I have to say that I am grateful for my gymnastics, dance, and Pilates training - especially in regards to body awareness. I’m sure it’s why so many dancers and athletes are embracing Pilates as a component of their injury-prevention and cross-training program. And it makes sense why so many of my clients over the years have started Pilates, because of an injury or problem that limited their ability to participate in general exercise programs. I feel blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with great coaches, teachers, trainers and mentors, but I know that not everybody out there has had the same experience.
The old saying, “You can’t fix it if it ain’t broke…” Well if you’re not aware of what you’ve been doing to “break” it - how could “fixing” it even begin to solve the problem. The first “fix” has got to be with the mind-body connection and improved body awareness, or old bad habits will be impossible to break.
Regardless of your athletic or dance background, or how old you were when you started your first exercise program, or what physical shape your body is in - it’s never too late to improve your health AND strengthen your mind-body connection! It just takes the desire to work on it - and a good coach to guide you along the way!
It’s been interesting hanging out in the local health clubs recently….I know that there are lots of GREAT personal trainers and Pilates teachers out there...but there seems to be such a difference between the typical weight-room training sessions that I’ve observed lately, and a one-on-one Pilates training session. I suppose unless you’ve experienced both - you don’t know the difference. But they seem to be light years apart in the amount of fine-tuning and corrections a client actually receives to be in the right alignment and improve technique. I’m sure these comments will stir up some controversy!
I find it difficult to keep my mouth shut at the gym watching these poor people do exercises in absolutely horrible alignment with zero support in the right places, or being asked to do an exercise that is way to advanced when there might be something much more appropriate to start with. At the moment… this is probably the best venue for me to express myself!
** (For the purposes of the rest of this article - when I say “Trainer” I’m referring to anyone you hire to assist you with your wellness program (personal trainer, Pilates Instructor, Yoga teacher, coach, or other health professional.)
For the less experienced clients out there who are wondering how to get the most from your workouts and hire the right Pilates teacher, Personal Trainer, or Coach. Here are my tips suggestions:
- If you are not asked to complete a fairly comprehensive personal assessment, medical history, and goal setting evaluation before you begin - proceed with caution…
I know that it seems like a hassle to fill out all these forms, but this personal information and/or fitness evaluation gives a trainer the information they need to help design a personalized program that’s appropriate for you.
It’s always appropriate to make a change, and can be good to get opinions and insight from a fresh perspective – It’s YOUR body!
Discover and develop your own sense of body awareness so that you can make corrections in your form, and pace yourself to get the most of your workouts. Always listen to your body and make safe exercise choices. Know that workouts with a well-qualified trainer will always be money well spent. Use your trainer to help guide and motivate you to stay active and healthy and let them assist you with a safe and appropriate workout program. If you ever have any concerns - express them, and know that there are lots of great fitness and Pilates professionals out there…Keep looking until you find the one with the experience, expertise and personality to meet your needs.
Aliesa George is the founder of Centerworks® Pilates. She is an author, workshop presenter, and mind-body health expert with more than 25 years of experience designing solutions for health improvement. Aliesa has created a wide variety of products focused on Pilates, Foot Fitness, the Mind-Body Connection, Stress-Management, and Whole-Body Health. She enjoys helping others discover the connection between thought and action to get positive results and achieve goals for a healthy mind, body and spirit!
To get complete product information and read more of her articles, go to http://www.Centerworks.com
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