I am in the field of personal & group training for 26years and many years in education.
I always want our students to have right bases and face the trainee not only as a body…but as soul and spirit. I give a great importance in details which differentiate us and indicate the level of our knowledge…
So below I quote some questions which concern both pilates teachers and those who exercise with this method:
- Do you pay attention to the way your trainees walk or stand??? It is important to give some tips during or after class to improve their physical condition and thus their quality of life.
- Give the original position of each exercise and then perform the exercise (the flow) using simple words … and then cues. Do not confuse your people by mixing up the original position with the cues before the trainees start performing … Teach … educate your customers.
- Do you constantly remind the respiration, the engagement of the center and the pelvic area??? These are the 3 important tips which make Pilates a unique method.
- Do you include in your exercise program prepilates exercises in order to prepare your trainees’s body?
- Which verb do you use during flexion and extension of the hip and knee area ?? “Push” or “drive your heels away from your heels”???
- Can you modify exercises if someone complains about his/her neck or his/her back without “spoiling” the flow of the program? He/she must feel that he/she executes the program in his/her own way!!!
- Can you give both variations so everyone can execute in his/her level basis and without spoiling the flow of the program???
- Do you use pillows or special blocks for head or pelvis???
- What do you recommend if a trainee has tight hamstrings???
- What do you advise someone if he has lordosis???
- What happens when a trainee has his/her head hyperextended while being in a supine position? What do you suggest???
How can you modify the exercises in case of trainees who had practiced with dance???
Varvara Solomonidou,Wellness Specialist, Personal Trainer, Seminar & Conference Lecturer, Pilates Master Trainer “AthensTrainers® Ultimate Pilates System®”, General Manager & Owner of AthensTrainers®
