FEATURED ARTICLES
BY GINA PAPALIA
An Educated Choice: Taking the Leap to Becoming an Instructor
I was first introduced to Pilates in the early 1990’s. I was a dancer in college at SUNY Purchase. My last semester, I worked part-time as a receptionist at the Classical Pilates studio in the bottom floor of the school’s Dance Department. It was a drab, damp and cold place with no windows and metal equipment. I sat there day after day watching teachers teach and conduct movements that one day I would learn (and realize how I had underestimated the power and control these movements required).
Pilates is like Getting a Good Massage
I thought that would get your attention. What I really mean is that Mat Pilates is a full-body workout and a massage for your muscles and organs as well. Joseph Pilates carefully crafted the mat work and designed this beautiful method, called Contrology, as a complete body workout from head to toe. When done in the original order you will feel the magic.
Pilates as a Dancer
I was introduced to Pilates in 1990’s while dancing in college. I remember that Pilates class wasn’t so bad. It felt good, but it felt simple. I could make all the shapes and do all the moves. What was so special? Why did we “need” to do this? The teacher tried to explain why, “Pancaking over on your thighs isn’t the goal. All that flexibility is great but let’s work on your core and strength to support all that mobility.” As a young dancer, it wasn’t important to me to take care of myself, I was invincible. I didn’t have many injuries. What was so special or important about “doing Pilates”?
