Throughout my career as a professional dancer I understood the value of being a student. It enriched my performance technique, strengthened existing inspiration and humbled the ego on the vastness of the field. For Pilates’ teachers, devotees and any exercise enthusiast embracing this role is in my opinion a key to success.
Because dance is such a vulnerable career one feels the impact of constant training. The possibility that injury can be avoided through studying is an undeniable motivator. One learns early on that cultivating “technique” is a life long journey.
With the advent of weekend certification programs, online courses in exercise and the push for rapid completion of training, the art of being a student can be diminished. I believe it’s important to encourage constant study, both self-practice and with accomplished teachers.
I also believe that it requires a mental attitude of acceptance to be challenged and not just seek affirmation that you are proficient. In addition, something I witness in many circles is the desire by instructors to learn “new tricks.” I find a more enriching attitude is one of adding more in-depth knowledege and specifically how practically this applies to the work.
Find daily spirit
For example, a dancer stands every day in ballet or modern dance class for the entire length of their career. A staple in dance class is of course pliés. The true definition of plié is to bend, a simple bending and lengthening of the joints, particularly knees, hips and ankles.
Even though a variety of arm movements exist that accompany the plié, a dancer must find daily uniqueness to performing the action. The ability to find freshness, new insight and renewal is a discipline in and of itself.
From a Pilates’ perspective one can relate this to the hundred. Without fail in a Pilates’ workout the hundred is a staple of the work. One can either choose to dread it or to find a new aspect of the exercise each and every time you start pumping.
Certainly from a teacher’s point of view the ability to use your voice and enthusiasm is integral to creating joy in daily or routine exercises. It is also the student’s responsibility to participate in the spirit of movement. It’s a two-way street where student and teacher interact, play on each other’s energy and thus, teach each other.
Practice beginner, intermediate & advanced
Last week a seasoned client from our studio remarked, “Wow, I forgot how challenging beginner mat could be!” Yes dropping back a notch and really focusing on the details within the work can be extremely enlightening. Finding the length in the arms in every exercise or just staying 100% focused to do as instructed not as you usually “do” can be rewarding.
This type of thinking promotes habits and tools for sustainability in exercise. If an individual continues to find joy in practicing the simple routines the likelihood of continuity is enhanced.
I find it valuable during the week to mix up the levels of routines I practice. For instance doing a beginner reformer one day with an advanced mat routine. Or do intermediate Cadillac followed by barrels and small weights. I also love doing a quick 10-minute joint mobility to get the energy rolling when time is short.
Besides keeping the workouts interesting these level changes provide hands on knowledge of the client experience. As every teacher knows clients are not a one level category, you serve them best when you are reminded of the challenges and beauty of their fitness demands.
Study with a teacher
I’ve heard many a Pilates’ teacher say, “I just don’t have time to work out or I prefer to do my own routine.” As mentioned above self-practice is definitely a must but it can’t be the end all or be all. Why?
For starters, the intensity level is never challenged quite as much in your own workouts as it is with a teacher hovering over you. Second, one tends to fall into a pattern of favorite exercises or workout. This may not include some of the more valuable pieces of equipment like barrels, Wunda Chair or Cadillac. Taking a lesson is an opportunity to broaden the practice outside of one’s comfort zone.
The third reason (of which by the way there are many more) is the mental challenge of working on something new or not previously planned out. The student then is forced to respond to a new challenge and therein will demonstrate the true understanding of the work. As the famous modern dance choreographer Martha Graham eloquently stated, “the body never lies.”
Closing note
From my own personal perspective taking class and forever being the student is an honor and a challenge. It is to be encouraged and promoted within our studios. The easiest and most reliable tool is to lead by example.
