How studying neurological conditions changed how I teach Pilates.
I really leaned into neuro work after being introduced to it by neurostudio.com founder Meghann Koppele back when I was getting Pilates certified at the Kane School in New York City. One reason I kept going down the neuro rabbit hole was because it really helped my teaching become more and more efficient. I was also able to teach more impactful sessions from my first encounter with a new client. The impact it started to have on my own body and understanding of my self also proved to be a valuable tool and worthwhile educational investment.
What we know about the brain is small compared to what we don’t know. It’s really the next frontier. What boggles my mind is that the brain controls everything so that fact that we don’t approach a lot of our problems from a neurological standpoint seems like a missed opportunity. The continuing education I initially did helped me work with Pilates clients with MS and Parkinson’s Disease. I really learned how to truly modify the Pilates exercises so that I could practice the essence of any exercise to the body I was teaching. It taught me to listen more, ask questions, and that maybe I didn’t need to talk as much. It also illuminated the fact that I cannot feel or even fully comprehend what someone else’s body feels like to move as much as I’d like to think I can. Being able to facilitate such positive and impactful movement experiences to populations that weren’t typically served to their full potential started to become my calling.
The principles I was implementing for neuro clients had some cross over for other clients as well. The work gave me a thorough understanding of true stability from a reflexive standpoint. Stability, mobility, and spinal movement are the fundamental principles we explore in Pilates with stability being the foundational piece. This work has really helped me to get that to come together. With the brain controlling all of our movements, helping my clients brains approach the work so they can be successful in it became one of my talents.
The way this work has helped me personally has been its biggest asset. Despite having been an athlete and professional dancer, movement never came easy to me. It’s also why my desire to move also left me with injuries. Giving myself what I need from a neurological standpoint has left me stronger and more knowledge about how to give myself the best quality of life. The process helped me understand many of the principles I teach on a daily basis but has also resonated in other profound ways. Movement affects all of us in profound ways. It’s a literal key that can unlock new parts of us. For myself it has allowed me to grow into being a confident teacher with the patience to help others find new pathways to unlocking change. I’m grateful to work in this career field and look forward to never stop learning. I truly think all movement professionals such as PT’s, OT’s, trainers, Pilates teachers, yoga teachers, even caregivers learn about how they can approach movement from a neurological standpoint.
I recommend theneurostudio.com as a great resource. I am fortunate to have done most of their workshops and continue to learn as a part of their advanced mentorship program. If you’d like to explore movement with me in the studio and see what we can unlock to help you reach your goals reach out and schedule a session today.
