BASI faculty member Jennifer Pearlsein writes about her recent activities in China

I was in Beijing recently to teach the intermediate course and present at the AAFEX fitness conference. It was definitely an experience that I will remember.

All six of the students in the Intermediate course had gone through the beginners course. It always amazes me that I can go anywhere in the world and see BASI Pilates performed.

The class had four men and two women, which is very different from most of the courses in the States. Teaching with an interpreter was a little challenging at first, but Emily, my translator, and I soon got into a groove. They were a great group of students.

The AFEEX fitness conference featured 20 presenters from around the world. Pilates is still new to the fitness types in China, so my workshops drew a lot of interest. About 40 people, mostly big, strong, muscled men, attended my Introduction to Pilates, which focused on Core Strength and was geared toward personal trainers.

They definitely saw the benefits of Pilates; many were shaking after only performing a few chest lifts. I also presented a workshop on post-pregnancy and another focusing on working with women as they age. Many of the students had not experienced working on the reformer and they had a lot of fun practicing the new movements.

Thanks to Jacqueline, my wonderful host from AASFP. All in all, it was a great experience; different from anywhere I have ever been, and I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity.

Lynda Salerno Gehrman is the owner of the PhysioLogic studio in New York. Erin Weber (picture,) a Pilates instructor and Physical therapist at PhysioLogic, recently completed the BASI teacher training course.

At PhysioLogic, the New York BASI certification center, we are thrilled to be finishing an expansion of both our chiropractic and physical therapy offices, as well as our Pilates studio. Combined, we have 4,000 square feet of space, which allows us to offer not only private training and certification, but group apparatus classes as well. We are working on a new program called BASI Bodies (or B Bodies,) where BASI students can take their teaching hours and gain experience.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Pilates instructor is being able to impact so many people with different goals, issues and body types. We deal with all kinds of injuries and chronic issues at our facility, so it is never dull completing your observation and practice hours!

When I opened the Pilates studio almost four years ago, as an adjunct to my husband’s existing chiropractic and physical therapy practice, I never imagined that the integration of the methods would be as natural as it has been. My husband was so impressed with the benefits of Pilates and its correlation to his existing practice that he formed a thriving, Pilates-based Physical Therapy program last year.

Jeanine Robotti, the initial physical therapist and Pilates instructor, was recently joined by Erin Weber, a physical therapist who completed the BASI course this past June. It is worth listening to what she has to say.

“As a recent member of the BASI family, I can truly say that it has been a remarkable experience. Not only have I seen myself grow into a more complete and dynamic physical therapist, but I have learned to better my patient’s rehabilitation process and have enhanced my perspective on healing the body.

“I recently started full-time at PhysioLogic, after working as an orthopedic, outpatient physical therapist for the past four years. Being able to incorporate Pilates into my rehabilitation program has proven to be extremely successful in achieving my clients’ goals. Most importantly, it has enabled me to show them the mind-body connection and convince them of their primary role in ensuring their own well-being.

“At PhysioLogic, I work as part of a comprehensive rehab team, along with chiropractors, massage therapists and other Pilates instructors. This method of rehabilitation coincides with the BASI approach to Pilates. The emphasis is on how each body is different and how the abilities of each individual varies, depending upon inherent strengths and weaknesses. As a physical therapist, I immediately understood the correctness and value of this approach. I had treated far too many clients with injuries resulting from pushing through exercise programs without appropriate progressions.

Completing the BASI certification has not only enhanced my career as a physical therapist; it has also helped to reshape the way I look at fitness. Just as physical therapy involves ongoing learning, completing the BASI certification is just the beginning of my journey as a Pilates instructor. Having BASI as my foundation gives me the confidence that I’m on the right path, and I look forward to my future in Pilates.

Thanks to Rael, Sherri Long, for her astounding teaching abilities, and Lynda, for her gracious hosting and inspirational studio.

Rachel Williams is the owner of the Indy House of Pilates in Indianapolis.

At age 25, I was diagnosed with Isthmic Spondylolysis, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative Disc Disease.

As with many individuals who develop this condition, I had early indications of lower back pain, as well as pain in the buttocks, hips and legs while playing various sports all through high school. Symptoms would range from acute pain to a radiating dullness that would come and go with no apparent pattern. I pushed myself and struggled with the condition all the way through college.

Months of strenuous training for the Indianapolis Mini Marathon, including running and heavy lifting, was the final straw. A crack in my pars interarticularis (connecting the vertebrae to the spine,) which had been widening for many years, finally gave way, separating the L5 (last vertebrae) completely from the spine.

Unaware of the severity of my condition, I sought treatment from a chiropractor, including months of spinal adjustments, heating/cooling and electrical stimulation. Nothing alleviated the pain. Barely able to walk, I was fortunate one day to fall into the hands of an on-call chiropractor, who immediately took an X-ray.

The degree of Spondylolisthesis (breaking and shifting forward of the vertebra) exposed by the X-ray was considered too great for any further non-surgical treatment. I underwent a posterior lumbar fusion to secure the lumbar region, stabilize the spine and prevent further damage. My rehabilitation included two separate programs, each several months long, of physical therapy, focusing on muscular endurance, strength and flexibility.

Even after months of therapy, I could barely function and was dependant on pain medication. My range of motion in all planes and axes was minimal. For well over a year, I was bed-ridden or confined to a wheelchair for 80% of my waking hours.

It wasn’t until I committed to private sessions with a certified Pilates instructor that I finally started returning to life. The results I experienced in my own body were so amazing, that I felt a sense of duty almost to learn how to teach and share the life-changing capabilities of Pilates. The result was my decision to pursue my comprehensive Pilates training with BASI.

Pilates gave me the ability to finally return to life. Thank you for allowing me to share some of the amazing benefits with you!

Tamsin Thoren completed her Pilates instructor certification through MiraCosta College, where she is currently studying to become a Registered Dietitian.  The studio manager of Bella Forma Pilates in Carlsbad, CA.  Tamsin has an extensive background in anatomy, physiology and complimentary and alternative medicine.

Scoliosis is a general term given to a deviation in the shape of an individual’s spine. This can be one or more lateral curves and often includes a rotation that can twist the spine into a corkscrew-like shape in extreme cases. The altered shape of the spine can cause compression on proximal organs and structures, leading to such complications as chronic back pain, neuritis (caused by compression of spinal nerves,) spondylosis (osteoarthritis of the spine,) breathing difficulties, and dysfunction of the heart and lungs.

Mild cases of scoliosis may not require any treatment, but extreme cases may need to be treated by spinal fusion and implants to correct the spinal deviation. Approximately 85% of all cases of scoliosis are considered idiopathic, meaning that doctors don’t know what caused the condition. Scoliosis is a fairly common condition, occurring in about 2% of all adolescents and affecting seven times more females than males.

The awareness and muscle control that are essential to Pilates make it a very useful tool for achieving relief from some of the complications of scoliosis. According to Suzanne Martin, PT, DPT, “Pilates can excel in the long-term training needed to help change the many factors involved in a distorted spine and unbalanced musculature associated with scoliosis.”

As individuals gain muscular control, they can use their musculature to counteract the force of compression caused by spinal column distortion. Caution must be exercised, however. It should not be the goal of the instructor or client to overcome the spinal distortions, as this can lead to pain and spasm. Instead, the instructor should work within the limits of the individual, with the goal of gradually increasing awareness and strength in the muscles that support the vertebral column.

Contraindications and modifications will vary between individuals based on their age and the severity of their condition. Younger individuals (adolescents and up to about age 22) whose bones have not reached their maximum density and strength should be limited to fundamental exercises and lighter weights. “The soft skeleton is very plastic and does not have full development of bony prominence that guard joints from coming out of socket.”

For clients of all ages, working within the individual’s condition and spinal curvature will minimize the amount of strain placed upon already compromised structures. Using props like towels, spine correctors and the arc can help to position your client so that he or she can comfortably and safely complete their workout. Rotation should be done with caution and to both sides, but beginning with the side that is easier for the client. A wonderful set of foundational exercises for most clients can be found included in the article by Suzanne Martin, which is referenced below. A good rule of thumb for all clients, with or without scoliosis, is to begin with fundamental exercises and light resistance, gradually increasing the complexity and resistance as the individual is able to progress. Individuals with extreme cases that include complications like “spondylosis, spondylolisthesis (slipping vertebrae), and herniated or degenerated discs” will need to take precautions to protect against fracture, slippage, or aggravating herniations, respectively. These are serious conditions that require further research as well as consultation with the individual’s medical providers.

Not all clients with scoliosis will tell you, or even know, that they have the condition. Very mild cases may not have been diagnosed in adolescence and may have progressed asymptomatically and unbeknownst to your client. The telltale signs are uneven shoulders, hips, and/or waist length, leaning to one side, and “one shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other.” If you notice a combination of these postural markers in a client it would be wise to proceed with caution as if they have scoliosis and help them to become aware of their postural deviations as you work with them.

There are many factors to consider when working with an individual with scoliosis. It takes education and effort on the part of the instructor and client to ensure a safe and beneficial Pilates workout. But, over time and with regular instruction, clients can receive the benefit of a reduction in many of the symptoms associated with this condition.

References

Martin, Suzanne. “Pilates for Scoliosis.” Articles. 3 April 2009. Pilates Pro. 1 December 2009. <http://www.pilates-pro.com/pilates-pro/2009/4/3/pilates-for-scoliosis.html>

Mayo Clinic. “Scoliosis.” Diseases andConditions. 14 December 2007. Mayo Clinic. 1, December 2009. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scoliosis/DS00194>

MedLinePlus. “Scoliosis.” Encyclopedia. 17 September 2009 . National Institutes of Health. 1 December 2009. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001241.htm>

Werner, Ruth. A Massage Therapists Guide to Pathology. Philidelphia:Lipincott Williams & Wilkins. 2002.

Kathleen Pagnini has been a certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor for over 30 years, instructing clients from all walks of life – including professional golfers. She is a Pilates instructor at Bella Forma Pilates and an avid golfer.

Do you manage to maintain your posture while you swing a golf club? Do you hold your breath at the top of the back swing or at any other time during your game? Do you take your eyes off the ball momentarily? Are you chicken-winging? Are you topping or smothering the ball, fat, thin?

These, and other, faults can be addressed by understanding the concept of flexibility and how it can benefit or hurt a golf swing.

From the perspective of the body, the game of golf is “one-sided;” a player always favors one side over the other. That can lead to imbalances similar to those that occur in mild scoliosis.

Pilates helps golfers move differently by making corrections to body alignment and bringing the body back into balance. It strengthens the core muscles - the abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, and those around the spine - while simultaneously increasing flexibility. Pilates can be instrumental in helping a golfer to achieve optimal alignment.

Flexibility is the catalyst for all subsequent aspects of golf conditioning. As you increase rotational flexibility and correct muscular imbalances to improve your posture, your drives will be longer, straighter and more accurate.

Once flexibility is achieved and your musculoskeletal system is balanced, the next step is to gain stability. A stable body creates a solid framework for all movement and activities. Stability in the pelvic and shoulder girdles leads to better balance transfer in the golf swing and greater core-connected power for club head speed. When stability is achieved, strength can be built using functional movement patterns that readily transfer to the game of golf.

Attempting to improve golf strengthening or power without first achieving flexibility and stability is likely to be ineffective and can cause injury. Pilates will help you achieve flexibility, stability and strength in the correct order.

Another benefit of Pilates is focus. Pilates requires intense concentration, as does golf.  The focus practiced in a Pilates workout for golf can be reproduced on the golf course with superb results.

If you have been playing golf for some time but would like to improve your game, the chances are you will opt for lessons with a professional. But what if you are not biomechanically capable of doing what your golf professional asks you to do? If you do not have the requisite flexibility, stability, strength and focus?

Pilates will help you to achieve a better game of golf. If you are new to the game, I recommend doing some private Pilates for Golf sessions prior to starting your golf lessons as it will speed up “the learning curve”. You will have already practiced the correct body movements that initiate and maintain your swing with efficiency and control, unveiling your authentic swing, and setting you up for a lifetime of fun in the wonderful world of golf!

Cindy Reid has a Masters degree in Performance Studies and Choreography and has danced professionally in her native Chicago. A member of the BASI faculty, she runs the Flow Studio in Chicago

Chicago’s Millennium Park is a beautiful, green, urban oasis, lined with gardens, modern art, giant water sculpture and, of course, the spectacular band-shell and orchestra hall designed by Frank Gehry. When I got an email asking if I’d be interested in teaching Pilates in the city’s program of free workouts in the park over the summer, I didn’t think twice. It was both an opportunity and a challenge, though I could not fully imagine the thrill of having hundreds of people in the park practicing Pilates.

I took the task quite seriously, not wanting the musical accompaniment to be disturbed by the sound of ambulance sirens. I planned the class carefully and made sure to address the obvious concern of injury in the script (while taking my husband’s advice to “not make it sound too dangerous!”) To enable me to keep my eyes on the crowd, and adapt as needed, I decided to teach with a demonstrator on stage.  I also decided that it would be a fundamental class, on the assumption that there would be many beginners. And of course, it was a great opportunity to mobilize BASI trainees to assist in the crowd.

Arriving 45 minutes early, to observe the yoga class before mine, I quickly noticed that the crowd seemed to be a lot more fit than I had anticipated; in fact, there were many devotees who seemed determined to get in a full day of exercise. I immediately included some more challenging exercises into the work as options, On the following two Saturdays (I had undertaken to teach on three successive weekends,) I used demonstrators for both beginner and intermediate levels, which worked well.

There was live acoustic guitar and drum music, which created a soothing, tai chi-like tempo; I found this component very effective in challenging people of many different levels. The slow pace allowed for some specific cueing and participants were coaxed to reach their full height, length and/or depth.

In planning the class, a process which involved many late-night mental rehearsals, I ruled out exercises with multi-plane or choreographic complexity, long lever ab work, rolling on the earth’s hard surface, and high-risk spinal positions. That led me to the realization that the classical mat repertoire did not offer enough options for a mass audience.

And so, many of the exercises were preps and/or partial versions of complete mat or equipment exercises. I kept true to the idea of a well-rounded workout, addressing as many ranges and types of movements as possible. I introduced the class by saying “Pilates is a full-body workout system. Mat work is one element of the system. Today we’ll be performing some of the classical mat work, as well as other Pilates exercises adapted for the mat.”

I think it’s fair to say that, while creative in selection, the session stayed true to the fundamentals of the work. Using nothing but gravity and body weight, both novices and experienced practitioners had a great workout.

Each class wrapped up with a roll-down and –up, reaching for the expansive sky above. It was truly inspirational to see this massive group of people doing something as positive as Pilates together in the center of the city. Teaching in this setting, inspired my heart, and made me proud to call Chicago home. It is indeed a progressive city which offers free tai chi, yoga, Pilates and dance all summer in the park.

Gail DeSart has over 26 years experience in the health and fitness industry. She is a member of the BASI Pilates faculty and owner of the Mind & Body Wellness Studio in Ventura, California.

Pole-lates, Aqua-lates, Yoga-lates etc. Do these terms drive you crazy? They do me!

I am passionate about Pilates and deeply respectful of its integrity. However, over the past few years, I have become increasingly dismayed at the misuse of the Pilates method to promote multiple physical fitness methods as a way to merely increase profits.

When a colleague asked if I knew of Cardio-lates I stopped her with “don’t even go there.” But she persisted, explaining that it was done with a jump board on Pilates equipment. I began to think: Perhaps dedicating a Pilates session to cardio work is not such a bad idea? (As long as it’s not called “lates,” of course!)

So, using the BASI Block System, I created a class called Cardio-jump, which was tested at the twice weekly instructor sessions at Mind & Body Wellness Studio. Needless to say, it went very well!

The example below is quite intense. Of course, you can use different exercises and lower the number of Jump blocks to lessen the intensity of the class.

Pilates Cardio-jump class works well for up to 6 people. It is recommended the participants be intermediate to advanced level as this is a very challenging one- hour session.

Warm up: Intermediate mat, 10 min. (using bands for stretching ankle, foot, knee and hip)

Jump Work: 1-1½ springs Jump 2 minutes with varying foot positions

Abdominals: Hundred, Coordination , Openings (options)

Jump Work: Jump 2 minutes (feet positions may get more creative as you move into the hour.)

Spinal Articulation: Bottom Lift with extensions (add spring or not) feet on jump board, toes over edge (option single leg)

Jump Work: Jump 2 min.

Arm Work: Arms Supine heavy 1½ -2½ springs (may add chest lift during arm circles for more abs)

Jump Work: Jump 2 min.

Hip work: Frog, Circles, openings, (options extended frog, reverse)

Jump Work: Jump 2 min

Spinal Articulation: Short Spine (feels great after jumping.) Other options: Long Spine or Jackknife

Jump Work: Jump 2 min

Full Body Integration: Knees Stretch Reverse

Stretches: Standing Lunge with jump board, Kneeling or Full Lunge if jump board is removed.

Remove Jump Board. Should be at about 40-45 min

Abdominals: Short Box Series Various options (Climb a Tree feels great after so many jumps)

Lateral Flexion: Side Over on Box

Back Extension: Pulling Straps 1-2 Other options, swimming on box (no straps)

Roll-down: Cat Standing - 1 yellow spring Long box is placed on reformer, foot bar down, stand a foot away from reformer facing foot bar (no contact). Do a Standing Roll-down to box placing palms against edge. Inhale-articulate spine into full back extension while pushing the carriage out. Exhale-articulate spine into flexion while bringing carriage into stopper. Stay over feet; no leaning.

I hope you enjoy this session … It’s a kick!

Meredith Rogers  is a member of the BASI PIlates faculty and teaches at the La Playa Pilates and Wellness Center in Santa Barbara.

A couple of months ago I received a call from BASI asking if I would be interested in traveling to Japan to teach. Immediately, my heart started racing and my brain simultaneously began to compile an almost unconscious list of reasons why I couldn’t go. Lame excuses like “its too soon…, can I be away from home for that long… and its such a long way” ran through my head. Within moments I pushed these unwanted thoughts away as I heard a voice, sounding very much like my own saying “yes, of course, I would love to go!”.

Teaching Pilates in Japan was an experience I’ll not soon forget. The studios were impressively modern, well-equipped and sparkling in their cleanliness. The students were absolutely delightful. A dedicated, well practiced and warm hearted bunch, they responded to me as if they truly wanted to digest my every word and treated me with deferential respect.

It was an uncommon and exciting experience being able to work one-on-one with some of the students and teachers there. They were inspirational to me with their diligence, precision and passion for the work. Much of the time I had someone to translate for me or an English speaker close at hand. But the instances where there was no common language were perhaps the most profound. It is an exceptional and rewarding challenge to share this work through common understanding and tactile cueing. It makes one evaluate the art of conveying as much information as possible in the simplest of ways.

I appreciate so much the opportunity I have had to be a part of the BASI faculty, which rewards me with experiences such as these. It is a blessing and a joy to be able to share my love of Pilates with students in such faraway places and an inspiration to realize again and again that no matter where you are in the world you will find people who value this work with great passion. That, in itself, is extraordinary.

This is the fourth in a series of articles by BASI principal instructor Theo van der Riet dealing with Pilates teaching techniques and concepts.

The first client I ever had failed to return after her first lesson.

It was not a pleasant experience. but it certainly made me think. Was it Pilates she didn’t want to return to or was it me? It didn’t take me long to conclude that it couldn’t have been Pilates; how could anyone not like Pilates?

So, it must have been me. Specifically, it must have been my eagerness (shared by many young and inexperienced instructors) to do too much too soon. After completing a teacher training course and having learned a vast repertoire, we often can’t wait to share what we’ve learned with our new clients. We’re over-enthusiastic and we overwhelm our clients with information.

Don’t try teach everything you have learned on the first day. Clients find their way to Pilates for a wide variety of reasons, but they all want to move. So get them moving; you’ll have ample opportunity in the future to impress them with your knowledge.

Here are some guidelines for constructing an effective first class for injury-free individuals:

Roll down – Assess posture and evaluate movement, but try not to go into too much technical detail at this stage. You could easily get stuck on a topic and the hour will be up before you know it.

Breathing – Mention the importance of breathing in Pilates and introduce lateral breathing, but try not to make too much of it in the first lesson. The goal is to get clients to understand the importance of breathing; it is a lot less critical at this stage whether the breathing patterns are on cue. It is sufficient that they are breathing and that it is not causing tension.

Neutral pelvis – Briefly introduce neutral pelvis and mention its benefits, but don’t expect the client to grasp it in the first lesson. There is more than enough time to work on this concept in later lessons, when they understand more and know what to expect.

Abdominal recruitment – Yes, mention Transversus Abdominis and the importance of ‘hollowing’ or ‘scooping’. Keep it simple and use images to convey the information.

Mat Warm-up – As you progress through the basic warm-up sequence, repeat the previous instructions in order to reinforce the information. The basic warm-up exercises will also give you a great deal of information about the client’s abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Use these exercises to evaluate your client, without her knowing about it.

All of the above should take no more than 30 minutes. After that, I personally like to introduce the equipment, especially the Reformer. Most new clients are very intrigued by the equipment and it really does add interest to their first class. I have found that many beginners have the impression that the equipment is for advanced movers only; it’s good to get rid of that misconception immediately.

Leg and Foot work – Introduce only a few positions initially; the time available in a normal class is not sufficient for the full series. Evaluate the foot-ankle-knee alignment of your clients when going through the different positions.

Abdominal work – Begin with the Hundreds prep with no resistance or on the mat.

Hip work – If your client has good body awareness and can control movement, try the Frog on the Reformer or Cadillac. Whether to introduce hip work is usually a very subjective choice and will depend on the client.

Stretches – In the first class, introduce a hamstring stretch with a theraband and explain that stretching is a very important part of your Pilates class. Keep it simple, but effective.

Arm work – If you are fortunate to have access to the Avalon Arm chair, you can begin with Chest Expansion and Hug a Tree.

Lateral flexion – Side Leg Lifts on the mat is a great choice here as so many people are exceptionally weak in this area.

Back extension – End the class with basic Back Extension on the mat. This way you ‘open’ the chest and they feel elongated and tall when leaving the class.

If you go through the class, I think you’ll see that the main concepts were discussed and the client got a lot of moving done. Simultaneously, you reinforced the concepts as you moved through repertoire.

There will be more than enough time in subsequent lessons to establish the basics and to slowly progress through the repertoire and fundamental concepts. Repetition of the fundamental exercises will lead to deeper and deeper levels of the work and many layers of understanding.

Your client will not leave the studio feeling overwhelmed. I’m pretty sure that your client will understand the benefits of the method and, of great importance, feel that she can do it. Unlike my first client, she will come back.

Have fun teaching.

Samantha Wood holds a B.S. in Exercise Science, a Masters degree in Physical Therapy and an MBA. She is a member of the BASI Pilates faculty and is co-owner of The Cypress Center studio in Pacific Palisades.

Prior to becoming a physical therapist, I was an exercise instructor for Rancho La Puerta and The Golden Door Spa. My role at “The Ranch” and “The Door” was to teach fitness classes aboard Cunard cruise ships, each for three months at a time. Being in the fitness industry, I had heard of Pilates but, besides mat classes, had very little experience with it.

On one of the cruises, my roommate and co-fitness instructor was a wonderful woman named Adelle, with whom I shared many crazy adventures. We became great friends. Shortly after that, I started physical therapy (PT) school and Adelle met and fell in love with a Pilates teacher named Rael Isacowitz. They have been together ever since.

So what does this love story have to do with my journey in Pilates? Well, through my friendship with Adelle, I got to spend lots of time with Rael. He knew that I was on my way to becoming a physical therapist, and would often tell me how valuable Pilates could be in my field.

Of course, I blew it off at the time, thinking Pilates was just for dancers. How could it possibly be of any value to me in my new career?.

I took a job as a PT for the Phoenix Suns basketball team in Arizona, and was working with one of our star players, Jason Kidd, who was recovering from ankle surgery. One day, Jason’s wife asked me if I knew anything about Pilates. They had a Reformer at home and she thought it would be great if Jason could use it to rehab his ankle.

I quickly found a Pilates studio in Phoenix (not so easy back then) and took a session. I was amazed at how many different exercises could be done on one machine, and how adaptable and appropriate the exercises were for rehab. It was then that I decided I needed to be properly trained in the Pilates Method. I immediately called Rael and enrolled in his next course.

Lucky for me, Rael is not the type of person to say “I told you so” and he welcomed me to his course with open arms. I was amazed, and still am today, at how much I learned in the BASI Teacher Training Course. During the course I began incorporating Pilates into my Physical Therapy practice at The Cypress Center. Patients loved it – and it worked! They got better.

The year was 2001, so this was still a somewhat innovative approach and not widely accepted in the physical therapy and medical professions. Most doctors who referred to us did not even know what Pilates was back then. Today, they ask for it by name.

Ten years later things have come full circle and I now have the privilege of teaching rehab-based Pilates to certified instructors, physical therapists, and other rehab professionals. My BASI Pilates Advanced Education Course entitled “Pilates: A Therapeutic Approach” is the product of what I have learned over the years. I have seen both first-hand and through research that Pilates, when used appropriately, can be a highly effective tool in rehabilitation. Pilates exercises and principles can help patients recover from injuries and surgery, as well as optimize functioning in patients with chronic conditions.

Each time I take a Pilates workshop or course I am inspired by the knowledge and creativity of the teachers. How wonderful now to be able to give back to the Pilates world by sharing my knowledge and experience as a physical therapist! My hope is that we can continue to share our knowledge and blend these two worlds to create optimal benefit for our patients and clients. Thank you, Rael, my mentor and friend, for introducing me to this wonderful world of Pilates!