Pilates certification programs vary a lot in their structure. Most are oriented toward the working adult and make use of intensive sessions with breaks in between. How those sessions are structured over time is different for each program so it is worth looking around to find a program from the many styles of Pilates that fits your needs.
Another important consideration at the teacher training level is whether or not you want to pursue classical or contemporary training. These terms are often used to distinguish between traditional training that adheres strictly to what Joseph Pilates taught (classical); or training that incorporates new techniques and developments in exercise science (contemporary). Excellent training for both styles is available. Include a link both live and written out
Power Pilates teaches classical Pilates, which is very close to the original exercises that Joseph Pilates created and taught in his New York City studio in the early 1900’s. Power Pilates has studios throughout the United States, which is great because you can look up a Power Pilates studio anytime you travel to a different city. You can expect the teaching styles and exercises to be taught in the same consistent way in every Power Pilates studio.
Romana Kryzanowska was Jo’s student and protégé’. She was asked by Joe to carry on his legacy, which she has proudly done. Now in her 80’s, Romana still does Pilates herself and runs the certification program with her daughter and granddaughter, as well other instructors they have certified. This type of Pilates is called “authentic”, “classical”, “old-school”, etc. Some details about this type of instruction are strongly debated by instructors who do not teach from this approach. For example, neutral pelvis is not taught, instead, the low back is pressed down into the mat.
Ron Fletcher was one of Joseph Pilates’ students who went on to take Joseph Pilates’ methodology of movement and develop his own interpretation of it. This new interpretation of Pilates is known as the Ron Fletcher Pilates method and is taught all over the world.
So what exactly is different in the Ron Fletcher method of Pilates compared to “Pilates”? Fletcher Pilates isn’t so much about what is different but what has been added? The same familiar equipment and exercises developed by Joseph Pilates is still present. The interpretation, additions and variations are what makes the Fletcher Pilates style and this comes from the creator himself. Ron Fletcher was a dancer so was passionate about everything from choreography to the lines of the energy and breathe. The joy in movement is more important than gaining strength and flexibility. This joy of movement probably comes from Ron Fletcher’s background as a dancer. The intention within the style is to fully embody “the divine mechanism.” This is a fundamental distinction in the Fletcher Pilates between function movement and movement potential. While functional movement/fitness is important from a Fletcher Pilates perspective it misses a kind of creative potential in the bodies. Ron Fletcher’s approach is to ask, “What movement can I pull out of this person?’ rather than looking at what the body can or can’t do or what needs to be modified. There is still structure but now the view that is taken is “what are people capable of within a system of structured movement?” a much more open perspective than “what needs to be fixed?” Which is a common approach of many Pilates instructors. So what is specific to Fletcher Pilates?
He was the first to take the work fully into a standing position, including moving across the floor (inspired by his dance background.) Ron Fletcher created the Fletcher Towel Work. This is a set of coordinated movements and breath that is done with a rolled towel. It helps to teach shoulder (scapular) stabilization and use of the arms.
Percussive breathing technique. Ron Fletcher brought more definition to Joseph Pilates’ emphasis on breathing by creating this Percussive breathing technique. The sound that is heard when doing the percussive breathing technique is a byproduct of the core and diaphragm and muscles, or the ‘breathing apparatus” as terms by Ron Fletcher. The breathing is coordinated with movement and sometimes divides the inhale or exhale into a series of shorter bursts of taking in or releasing air. The breathing should still have a softness to it and is meant to match the quality of the movement and energize it. The idea behind Fletcher Pilates is to be more movement based rather than exercise based, inspiring the joy of movement.
More about Fletcher Pilates at http://www.fletcherpilates.com/
Ellie Herman Pilates teaches many of the classical exercises, but with a lot of variations as well. In general, this style approaches Pilates from a more dancer perspective and can be a fun way of adding new and creative exercises to your Pilates routine.
A teacher from Kelly Kane will have strong knowledge of anatomy and understanding of injuries and will move you through the exercises with ease and precision, slowly strengthening your body back to health.
Any teacher from this certification is an awesome, thoughtful, well-educated instructor, with a classical approach and knowledge of anatomy.
Core Dynamics is a studio that teaches Pilates based on Eve Gentry’s style of Pilates. Eve was a dancer and student of Joseph Pilates who had a gentle, therapeutic approach to her teaching style. Look for any instructor who mentioned that they’re certified under Core Dynamics or who mentions that they have an Eve Gentry approach to Pilates.
Founded by Mari Winsor, is one of the more well-known styles of Pilates, as Mari Winsor launched a large-scale infomercial business based on her success with celebrity clients. This is the “as seen on TV” site, so it’s loud, flashy, and certainly trying to sell stuff, but many people swear by the products offered.
Is a machine that offers complete range of motion and improves core strength, expands the spine, and puts the body in equilibrium? Although not technically Pilates, Pilates principles are applied on a Gyrotonic machine and it may be used as a supplement to Pilates study.
In time we’ll add to the different styles of Pilates and their relative. In particular the Lagree method.
Certified Stott Pilates instructor in mat and reformer Pilates.