I want to tell you about why I have made a complex timetable of Pilates classes with different styles and little symbols.... but lemme set the scene real quick...
Intention is everything, I don't want to get too off-topic in the first sentence of this blog....but hear me out.
So much of what we do is unintentional, we are subject to the mysterious and magical thing that is our subconscious mind. Did you know that *quick google for stats* by the age of thirty-five, 95-99% of your thoughts and actions are subconscious and habitual? According to this website, scientists reckon we have up to 60,000 thoughts a day and 98, like basically ALL of them, are the same as yesterdays....
It's kinda' freaky because we like to think of ourselves as conscious, thinking people making fresh decisions and being open-minded but the truth is we're running on auto-pilot for the majority of or lives.
It's not just thoughts, its movement habits and posture too - oh and by the way, your thoughts, emotions and physicality are totally linked anyway so y'know...
Cool cool, so how does this deep waffly chat about psychology relate to how you're running some Pilates classes Sar?
Thanks for asking
Firstly, I think that most movement teachers will probably adopt the style of teaching in which they were taught, and in the style of classes in which they have enjoyed attending themselves. Which, by the way is totally valid. But how conscious is it? How much intention and critical thinking has been applied?
I was listening to this episode of the Pilates Elephants podcast this week (useful 3 hour car journey boredom buster.) Raphael and Amy were discussing the different style of Pilates classes; classic, contemporary, waffly relaxing, and fitness Pilates. They are all excellent and valid but there is often stigma and judgment between them
Fitness Pilates teachers: slow, waffly Pilates is not challenging enough and can be boring
Traditional Pilates teachers: fitness Pilates isn't authentic 'proper' Pilates
I love both, and think they are both incredibly valid. Here's the difference: intention
That's why I have decided to offer two different style of Pilates class, depending on what your intention is for attending.
Kore Restore and Kore Fitness
Kore Restore
''to return something or someone to an earlier good condition or position''
These classes are longer, slower paced and more like the traditional Pilates class style you may be used to if you've attended private, boutique or studio classes in the past. The numbers are kept small so that I, as the teacher, have the capacity to give each participant adequate attention, to have individual conversations and make personalised corrections, adaptations and suggestions. Movements are broken down, explained, performed with close attention to the original Pilates Principles like control, breath and concentration.
Don't misunderstand: these classes aren't easy! But they are easy-going, the atmosphere is relaxing, the vibe is chilled. There is a lot of two-way interaction and there is learning as well as just moving.
I love taking the time in these classes to explain why we do each movement, and then make sure that they are being performed with technical accuracy in order to benefit your functional, postural movement patterns as much as possible.
The Restore style of teaching is important to me, because it's truly in these deeper, slower classes where we can take the time to intentionally undo some of the subconscious movement habits and postures (like I mentioned in the intro) which might contribute to ill-health, injury or even just niggles and tension. This style of rehabilitative and preventative functional movement is where I see a lot of the amazing transformations and feedback about how Pilates has had a deeper impact on lifestyle.
Kore Fitness
Sometimes, actually oftentimes, you just wanna sweat a lil more and move your body!
There is just as much validity in these fitness style classes as is in the 'proper' boutique Pilates classes.
The science behind building strength, fitness and also the mindfulness of being in a flow state during an intense workout are enormously beneficial to our minds and bodies.
I know myself, that I often need to feel like I have been really challenged in a physical class.
I love the precision and control that the original Pilates method relies on, but I also see the need to balance this with freedom of movement. Less control, more play, more experimentation more 'just move where it feels good!'
The kore fitness classes are shorter, and more rigid in their class structure & choreography - you'll get to learn what to expect each time. They will be a simple 'follow me' style class, where you can put all of your mental energy into your body. I'll be using a set structure of 7-minute rounds of movement sequences set to uplifting music.
Here's where we challenge ourselves physically, and work in shorter, more intense, more free bursts of workouts.
Personally - I think the balance of restore and fitness is where it's at. There is definitely room for both to compliment each other. The technique and movement-habit-undoing you learn in restore classes will pay off tenfold in the fitness classes. The fitness classes will see a leap forward in strength and fitness which will enable you to tackle the more advanced classical Pilates moves when you slow them back down in the restore classes...
So, my lovely friend. I welcome you to take a second or two to consider your intention when it comes to Pilates and movement. Perhaps experiment with how going into something as simple as a weekly exercise class with that intention in mind might transform what you get out of it too.
Have a great rest of your day Pilates People
Sarah xx
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