This Week's Objective :

1.  Practice Teaching Objective (this week's assignment can be done without a body)  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• Focus on mastering the communication of the Ab Series of 5 ONLY
  
  • Memorize the name & technique of each movement
  • Master communicating the technique with smooth and concise cues with no excess words(example: Pull the knees into the chest, curl the head neck and shoulders up, send the right leg out now switch)
  • Making the movement better with body scan/corrections (example: point the toes, shin bone is parallel to the floor, deepen the abdominals, bring the knee in closer to the chest, curl the chest up higher, shoulders down....)
  • Record yourself speaking the above commands. Listen back and take notice of how often you say "um" or "now I want you to"
  • Do it over and over
  • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to put into practice your mastering of the Ab Series of 5.  Take turns teaching it over and over and over again.  

2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

• Teach yourself the Beginner Mat repertoire every day this week 
• Take a session at your host studio

3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

• Complete at least 2 hours of observation 

4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

• Watch and re-watch the videos on the Ab Series of 5 so you can internalize the cadence of the voice, cues and body scan

This Week's Objective: 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• Last week you were supposed to MASTER the ab series of 5.  This week will build upon that by adding one movement to the front of the Ab series and one movement to the end of the ab series
  
  • Master Rolling Like a Ball leading INTO the Single Leg Stretch
  • Master Criss Cross INTO Spine Stretch Forward
  • Master communicating the technique with smooth and concise cues with no excess words
  • Making the movement better with body scan/corrections (example: point the toes, make sure the shin bone is parallel to the floor, deepen the abdominals, bring the knee in closer to the chest, curl the chest up higher, shoulders down....)
  • Record yourself speaking the above commands. Listen back and take notice of how often you say "um" or "now I want you to"
  • Do it over and over
  • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to put into practice your mastering of the Ab Series of 5.  Take turns teaching it over and over and over again.  
  • Moving to the Beginner Reformer repertoire
    
    • Mastery of the Footwork Series
      
      • Use Footwork to tell your body about Pilates, the breath and what we are seeking to achieve
      •  Cue the anatomy of footwork -- activation of the anterior muscles when in the toes, activation of the inner thighs when parallel, activation of posterior muscles when on heels and activation of lateral muscles when lower and lifting
      • Practice the language of footwork
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan

• 2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • Go to the studio and do the entire Beginner Reformer repertoire on EVERY spring load
    
    • Every movement on 4 springs, then 3 springs, then 2 springs then 1
    • Write down what you notice happens
      • What muscles engage or turn off? 
      • Are you using power or control?
      • What adjustments do you need to make in your body to account for the spring load change?
  • Find the opposition in each of the movements -- let go of the opposition and see what happens
  • Take a session at your Host Studio
• Teach yourself the Beginner Mat repertoire every day this week and HOLD each and every position for 3 exhalations.  Literally freeze your body in the position and EXHALE.  Then Exhale again.  And then again before moving again.  FEEL what that does to your connection to the movement. 

  3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

  • Complete at least 2 hours of observation 

  4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

• Watch the Footwork videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan
• Watch and re-watch the videos on Rolling Like a Ball, the Ab Series of 5 and Spine Stretch Forward so you can internalize the cadence of the voice, cues and body scan

This Week's Objective: 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• Last week you were supposed to MASTER the two movements that surround the ab series of 5 and the Footwork Series.  This week will build upon that by adding two more mat movements and the Arm Series
  
  • Master Single Circle leading INTO Rolling Like A Ball (reminder, use the rollup as your transition) 
  • Master Spine Stretch Forward into Saw
    • Both of this week's movements are wordy.  Practice practice practice your communication to streamline.  Break both of these down into parts so that you can build it up cleanly and precisely.  
  • Find the ways to make these two movements better with body scan/corrections (example: point the toes, keep the hips stable, sit taller, rotate deeper, dive further)
  • Practice prepping or "breaking down" both of these movements (pulses can prep your single let circles and just twisting can prep your saw)
  • Record yourself speaking the above commands. Listen back and take notice of how often you say "um" or "now I want you to"
  • Do it over and over
• Mastery of the Arm Series
• Master the technique, anatomy and breath cues for the Arm Series.  Where is the exhale?  Where are the legs? Is their tabletop precise?  Are their shoulders down? Are the ribs flared?  Are the ribs closed?
• Help them find the engagement of the abs with the first rep of the press down.  "Hold it here.  Stretch the arms so long the shoulders start to pull away from the blocks.  Do you feel the abdominal connection? This is what you are looking for each repetition"
• Practice the language of the Arm Series - use an anatomical cue -- "feel the obliques draw in to the center as the arms draw into the center"
• • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to put into practice your mastery of Single Leg Circles through Saw.  Take turns teaching it over and over and over again.  
  • Add a little rhythm and modulation to your voice 

2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

• Last week you were supposed do each movement in the Beginner Mat repertoire and HOLD the positions to EXHALE.  Did you?  What did you notice?  Were you able to deepen your abdominal connection with each exhalation? Did it take a movement that started out good and make it exceptional?  If it didn't, then try again this week.  I want you to FEEL the impact a strong breath connection has on the movement.   
• This week, do the Beginner Mat repertoire and once again HOLD each position and work the TECHNIQUE to perfection.  As an example, Single Leg Circles -- make your leg longer into the mat creating a stronger anchor than you had before.  Lengthen the other leg longer to the ceiling finding that extra inch of length behind the knee.  Draw your shoulders away from your ears even more by crawling the arms longer on the mat.  Press the palms firmer into the mat to turn on the triceps.  Move slower in your circle and challenge the opposing hip.  Pull deeper and stronger through the abdominals to move the leg from that connection as opposed to momentum.  
• You feel where I'm going with this?  I want you to feel precision.  Feel it in your own body so that you can look for it in others.  
• Take a session or a class at your host studio  

3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

• Complete at least 2 hours of observation 

4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

• Watch and re-watch the videos on Single Leg Circles and Saw, so you can internalize the cadence of the voice, cues and body scan
• If you aren't caught up with the Muscles of the Week, make a goal for yourself to have watched them all by this Friday.  If too much time gets away from you, it's very overwhelming to get caught back up.  

This Week's Objective: 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

Moving along in the Beginner Reformer repertoire

• Mastery of the Hundred, Leg Circles/Frogs & Stomach Massage 
  • Last week you were supposed to master the Arm Series.  This week we build on that
    • Take the Arm Series and add some leg variations to it.  For instance - as the arms press down, the legs pull up closer than 90 degrees for lower abdominal connection.  Another option - when doing open/close, you can also open and close the legs like a snow angel.  Play around and see what you come up with
  • Master the technique, anatomy and breath cues for the Hundred, Leg Circles/Frogs & Stomach Massage.  Notice how different they each are in breath, rhythm, and flow.  Where is the exhale?  Where are the legs? What happens when the legs are wide or turned in?  What happens when the elbows bend on the Hundred? What happens when the arms are too high on the Hundred? Change the height of the bar on Stomach Massage - what happens to their spine when the bar is lowered versus in its highest position?
  • Practice the language of the Hundred, Leg Circles/Frogs & Stomach Massage
• Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan

•  

   

• Last week you were supposed to MASTER Single Leg Circles & Saw.  This week we expand on that to include: 
  
  • Mastery of the Roll Up into the Half Roll Down into Single Leg Circles 
    • This means proper cues and ending the movement where the next one starts 
  • Mastery of Swan Prep & Side Kick Series
    
    • Only utilize up th 3 variations of the Side Kick Series.   
  • Find the ways to make these two movements better with body scan/corrections (example: body scan and correct your student's C-curve. Don't let them collapse over their legs.  Shoulders away from the ears.  Ensure the hips are stacked on the Side Kick Series. No top hip falling back or forth into the anterior or posterior plane)
  • Record yourself speaking the above commands. Listen back and take notice of how often you say "um" or "now I want you to"
  • Suggestion: Download an obnoxious Horn sound onto your phone.  When your practice partner says "now I want you to", please honk it.  It will help draw awareness to how often you default to this term as a crutch. 
  • Do it over and over
  • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to put into practice the Rollup through Side Kick Series  
    

    2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

    • The assignment above -- also do it in your own body -- not just as the Teacher.  I want you to feel what happens when you make these changes in your own body too -- it will help you communicate and look for the adjustments in the client
    • Play a little bit this week.  As mentioned above, add some leg movement to. your arm series.  Add some arm movement to your Short Box Round Back - feel it, adjust it, feel it again, adjust it again
    • Identifying the Opposition within your own body
      • Watch the Opposition Video in the online course
      • Set yourself up in every Beginner Mat movement and try to IDENTIFY & FEEL  the oppositional forces. 
      • Write them down
    • Continue with your Breath-Abdominal connection
      
      • Continue working on your explanation of the Breath-Abdominal connection in the Beginner Mat repertoire
    • Take a session or a class at your host studio

    3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

    • Complete at least 2 hours of observation 

    4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

    • Watch the Hundred, Leg Circle/Frog & Stomach Massage videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan

4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

• Watch and re-watch the videos on the Roll up, 1/2 Roll Down, Swan Prep & Side Kick Series, so you can internalize the cadence of the voice, cues and body scan
• If you aren't caught up with the Muscles of the Week, make a goal for yourself to have watched them all by this Friday.  If too much time gets away from you, it's very overwhelming to get caught back up.  

This Week's Objective: 

Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• 1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

  • Moving to the Beginner Reformer repertoire
    
    • Mastery of the Short Box Series
      
      • The Short Box Series is my favorite of every series there is.  It covers all planes of motion, draws deeply on oppositional forces, strengthens the breath connection and is the most powerful example of the fundamentals (at least IMHO)
      • Master communicating the technique, anatomy and breath cues for Short Box Series.  How can you get the client to FEEL these movements?  How can you, as the Teacher, make something so small have such big impact?  
      • Do the Short Box Series in your own body till your body shakes
  • Mastery of the Hundred on the Mat & Teaser Prep/Teaser
    • You have already been asked to master the Hundred on the Reformer, so it should be seamless to put those skills to work on the Mat. 
    • Correct the body.  Pause them at 5 (or 50) pumps and make their technique more precise 
    • Lift your voice as your count gets to 7 (or 70).  Transfer your energy to them.  Get them across the finish line at that 5K race
    • Master Teaser Prep & Teaser.  Remember that this movement will eventually be challenged on the Box/Reformer/Chair & Barrels so it's important to teach them what to look for - lengthen through the crown of the head, lifted chest, open collarbone, long arms reaching through the elbows and wrists, work towards straight knees (beginner won't be able to achieve), pointed toes
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan  

  2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • "Play" with Short Box.  Use hand weights.  Use a pole, a magic circle, a ball.  What happens?  What do you feel?  Change where the gaze of the head/eyeline is on each of the Short Box movements are -- what do you notice?  
  • "Play" with Teaser.  Use hand weights, a magic circle, move the arms in circles, lower and lift the legs
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

  3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

  • Complete at 4 more hours of observation and you will be done with your observation

  4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

  • Watch the Short Box videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan
   

This Week's Objective: 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• Moving along in the Beginner Reformer repertoire
  
  • Mastery of Elephant & Knee Stretches
    • Elephant is often mis-taught and mis-executed as a downward dog from the yoga world.  But remember that Elephant is very specifically a lift and opening through the posterior of the thoracic spine
    • Similarly, Knee Stretches is one where the flexion position sometimes merges with the extension position if not cued properly. Work on exaggerating these two spinal positions in your own body so that you can feel the difference and then be able to successfully communicate and improve the technique 
    • Master communicating the technique, anatomy and breath cues for Elephant & Knee Stretches.  How can you get the client to FEEL these movements?  How can you, as the Teacher, ensure the body doesn't drift towards down dog? How can you add TOUCH to these movements so that you get better results from your client
  • Introducing the Intermediate Mat Repertoire
  • Mastery of Open Leg Rocker
    • Open Leg Rocker is a great movement to prep and work up to.  Please practice the stages of Open Leg Rocker from bent knee/ tabletop to straight leg but holding behind knees to straight leg held ankle balance to straight leg held ankle with rocking
    • Master communicating the technique, breath and make the movement better
  •  

2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

• Identify all the planes of motion of the Beginner Reformer repertoire -- write them in your manual/notebook
• Begin to look for and write down the similarities between the Mat & Reformer movements (example, Front Support is similar to Elephant).  Future assignments will include teaching a Reformer on the Mat session so you might as well start thinking about it sooner rather than later
• Take a session or a class at your host studio

3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

• Complete at least 2 hours of observation 

4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

• Watch the Elephant & Knee Stretches and Open Leg Rocker videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan

This Week's Objective: 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• Moving along in the Beginner Reformer repertoire
  
  • Mastery of the Hundred, Leg Circles/Frogs & Stomach Massage 
    • Last week you were supposed to master the Arm Series.  This week we build on that
      • Take the Arm Series and add some leg variations to it.  For instance - as the arms press down, the legs pull up closer than 90 degrees for lower abdominal connection.  Another option - when doing open/close, you can also open and close the legs like a snow angel.  Play around and see what you come up with
    • Master the technique, anatomy and breath cues for the Hundred, Leg Circles/Frogs & Stomach Massage.  Notice how different they each are in breath, rhythm, and flow.  Where is the exhale?  Where are the legs? What happens when the legs are wide or turned in?  What happens when the elbows bend on the Hundred? What happens when the arms are too high on the Hundred? Change the height of the bar on Stomach Massage - what happens to their spine when the bar is lowered versus in its highest position?
    • Practice the language of the Hundred, Leg Circles/Frogs & Stomach Massage
  • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan

2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

• The assignment above -- also do it in your own body -- not just as the Teacher.  I want you to feel what happens when you make these changes in your own body too -- it will help you communicate and look for the adjustments in the client
• Play a little bit this week.  As mentioned above, add some leg movement to. your arm series.  Add some arm movement to your Short Box Round Back - feel it, adjust it, feel it again, adjust it again
• Take a session or a class at your host studio

3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

• Complete at least 2 hours of observation 

4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

• Watch the Hundred, Leg Circle/Frog & Stomach Massage videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan

This Week's Objective: 

Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• 1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

  • Moving to the Beginner Reformer repertoire
    
    • Mastery of the Short Box Series
      
      • The Short Box Series is my favorite of every series there is.  It covers all planes of motion, draws deeply on oppositional forces, strengthens the breath connection and is the most powerful example of the fundamentals (at least IMHO)
      • Master communicating the technique, anatomy and breath cues for Short Box Series.  How can you get the client to FEEL these movements?  How can you, as the Teacher, make something so small have such big impact?  
      • Do the Short Box Series in your own body till your body shakes
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan
    • Master teaching the Single & Double Leg Kick from the Intermediate Mat.  

  2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • "Play" with Short Box.  Use hand weights.  Use a pole, a magic circle, a ball.  What happens?  What do you feel?  Change where the gaze of the head/eyeline is on each of the Short Box movements are -- what do you notice?  
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

  3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

  • Complete at 4 more hours of observation and you will be done with your observation

  4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

  • Watch the Short Box videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan
   

This Week's Objective 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• • Moving through the Beginner Reformer repertoire
    
    • Mastery of Elephant & the Knee Stretches Series
      
      • Elephant is often mis-taught and mis-executed as a downward dog from the yoga world.  But remember that Elephant is very specifically a lift and opening through the posterior of the thoracic spine
      • Similarly, Knee Stretches is one where the flexion position sometimes merges with the extension position if not cued properly. Work on exaggerating these two spinal positions in your own body so that you can feel the difference and then be able to successfully communicate and improve the technique 
      • Master communicating the technique, anatomy and breath cues for Elephant & Knee Stretches.  How can you get the client to FEEL these movements?  How can you, as the Teacher, ensure the body doesn't drift towards down dog? How can you add TOUCH to these movements so that you get better results from your client?  
  • Introducing the Intermediate Mat Repertoire
    • Mastery of Open Leg Rocker
      •  This was fun to play with this weekend wasn't it?  Open Leg Rocker is a great movement to prep and work up to.  Please practice the stages of Open Leg Rocker from bent knee/ tabletop to straight leg but holding behind knees to straight leg held ankle balance to straight leg held ankle with rocking
      • Master communicating the technique, breath and make the movement better
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer AND Beginner & Intermediate Mat in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan 

  2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • See notes above to work on Elephant & Knee Stretches in your own body  
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

  3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

  • Your observation time can conclude this month

  4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

  • Watch the Elephant & Knee Stretch videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan
   

Beginner Assessment Link Here

Please make a copy and don't answer directly on this document.  You can email your exam link or scanned written answers to [email protected]

This Week's Objective 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• • Moving through the Beginner Reformer repertoire
    
    • Mastery of Running, Pelvic Lift 
      
      • There's not much to "teaching" running.  But it does provide an opportunity to cue steady breathing, elongation of the back of the legs.  "teach" why they are running (do you know? Do you remember?)
        • Running re-centers the central nervous system.  The client has been through all planes of motion in a session and the central nervous system can feel disorganized.  The action brings the mind and body back to a linear plane and calms the nervous system.
        • Bouncing is also good for the lymphatic system.  Throughout the session, toxins get released into the body through the twisting and stretching.  Bouncing at the end helps move those toxins through the lymphatic system to encourage drainage.   
      • Play with Pelvic Lift to see the differences between wide set legs versus narrow stance.  Heels versus toes.  
  • Working through the Intermediate Mat Repertoire
    • Mastery of Corkscrew and Swan
      • Mastery of Corkscrew means prepping the movement, watching and cueing the hip stability and opposition, legs staying tight towards the midline, shoulders and arms firmly planted on the mat and isolating upper body stability with lower body rotation
      • Master of Swan means moving from prep to Swan.  Understanding and communicating hand placement.  Sharpening the eye on the hip points and lower abdominals.  Watching and cueing the shoulder placement.  
      • Master communicating the technique, breath and make the movement better
      • Master bringing the client from Open Leg Rocker into Corkscrew and from Swan Prep directly into Swan -- the basis for Flow
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer AND Beginner & Intermediate Mat in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan 

  2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • See notes above to work on Running, Pelvic Lift, Open Leg Rocker, Corkscrew and Swan in your own body  
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

  3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

  • Your observation time can conclude this month

  4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

  • Watch the Running, Pelvic Lift, Corkscrew & Swan videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan
   

This Week's Objective 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• • Moving through the Beginner Reformer repertoire
    
    • Mastery of Beginner System 
      
      • This week is about reinforcement -- or the Tutor Effect
      • Teach the Beginner System from start to finish 10 times -- that means 10 sessions.  Record one of them and send it in as your test.    
  • Working through the Intermediate Mat Repertoire
    • Mastery of Single Leg Kick & Double Leg Kick
      • We spent a lot of time working on these two movements during our seminar.  Re-watch that video and how we dissected the movements.  
      • Single Leg Kick - Feel what happens when the body sinks into the mat during this movement.  Shrug the shoulders up towards the ears -- feel how "not connected" you are.  How can you correct that? 
      • Master the language of this movement.  Saying "kick-kick" over and over is not acceptable.   
      • Master communicating the technique, breath and make the movement better
      • Master bringing the client from Swan Prep to Swan to Single Leg Kick to Double Leg Kick for Flow
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer AND Beginner & Intermediate Mat in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan 
  • Working through the Intermediate Mat Repertoire
    • Mastery of Short Spine
      • How do you introduce Short Spine to a client?  We let them ride the springs for awhile to build confidence in going overhead on a moving surface.
      • Progress Short Spine.  After they know and understand how to control the movement, how do you take this from a passive movement to an active movement that engages the lower abs, glutes, adductors, hamstrings and pelvic floor?
      • And finally, how do you challenge this movement for the more experienced client?  We add vertical lifts, and high frogs.  

  2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • See notes above to work on Beginner Reformer, Intermediate Mat & Short Spine
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

  3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

  • You should be getting close to wrapping up the observation portion.  By the end of September, this portion can conclude

  4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

  • Watch the videos for Short Spine & Single/Double Leg kick over and over.  Also go to the seminar videos and watch those particular movements again and again. 
   

This Week's Objective 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• • Progressing to Intermediate Reformer
    
    •  Mastery of the Long Box Series
      • Pulling Straps -- teach the prep for this movement.  Ensure the body has the abdominal connection while laying ON the abdominals
      • Do a Swan Prep on the long box to warm up the body in extension 
      • Add the straps 
        • Watch the palm/wrist position.  Is pinkie facing the ceiling? 
        • Watch where the arm lands -- are they crossing higher than the box?  If not, ask them to exhale again and see if they can go further
        • Where is the chin pointing?   
      • T- Position
        • Do without straps first -- work arm position, landing at hip height, palm position facing down
        • Add straps and see if those technical refinements can work
      • Backstroke & Teaser
        • Practice on the box on the floor first
        • Practice on the box on the carriage second
        • Add straps
        • Work on your cues and having them on the tip of your tongue -- they don't have the ability to hang out there while you figure it out
  • Working through the Intermediate Mat Repertoire
    • Mastery of Neck Pull and Jackknife 
      • Add these two movements into your Intermediate Mat practice
      • Neck Pull - find the opposition in the movement.  Pause at the hinge back.  Honor this spinal position and abdominal connection.  Watch the elbows as they return to seated -- elbows should stay wide the entire journey.  What can you do to modify for those who can't keep them open?
      • Jackknife - The hardest part of this movement is the toes over the nose -- NOT over the Head.  Cue the plough position as parallel to the floor, feet flexed for maximum length
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer AND Beginner & Intermediate Mat in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan 

  2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • Play with these movements in your own body.  Do it "incorrectly" versus correctly so you know the difference to teach it properly 
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

  3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

  • Your observation time can conclude this month

  4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

  • Watch this weekend's seminar over again 

This Week's Objective 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• • Progressing to Intermediate Reformer
    
    •  Mastery of Down Stretch, Up Stretch & Long Back Stretch & Semi-Circle
      • Down Stretch -- Mastery of this movement means mastery of breath and mastering of the subtle subtle angle of the length of the anterior plane
        • What happens when the body doesn't slightly arc upward? 
        • What does it mean if the carriage makes noise when it arrives home?
        • Where should the angle of the gaze/chin be?
        • Body scan -- where are the hip points? shoulders? chin? 
      • Up Stretch -- Honoring every position is the key to success in this movement.  Where does the carriage remain stable while the body moves and where does the body stay stable while the carriage moves?
      • Long Back Stretch -
        • Prep the movement with tricep dips
        • Move to stable carriage tricep dips -- hips/torso make the letter L
        • Watch the shoulders as body lowers into dip -- do they fold forward?
        • Are the heels fully pressed into the blocks or are only the toes making contact? 
        • Are the shoulders jamming up to the neck? -- if so, go back to just dips
      • Semi-Circle - a movement that is crystalized through spinal articulation
        • What part of the hand is pressed into the shoulder block? How does that correspond to where on the spine the edge of the carriage hits? What happens when you make it the fist or the palm? 
        • Watch the knees that they don't knock in
        • Take it slow in each direction - enjoy the thoracic extension -- play with where the edge of the carriage lands on the back
  • Teach an entire Intermediate Mat Class
    
    • 45 Minutes - Prep the movements and teach it no less thank 5 times.  
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours to run through all of Beginner Reformer AND Beginner & Intermediate Mat in your bodies -- work on the order and the body scan 

  2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • Play with these movements in your own body.  Do it "incorrectly" versus correctly so you know the difference to teach it properly 
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

  3.  Observation Objective (Program Goal 25-30 Hours)

  • Your observation time can conclude --- UNLESS YOU HAVEN'T BEEN OBSERVING

  4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

  • Watch the videos for Swimming Seal, Side Sit Ups, Long Stretch and Down Stretch 5 times each

This Week's Objective 

We have closed out the Intermediate Reformer.  Can I get a whoot whoot!

Super super proud of all that you have accomplished so far.  Now we will begin focusing on some Advanced movements that can be broken down and integrated into the sessions with your stronger Intermediate clients.  

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• Mastering the Intermediate Reformer and progressing to Advanced repertoire
  
  • Mastery of Rowing Series
    
    • Rowing is the one Advanced series that you will likely progress client to at some point.  As we discussed in the seminar, this is an extremely nuanced series. 
      • Focus your sight on the lines in the body as your body moves through the Rowing series. 
      • What planes of motion are being turned on?  How can you move them from anterior activation to posterior activation?  Where is the opposition in each part of the movement
      • Practice BREAKING IT DOWN 
  • Continue to meet with fellow apprentices for accountability, BUT your studio time should now be 99.9% dedicated to teaching real bodies.  

2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

• Work on the Rowing Series in your own body. 
• Play with putting the magic circle or a soft ball into each movement -- where can you put it to activate a deeper connection?   
• Take a session or a class at your host studio

4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

• Watch this video in the replay of Advanced seminar - we had a lot of good discussion about these movements.  

This Week's Objective 

Remember...we are buckling down now.  Let's get the work done

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• Mastering the Intermediate Reformer and progressing to Advanced repertoire
  
  • Mastery of Russian Splits
    
    • Russian Splits, while technically in the Intermediate system, they require the balance, strength and stability of an advanced client to achieve safely.  
    • Remember the transition of the Russian Splits can be dangerous if not executed properly.  My personal choice is to bring the student to plank with both feet on the bar (in the toe joints) and both hands on the shoulder blocks.  Then sweep one foot forward onto the head rest.  To transition, return the foot back to the foot bar before sweeping the second foot onto the head rest.  
    • Squareness of the hips is critical in the Russian splits.  Train your eye to "see" the hip points
    • Ensure that the arch of the front foot is pressed into the head rest, not rolled out
    • Speak slowly and ensure they are connected with you and your cues in this movement
  • Continue to meet with fellow apprentices for accountability, BUT your studio time should now be 99.9% dedicated to teaching real bodies.  

2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

• Work on Russian Splits in your own body.  If you don't feel comfortable doing so on the Reformer, then please try it on the floor.  Find how similar this movement is to Sun Salutation in yoga. 
• Take a session or a class at your host studio

4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

• Watch Russian Splits in the Advanced Reformer seminar   

This Week's Objective 

Remember...we are buckling down now.  Let's get the work done

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

• Mastering the Intermediate Reformer and progressing to Advanced repertoire
  
  • Mastery of Side Splits & Speed Skaters
    
    • Side Splits & Speed Skaters leverage the strength built in the side kick series (beginner) and side sit ups (intermediate).  By playing with the springs, you can make this series Adductor versus Abductor.  
    • Play with the spring load and the foot position in this series. 
      • Spring and a half
      • One Spring
      • 1/2 Spring
      • Parallel feet
      • External rotation
      • Internal rotation 
    • What do you "see" as the power muscle/stabilizer in each of these positions? What do you notice about the control of their movement?
    • Speak slowly and ensure they are connected with you and your cues in this movement
  • Continue to meet with fellow apprentices for accountability, BUT your studio time should now be 99.9% dedicated to teaching real bodies.  

2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

• Work on Side Splits and Speed Skaters in your own body.  Use the same foot and springs changes as listed above.  Practice teaching will help you "see" the changes.  Practicing in your body will help you "feel" the changes. 
• Take a session or a class at your host studio

4. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

• Watch Side Splits & Speed Skaters in the Advanced Reformer seminar   

This Week's Objective 

Rowing is the name of the game this week.  

As you know from our seminars, there aren't a lot of Advanced movements that I feel are justified in group dynamics NOR will you experience true advanced students for quite some time in your career.  

But, Rowing is an exception to that rule.  I think that Rowing -- broken down into segments -- as well as taught in one fluid motion, are powerful and worthy of regular integration into your Intermediate + sessions.  See below for this week's objective. 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

Remember...we are buckling down now.  Let's get the work done

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

Progressing to Advanced repertoire

• Mastery of Rowing from the Sternum & Rowing 90-Degrees (next week we will complete the Rowing series)
  
  • Break down the Rowing series into small increments done over the course of multiple reps.  Build on each increment with the next increment -- multiple reps.  Put it all together
  • Focus your Teacher eye on shoulder placement, the act of "muscling through" rather than breathing and connecting through the movement
  • Honor every position -- have sharp beginnings and endings to each increment so all feels are felt
  • If you need a reminder of this, go back to the seminar recording for Advanced Reformer.  You will see how I break it down.
  • Speak slowly and ensure they are connected with you and your cues in this movement
• Bring the Rowing series to the mat.  Use hand weights or bands wrapped around the feet for resistance
• Practice the increments with your "clients" or practice bodies in the mat for a safer experience that is less heavy on the shoulders
  
   

  2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • Work on Rowing from the Sternum and 90-degrees in your own body.  Do it on the Reformer AND on the Mat.  FEEL each part deeply before progressing to the next increment
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

  3. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

  • Watch Rowing in the Advanced Reformer seminar   

This Week's Objective 

Rowing is the name of the game this week.  

As you know from our seminars, there aren't a lot of Advanced movements that I feel are justified in group dynamics NOR will you experience true advanced students for quite some time in your career.  

But, Rowing is an exception to that rule.  I think that Rowing -- broken down into segments -- as well as taught in one fluid motion, are powerful and worthy of regular integration into your Intermediate + sessions.  See below for this week's objective. 

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

Remember...we are buckling down now.  Let's get the work done

1.  Practice Teaching Objective  Program goal: 150-175 hours

Progressing to Advanced repertoire

• Mastery of Rowing from the Chest, Rowing from the Hips, Serve, Hug & Shave
  
  • These movements are subtle and the work can sometimes disappear if you, the Teacher, don't use your highly trained eye and cues
  • Rowing from the Chest focus is on the control -- and the lift of the spine as the arms descend to the mat -- there's your opposition.  Are the lats locked in? 
  • Rowing from the Hips -- so frequently done incorrectly.  Are the arms, spine and head all reaching and stacking together as a unit? Or is the thoracic spine rolling up first?  This is such a powerful movement if you let it be.  
  • Serve, Hug & Shave -- are the abdominals and breath leading or are your clients in "gym" mode?
  • If you need a reminder of this, go back to the seminar recording for Advanced Reformer.  You will see how I break it down.
  • Speak slowly and ensure they are connected with you and your cues in this movement
• Bring the Rowing series to the mat.  Use hand weights or bands wrapped around the feet for resistance
• Practice the increments with your "clients" or practice bodies in the mat for a safer experience that is less heavy on the shoulders
  
   

  2.  Self-Practice Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours) 

  • Work on Rowing from the Sternum and 90-degrees in your own body.  Do it on the Reformer AND on the Mat.  FEEL each part deeply before progressing to the next increment
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

  3. Self-Study Objective (Program Goal 50 Hours)

  • Watch Rowing in the Advanced Reformer seminar   

You have the tools you need to develop classes and private sessions that challenge and progress you students.  

You have the teaching tools, communication skills, and sight to make each movement better session by session.  

You know how to be safe. 

You know how to "see" if a client is ready to progress or if they need more prep.  

You can think on your feet and not be held to a class plan that you worked on all night.  

You can modulate your voice to create energy and rhythm to a session. 

You know that you don't need bells and whistles to create a challenging session - that pauses, holds, deeper breaths and slower movements are all that's necessary.  

You know the objective of each movement.  

You know the order is there as a perfect session, but that you can deviate to teach the body in front of you. 

You know that creativity is welcome, but stupidity is not.  Everything you do must have a reason.

You know that Exhalation creates Connection which creates Propultion. 

You know that we always always seek to make a movement better.  

You've decided what to be. 

So go be it :) 

xx

Jessica

Unlike the Beginner Assessment, where we wanted to see your ability to articulate and communicate the Beginner System, this time we want to see you use Pilates to give the client you have the session that they need.  We want to see how you incorporate all of the teaching tools and principles of Pilates.  

You have a choice to design a class for one of the following profiles.  You will make assumptions about this person based on the profile given and then make choices in that session that deliver on those assumptions.  


Please choose one:

1.  A man between 45-50 years old.  He is a businessman who travels a lot for work.  When on the road, he uses the hotel gym when he can — some treadmill and some weights.  When he’s home, he tries to make it to his weekly Saturday private session with you.  He has younger kids involved in youth sports so while he really wants to be consistent, he misses probably 1 session a month because of a game or tournament.  His body is tired because he is tired.  


2.  A woman, 55 years old.  Has always walked and eaten right to stay healthy and fit.  But then menopause.  Suddenly she’s tired, unmotivated and puffy.  She feels uncomfortable in clothes and is unhappy with her body.  She’s never had to worry about her belly but now …. Well it depresses her.  She’s achey and feels weak.  She knows that she should have started building strength a long time ago but hindsight is 20/20 and now is better than never right?  She’s been coming to you for about 3 months.  


3.  A woman, 68 years old, who had a hip replacement 6 years ago.  She feels good. Doesn’t have restrictions, but is doing everything she can to avoid having to do a second replacement


4.  A 19 year old athlete who has been swimming since he was a kid.  He swims in college and the butterfly is his stroke.  


5.  A 28 year old woman who is getting married next year.  She’s small in stature and just wants to be “fit” for her big day

In this recording please :

• Introduce yourself and tell us your Host Studio
• Tell us the profile you chose
• Tell us some assumptions you are making about this profile -- what does this person need to get out of this session

You will be evaluated on the following rubric:

Final Practical Exam
Technical Knowledge Assessment

You are being evaluated on your technical knowledge, which at this level is comprised of … (the categories listed down the left column)…

*In the Beginner Practical Exam, you’re expected to

 • Show understanding of the system in the Pilates repertoire 

 • Properly describe and assist your client in achieving a safe and aligned set up for each exercise.

 • Demonstrate your command of cueing and ability to lead a client through a progressive positive movement experience

Competency Definitions

Technique – Overall use of teaching tools

Session Design - Following the arc of a session with an appropriate warm up, progression through movements and relevancy of movements based on the client profile

Specific Movement Choices - Based on the profile the student has chosen for the final exam.  Did the student choose movements that deliver on this client’s needs? Were there any contraindications?

Safety - Related to set up and extended to spotting, correcting as necessary to maintain the intention of the work.

Breathing & Body Scan – Clear cues for breath. Demonstrate that you are observing the whole body to provide relevant and timely cueing.

Cueing – Accurately describing the actions for the client to follow; offering encouragement and support and making the movement better — not accepting their first offer

Confidence & Command — Do you present with assuredness in their authority as a Teacher

Professionalism - Conducting yourself with calm and ease in your knowledge level while being attentive and upbeat; making connection with the client to create a positive movement experience.

*Refer to terms in EYT Vocabulary Reference here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bQCgyZb-muDpxpzP2vkFt7vUiVIh94o66Zi4XPsDu38/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Rating Descriptions

Excellent - Exceeded expectations. Excellent at following/implementing the standard.

Good work - Displays high competency and meets following/implementing the standard.

Fair Job - Satisfactory in following/implementing the standard.

Needs work - Insufficient at showing ability to meet/implement the standard.