A Look Into ITT Pilates: Part 4
We were lucky to have 2 different instructors for our Reformer Level 1 training. The combined effect gave me a deeper understanding of the ITT Pilates methodology and the Reformer exercises.
Day 1 with Sue Aslin
Sue Aslin, Master Pilates Trainer and ITT Pilates Instructor, taught the first day of the course. You'll need to have a deep knowledge of your anatomy and its terminology to not be overwhelmed by this segment! With Sue's coaching of each student demonstrating an exercise, we learned how to evaluate anatomical imbalances and address them. She offered corrective techniques for common foot, leg, and hip issues. Sue requested we move from our joints or specific muscles as she aligned our bodies for the exercises we demonstrated. Through practicing exercises at home correctly AND incorrectly, I now know the foot positions and the "why" by heart! It's hard to teach what you don't understand yourself. Sue recommended watching the basic Foot and Leg work video multiple times to nail the concepts.
These new exercises are challenging because we have to keep the torso from sliding around on the moving carriage. Using anchor points and tips from a Master Pilates educator for firing muscles in the correct sequence were invaluable!
Day 2 With Jean Sullivan
Jean Sullivan, Director of ITT Pilates and Master of Pilates, taught the second day. With precision, Jean described the biomechanics of each Reformer exercise. She taught us techniques to implement, from the trainer's perspective, based on what issues she saw in each of us as we demonstrated an exercise. If the correct action wasn't achieved, she changed her cueing and added tactile cueing to get the correct action. She addressed common things to watch for by adding props, changing foot positions, or using verbal imagery. Jean suggested where to stand to observe or engage in verbal and tactile cueing. She stressed the importance of stopping the exercise with encouraging words to promote correct action before continuing to achieve the exercise objectives. Safety measures were emphasized as the student was now on a moving carriage with various props. In this session, we also talked about business liability insurance for teaching. If you own Pilates equipment, you may want to insure the business property as well.
My understanding of Pilates methodology today versus day one of ITT Pilates training is remarkable. I am seeing my student volunteers make great strides toward their personal goals. My body is getting stronger through my self-practice hours and lessons as a student. There is a sense of achievement, although not perfected yet, that comes with daily commitment and self-practice.
There are more videos, self-practice, student teaching, and observation hours than the Mat training required. ITT Pilates is not only a big commitment of time to learn to teach Pilates, but for me, it's also time away from my daily life with family and employment activities. Don't let the time commitment overwhelm you! You're not alone. The camaraderie amongst students and trainers is genuine and satisfying if you are willing to engage in it.