It has been a WHIRLWIND past few months. Between my Pilates and artistic studies, academics and work, it's been difficult to maintain a consistent sense of balance and calm (as is evident by my sporadic posting ;)) HOWEVER, I am excited to announce that I have passed my certification exam and am now officially a Classical Pilates Mat Instructor!
After taking four tests, (Three practical beginner, intermediate and advanced mat classes and one written exam in anatomy and physiology) I am now able to practice and teach varying levels of mat with more confidence and know-how than ever. For my final test, I tried to be as connected as possible to my own body and the bodies of clients taking the class, as well as choose my words more carefully, as part of my never ending quest for precision! (six principles apply here, right?). Because of such concentration, I received my personal best score on any practical test I've taken so far.
Moving forward, I will continue to teach mat in my daily regime, with a greater focus now on learning and practicing the Apparatus. I still have a long way to go before I can test on the equipment and daresy maybe even graduate from the program, but it feels good to have made this big step forward. Look for more updates in the near future :)
Tease On like an instructor,
Ian
Showing posts with label six principles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label six principles. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Pilates Applied to Rock Climbing--Alex Honnold!
Six Principles Are The Difference Between Life and Death!
At least in this case.
Living legend and rock climber golden boy, Alex Honnold demonstrates his unmatched ability to use control, concentration, breath, and precision (as well as some flow) to climb an remarkably physically and mentally challenging route in Yosemite National Park (where I lived, worked and rock climbed two summers ago). As a climber myself, I have an indescribable amount of respect for those who take calculated risks and use their bodies and minds to achieve greatness, despite seemingly "impossible" barriers that stand before them.
What's most amazing perhaps, is that Honnold isn't a typical "buff" guy--few rock climbers are! In fact, I have rock climber friends who do Pilates and yoga as their alternative form of exercise, rather than typical gym workouts. Like Pilates, climbing is more about control than brute force and that's one of the things that makes Honnold so astounding. Having friends who've met Honnold (as well as the film's videographer) I have been told that Honnold reflects a peaceful and composed demeanor that comes from focus, compassion and control.
So now, experience three+ minutes of bliss and inspiration.
Squarespace Presents: Alex Honnold (Climber's Cut)
Tease On and Get Inspired
Ian
Also, of course I did not make this video, nor do I own it or assume any ownership in anyway. I'm simply linking it for your enjoyment :)
At least in this case.
Living legend and rock climber golden boy, Alex Honnold demonstrates his unmatched ability to use control, concentration, breath, and precision (as well as some flow) to climb an remarkably physically and mentally challenging route in Yosemite National Park (where I lived, worked and rock climbed two summers ago). As a climber myself, I have an indescribable amount of respect for those who take calculated risks and use their bodies and minds to achieve greatness, despite seemingly "impossible" barriers that stand before them.
What's most amazing perhaps, is that Honnold isn't a typical "buff" guy--few rock climbers are! In fact, I have rock climber friends who do Pilates and yoga as their alternative form of exercise, rather than typical gym workouts. Like Pilates, climbing is more about control than brute force and that's one of the things that makes Honnold so astounding. Having friends who've met Honnold (as well as the film's videographer) I have been told that Honnold reflects a peaceful and composed demeanor that comes from focus, compassion and control.
So now, experience three+ minutes of bliss and inspiration.
Squarespace Presents: Alex Honnold (Climber's Cut)
Tease On and Get Inspired
Ian
Also, of course I did not make this video, nor do I own it or assume any ownership in anyway. I'm simply linking it for your enjoyment :)
Friday, November 14, 2014
Why Study Classical Pilates?
Living in NYC, I cannot feasibly recount the number of Pilates and yoga studios I pass everyday. Even if I'm on the train to school, all the smaller Westchester County towns are bursting to the brim with "alternative" ways to exercise.
When a new student wants to begin exercising, how do they decide on Pilates? And further, how do they decide to study Authentic/Classical Pilates, and why should they?
Where many new students decide to practice is highly dependent on the "sexiness" of the studio and the way the business and exercise techniques are marketed. It doesn't surprise anyone to hear that "yoga" (including all popular forms) is en vogue and represents a certain lifestyle that perhaps also includes health food stores, fancy water bottles and meditation. Let me say this, I go to health food stores weekly and meditate numerous times daily; both are integral parts of my lifestyle! That being said, it's important when deciding to begin exercising to be discerning. If you're going to spend money, why not get the biggest bang for your buck!?
Pilates may seem intimidating to those who haven't exercised much before. The word itself is synonymous with dedication, professional dancers, the "abdominal series" and in some cases, being a "medieval" form of exercise; and ya know what, it's kinda true! Joseph Pilates used springs and metal to completely astound the medical community at the time and demonstrate his incredible ability to condition and rehabilitate bodies.
Classical Pilates as opposed to quick-fix, divergent forms, focuses on the original principles Joseph Pilates and his successors envisioned upon creating the techniques.
I harp on repeating the Six Principles of Pilates, but in an Authentic Pilates method, Concentration, Control, Centering, Precision, Flow and Breath, offer the necessary components to achieve the same high level of fitness, meditation and health that is synonymous with the yogi lifestyle. Pilates IS "yoga" in a denotative sense; "yoga" itself is a Sanskrit word for discipline and Pilates IS discipline. Mainstream Yoga and Pilates each have strengths and some similarities, but they are exceedingly different.
When practicing the Classical method of Pilates, you can be almost certain that your instructors have received intense time and experience based substantive training. Instructors in Classical methods don't simply get their certification in a couple of weeks or a month, they receive something exceeding 700 hours of experience before working as professionals in the industry! When taking a non Authentic class, there is no way to know if your instructor has the necessary background in anatomy and physiology and in observing other instructors to offer helpful "expertise," rather than destructive and under-tested forms of stretching and strengthening. What's the point in doing Pilates and becoming in worse shape? Pilates is a great element in the process of rehabilitating a body and helping to deal with injuries, but not all studios are created equally.
I think of myself as a discerning individual, partly because I want to help my body become stronger, and also because I simply don't have the time and money to spend on something that's not going to help me in the long run. I would never attend a college or university for a program that I didn't first heavily research. Pilates is an investment, and it might just be the investment that changes the way you live the rest of your life.
Tease On and Know the Difference!!
Ian
When a new student wants to begin exercising, how do they decide on Pilates? And further, how do they decide to study Authentic/Classical Pilates, and why should they?
Where many new students decide to practice is highly dependent on the "sexiness" of the studio and the way the business and exercise techniques are marketed. It doesn't surprise anyone to hear that "yoga" (including all popular forms) is en vogue and represents a certain lifestyle that perhaps also includes health food stores, fancy water bottles and meditation. Let me say this, I go to health food stores weekly and meditate numerous times daily; both are integral parts of my lifestyle! That being said, it's important when deciding to begin exercising to be discerning. If you're going to spend money, why not get the biggest bang for your buck!?
Pilates may seem intimidating to those who haven't exercised much before. The word itself is synonymous with dedication, professional dancers, the "abdominal series" and in some cases, being a "medieval" form of exercise; and ya know what, it's kinda true! Joseph Pilates used springs and metal to completely astound the medical community at the time and demonstrate his incredible ability to condition and rehabilitate bodies.
Classical Pilates as opposed to quick-fix, divergent forms, focuses on the original principles Joseph Pilates and his successors envisioned upon creating the techniques.
I harp on repeating the Six Principles of Pilates, but in an Authentic Pilates method, Concentration, Control, Centering, Precision, Flow and Breath, offer the necessary components to achieve the same high level of fitness, meditation and health that is synonymous with the yogi lifestyle. Pilates IS "yoga" in a denotative sense; "yoga" itself is a Sanskrit word for discipline and Pilates IS discipline. Mainstream Yoga and Pilates each have strengths and some similarities, but they are exceedingly different.
When practicing the Classical method of Pilates, you can be almost certain that your instructors have received intense time and experience based substantive training. Instructors in Classical methods don't simply get their certification in a couple of weeks or a month, they receive something exceeding 700 hours of experience before working as professionals in the industry! When taking a non Authentic class, there is no way to know if your instructor has the necessary background in anatomy and physiology and in observing other instructors to offer helpful "expertise," rather than destructive and under-tested forms of stretching and strengthening. What's the point in doing Pilates and becoming in worse shape? Pilates is a great element in the process of rehabilitating a body and helping to deal with injuries, but not all studios are created equally.
I think of myself as a discerning individual, partly because I want to help my body become stronger, and also because I simply don't have the time and money to spend on something that's not going to help me in the long run. I would never attend a college or university for a program that I didn't first heavily research. Pilates is an investment, and it might just be the investment that changes the way you live the rest of your life.
Tease On and Know the Difference!!
Ian
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Teaser Thursday (Friday) (Sort of Saturday)
In front of you is the third (belated) edition of Teaser Thursday! Once again, I was practicing by myself, squeezing in a workout between commitments. Therefore, I had to use the mirror to take a picture of myself! It was a trick doing the exercise while positioning the phone camera with one of my hands, trying to maintain good form. After Marcelo's speciality devices workshop, I've been using the Magic Circle to create resistance and even more deeply condition the powerhouse.
The picture came out kinda spooky from all the mirrors next to one another. Early Halloween.
I've been improving my form after advice from my mentor and further practice everyday. Have a good night! Also, here's a belated photo of my shenanigans in Central Park on one of my days off.
Tease On,
Ian
The picture came out kinda spooky from all the mirrors next to one another. Early Halloween.
I've been improving my form after advice from my mentor and further practice everyday. Have a good night! Also, here's a belated photo of my shenanigans in Central Park on one of my days off.
Tease On,
Ian
Thursday, October 2, 2014
TEASER THURSDAY!
Alright Folks!
So today is installment one of what I hope to be a weekly Teaser Thursday photo/video.
The concept is pretty simple, the exercise...is a bit more strenuous. For this first installment, I had my friend Taylor take this picture of me in her dorm room as I wore uncomfortable skinny jeans, on a tile floor beneath a thin rug, so, needless to say--it ain't the best teaser ever seen! But, I want to give you all a taste of how you can do Pilates anytime, any place!
Tease on!!!
PS--Eyes are closed because I was laughing as my jeans rode up waaaay too high.
Ian
So today is installment one of what I hope to be a weekly Teaser Thursday photo/video.
The concept is pretty simple, the exercise...is a bit more strenuous. For this first installment, I had my friend Taylor take this picture of me in her dorm room as I wore uncomfortable skinny jeans, on a tile floor beneath a thin rug, so, needless to say--it ain't the best teaser ever seen! But, I want to give you all a taste of how you can do Pilates anytime, any place!
Tease on!!!
PS--Eyes are closed because I was laughing as my jeans rode up waaaay too high.
Ian
Monday, September 29, 2014
What Gets You Pumped?!
One of the things I love about Pilates opposed to other forms of exercise and other forms of meditation is the lack of distractions around me when I'm doing a routine. As much as I love music, I think it's important to remove all exterior interference and really focus on those six principles (Breath, Flow, Concentration, Control, Centering and Precision if you forgot ;)) and the five parts of the mind (Will, Memory, Intelligence, Imagination and Intuition). By doing this, I truly feel I become a better Pilates student and therefore, teacher as I am able to improve each time I practice with a clear mind and active memory.
That all being said, I want to know what you like to do when gearing up for, or winding down from a really good, sweaty practice! We'll talk about food and drink regimes another day, but what about music, books and movies, places to relax? After I finish a hard workout, I love to find somewhere comfortable (preferably outside!) to enjoy nature and music if I have it with me. For whatever reason, lately I've been really into Fleetwood Mac--Rumors was the first CD I ever owned at age nine and I haven't stopped loving it since! I also enjoy reading something light, yet engaging, like modern poetry (there's a lot of good stuff out there, believe me!!!) or a book I've read before that stirs up positive emotions and reflections.
Also, I enjoy doing Chakra meditation and other forms of meditative regimes and exercise that I will go into more detail in a future post. The point is--do the practice AND enjoy the life that occurs before and after you enter the studio (or whatever space you practice)!!
Let me know your favorite things to do!
Ian
Sunday, September 28, 2014
The Morning After
Today is another day and I've officially passed the beginner/pre-Pilates mat certification test! Going into it, I obviously felt nervous, yada yada yada, but confident enough to do it comfortably and professionally. Trying not to be too critical on myself, I'll break it down for ya where it comes to details. Where I succeeded: I think years of public speaking, performance and tutoring helped to give me a good energy and competence as a teacher--also, I had the actual mat portion of the material DOWN and was pretty good about all of the necessary details.
My instructor gave highest marks to me for my explanation of each exercise, which is a skill that definitely came from multiple different experimentations with explaining motion through imagery and precise instruction.
Oi. What I need to work on: keeping track of reps! I didn't realize until the exam started how difficult it is to meld being an informative and energized instructor, while remembering rep numbers and key points about the importance of each exercise. That being said, I was able to keep the flow of the routine. I also need to make sure I'm not being too cordial with my classes, aka apologizing or second guessing myself. Many of the people who take these mat classes--especially beginner ones--have no idea what the details of the routine are and it's best to keep an air of authority and competence, otherwise students will start to second guess the instructor! We don't want that.
The other challenge that presented itself to me was the appearance of two clients over the age of sixty with prevalent injuries. Once I addressed what needed to be modified for them, I may have obsessed a bit too much on them, more than other students. It was a bit stressful as I had the largest class of all the students in the certification course and my hands-on work was not just for show, but actually necessary!
All in all, I am happy this first step of my journey has been completed, but of course I am always looking to do better and have to do my best not to be too much of a perfectionist when it comes to scores. I know one thing, after doing the routine seven times for other students, my inner thighs are feeling that Pilates stance!
Tease on!
Ian
Oi. What I need to work on: keeping track of reps! I didn't realize until the exam started how difficult it is to meld being an informative and energized instructor, while remembering rep numbers and key points about the importance of each exercise. That being said, I was able to keep the flow of the routine. I also need to make sure I'm not being too cordial with my classes, aka apologizing or second guessing myself. Many of the people who take these mat classes--especially beginner ones--have no idea what the details of the routine are and it's best to keep an air of authority and competence, otherwise students will start to second guess the instructor! We don't want that.
The other challenge that presented itself to me was the appearance of two clients over the age of sixty with prevalent injuries. Once I addressed what needed to be modified for them, I may have obsessed a bit too much on them, more than other students. It was a bit stressful as I had the largest class of all the students in the certification course and my hands-on work was not just for show, but actually necessary!
All in all, I am happy this first step of my journey has been completed, but of course I am always looking to do better and have to do my best not to be too much of a perfectionist when it comes to scores. I know one thing, after doing the routine seven times for other students, my inner thighs are feeling that Pilates stance!
Tease on!
Ian
Friday, September 26, 2014
FIRST CERTIFICATION EXAM...TOMORROW! Pre-Pilates Beginner Mat
Don't get me wrong, I feel very prepared to use the knowledge of instruction and fundamental Pilates information that I've learned in conjunction with the six principles, five elements of the mind, etc...but doing all this in about fifty minutes under the supervision of my peers and mentors is, to say the least, nerve-wrecking.
It's a whole different thing imagining what it would be like to instruct a client, versus actually doing it using clear cues, helpful hands-on encouragement, while maintaining a positive energy. The four other new apprentices I've worked with have all been so supportive, committed and diverse and I really hope we are all able to perform well tomorrow even though we live hectic and varied lives.
I volunteered to go right at the beginning of the day, so I don't have to wait around nervously while others go. At this point, I just need to be confident in my cues and actions and that's the best I can do until I receive feedback afterward.
I promise to let you know soon afterward how I did and how I feel, regardless of the outcome. Okay, gonna go study a bit more!
Tease on!
Ian
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Spotlight on Six Principles! Why do we learn them anyway?
With years of experience in academic settings, I've grown accustomed to the frustration of learning dozens, hundreds...thousands (?) of terms, phrases and concepts, without being provided with an account of why the term is so important in the first place.
When it comes to the SIX PRINCIPLES OF PILATES, my mentors have been incredible with their explanations of the information they teach and share. It may even be said that the reason I'm doing Pilates is because of the six principles and the history that lies behind each one. Two terms specifically, concentration and centering, have unique significance in my life.
The first of the two terms mentioned helped to slow me down from the harried, unenthusiastic daily life I was leading. Whether it was working out, writing or even socializing, I did things with a certain flippancy that washed my life with an ill-feeling of boredom and listlessness. Once I was forced to concentrate--that means no music, no other technology or distractions when doing the routine, I was able to slow my life to an appropriate gear, and concentrate on what is truly important to me.
Centering follows concentration in its necessity to my current lifestyle. The word can be applied a number of ways, including physically. Centering is an important concept that corresponds with the position of the box and the structure around which one's Pilates routine is based. However, I am referring to centering on a different level. Using Pilates to help center and quiet my mind did nothing short of change my life. I've encountered years of struggle regarding restlessness and strain on my mind and on my perception of the world I live in, but my discovery of Pilates has initiated a new perspective on myself and my surroundings that stimulates me as I go throughout my day, yet keeps my mind at peace.
I could ramble on for pages about the continued importance of these two principles, along with the other four, but we'll leave that for another time! Please feel free to offer any feedback or thoughts on how the six principles have influenced you!
Tease on :),
Ian
**link to an explanation of the six principles appears in an earlier post entitled: "Mat Certification in Full Swing...Test Coming Soon!"
The first of the two terms mentioned helped to slow me down from the harried, unenthusiastic daily life I was leading. Whether it was working out, writing or even socializing, I did things with a certain flippancy that washed my life with an ill-feeling of boredom and listlessness. Once I was forced to concentrate--that means no music, no other technology or distractions when doing the routine, I was able to slow my life to an appropriate gear, and concentrate on what is truly important to me.
Centering follows concentration in its necessity to my current lifestyle. The word can be applied a number of ways, including physically. Centering is an important concept that corresponds with the position of the box and the structure around which one's Pilates routine is based. However, I am referring to centering on a different level. Using Pilates to help center and quiet my mind did nothing short of change my life. I've encountered years of struggle regarding restlessness and strain on my mind and on my perception of the world I live in, but my discovery of Pilates has initiated a new perspective on myself and my surroundings that stimulates me as I go throughout my day, yet keeps my mind at peace.
I could ramble on for pages about the continued importance of these two principles, along with the other four, but we'll leave that for another time! Please feel free to offer any feedback or thoughts on how the six principles have influenced you!
Tease on :),
Ian
**link to an explanation of the six principles appears in an earlier post entitled: "Mat Certification in Full Swing...Test Coming Soon!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)