The latest little sales bulletin to cross my desk refers to a new short program run by fitness industry types to certify fitness dudes in matwork, reformer, Pilates principles and the use of props.

What I couldn’t find was the part about the professional association membership they (the educators) hold that evidences their own Pilates qualification and subsequent accreditation in our industry. Still looking.

Other thoughts coming to mind -

- The Pilates methodology yet again being watered down.
- How safe is this approach for the clients that will attend these classes?
- Until we have a regulated industry, this will keep happening and continue to confuse the punters about the value and depth of the Pilates approach.

Are you at all moved to comment on this gang?

A workshop to be held in Sydney in November will ‘bridge the gap’ between these two approaches. The workshop will be delivered by Gina Richter, and will focus on the reformer repertoire on the traditional Gratz Reformer – the same ones used in Joseph’s studio. Gina trained in the New York Pilates method with ex New York City Ballet dancer, Cynthia Lochard in Australia, and Pilates ‘elder’ Romana Kryzanowska in the USA. Gina started out as an Iyengar Yoga teacher in the 1980s and has been practising Pilates for 15 years. She is also a certified corrective exercise coach with American exercise therapist, Paul Chek.

“Over the years I have developed a pathway for my clients from pre-Pilates and rehab through to the more strenuous classical Pilates repertoire. I do not believe these two approaches have to be viewed as separate Pilates schools – one is a progression to another. My bridging of pre-Pilates and classical repertoire offers an exciting pathway for instructors to take their clients beyond the limits of working on injuries to feeling well and strong enough to work on real fitness.

Many people who come to me with severe pain and injury are eventually able to experience the strength and co-ordination and flow offered by a rigorous classical Pilates workout. I think everyone in the industry stands to benefit from a more open approach. There is room for rehab and rigour in every client’s progression from pain and injury to full fitness. In making this journey with my clients I need help from other professionals – Rolfers, orthotics specialists, acupuncturists, chiropractors etc etc and I strongly believe in a collaborative approach.”

‘From Rehab to Classical Repertoire – Bridging the Gap’ will be held on Nov 6 in Sydney from 1-5pm. For more info or to register, contact Gina via www.powerhousepilates.com.au or powerho@bigpond.net.au
Numbers are strictly limited.

Other are just cottoning on,
“A recent study published in Manual Therapy examined whether adding lower abdominal hollowing exercises during Prone Hip Extension (PHE) exercises improves the relative timing of the activation of the gluteus maximus (GM) and the Biceps Femoris (BF) in the hamstring muscle group.”

Didn’t achieve a statistically significant result, but still, just adds to what we believe we are getting at in the Pilates context.

You first need to register with Linkedin, but that’s easy and free, then come join us
‘Pilates Instructors of the Southern Hemisphere Unite’. Truly daggy name I know, any better ideas appreciated.

It covers the mindset shifts she sees we health professionals need to make in order to move from ‘a sharing, caring, doing it cause I love it’ type of business owner, to an astute marketeer.

It is really good. Two points really hit home,

She reminds us that not only are there are more and more studios popping up, increasing the competitiveness of our industry, but there are also marketing and sales professionals choosing to change careers.

“These new entrants to the Fitness, Health and Wellness industries are determined to make a difference to their clients lives, while making a healthy profit along the way”.

I know a couple of these myself and it is a very valid point. Go Kylie, love your work.

The aforementioned Physio, Paul Wright has now shared his secrets with his free little ebook, outlining seven reasons why health businesses make poor profits.

I like this part,
“It is also interesting that the clients that whinge the most about the price of your service are the ones that drive up in the BMW and live in the biggest houses – however do not get into the habit of worrying about if your patients can afford your services – you studied a long time to be great at what you do and you should be financially rewarded for your time.”

He then goes on to spruik the thing you should buy from him to solve all these problems, so whether you take that advice is up to you. I just wanted you to know this book exists and start thinking about these issues, for your own financial viability etc.