Barbara WintroubI watch Pilates Teachers teaching their clients.
Some are staring off into space, looking around the room or talking so much I cannot tell what is really happening with their lesson.
Clients walk in slumping and walk out slumping. Teachers teach a bunch of exercises but what is their focus, where are they headed in their exercise program?
Do they have a plan?
Each person who comes to me has a different set of issues. I ask them what their problems are, what they hope to get out of their Pilates experience.
I take a look at their posture. I find their posture tells the tale of their issues.
I had two new female clients who play golf. They are great golfers with shoulder problems. Compromised posture is the problem. I have a focus for each of them. I gave them home exercises and things to watch for when they are out of alignment.
This is a group effort. They will will learn something about how to stand and how to walk and how to watch others in their golf cart or on the golf course.
Once a client learns it’s okay to stand up straight, they feel more comfortable doing it often.
I want to make a difference in their lives. Because I have a seasonal relationship with my clients, I only see them so many months before they leave for the summer. If I can instill in them the importance of continuing their exercise program, then I have given them the motivation to workout when I’m not there.
When they return in the fall I get to hear their stories of what they did or didn’t do over the summer. At least they thought about what they should have done.
I sat at a dinner table with 5 high caliber tennis playing women. Three had torn rotator cuff/bicep tendon issues, two had hip replacements. I asked if they go to the gym to work out or take Pilates to work on strength training and flexibility. Not one of them does anything nor did they do anything before their injuries.
Pilates can save bodies. It is so unfortunate that more people don’t consider doing it.
Joe Pilates changed lives, He made a difference. He did amazing things.
Look what he did for Eve Gentry after she had breast cancer. He believed people were weak and didn’t take care themselves. Read his book. Become a mini Joe.
Change lives, motivate others, make a difference. It’s a benefit to your clients and it’s a benefit to you.
Make a Difference!
Tip of the Day: Your clothes don’t hang right on your body if you slump. Sit and Stand tall-Good Posture Becomes You.