DK - Pilates for Everyone

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FOREWORD

Im a classically trained Pilates expert and Ive dedicated my life to sharing the authenticity of Joseph Pilatess method, originally called Contrology. Josephs vision for his method was for it to be known across the world because he knew it was beneficial for every body.

This book and Micki Harvard are helping carry on the essence of Josephs dreamand that makes me happier than words can express. Micki excels at giving modifications and adaptations of the classical work so its accessible to all bodies while maintaining the principles of the original Pilates method. Micki knows how to help you on your fitness journey without the need of expensive apparatuses.

No matter your age, gender, ability, education, economic statusevery body is designed to move. This means every body is a Pilates body. My wish is that you use Mickis guidance in this book to make your body Pilates strong.

CARRIE RUSSO
Pilates instructor
@russopilates

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Yes, You Can Do Pilates!

When I started practicing Pilates more than 20 years ago, I was getting in shape for my impending wedding. My goal was to maintain my figure to make sure Id fit in my wedding dress. I had no idea Pilates would prove to provide so much more. My practice started in my parents basement with VCR tapes and cable fitness programs. When I branched out of my home practice and went in search of a Pilates studio, I found they were quite homogenous. I didnt find that the classes included a variety of fitness levels, shapes, races, or even ages. There seemed to be an almost Stepford-like quality to the instructors and the practitioners. Everyone was twenty-something and slender, and they looked like dancers or models. And even though I fit in physically, something didnt feel right about the environment.

I popped around from studio to studio until I settled in with a small studio owned by an older woman who didnt look like a Pilates magazine cover model. She was fit, a former dancer, and very passionate about inclusivity in her classes. After taking Pilates for just over a year, she suggested I become certified. I knew that when I became an instructor, I wanted to be inclusive and to share Pilates with a wide range of students. I taught in private studios for a few years and then got a job with my local Y to fit with my at-home-mom schedule. Thats where I had the opportunity to teach a wide range of fitness levels, shapes, ages, and sizes. I felt at home and connected with my students.

My mission nowas it was thenis to bring Pilates to as many people as possible because I believe Pilates is truly for everybody. I hope this book helps you find your place in Pilates.

MICKI HAVARD
@mickiphit

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MICKI HAVARD

When I started my Pilates practice more than 20 years ago (in preparation for my wedding), I never thought Id be still practicing today, not to mention teaching. I started my training in 1998 in a small studio owned by a Black woman. She was the first Black person I had seen practicing or teaching Pilates in the two years of my practice. When I began teaching, I heard the same message from many of my students of color. And unfortunately, this became a recurring theme during my teacher trainings, continuing education, and personal practice.

The first couple years of my teaching, I taught in a couple small studios (including the Black-owned studio where I began my training). I realized how underrepresented WOC (women of color) were in the industry. Once my Black teacher trainer closed her studio, I had a hard time finding a studio where I felt welcomed and where there were students of color in attendance.

In my third year as an instructor, I made the decision to leave the boutique studios and taught exclusively at my local YMCA. Most of my coworkers had a hard time understanding why Id leave the boutique studios for the Y. I heard things like: You know youll be paid pennies and You wont have access to quality students.

At the Y, my classes were filled with diverse people. There were many different races, ages, and fitness levels. Most of my students were new to Pilates and many of them had never heard of Pilates. My teaching style was forever changed. In addition to my verbal cues, I was on the mat demonstrating every move and making modifications for most moves to accommodate a large variety of fitness levels. I can honestly say I enjoyed teaching every single class at the Y. I went on to teach at the YMCA for 10 years, and toward the end, I taught a seniors only class. That senior Pilates class was easily the most rewarding class Ive ever taught. I learned so much more than I taught my students.

After leaving the Y, I began holding Pilates 101 workshopsdesigned to expose WOC to Pilates and to provide a non-intimidating and welcoming environment. I continue this kind of atmosphere in all the Pilates classes I teach.

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Chapter 1

Pilates Facts

Chapter 1:Pilates Facts | CONTENTS