Pilates became a part of my life in 2000, after grueling hours of cardio and years of weight lifting started to take its toll on my back. Pilates made my pain subside. I was able to lift my leg with out shooting pain in my low back and hip. I was able to do activities I had not done in years, giving me a new lease on life. Pilates also just happened to be the only form of exercise I could do through seven foot surgeries. I was finally focused physically and mentally and knew that I wanted to be able to bring all that Pilates has to offer into other people’s lives.
In 2003, I received my first Traditional Pilates Mat certification through the PhysicalMind Institute, as well as my Advanced Mat and Standing Pilates Certification. These two certifications only gave me 30 hours of training. I was terrified to teach to others because I understood the power of Pilates and knew that 30 hours of training did not teach me enough about the body, and how to properly teach these exercises to others. Later that same year, I went to New York City to receive my IM=X Mat and Xercizer certification. IM=X stands for Integrated Movement = Exercise. IM=X is not traditional Pilates. It was however, a more comprehensive training, but still not enough. Knowing that there was more to learn (and there is always more to learn), in January 2004, I began my Full Teacher Training Certification Program at Body Precision located in Rosemont, Pennsylvania. Body Precision is a member of and approved as an Educational Organization through the Pilates Method Alliance. This program required 724 hours of training. These hours consisted of 4 Weekend Workshops, which we had to go through twice, observation of trained Pilates instructors, anatomy and kinesiology training, pedagogy and imagery training, history of Joseph Pilates as well as the philosophy of Pilates, required reading, documented self-study, and continual lessons on the Pilates apparatus. There were also practical, performance, written, and anatomy tests to pass as well as a case study and documented apprentice hours to finish before receiving our certification. I received my certification in June 2005. During these 18 months I learned every Pilates Mat and Equipment exercise Level I-V, including modifications for each individual, how to give every type of client a workout to best meet their goals and needs, how to address injuries, pain issues and chronic ailments through Pilates and comprehensive anatomy as it relates to Pilates, as well as how to look at body types. This knowledge also prepared me for, and helped me pass my certification through the Pilates Method Alliance, which not only certifies me, but also accredits me.
Continuing education is also a must, or at least it should be. I have done continuing education with Ron Fletcher who is an original descendant of Joe Pilates, in which I have been licensed to teach his Spine Corrector work. I have participated in Workshops with the Taylor sisters, the authors of “The Everything Pilates Book”.
I see Pilates as a journey. The body is ever changing and Pilates is always challenging. Wellness and movement are a large part of my life, and I am proud to have the ability to share this journey with other. I am a true believer in Pilates and how it can enhance and if need be change your life. It has changed mine.
-Heather Allen
Owner
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||