Last month I had the privilege of teaching several MVe workshops at Dallas Mania. It was a great convention and our MVe Chair was well received and it was great to see so many of our MVe instructors. However, many of the attendees were not Pilates instructors and it was amazing to see how well their bodies moved on the MVe Chair. What set the non-experienced attendees up for success was the thorough explanation of the basic alignment tools – specifically Pilates Stance, Powerhouse, Scoop, Box, Centerline and Opposition. These alignment tools were explained before the workout portion of the workshop. This provided simple connections using simple words. Simplicity is powerful!
In seeing these attendees move with such control, it made me smile and recognize how simple Pilates can really be. If a first time student could move so well in a group setting, why do we sometimes feel Pilates is so complicated? It is no wonder why the fitness community has stayed away for so long. However, Peak Pilates’ MVe Chair and our other Pilates education programs help to demystify Pilates and are attracting individuals of all different backgrounds.
Not only has the MVe Chair made Pilates less complicated, it has made Pilates less intimidating to the fitness community as well. As a result, the MVe has stimulated more interest in the classical mat and reformer work. It is like going in through the back door!
I have used this realization in my own personal studio. When I have a potential client walk into my studio, I ask questions that help me understand where the client is coming from and try to find the right starting point for them. I find out if they have been more exposed to yoga, group fitness classes or personal training. I also ask if they play sports. If I draw the conclusion that their background is more of a fitness experience, many times I will suggest the MVe Chair. It is a comfortable starting point for them. Many of my clients, who started out in MVe Chair classes, are now taking classical mat and reformer classes. Yeah!!!!
What is even more powerful than that is when these “fitness” clients then bring in their “fitness” friends. Boy… when you can get “fitness” clients referring their “fitness” friends to Pilates… well… you get the picture!
- Sonia Rodriguez, Peak Pilates Master Trainer