I’ve just been to watch the spectacular shapes produced by the glass blower at ‘St.Helens World of Glass’. The amazing glass blower spent five years apprenticeship training in Poland. The boiling hot glass if not handled properly would disintegrate the entire arm if mishandled. The heat alone from the kiln like ovens blew to the audience as we watched the shapes and patterns emerge into almost nautical mythologies. What caught my eye was the skill and glide of the glass blower as he almost danced around the studio. Everything was perfectly timed to make sure that there were no obstructions and that the piece of glass grew with precision as it moved to each stage and point in the studio.

This got me onto the skill and art of a Pilates apparatus teacher. Firstly, everyone is different and there is no cookie cut approach. Guiding the client to flow and dance with the apparatus is not only detrimental to the results of their tissues but also to blend and imitate nature.

This got me onto the skill and art of a Pilates apparatus teacher. Firstly, everyone is different and there is no cookie cut approach. Guiding the client to flow and dance with the apparatus is not only detrimental to the results of their tissues but also to blend and imitate nature.

Questions to ponder?

What does that client need today?

Where are they physically, mentally and emotionally?

Every client that comes to me brings me a beautiful gift and it is always an honour to meet, support and coach different people. We are always learning and growing and it’s the connection to each other at a cellular level that really make us who we are.

Here are my ten top studio craft skills that I have put together form 30 years plus of teaching.

  1. Energy– As a teacher, where is your energy level today on a skill of 1-10. If it is low what do you need to do to lift it before that client comes in? Or what do you need to give up in order to have the energy in the first place? For me I always a have a morning routine of gym, swim, eyebrows and my food prepped breakfast. I then feel energised, well-groomed and ready to lead the clients of the day.

 

  1. Mindset– When a client come in, I never ask them how they are. I encourage their forebrain (foresight) rather than hind brain (hindsight). So what are their wins of the week, a magic moment or an appreciation of gratitude.

 

  1. Finale– On finishing class I will try and ask everyone what their biggest takeaway from their lesson is. Again encouraging the client to think about what’s working rather than what’s not working.

 

  1. Pace– Using slowness to build integrity of tissues. It is only when we move slow that awareness creeps in. Our emotions are stored in the tissues. Variety is the spice of life and change of tempo is everything.

 

  1. Set up– Have all the apparatus set up and ready. If you need to alter a spring setting or bar adjustment on the apparatus, make sure the client is never standing around waiting. You can do this whilst talking through the last exercise.

 

  1. Warmth– Hands on and tactile cueing is a must for me. The warmth and connection of human to human can be a gentle reminder to pull the shoulders back, lift the organs, lengthen the lower back or breathe deep in order to sustain a position.

 

  1. Love– The essence of life is love, this cannot be measured and there is no scientific evidence, yet we know it and feel it. A gentle smile and eye contact are everything.

 

  1. Traits– We are only disappointed in life when other people do not match our expectations. We expect everyone to react, think and behave like us. Our behaviour is always a reflection of where we are and how we are dealing with life. On one to ones for new people I will usually ask what their expectations are of the lesson. This gives me an idea on how to lead the session.

 

  1. Listen-Tell them what they want but give them what they need. For example a client came to me who particularly wanted to crunch and flex for the entire session. Their posture showed facilitated hip flexors, forward head and a kyphotic spine. The recipe they want will actually make their body worse. So I gave some moves or exercise sequences and explained how this will assist with where they want their body to go and what the benefit will be long term.

 

  1. Tardiness– Time keeping is everything. Be on time yourself and make sure that you are working all planes of the body not forgetting twisting and rotating. A balanced program should always start with mobilizations for what that person needs followed usually by powerhouse, strength and speed.