24/01/2024
Joseph Pilates wanted everyone to do his work. He had been described as "the Universal Reformer". He created a piece of equipment, the Reformer, as well as many other unique pieces to form a system of exercise he called "contrology" and now is known as Pilates. Students of Joe Pilates went on to teach his work after years of practice with him, a bit like a dancer or martial arts student eventually becoming a Teacher of their specialism. Those in training worked alongside Joe, taking notes, assisting with other students, and then teaching under supervision before teaching solo. He had plans for a teacher training institute, but it never came to fruition. Now everyone and anyone can become a "Pilates Instructor" or "Reformer Pilates Instructor" without any prior experience - often in two -three days if already a fitness instructor or hold some other type of qualification for movement.
There are so many studios offering "Reformer Pilates" and it's great to move, however, the springs are designed for specific exercises created by either Joseph Pilates or the brand that manufactured the equipment. The increase load principle in weight training does not translate well into the reformer and case reports of simultaneous double shoulder dislocations (with fracture in one case) after a reformer class have been reported in medical literature (Bohlen et al,2023, Ergun et al, 2023). Making up exercises which were not designed by Pilates or covered in a training course could mean that in the event of an injury, instructor insurance may be invalid. Just check Instagram for countless examples of "creativity" which may have zero to do with Pilates or designed for the reformer.
I believe in moving and finding something which you enjoy and gives benefit, but if thinking of starting Pilates be it "reformer" or "mat " ask these questions below of your teacher. I would hope that they already list their qualifications on their website or social media but if not, just ask.
1) A Comprehensive Pilates teacher is qualified on reformer, mat and all the other equipment. It takes over a year or more to qualify. A mat training may be 6 months or more.
2) A Comprehensive teacher has a minimum of 450/500 hours of post course supervision with highly experienced Supervisors before they take an exam.
3) Teacher Training schools in Pilates have been around for over 40 years. Check where your teacher trained and look at the brand websites for what they say they require in terms of training and continuing education.
4) Look at the websites and media for the equipment manufacturers. You will see exercises that are designed and tested for the equipment. Ask the teacher the name of the exercise and who created it because if it's not to brand design and something goes wrong, it's all on the instructor...whose insurance may become invalid.
Be informed when buying anything named Pilates and if the questions below are not answered to your satisfaction, get a second opinion from a Comprehensive teacher.
