Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Pilates?
- What are Pilates exercises like?
- How is the Pilates Method Taught?
- How can I be sure that my instructor is teaching "Classical Pilates"?
- What is a "Certified Pilates Instructor" and what is the Pilates Method Alliance?
- I am interested in becoming a Certified Pilates Instructor. Can you help?
Pilates is a different method of exercise than any other. Key points are:
- Clients move gradually through "Beginner", "Intermediate" and "Advanced" stages of development, focusing at first on the core "Powerhouse" area of the body -- generally the area of the body that consists of the abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks, working together to form the core strength of the body. Development of this area is critical to the advancement of the client through the stages of progess. Clients are not advanced until their bodies are ready.
- Movements are generally not performed rapidly nor are they repeated in many sets -- rather, the focus is on control, deep strengthening, lengthening and flexibility.
- Both the mat and equipment exercises are specifically ordered and tailored to lengthen and strengthen, rather than build bulk. Symmetry and flexibility is stressed, as well as absolute control. Pilates bodies are leaner, more balanced and stronger than average.
- Sessions are one-on-one or in group class settings, and usually last about an hour. Clients are closely observed and are coached by instructors through each movement until the client masters the form and intent of the exercise.
There are two major elements to the Pilates method -- "matwork" exercises and those movements performed on equipment. Over the course of a lifetime, Joseph Pilates developed hundreds of exercises using both a simple mat on the floor as well as a variety of specialized equipment, referred to as "apparatus." These include the Reformer, the Cadillac or Table, the Chair, the Barrel and several other specialized pieces of equipment.
Pilates exercises were primarily developed to align, lengthen and strengthen. Movements are generally not "aerobic" in nature, particularly in the beginning. Instead, Pilates exercises vary in dynamic depending on the exercise. Control and precision are emphasized, repetitions are fewer and focus on isolating muscle groups and developing core strength. Joseph Pilates developed hundreds of exercises, most of which can be modified to suit various body types and injuries. How is the Pilates Method Taught?
In general, Pilates is taught one-on-one in 1-hour sessions with a professionally certified Pilates instructor. This is especially true in the beginning, and for any exercises involving apparatus. A typical Pilates private session consists of a of both apparatus and mat work as well as any specialized exercises to address your individual body type. In this way the client gradually builds strength, control and balance before moving to more advanced exercises. How can I be sure that my instructor is teaching "Classical Pilates"?
"Classical Pilates" refers to the method that bears the closest resemblence to the method that Joseph Pilates pioneered, which he called "Contrology". Studios that follow the Classical Method use the original names for the exercises that Pilates himself used, in the original order. Classical Pilates generally adheres to the principle that before working the peripheral parts of the body, the core needs to be strong and stable. Several schools have risen over the last fifteen years which rigorously follow the "Classical" approach -- one of which is Power Pilates. The key difference to the Power Pilates method of certification is that it is a "classical-systematic-integrative approach to Pilates training. Pilates Instructors who are certified by Power Pilates are considered to be practicing "Classical Pilates" and must undergo the full cycle of training described above.
If you are considering Pilates instruction, and would like to be sure that you will be receiving the best training possible, ask the Pilates center or individual instructor how they were certified, and by what training system. If they were certified by Power Pilates, you can be sure that they are teaching "Classical Pilates". What is a "Certified Pilates Instructor" and what is the Pilates Method Alliance?
In October of 2000 there was a legal decision in Manhattan Federal District court that effectively cancelled the Pilates trademark. This decision, while having the effect of allowing certain longstanding Pilates centers and equipment manufacturers to use the Pilates name without paying dues to any organization, also opened up the possibility of anyone becoming a "certified" Pilates instructor. There are now websites where prospective teachers can purchase a "Pilates Certification" for $39.95!
As a result, potential Pilates clients must become aware of the distinction between highly trained instructors in the method approved by Joseph Pilates and those that have obtained their "certifications" by less rigorous means.
The Pilates Method Alliance is a neutral, non-profit professional association dedicated to the teachings of Joseph H. and Clara Pilates. The PMA is dedicated to the preservation of Pilates, whether it is "Classical", "Contemporary", or "Rehabilitative" Pilates. The organization acts as a National Standards Body for the professional development of its members. The PMA's mission is to protect the public by establishing certification and continuing education standards for Pilates professionals. The goals of the Pilates Method Alliance are:
- Establish and maintain a national certification exam.
- Encourage professional growth through continuing education.
- Define the parameters of Pilates teaching and expertise.
- To maintain standards while respecting the various approaches to Pilates.
- Promote the benefits of Pilates exercise to the consumer public.
- Serve as an information resource for all Pilates constituents.
- Maintain an international registry of Pilates teachers and training organizations which includes verified information for review and comparison.
- Encourage feedback and evaluate our organization to meet the needs of the community we serve.
As a matter of fact, we can! Pilates Certification is rigorous, but well worth it, both in terms of job-satisfaction and financial rewards. Students of Power Pilates of New York can complete their apprentice hours here at Pilates of Charlotte.
