EYT Pilates Teacher Training 

General Housekeeping

1. This week begins the new format for the weekly emails.  As you know, each Monday an email will arrive in your inbox with all of the information you will need to continue to move forward with your studies and practice.

I promise that:

• Each email will be robust and long but valuable. 
• Every section has a heading so you can easily source the information you seek.  While the headings remain the same every week, the content will change. 
• Every email will be numbered in the subject line so you can track and search your inbox with ease

You promise that:

• You will take the time to read each email through to the end
• The email will be your first stop when looking for information/links or assignments

2.  On Friday, I promised to provide you with emails and overview of the EYT Support Team.  

For questions related to the content in the online curriculum 

Examples: Where can I find the video referenced in this lesson? This video is not loading.  Why does Jessica say to..., what springs should I use on my Balanced Body reformer....

You should add a comment right in that lesson.  Tricia Whitlock, who manages the curriculum will provide the answer to you via that channel. If we receive similar questions over and over, it will be clear to us that we need to update the lesson.  You can also reach her at [email protected]

For Administrative questions

Examples: I can't log in to the curriculum, can you update my email, can you change my billing date, can you send me a link, where do I find the link to the test, will x count towards my apprenticeship, where should I send my log to....etc. etc. etc.

Please email Erica at [email protected]

I don't see you needing to contact Jess too often as I believe she'll be working a lot more with Hosts, but ...just in case, for Community and Event related questions, you can contact [email protected]

As I mentioned on the call Friday, communication is my superpower and responsiveness is my obsession.  Being able to provide you with the best support I can is one of my deepest core beliefs.  And in order for me to be successful at doing that, I need communication pathways to be organized and clear so that you get what you need in a timely and effective manner. 

3.  I had hoped to have the office hour schedule published by today, but not all the master teachers have given me their availability yet so I will have that to you later this week.  

4.  If you haven't yet filled out your student survey, I will include the link to it in the "link" section below.  

This Week's Objective

Week 0 Objective

1.  Meet your fellow apprentices.  In the Links section below is the Fall Semester roster.  On that you will find each of your names, Host Studio and email address.  I ask that the first person listed at each studio, send a group email to your cohort and initiate the sharing of phone numbers.  Then you can start a text chat to arrange time weekly to meet.  

2.  Those who are singles with home studios please scan for the other singles and create your cohort the same way.  

3.  Plan your schedule.  Find time to do your observation on a weekly basis and when you are going to do your self practice and cohort practice.  Put this in your calendar as a repeating event with a reminder alarm set.  Abide by this schedule for the next 4-6 weeks.  After 4-6 weeks, you will update the schedule to start allowing for practice teaching with "real people"

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 and focus on the precision of your movement.  Take it slow, are your elbows wide? Are your feet flexed? Are you sitting tall? Are you feeling opposition? Is you shin bone parallel to the floor? Put precision into your own body.  Listen to my videos and follow along or do the mat class I taught on Saturday 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.  

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

• 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.
• 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 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.  This week will build upon that by adding two more
  
  • 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
  • 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

There is NO Reformer Practice Teaching assignment.  This week's Reformer assignment is ONLY Self-Practice & Self-Study 

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

• Introducing the Beginner Reformer Repertoire
  • Go to the studio and do the entire Beginner System on every spring load. 
  • Write down what you notice is the difference.  What muscles do you feel are "in charge" depending on the load? Where are you drawing your power from? How about your control? 
• 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
• Watch and re-watch the video on a client's first session.  Listen to how I describe what Pilates is, how to breath and weave those two concepts into the entire session.
• Take time this weekend to watch the workshop/muscles of the week that you may not have caught up with yet.    

This Week's Objective: 

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

• 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 cruch. 
  • 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  
• Introducing the Beginner Reformer 
  • Last week you were asked to watch the "first session examples" so that you could see what it is to TEACH.  Help the client understand what we are striving for. Awaken a breath/abdominal/movement connecting that they may never have felt before.  Now we start to execute those skills and we begin with Footwork 
  • Master teaching Footwork.  This means 
    • Setting up Footwork properly in all four foot positions
    • Drawing the client's attention to the breath and how it powers the movement
    • Try to determine the difference between someone who is "riding the springs" and using all leg versus someone who is using their breath/abdominal connection

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

• 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
• Self-Analysis of Footwork
  • Do Footwork on the Reformer many times.  Try to deepen your own connection each time.  Slow yourself down.  Speed yourself up.  Identify what muscles engage at each speed.  Identify what muscles engage in each foot position.  
• Continue with your Breath-Abdominal connection
  
  • Continue working on your explanation of the Breath-Abdominal connection and apply it to 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 
• Listen to how the Teachers cue Footwork/Breath/Abdominals

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: 

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

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

  • Moving along in the Beginner Reformer repertoire
    
    • Mastery of the Arm Series & Crunches
      
      • Last week you were supposed to Use Footwork to tell your body about Pilates, the breath and what we are seeking to achieve.  If you didn't get to that last week, please do that this week in addition to mastering the Arm Series. Go back to last week's email for prompts on how to Master
      • Master the technique, anatomy and breath cues for the Arm Series.  Where is the exhale?  Where are the legs? Develop the language of finding the abdominals through arm movement. Are their shoulders down? Are the ribs flared?  Are the ribs closed?
      • Practice the language of the Arm Series
    • Mastery of Teaser Prep & Teaser
      • What movements in Beginner Mat do we leverage to create Teaser Prep & Teaser?  
      • Utilize the mastery you have achieved in those movements to help you develop your communication of Teaser Pre & Teaser
  
  
  • 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 or a class at your host studio

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

• Complete at least 2 hours of observation. Do you hear breath cues as it relates to arm work?  Do you hear abdominal cues as it relates to arm work?

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

• Watch the Arm Series & Crunches videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan

This Week's Objective (Same as Week 5 because of some log in issues)

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

• Moving along in the Beginner Reformer repertoire
  
  • Mastery of the Arm Series
    
    • Last week you were supposed to Use Footwork to tell your body about Pilates, the breath and what we are seeking to achieve.  If you didn't get to that last week, please do that this week in addition to mastering the Arm Series. Go back to last week's email for prompts on how to Master
    • 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?
    • Practice the language of the Arm Series
  • 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) 

• If you were unable to achieve this last week, then go to the studio and do the entire Beginner Reformer repertoire on EVERY spring load.  Refer to last week's email for guidance
• 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 Arm Series 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
• Digesting Intermediate Mat
  • Master Open Leg Rocker
    • How do you prep it or break it down? 
    • Where are your opposition cues? 
    • Look at the body in front of you -- what do you see and how can you improve the precision? 

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 & Open Leg Rocker 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
    • Schedule real bodies to give sessions to this week.  Aim for two sessions booked.  Take them through the Beginner Mat and Beginner Reformer repertoire   

  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?  
  • 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
      • Mastery 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 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)

  • Observe 2 hours and specifically watch how Elephant and Knee Stretches are cued

  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
   

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 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 Floww
      • 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, Single Leg Kick & Double Leg Kick  
  • 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, Single Leg Kick & Double Leg Kick videos at least 5 times -- internalize the cues and the body scan
   

This Week's Objective 

Off for Thanksgiving Holiday 

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
      • Recall the prep we discussed in the seminar -- no straps.  Connecting breath to the arm movement and developing your Pilates eye to hand placement and range of motion
      • 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 Side Sit Ups
      • The set up of this movement is critical to ensuring the hips are in alignment and length is achieved along the side-body
      • Prep the movement with the client's bottom hand on the headrest and the top arm crossed over the chest (proximal)
      • Progress the movement to two arms across the chest
      • If possible, progress to one hand behind the head -- and watch for the key signals that tell the Teacher if they can manage moving to a more distal position
        • Does the head remain up and looking forward or did the chin drop to the chest? 
        • Does the body remain parallel to the wall or do the shoulders and elbows close forward?
      • If alignment is maintained, progress to both hands behind the head
      •  
  • Working through the Intermediate Mat Repertoire
    • Mastery of Swimming & Seal 
      • Swimming is a progression of Swan Prep and Swan -- it is our most distal extension exercise therefore requiring the most back strength
      • Prep Swimming with lifting one arm or leg at a time. Then lift both - then add the action
      • If the person is crunching in their shoulders, arms can widen and/or elbows can bend as they build strength
    • Seal is a progression of Rolling Like a Ball with more open hips
      • Practice with one clap at the top, then add the back, then increase challenge by increasing the number of claps
    • 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 

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

• • Progressing to Intermediate Reformer
    
    • Mastery of Front Splits 
      • Begin with the Lunging stretch.  Look for the squareness of the hips and the oppositional forces - where "should" the client feel this length -- and do they?
      • Progress those who can to Front Splits 1.  Sharpen your eye to which leg is leading the movement.  It is supposed to be the back leg to ensure the hip and quad receive the length. Watch what happens if they lead with their front leg. How does the movement change? 
      • If the client is capable, progress to Front Split 2 & 3.  Watch that back knee doesn't buckle or the sacrum lift up when drawing the carriage home.
  • Working through the Reformer on the Mat
    • Bring your Front Split series to the Mat 
      • Where can you bring the magic circle into the front splits on the Mat? 
    • Practice Footwork from the Reformer on the Mat
      
      • How can you utilize the Magic Circle to enhance the connection?
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours and look for the Reformer movements on the Mat.  Integrate the Magic Circle

  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 

Beginner Assessment

Soft deadline 11/21

*A few students said they thought they could design their own class for this assessment.  To clarify - this is a Beginner Assessment to show us you are solid on the have the foundational work.  We are not looking for creativity.  We are not look looking for sequencing.  We want to see you know the foundation of Pilates --

• Safety, Set Up, Breath Pattern
• A proper C-Curve, a proper Flat Back
• Proper order of movement

The Beginner Assessment is our opportunity to check in and see your progress.  Are you doing the work you need to do?  Are you watching the videos as asked?  What supportive feedback can we give to help you progress.  

Test Submission Requirements

• One video complete with all Beginner Reformer & Beginner Mat exercises in 45 minutes or less
• Your fellow Apprentice CAN be your body
• Video must be landscape view
• You must introduce yourself on the video and name your Host Studio (our MT's who are grading don't know you)
• Video must be uploaded to a cloud server (google, dropbox, youtube) and sent as an OPEN file - no password protection or permissions locked.  We take your file and send it to an MT to grade.  If you only give "jessica" access, then they won't be able to grade it.  
• Video file to be sent to [email protected] with your name in the subject line. 

In consideration of your assessors

• If you are not ready to submit your exam PLEASE DON'T.  We want to see someone who has prepared, not just tried to meet a deadline.  
• Before submitting your video -- watch it and check your work.  Is your microphone working?  Is the client visible? If you are unsure about something, did you go back to the online curriculum to check before submitting or did you submit something that is just incorrect.  

Automatic Test Rejection:

• Tests will not be accepted if:
  • The client is not visible in the shot (we don't want to just see their feet for 45 minutes)
  • There are edits 
  • Notes and/or manual are used
  • Any safety measures are forgotten or ignored

This Week's Objective 

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

• • Playing with your Reformer Flow
    
    • Pick Any Two Series in the Intermediate System
      
      • Explore your "Flow" within those series only.  Find ways to utilize variations or transitional movement to create a flowing sequence
      • Sample - Long Box Series: Swimming into pulling straps-into T position - back to pulling straps - to triceps - back to pulling straps - hold and beet heels.  Flip to right side and do a side kick series - flip to back for backstroke into the ab series - flip to second side for second side kick series - back to back for teaser) 
      • Stay within "Pilates".  No need to invent anything
      • Write down what the sequence achieves
  • Apply the same "flow" objective to the Intermediate Mat system
    
    • Look at the order
      
      • Where can you re-arrange or bring in a particular movement or two to serve as "transitions"
      • Sample using the Teaser:
        • Hundred-end with a Teaser at the end
        • Roll out of Teaser and begin the Rollup ending in a Teaser
        • Lower feet and find Half Roll Down. Lift legs back to Teaser
        • Roll Spine and one leg back to mat and find Single Leg Circle - lift into Teaser before second leg.  Lift into Teaser after second leg.
        • From Teaser, bend knees into chest and feet to tush and find Rolling Like a Ball. End in balance and extend legs back to Teaser
        • From Teaser, bend one knee into chest and lower spine to mat for Single Leg Stretch
        • etc. etc. etc
    • Meet with fellow apprentices for at least 1-2 hours and look for the Reformer movements on the Mat.  Integrate the Magic Circle

  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 the Advanced seminar over again

This Week's Objective 

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

• • Mastering of Rowing from the Sternum & Rowing 90-degrees
    
    • Break these movements down
    • The break-down serves two purposes:
      • Each step is it's own exercise - use it
      • Breaking it down ensures precision and progression
  • Look at the angles of the body in each of these movements
    • Rowing from the sternum - is the carriage moving because of the abdominal movement or are the arms pulling on the straps?
    • Rowing 90-degrees - does the elbow remain at a 90 degree angle or do the elbows drop towards the ribs? Where is the chin?

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

  • Put Rowing in your body.  Break it down.  Do it on the mat with and without hand weights.  Use the straps on 1/2 spring and 1 spring -- notice how it feels
  • Take a session or a class at your host studio

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

  • Your observation time has concluded

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

  • Watch the Rowing from the Sternum and 90-degrees from the Advanced Seminar again

This Week's Objective 

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

• • Mastering of Rowing from Chest & Rowing from the Hips
    
    • Respect the nuance of these two movement.  Understanding the opposition in the body is critical to proper execution
    • Watch the body in each of these movements. From the Chest: 
      
      • As the fingertips touch down - the spine sits taller
      • As the arms float home - the carriage maintains stability
    • From the Hips
      • Watch the thoracic spine -- does it reach FORWARD as the spine stacks? 
      • Are the arms in line with the spine -- moving as a unit?
      • Is the head leading? Or staying in line with the arms and spine

  2.  Self Practice

  • Put Rowing from the Chest & Hips in your body.  These can be perfected on the Mat - not just the Reformer

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

  • Your observation time has concluded

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

  • Watch the Rowing from the Chest & Hops from the Advanced Seminar again

This Week's Objective 

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

• • Mastering of Rowing: Serve, Hug & Shave
    
    • While these movements seem very basic - find the work in them.  Where is the opposition? Where is the abdominal connection? 
    • Watch the body in each of these movements. 
      
      • Serve: the elbows should not flare outwards.  What's the difference between palms up versus thumbs up? Is the spine straight? 
    • Hug
      
      • Do the elbows droop? Does the body fall back as the arms open? Are the shoulders shrugged? Are the fingers locked and gripped or open and relaxed?
      • Shave
        
        • Work the progression on this - wide set arms.  Wide set arms to closed arms above head.  Then closed thumb and forefinger through entire movement.
        • Do elbows remain wide? Does head jut forward to get out of the way? Does the body fall back under the weight? Practice this as a mat exercise

  2.  Self Practice

  • Put Rowing Serve, Hug and Shave in your body.  These can be perfected on the Mat - not just the Reformer

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

  • Your observation time has concluded

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

  • Watch the Rowing Serve, Hug & Shave from the Advanced Seminar again

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.

Register Here for the Cadillac, Chair & Barrels Courses: 

• Barrel System June 6th 4-7pm eastern
• Cadillac/Tower: June 7th 11am - 6pm eastern
• Wunda Chair: June 8th 11-6pm eastern
  • All seminars are recorded and uploaded in same manner as your Reformer & Mat course
• As EYT Students & Graduates, you receive 10% each course.  If you sign up for both, you will receive 15% off the bundle
• Both courses include online curriculum, one day seminar, 50 hours apprenticeship, weekly homework & full color manuals 
• Use coupon code GRADBUNDLE15 to receive 15% off the weekend
• If you choose to only do one of the seminars (Cadillac or Chair or Barrels) please contact jessica@eytpilatesteachertraining to get the registration link for your chosen course

Two Month Objective 

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

Teach Teach Teach.  

My only words of wisdom/advice/guidance is to say yes to every teaching opportunity that comes your way.  Diversify the types of clients you experience and always stay true to the Pilates principles.  If you do that -- you will be a sought after and fully booked Teacher.  

Technique -- one cue per breath that makes the movement better

Breath -- Use the breath cues to set rhythm, fill dead air, challenge the client and deepen their connection.  Breath cues are like baking soda -- it has 1000 uses

Opposition -- See where the opposing forces are to achieve length and strength

Rhythm/Voice -- Give energy, interest and diversity to your classes using voice modulation and rhythmic changes

Flow -- Seek Flow within each series to build fluidity of movement in all planes of motion.  The penultimate for us as Teachers and them as movers.