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I asked
Tara Bridger for her insights about finding a Pilates teacher. Tara is a
certified Pilates instructor and an expert in the method taught by Romana
Kryzanowska, a protégé of Joseph Pilates. This is what she had to say: Because
the title Pilates can be used to describe any type of exercise that
incorporates some aspect of the original Pilates method, you’ll want to take
the time to find a legitimate, effective, and safe studio with reputable instructors.
The
original method designed and taught by Joseph Pilates is practiced today at
studios that trained under the Romana’s Pilates Method or Authentic Pilates
Method. Joseph Pilates chose Romana Kryzanowska to carry on his legacy before
he died in 1967. Today Romana is in her 80s and still teaching throughout the
country. She continues to be the foundation of his method. It’s taught by
instructors who either trained directly under Romana or under one of her direct
Pilates descendants. Many branches of Pilates have altered or diffused the
original system and have implemented new exercises and techniques that are not
technically Pilates. The original method and its followers subscribe to a very
high standard of practice.
On a more
personal level, you want to find an atmosphere you feel comfortable in and an
instructor whose personality and approach work best with you. Do you prefer a
private setting where no other clients are present? Or are you more comfortable
when others are exercising around you?
Some
studios are larger and can accommodate many private sessions at once, while
others offer a more spalike environment. Do you prefer a man or a woman? A
softer, gentler, encouraging voice? Or someone with a tougher “coach” quality who
is ready to push you when you need it? Finding the best instructor for you is a
trial-and-error process. I recom mend trying a few different people at first.
Also, it may be beneficial to work with more than one person on an ongoing basis
to gain different perspectives. Everyone has a different eye, even
though all should be teaching the same technique. You’ll know when you’re with
the right person. Trust your instincts!
Look
beyond just the mat classes. Understand that to fully benefit from
Pilates you should practice the entire system, which involves the equipment
(Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, etc.) as well as the mat. Be wary of studios
that offer group classes on the equipment, especially the Reformer.
Pilates
cannot be taught safely on the Reformer in groups of more than three people. A
larger class size means the system has been greatly modified from its original
form to be taught in groups.
It is
important to have some one-on-one instruction and experience with the whole
system before diving into a large class setting—both for safety reasons and for
the effectiveness of the workout. Large classes combine people with different
levels of strength and various body types and limitations.
If you
are not in a financial position to take private lessons on an ongoing basis,
either invest in a series of 5 to 10 private sessions and then proceed into
classes (and brush up with a private lesson about once a month), or look into
duets or trios, which still offer individual attention for considerably less
money.
Be sure
your instructor follows strict safety guidelines. The Pilates system should
always be taught by an instructor who adheres to the “safety first” policy. If
the equipment is misused or a client is worked beyond his or her strength level,
injuries can occur.
If you
have concerns about whether or not a studio or instructor is appropriate, you
can always contact the two studios in New York that train instructors under the
original Pilates method: True Pilates (212-757-0724) or the New York Pilates
Studio (212-245-8367) to see what affiliations they have in your city.
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