Observation Hours - Let's Discuss

Here’s a question I’ve been pondering.
Why do Pilates teacher training programs seem to universally agree that 200 hours should be dedicated to passive observation.

I never understood where that number came from or when it started. It was after my time as a student. Call me old school. But I can tell you that the day I signed up for teacher training in the early 1990's was the day I started teaching on the floor. No, I didn't know the order or the anatomy or really, anything but I assisted. I helped. I stood close by and fetched whatever was needed. I laced straps. I cleaned equipment. I spotted whoever needed a spot. Provided a stretch here and there and made myself useful every minute I was there. I took orders. And I was grateful for it. And all the while I WAS observing. Observing while doing. Observing so much more than one angle could provide. Observing all the nuance of teachers and clients and equipment and the studio itself. There is no way NOT to observe if you are DOING. So I guess I’m not clear why the passive act of observation was somehow parsed out. If I’m being real with you - I probably feel the least like a Pilates teacher when I’m passively observing. Sitting on the floor taking notes is hit or miss as a learning tool. Active observation… that’s different.

Don't get me wrong. Observation in and of itself, is incredibly valuable - but I'll stand up for experiential learning any day of the week. When we built our program we chopped up the 200 and followed my own program where I logged in closer to 75 observation hours over the entire program. At that time there wasn’t a breakdown so we just logged hours and what we did. I'm sharing this for a few reasons. One is that I feel strongly there are too many systems that get mimicked and repeated in our industry (and the world) without anyone asking "Why?". Second is because I would challenge any one looking at teacher training to ask the hard questions. And really there's only one hard question - “Why?”

• Why is the program structure what it is.

• Why is the program cost what it is?

• Why are the program hours what they are?

There should be no accidents in the design of any training program. We work hard every day to continually assess, reassess and redesign our program to deliver the best we can for our teachers to be. The responsibility is simply too huge not to take seriously.

So what do you think about the standard 200 hour observation requirement?
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Going Back to Joe... Should you Train All Over Again?

If you are reading this - you have already been through some version of Pilates teacher training.

If you are reading this - at some point in your life you made a decision that you would love to teach Pilates - possibly as much as you love to do Pilates.

If you are reading this that decision may have turned out to be entirely true.
Or - it may not have.

For everyone reading this - the love is real. The love of being a student. The love of learning. The love of self-transformation. The love of and passion for - the work.

And hopefully - the love of teaching Pilates as opposed to doing Pilates - is just as rich.
Because being a great do-er doesn’t necessarily make you the best teacher.
Sadly, for many many teachers, the doing part gets lost when the teaching part takes over.

If you find yourself yearning for that long-lost sweet sensation of deep concentration, gratifying range of motion, the thrill of a small movement changing ….everything! - you know what I’m talking about.

Months or years after your graduation you may find yourself searching for a second or even third program. Signing up with new teachers and booking into multiple workshops.  

But will that work? Is one of these approaches any better than the other? 
To unravel this, we may be better served asking what exactly do you want to learn?

Here’s a few options paired with potential solutions. And while this is by no means exhaustive - hopefully it will inspires you to ask the right questions and start a conversation that will lead to the real change you are looking for.

Do you want to start over from the beginning?

To me this means - you are looking for a hard re-set. You want to erase your hard drive and re-build from scratch. You are looking for a new ideology, a new methodology and a whole new skillset through which to view your practice and your profession.

In this case- look for a program with the eyes of a newcomer. What type of Pilates is calling you? What type of clients do you want to work with? What type of teacher would you like to be? Explore full primary programs with a focus on teaching techniques. If you want to be a different kind of teacher you need to immerse yourself in a whole new program - from the beginning. Seeing it differently, doing it differently and sharing it differently.

Do you want to a do-over from somewhere in the middle?

Missing some things? If you find yourself looking for connections in the work or correlations in the system or even overall umbrella theories that tie concepts together - you are not alone. Like many Pilates teachers, a lot got by you that first time. Add to this - you may be looking for a change in style. Perhaps to broaden your appeal to a wider base of clients.

A Bridge program can be the solution here. Shorter than the first time, a bridge program can fill in the blanks and help you to connect the dots to build on your existing repertoire - but go deeper into the work. Cerebral thinkers, and teachers who like to analyze should look for bridge programs that require more than just teaching. You want to take an academic approach - not just memorize.

Do you want to pick up where you left off - at the end?

Want more exercises? Longer lists? Knowledge about special populations? Workshops and abbreviated intensives are where it’s at. You can also work with mentors and masterminds to dig in to your particular area of interest. For seasoned teachers with a narrow focus - there is no shortage of talent to learn from. Whether it’s business mentors or specialists you adore -there is a teacher and a workshop for every single Pilates topic you can imagine.

One final thought - the Pilates community can get a bit myopic. The magic skill you seek may be outside the Pilates bubble. Check out ancillary techniques to increase your real teaching skillset such as language workshops, diagnostics and evaluation education and even body work techniques like massage or assisted stretching to improve your hands on.

Good luck!

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Pilates Studio Break Ups!

This blog is of special interest to

Pilates Trainees and Pilates Teacher Trainers

In nearly 30 years in the Pilates world - I’ve seen a few things. Some not so pretty.

When I took on teacher training in earnest I also determined to tackle a re-shape of the industry. At the end of each cycle the ultimate test for me - is “would I hire this person?”. Not just based on their Pilates skillset, but holding each individual to a much higher bar. 

The business of Pilates can have a dark side - one where studio owners may invest their life’s savings and life’s work only to have instructors solicit clients for their own in violation of agreements and common decency. It’s an age old story and crosses industries for sure but as a person responsible for training instructors, I consider this a huge non-negotiable part of teacher training education.

Free markets, capitalism, heathy competition are all good reasons there ought to be more Pilates studios than less - don’t get me wrong. But this somewhat common occurrence of pilfering clients from studios doesn’t serve the Pilates big picture - and furthers a behavior that is in stark contrast to the health, wellness and balance we preach as Pilates teachers. There are fifty good ways to leave a job properly. Sadly, teachers often slam doors behind them or skulk away hiding their true intentions.

Now - because I make it a personal policy to never criticize anything without offering potential solutions or remedies - here’s how I think we could be better as an industry.

If you are a trainee getting ready to forge ahead into the professional world here are five good (actually great) reasons not to burn bridges with your training organization or in any job you should land in the years to come.

• Can’t stay in one place? No problem. Tell the truth. Employers may not be happy to lose you but if you are worth your salt - they will send you clients. Especially if you are in another area. Why give up potential referrals that can help build your business?

• Going into business for yourself? Maybe you’d like an investment. You may be surprised to know that many business owners would happily help you build your business too. Maybe as a partner or a silent investor or even a brand collaboration. Remember that your boss has done it before - they may have some wisdom to share and may actually think you are worth their investing.

• Just need more cash? Guess what? Most bosses would love the chance to fight for you. I’m not guaranteeing that raise but it’s sure worth asking if you lay it on the line. Employers can be mighty creative if you tell them your bottom line. Maybe there’s an opportunity you didn’t even know about. A bigger role? Work from home? Anything is possible.

• The future is unknown. Things could fall apart. You may need a job back at your old place. OR, a glowing letter of reference. What if you move far away? Don’t throw away the opportunity to have a solid reference in your back pocket. In can help you secure a lease on a new studio and so much more.

• Wanna be a better person and make the world better too? Set an example. Even though people may be sad - it’s the right thing to do to leave on good terms. They say success is measured in how many tough conversations you are willing to have. This is definitely one of them.

If you happen to be in the business of teacher training here are a few questions you might find useful as you get nearer to graduation dates.

• Will this person be honest if and when it’s time to move on?

• Have they conducted themselves honorably within the program and in dealings with your team?

• Do you believe this person will give back to the community?

I can’t always predict the future but we get it right most of the time. Our trainees are honorable. They conduct themselves by a code - they are consummate professionals and for what it’s worth I’ll always hire a great person knowing that I can help them become a great teacher. 

———

#PilatesBusiness #PilatesIndustry #PilatesInsider #PilatesEducation 

Is it Fake News?

There's been a bee buzzing in my bonnet all summer.

I am a cliche' queen - my love of language demands I fall into the trap of cliches and memorable quotations all.day.long.

My love of Pilates also demands that I continually evaluate the expertise in my field for .....well, expertise.

Here's my struggle.

And I daresay it should be yours.

In my pursuit of raising thinking professionals and not Pilates "bots" who spout dogma I often tell my students - don't just believe me - look it up for yourself. Verify.

Lately there are more and more Pilates pros flooding the Pilates airways with special topics of concern in anatomy, injuries and rehab-like protocols. I am less and less convinced that a passion or persistent interest for something makes you an expert in the field.

Wrote a paper on the subject? Ok - I'll read it for accuracy and then evaluate critically.

Devoted 10 years to a particular topic or issue?  I'll listen up. Still going to check your work though. You can be sure.

Studied the subject via 3rd party resources, schools, courses and other bona fide experts? Okay - I'm all in. I'll take it home and try it on my clients. But I'm still going to keep my mind open and not just believe you because you are charming, or because you studied with someone I heard is great or because you have a smoking hot social media following.

I want real info. Real facts. Real data. And real results.

If you demand anything less from your mentors, guides, or teachers, shame on you.

Fake news is everywhere. Even in Pilates.

Don't stand for it. Your body and the bodies of your clients deserve better.

Rant over.

Grey Matter

My first reformers were Black. Which makes total sense. Everything was simple then. Black and white. Lists. Rules. Lots of Nevers and lots and lots of Always's.

Some time along my Pilates path I needed to dial back in to my heritage and converted everything to Blue. The color of the equipment at my Pilates home, Drago's gym where I studied for a decade  under Romana Kryzanowska. The blue phase was generally understood by all to be a tribute to our Pilates roots and to pay homage to the original work. 

More than twenty five years after I began my Pilates teaching career we've settled into a deep warm grey color. Not accidentally. 

With each day, each client and each class we teach we have learned to allow for space in-between the black and the white. In these spaces, the individual student can grow, adapt, and develop their practice. The grey matter of the brain is responsible for all sensory perception and motor control without which - Pilates would be simply impossible to execute. The shades of grey that instructors need to embrace over time will imbue your teaching with nuance, your clients with finesse and your mutual progress with something pretty damn close to fairy dust.

If you are new to teaching - keep it black and white. The black and white sets the stage for the grey which will surely arrive. Just give it time. 

Read My Face.

Indulge me.

Whether you are a new grad or an old one – I can guess that the workshops that really get you hot and bothered are the ones that promise to explore the inner workings of your pelvic floor, or the co-contraction of the quads and hamstrings or the stabilization of the shoulder girdle via the activation of the Latissimus…blah blah blah.....

Don’t get me wrong. There is TREMENDOUS value in all of the above but is anyone teaching us how to read the most important bundle of muscles? The ones in the face?

Here are my 3 magic tips for face-reading designed to pull your teaching focus up from the Powerhouse and properly discern WHAT THE HECK your client is actually feeling? Because once you know that – you can decide whether to push forward, pull back or, as Sheryl Sandberg would say, “lean in.”

It’s insanely simple.

I often say “exhale is the universal sign of effort”. Look around the room you are teaching or simply glance at your client’s face when you are closing in on the last few reps. Are they pursing their lips and pushing air out? That is a bona fide signal that work is happening. With work comes effort. With effort comes transformation. Lean in to that. Lean WAY in.

Effort is not only ok – it’s REQUIRED for effective training. An exhale from your client is a signal for a few more reps.

ON THE OTHER HAND – if your client comes in with a random injury – one of those “I’m not sure what I did” type things, or even better, one of those that Pilates teachers have no clue what to do with, you can go back to the face cues for more magic answers. Watch the face during questionable exercises and you may likely see the reverse of an exhale. A hissing sucking IN of air with lips pulled back and teeth pressed together is a sure-fire sign to hit the EJECT BUTTON.  Just like in the wild animal kingdom, when a client SHOWS THEIR TEETH, time to back it up. Back it way up.  Put that exercise away for another time, or another client.

For those who excel at giving the “love” in a one-on-one session via deep yummy stretches and feel good range of motion movements – watch your clients’ EYES.

There is a classic EYE FLUTTER-[SLASH]-LID DROP that accompanies all “oh my god that feels so good” Pilates moments.  Identify that moment and your client retention will likely soar. It’s THAT good.

So yes, sign up for that postural assessment course on the ASIS and PSIS alignment and bony landmarks but make sure you are watching your clients’ eyes, lips and teeth too. They will always tell you the REAL story.

~Alycea

Who Taught You That?

It is a hallmark of respect to give credit where credit is due across all mediums, modalities and methods.

Would you ever serve up aunt Nancy’s meatballs without telling your guests this was her recipe? Never.

That level of disclosure often escapes fitness professionals and I’ve never understood it. I take pride in quoting my ballet teachers, my Pilates teachers, my friends and families and especially my students. What good reason is there to hold back your sources? Put another way, if you learn a great exercise and teach it to your client and it changes her rear-end and maybe her life, why wouldn't you share with her where you learned it? Do you think she cares? Does her rear end care where you learned that awesome move? To my mind you look that much smarter if you are pulling content from other places and then re-packaging, re-jigging, and re-ordering to make things work for YOUR practice, and YOUR students. 

Be that teacher. Do that. Practice that concept. Always give credit.

And one more thing. Hold YOUR own teachers accountable. When you take a session, travel for a weekend symposium or conference or attend ANY continuing education course make sure you know exactly what you are getting. Ask "who taught you that". Ask in front of the group. Ask regularly. Don't assume because an instructor has always taught one body of work, they will continue to do just that. We all deserve to know the source of the work we do. Was it Joe? Was it an elder? Was it Jack La Lanne? Or was it Jane Doe - teacher of Pilates? All teachers should nod to their education and acknowledge when they make stuff up instead of passing it off as their own. ALL teachers.

Can I get a "hear yea" on this one?  Put your hands up for transparency people.

We deserve it.

~Alycea

Are You a Pilates Low-baller?

In the midst of a final test-out recently a trainee on the cusp of her new career stated that she feels she "lowballs" her clients. "I don't think I push them hard enough - I struggle with how much I can ask of them.".

It struck a chord with me. 

It's a personal threshold we all have. An internal barometer for how much we can stand, in ourselves and in others. How many whines from your dog or cat gets you to respond quickly? How far along into a back ache will you stop all activity and take to your bed? How many Single Leg Stretches can you deliver past the point of your client's protests?

Ok - that last one was a trick question but it really is about recognizing your clients threshold and then taking them to the edge of it, or better, right past it.

In teaching my own clients I use a few guidelines. 

The first sign of effort (a grunt, a complaint, a wince) is my automatic signal for 2 - 5 more reps. If things are working - why stop? I want "train" not just move. So as long as there is effort (note that effort and pain are not the same), I'm good with it.

Another signal I rely on. Exhaling. I often say "Exhaling is a universal sign of effort." Watch when your clients purse their lips and begin to blow out air. This is a signal they are engaged in effort - not necessarily at threshold but definitely working towards it.

Finally, because I do not have a crystal ball and cannot read multiple minds at once in a group class, I have learned to trust the clients. I know, radical right? What I mean is that people will stop if they need to. Clients will self-select themselves out if they are past the point they can tolerate. And you know what - that's ok. Teach with good form, clear instruction, safe spotting and allow your client to find their practice. Romana always said "it's their workout". But if we never let them find it - what good are we?

Don't be a low-baller? (is that even how . you spell that?)

~Alycea

Stripping for Pilates

Classical Pilates gets a bad rap by some who believe it is either a rigid list or a dogmatic "do or die" method. Quite the opposite.

During my years at Drago's studio observing Romana Kryzanowska teach I was always impressed how wildly different each session developed. Through the course of a day,, week or month no two sessions were the same. 

I came to understand that if you had a deep understanding of an exercise you could be infinitely creative and deliver a truly custom workout to each client no matter the condition. I saw it as two sides of the same coin, namely:

Totally Classical = Completely Customized

"What are you talking about Alycea"? How can you be completely custom if you are working from a list? Ahh - hear me young grasshopper. You've got so. many. choices.

Sequencing. Tempo. Repetition. Isolation. Position. 

I just made an acronym! STRIP! Yowza.

Ok consider a few examples and then I'll let you run back to teach. You can use each of these tools to completely reinvent a workout. Whenever I hear the works "spice it up" in connection with adding new made up stuff - I think  - but WHY? Just STRIP.

Take your client with a weak ankle (spoiler - that was me). I was trying to make it strong. Romana chose the Tendon stretch on the Wunda chair as my go-to move. I had to do it 3 times in the session. Before, Middle and End. That was sequencing - where do you put the move - what comes before and after? I had to do it slow. SUPER slow. Insanely slow. That's the tempo. Repetitions were simple 5 - 8. Then she had me isolate the moments that the ankle shook or wobbled or "jumped" through a tough area and hold on to that moment. Isolation is the bomb. 

Position gets it's own paragraph. Where else can I work that position? Tendon stretch in the Footwork, lying down. Tower on the Cadillac (upside down now). Even the Foot Corrector begins in the Tendon stretch position and works the foot up and down.

Can you think of other positions/ moves where your ankles get to do the Tendon stretch? 

Bottom line - look at each move - the information is all there - the lists of moves are not rigid - they are rich and with your own critical thinking you can be powerfully creative - and completely custom build your workouts! Learning a new move each visit does NOT make your client better or stronger. They need mastery over an existing skillset. 

Serve them well. STRIP.

~A

Your 15 Minutes Counts

Fitness celebrity sounds like a cool gig but the reality is that in our little Pilates bubble, your 15 minutes of fame may not be what you expected. 

If you are planning to stand on a soapbox about any particular issue it better be authentic. Saying or showing "cool" things simply for the sake of well ... "cool" may get you 5 minutes, possibly 7 but to earn the full 15, you'll need to do much better. If you know me well, you know I'm a "why" girl. Always, always start with why (nod vigorously Simon Sinek fans). If you're plugging your brand from a place of integrity and honesty, there's no limit to how many crusaders you can rally behind you. But chase the fad, the hashtag or even worse, the trap of "original" and you'll lose your fan base faster than you can roll like a ball. Here's why. Because nobody really cares about how cool you are. Not really. Or at least, not for long. They care about themselves. So if you aren't actually offering anything of value, then step back. Look around. Dig deep into what problem you'd really like to solve. And then, you can step back in, step up, and take to the podium.

Beyond the authenticity requirement, what's most important is that once you climb the visibility ladder and finally have a platform, you have a responsibility. Yes, really.  It's not all fun and games kids. Once you take the mic you are an example to be followed. You become a standard. You are a role model and others will strive to say what you say, and especially do what you do. At the top of any field you are taken literally. There will be those who don't know any better and take your word as gospel.  And whether you like it or not, people will take actions on your behalf and because of your influence. That's serious business.  The inimitable Kathy Grant once came to a workshop at my studio and I nearly died. Would you feel comfortable showcasing your brand, your message or your content to someone like Kathy Grant? See what I mean.... ?

So whether you want people to follow your method, your means or your madness be sure you will be satisfied when they do. If it's real, you'll get that 15 minutes. In spades. 

Cheering you on!

~Alycea