professional development through case studies, workshops and seminars. She has a great love of sharing her experience and knowledge to help the clients, teachers’ students and mentoring other studios.
The method was developed pre/post the 1WW by a young German fitness instructor, Joseph Pilates, who trained in the old fashioned gym workout, which included boxing calanetics, gymnastics, wrestling and some say parts of yoga. It’s a fascinating history and if you’re interested to find out more, google Joseph Pilates for a basic biog’.
For Mehg the most exciting aspect of the method is the important development of the studio equipment, (Equipment Pilates was develop before the mat class work, starting with the universal Reformer, then the Cadillac and then the wWunda Chair and Ladder Barrel then mat work to teach the dance classes in workshops etc). ‘The equipment workout is a testimonial to Pilates brilliance, each exercise is enhanced and removes inappropriate stress. Pilates Equipment allows the body to achieve movement, strength and agility not normally available to the client (when taught and executed correctly). Having endured several severe back and shoulder injuries through sports and prof’ dance, the only constant workout I was able to maintain and improve with, was Pilates. Under the supervision of my physio and osteo, I became fitter than I was before the injuries.’
Pilates is not just a method of fitness, it helps postural improvement through corrective muscle co-ordination and recruitment, fortifies against further injury and injury prevention, rehabilitation of injuries and maintenance through balanced muscle development, assesses posture and movement and gait integration, helps with pre and post natal support, also assists with preparation for and post operative recuperation and teachers work closely with referrals by your physios, osteos and doctors.
Mehg is in demand, her teaching method is friendly, precise and can be relentless, but results are achieved. Don’t think for one moment that this is easy, once you’ve achieved the basic level the work has gently begun. To maintain and continue your improvements you never stop learning, stretching, strengthening even when you think you have it, Mehg or her staff will make minor adjustments that will feel crippling at first, then after, once you’ve maintained this new level of awareness and strength, it is so freeing.
’We try to teach our clients to be self responsible, to take the awareness into their domestic, professional and recreational lives. It is a life enhancing philosophy, it is physical insurance.’
Coming from a sports, dance, art background, having taught at a university level, being a master trainer in Pilates it is no wonder Mehg heads ‘The Pilates Professionals International’ a small group of excellent teachers and studio owners, in the UK and Overseas (web launch Feb 08, www.pilatespi.com) maintaining the integrity and standards of the Pilates profession. ‘ I love teaching mat group Pilates classes and have done so continuously for more than 8 years, but the real work is the equipment, as mat is only the tip of the iceberg of movement possibilities.
I understand most people can’t locate a Pilates studio, so a professionally taught mat class is still a good start. I do however recommend to all mat teachers that equipment and clinical training should be on a future agenda because you can help so many more people by understanding the real depths of the method and by using the equipment in combination with your mat skills.
As The Pilates Place South West is at 2/3rds capacity it will be hard for us to service all who may wish to try us, so below are lists for mat and studio teacher recommendations. For those who wish to contact us please e-mail first at pilatesplacesw@hotmail.com, or check us out at www.pilatespacesw.co.uk. We wish you all health and happiness for 2009, we hope you find a good Pilates teacher to help you on your way, (google pilates UK for teachers)
MAT CLASS TEACHER
- some formal teaching qualification of 12-18 months
- has client written permission and posture/medical assessment documented
- has good knowledge of first aid and anatomy
- explains class aims and begins with a breathing warm up
- explains exercises clearly and makes adjustments where necessary
- hands on checking continuously the class and individuals, always reminding of breath and posture
- comfortable pace of class, for level and ability
- working through the front, the sides, the back of the torso and the limbs once the core is established
- working through lying, seated and standing, as well as side balances, working with purposeful instruction continuously
- start simply to de-stress, work up to challenging towards end, and a relaxed warm down
- clients’ needs first,
- not miracle workers, clients fit to do classes, otherwise refer to physio, osteo
- no more than 10-12 in a class, we recommend 1hour and 15 mins – 1 hr 30 mins
STUDIO INSTRUCTOR SESSIONS
- formal qualifications of 18 months
-2 years with ongoing professional revision and development.
- (all the same as for the mat teaching but more comprehensive)
- client medical/physical history, referring practitioners and client disclaimer
- clients aims and signed commitment to the sessions (clients are not passive in the journey of self improvement)
- thorough working knowledge of equipment and mat work
- superior anatomy and content knowledge of exercises (and variations of)
- good working knowledge of rehabilitation basics
- constant physical assessing on a session to session basis or as frequently as necessary.
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