IDEA
Press Release - Ten
Questions To Ask Your Pilates Instructor
 Back to 2003 Press Releases
San
Diego – Surveys by IDEA Health & Fitness Association show
that Pilates is the nation’s fastest growing exercise format while the
American Sports Data’s 16th Annual ‘Superstudy’ found that Pilates participation
rose from 2.4 million participants to 4.7 million between January 2002
and January 2003. As more and more people turn to this form of exercise,
IDEA -- in consultation with its senior partner, STOTT PILATES™ --
suggest that consumers ask the following questions to help them evaluate
a Pilates instructors credentials and to determine whether his or her
expertise is appropriate to their needs:
1.
What Kind of Training Do You Have? Pilates is a knowledge-based
method of exercise, so qualified teachers are those who have a working
knowledge of functional anatomy and have completed an intensive certification
program incorporating significant hands-on practice. Ideally your Pilates
instructor will have received training and certification from a reputable
Pilates organization. Reputable certification programs for floor work
should include at least 40 hours of instruction and supervised teaching,
10 hours of observation, 30 hours of physical review and 15 hours of
practice teaching. In addition, one should determine if the instructor
is qualified to teach on all types of Pilates equipment and how long
they have been teaching. Qualified instructors generally have over 300
total hours of relevant training if they utilize all pieces of Pilates
equipment in their practice.
2.
Why Should I Do Pilates? This method of exercise offers a no-stress
approach to better posture and stronger, leaner muscles. It’s the perfect
complement to aerobic exercise or it can be used to help you get back
on your feet after an injury.
3.
What Kind of Benefits Can I Expect? Many! Essentially, the
no-impact, toning technique is designed to improve posture and body
awareness and strengthen and lengthen muscles without adding bulk. An
emphasis on breathing relieves stress and leaves you feeling refreshed,
not exhausted.
4.
Is Your Method Different than the Original Pilates Exercises?
A growing number of Pilates instructors teach a contemporary approach
to the original method of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates in the
1920s – one that preserves the essence of the original technique but
incorporates modern principles of exercise science. Make sure your instructor
understands the importance of this.
5.
How Often Should I Do Pilates? For the best results, many instructors
recommend three one-hour sessions per week.
6.
What Kind of Equipment Do You Use? Many of the exercises can
be done on a mat; but, for the full effect, exercises should incorporate
specially designed resistance equipment.
7.
Should I Take Private or Group Classes? It depends on what you
like and can afford. Because of the technique’s extensive repertoire and
complexity, many instructors recommend six introductory one-on-one sessions,
before getting into small group equipment sessions.
8.
What is the Proper Teacher/Student Ration? It is recommended
that a teacher/student ratio of 1:12 is ideal for Matwork* classes and
1:6 for group reformer classes. Either way, you should be encouraged to
work at your own pace.
9.
How Much Do You Charge? Depending on whether you take classes
at a fitness center or a Pilates studio, prices can range from $12 for
a group session to $100 for one hour of private instruction.
10.
Can I Do the Exercises at Home? Yes. But proper instruction and
quality equipment are essential. Instructional videos can help you get
started and keep you motivated at home.
IDEA is the world's
leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals
with more than 19,000 members in over 80 countries. Since 1982, IDEA
has provided health and fitness professionals with pertinent information,
educational opportunities, career development programs and industry
leadership while helping them enhance the quality of life worldwide
through safe, effective fitness and healthy lifestyle programs. For
more information on IDEA events, publications, educational products,
member services or other activities, visit the IDEA website at: www.IDEAfit.com.
STOTT PILATES,
a subsidiary of Merrithew Corporation, is the only full-service organization
of its kind providing high caliber Pilates education, videos and equipment
worldwide. For more information on STOTT PILATES, see www.stottpilates.com
or contact: Alison Hope at (800) 910-0001, ext. 225 or alison@stottpilates.com
*Trademark
of Merrithew Corporation, used under license.
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