Equipment training

Equipment -
course structure

Equipment introduction

Cadillac - Reformer - Wunda chair - Spine corrector

• Equipment? What equipment?
• What part does the equipment play in the Pilates technique?
• Do I need this training if I already have the Matwork?

These are the questions we are often asked by delegates when they are considering their training programme.

It was the intention of Joseph Pilates that the equipment and the matwork would work to assist each other. The repertoire for the equipment is almost identical to the matwork series of movements. Using the equipment will enhance both understanding and performance of the matwork exercises. Supported by the spring tension some matwork moves become easier and conversely sometimes the spring tension makes movements more challenging.

Originally Pilates was taught in studios with equipment, and a session would consist of a circuit-style class where clients would be moved from Matwork to Reformer, Cadillac. Wunda Chair or Spine Corrector, whichever piece of equipment was considered by the teacher to be most appropriate for the client that day.

The Reformer is probably the most commonly used piece of equipment. Joseph Pilates preferred a wooden design, a frame with a moving carriage, pulleys and straps. The Universal Reformer was ahead of it's time, now with emphasis on core training and the unstable surface the Universal Reformer is being given the recognition it deserves.

Resembling a four poster bed, the Cadillac, a remarkable piece of equipment, is large and requires sufficient space to be used to its full extent. The Cadillac is definitely a piece that lends itself well to rehabilitation work and many physiotherapists use it in their maintenance programmes.

Both the Cadillac and Reformer may be used in supine, prone, side laying, kneeling and standing giving the equipment the benefit of variety and challenge.

The Wunda Chair was designed for a friend of Joseph Pilates who wanted a reformer but didn't have space in his New York apartment. Exercises on the Wunda Chair are challenging, many exercises are performed in an upright seated or standing position.

The Spine Corrector is a large barrel styled box that is used for strength and flexibility of the spine.

Working in this way, the client was exposed to a full and varied exercise session that could target any imbalances in their muscles.

Since the introduction of Pilates into health clubs, the significance of the equipment has been somewhat eroded. The simplest way to introduce the technique to the mainstream exercising public was group matwork, no specialised equipment is necessary - just a mat and maybe a towel. We now have a situation where people are practicing Pilates and even teaching the technique are completely unaware that there is an equipment series. The Pilates Institute believe strongly that students of the technique should be fully schooled in all elements, matwork and equipment in order to fully understand the concept that is Pilates. We appreciate that not all teachers will buy or have access to equipment in their teaching practice, but as students of the system it is vital they experience the Pilates Method to the full.

This is the reason we offer a complete Masters Certification programme so that students can achieve a full training without having to shop around.

Reformer courses - Level 1.

Modular / Intensive: 40 lecture hours, 50 case study hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Matwork 1 and Matwork 2.

The course is modular, 2 weekends one month apart. At the conclusion of this course you will have a full repertoire of movements to enable you to achieve an appropriate programme for virtually all levels of clients. Upon completion of the training you will have 3 months to present 6 case studies together with a practical assessment prior to your Certificate of Completion being issued. The case studies consist of taking 6 clients for 8 sessions each, with a postural assessment, programme plan with development and final evaluation for each client.

Reformer Level 1 is the foundation of your equipment training. You will be introduced to the basics of the Pilates Institute Equipment repertoire. This is an intensive course, the last day of which will be Pilates Labs, when you will see clients and receive feedback on your performance from course tutors. You will have the opportunity to discuss our personal progress with the course tutor.

Course Includes:

Pilates Institute Reformer 1 repertoire. Movement essence and exercise goals. Muscular initiation and sequencing. Breakdown of beginner/intermediate workouts. Pilates based Reformer exercises and their application. Visual skills, looking for proper execution of the exercises. Workout design, exercise variations and modifications for specific body types. Effective communication, verbal cueing and effective imagery. Review and practice teaching (subject to participant's experience). Assessment and practice teaching. Case Studies with a final review/summary of the recorded information. Programme cards, postural assessment forms and participant questionnaires issued.

Assessment and certification summary:

Assessment

• Pilates Lab on the last day of training with trainees teaching volunteers for a minimum of one 1 hour session to a new client with feedback.
• Portfolio requirement documenting 6 Case Studies outlining 8 sessions per client. To include details of client's postural assessment, exercise selection and objectives. The client's progress should be documented and your observations, adaptations or alterations where appropriate recorded and justified with a final postural assessment, summary and conclusion.
• Following submission of your case study material, a date and time may be arranged when you can be assessed working with a client for one hour. If you are unable to obtain a 'client' Pilates Institute will endeavour to do so for you. You may opt to assess with video presentation if distance is an issue.

Certificate of Achievement

• Issued upon sucessful completion of both written and practical assessment

Studio equipment

Cadillac (Trapeze Table)

Modular: 16 hours (one 2 day module)

Pre-requisite: Reformer Level 1 Course

The Cadillac or Trapeze Table is an important piece of Pilates Equipment. The 2 day course will cover the Cadillac repertoire and you will have the opportunity to receive feedback from the course tutor.

Course Includes:

• How to set up the Cadillac
• How to screen clients for appropriate use
• How the Cadillac relates to other pieces of Pilates and small equipment
• How the Cadillac will improve mat based repertoire
• The Pilates Institute Repertoire
• Set up and sequencing of movements
• Programming

Assessment and certification summary:

Assessment

• There will be a written assessment for this course completed within one month from the completion of the course.

Certificate of Achievement

• Issued upon full attendance and submission of sucessful written materials.

Wunda Chair & Spine Corrector

This is a one day course.

Pre-requisite: Matwork 1 and Matwork 2

These two smaller pieces of Pilates Equipment are becoming increasingly popular.

On the courses you will learn:

• The Repertoire appertaining to the particular piece
• How to screen clients to use these pieces
• How to design and plan both Group and Personal Training sessions
• How these pieces relate to the other Pilates Equipment

Assessment and certification summary:

Assessment There will be a written assessment relating to these two pieces of equipment with regard to client related use. Presentation of this written work has a 3 month timeline from completion of the course. Certificate of Achievement Issued upon attendance and submission of sucessful written materials.

Reformer courses - Level 2.

Modular: 40 lecture hours over 2 weekends, suggested 30 hours practice

Pre-Requisites: Reformer 1 - successful completion

Reformer Level 2 is where we complete the standard repertoire to advanced levels and designed to meet the demand for Group Reformer Teaching. All aspects of the Pilates Institute repertoire will be explored. The last day of this course will be Pilates Labs when you will have the opportunity to design and teach your personal group reformer class.

Course Includes:

• The Pilates Institute Method Advanced Reformer repertoire with modifications as necessary.
• The Pilates Institute Method Group Reformer concept.
• How to screen clients to ensure they are appropriate for this level of training.
• Group Reformer Class Planning and screening processes.
• Personal Programming to Advanced Reformer Level.
• Set up and sequencing of the Advanced Repertoire.
• Muscular Analysis in relationship to repertoire.
• Application of the Pilates Institute Method of advanced reformer training for specific postural types.

Assessment and certification summary:

Assessment

• The case study will show development of the clients ability and progressions together with reasoning for the decision to include 3 specific advanced movements from the Pilates Institute Advanced Reformer Repertoire.
• Plan and present a Group Reformer class to include lesson plan (Minimum of 3 reformers). This can be done by video or if required by attendance at the Pilates Institute where we will endeavour to assist finding clients.

Certificate of Achievement

• Reformer Level 2 Advanced repertoire issued upon submission of advanced written work.

Certificate of Achievement

• Group Reformer issued upon successful practical and written assessment.

note - Equipment diploma certificate will not be issued until both certificates of achievement have been issued.