Some People may ask us at Re:Gen, “Why are our classes not leveled?” To understand the Pilates method a bit better, I will take you back to the days of Pilates being mostly private to semi-private sessions. This is because Pilates is truly about each individuals’ bodies and not one body is made the same. So, to appreciate the process of Pilates is to take the time to learn the basics, and then is when you can figure out how to make the basics difficult. Like every time! It is at that point you will appreciate the process so much more.
The Importance Of A Well Trained Instructor
When our industry became more class focused, I felt that with the pressure to teach to the masses, the industry had to shorten the time period of training or rush the process by leveling instructors. As a result, people question what they just did after their first class and not truly understanding the process. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard “oh now this is different than what I felt before”.
Instructors should be trained to take their class on a journey. Experience and really focusing on cueing details is the key to a successful class. Then at the end of the hour you should have worked the spine in all the ways that it moves, established stability, strength, and flexibility, all the while toning and lengthening. To avoid skipped steps, the instructor should assess the room at the beginning of each class to evaluate where each body is TODAY! Yesterday may have been different, so to be honest, every BODY in the room should lead the instructor and not the other way around. How is this even possible?
The Re:Gen Way
At Re:Gen we have a systematic way to get people started on their journey in a one-on-one session. This is so they can establish their neutral since we are all made different. Then the instructor takes the time to make sure you feel every detail in each exercise. They explain what you are doing and why, what you are working and then ask for communication from you, the client. Yes, even in class we want communication. Without it? It’s not true Pilates. At this point we assess to see if it is appropriate to have each client in a class. Sometimes it’s best to set them up with private sessions to begin their fitness journey with us.
At Re:Gen, the clients come first. They lead us. It is at that point; you discover that Pilates is more than exercise. I mean it does make you look pretty fabulous. Besides that, when the light bulb goes off, you open yourself up to so many other things: like better mental health, sleep, and becoming aware of imbalances that keep you from further injury or prevent injury. Re:Gen is intentional in all that we do. If you have had an experience that wasn’t what you expected, give it another shot! Our motto is: If it’s not hard, you are not doing it right.
In Health, Jen Whitley, Re:Gen Pilates, LLC, Co-Owner
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