In the Studio; whatever works, we all work together

By: Carla Ricalis

As spring returns, so do many of our clients and we’re gearing up to be ready for a busy studio schedule. 

One of the things that our Studio3 instructors are being respectful of now, is their own capacity to teach consecutive hours before needing a break.

For some of us, working a 4-5 + hours shift before breaking is not only doable, it’s what keeps us focused, energized and ‘in the zone’ of teaching. 

For others, having a quick, 15 minutes break after 2 hours is key in order to refresh, clean up their training area, hydrate and get back onto the studio floor with energy for their next client. 

Whatever works for us as individuals, means we all work better together so that the studio is as positive, friendly and stress-free as possible given the number of people moving in it. 

As an instructor, what do you find is the best way for you to be able to put in a full day of training? Leave your comments in the comment section below. 

Spirals & Rotations – April 10 Workshop

We have 2 quick videos that are demonstrating a couple of foundational exercises that we’re reviewing, breaking down and exploring in our April 10 full day Spirals & Rotations In-Studio workshop. There’s still a few spots open, so join us if you’re keen to get some different programming and fresh approaches to your Reformer and Mat Pilates programming.

What are Rotations?

Unlike spirals, rotations are a bit more controlled. They generally involve a fixed point where the movement  occurs either above or below the area moving. 

So, for example, in this quick video, David is rotating his upper body with shoulder joint movement while the lower body remains still. To challenge it, he’s adding in a reverse lunge – but the rotation emphasis is still on the upper body, which contributes to the challenge of the full exercises. 

What are Spirals?

Spirals are movements that begin in one region of the body and then continue either above or below the initial section. 

This video shows how the movement begins in the lower body (specifically, the spine and pelvic region). It then moves into the opposite hip, pelvis and eventually full spine along with (if you listen to the cues) a subtle push/pull pattern in the arms. In this way, the spiral is expanding so that the entire body is active and involved in this particular, kneeling position.