I'd like to start a conversation about what you feel is important to introduce in a new client's first session? Do you have a general recipe? What's your thought process? For me it tends to be introducing vocabulary of pelvic placement, breath, and length in the spine - very generally. At the same time - I need to move that person! Sometimes the info and the movement conflict each other a bit -no? Especially in only 1 hour! Thoughts?
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I make a habit of introducing the 7 cues with movement. Spend a bit more time on the Breathing Process, and then take them to the Reformer and put all of it to practical use with leg and foot work. You start at the feet with foot centers and so to UP!! The breath is added with the extension and the return. I think this keeps them from overloading on too much info. (Even though it is too much info)
ReplyDeletehope this helps.
This is something I think about all of the time! And it seems to depend on the person which makes it difficult since you have never met them! When meeting them and talking to them about their history I try to get some idea of what they seem to respond to and what what brought them to pilates. Some people really want to get it right and take it slow (so maybe do some fundmentals) but if they really want to get a workout, I won't get too involved in the why's of things but will still go through some of the cues(breath, pelvic placement-magnets, bolts) and then get them moving with basic patterns like footwork(no arms or pulses), some supine work on reformer, maybe chariot pull on box, and roll down on cadilac(fun moves that will put them through different mechanics). It is hard b/c you don't want to overwhelm them but you want them to move, so I'm definitely not a stickler on form but again they have to get that it is work! When ending I explain to them that this work is not something you will understand in 1 session but is progressive and actually gets harder as you start to figure out what you are really trying to do. I am trying to come up with more of a system on how to start people knowing that flexibility due to personality types is needed!I am also coming to terms with the fact that this work is not for everyone so it may not be for them or maybe I am just not the teacher for them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting!! I took a yoga class today and the teacher quoted a sutra that said "curiosity calms the mind" She was talking about how sometimes when a pose was difficult we tend to get discouraged etc and how if we looked at it from a point of curiosity - the focus would be less on the completion of the exercise or pose and more about the mystery of it. It reminded me of how we teach - and how we are always looking for more, even though when we start it may seem like not a lot.... In any case, I intend to try to get my clients to "become curious" about the work this week - how does breath help or hinder, how do we keep an open mind and a flexible spine! :)
ReplyDeleteLook forward to your thoughts!
I agree with Margie in that it does depend on the client walking through the door. I usually start with the towel and the the 7 standing and centering cues. Of course I tell them that I don't expect them to remember them all in their first session but that it is always a work in progress. I then will take them to the reformer where I can then choose the cues that we will focus on for that session. Of course most people have bolt, shoulder and magnet issues. I think the first session is really about the movement then the work is evoloved from there. Most people want to feel they got something out of their session, We need to keep them wanting more!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Margie and Tomikay. If the client doesn't have any physical issue then I will usually start them on breath and the 7 SCC. Would bring them to the Barre to teach oppositional force pulling up away from floor before bringing them to reformer. Then basically get them to move through different spinal mechanics while maintaining stable pelvis(eg. S5, M7 against wall/pedipul & etc)
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