Get Out of the Way!
By Clare Dunphy
Have you ever heard the quote “change happens through movement, and movement heals?” A powerful quote I first heard years ago, and in hindsight, it was a real game-changer. Not because it was a revelation but because it has made me think about how I teach. On some level, it’s an obvious and direct reminder that Pilates is simply exercise; really good exercise, and also a workout, bodywork and corrective movement. Here’s the thing: our body is learning all the time, in life and in our workouts, whether we’re moving correctly or poorly. This quote nudges me to get (and keep) clients moving as much as possible during their session. It seems clear that we want to get bodies in motion, right? We see and understand the value in moving well and getting a good workout, right? But there’s much more to it than that! So many teachers still spend so much time setting up an exercise that our students are waiting for us in order to move at all, or getting so caught up in having everything so perfect that the result creates tension instead. It’s an easy trap to fall into. But in order to guide our students to become better movers, we need to find the balance between giving too much information, working with precision, control, and movement.
Once we decide that “moving” is one of the driving goals, the rest is easy. Suddenly, we are free to step back and look at the effect we are having on our student (i.e. did they stop moving? Is my pacing too slow or too fast?) and make adjustments accordingly. By the way, no self judgement allowed since all great teachers develop themselves through a process of self-examination, self-awareness, and experimentation. For example, if we are over-cueing or over-explaining an exercise, then our client probably isn’t moving, but listening. Hmmm, what adjustment can we make in our choice of words? Might action words be more helpful? Can I say the same thing with fewer words so it fits the rhythm of the exercise? Is what I am saying useful or am I using my “habit words”? Am I saying something my student already understands and is doing, or remarking on a way to make what they are doing even better? Early in my Pilates training, Roxanne (one of Romana’s teacher trainers) pulled me aside and gave me valuable advice. She noticed I was over-teaching every exercise and the class was waiting for my cues. I had to step back and first appreciate the fact that my roots as a group fitness exercise instructor had ingrained cueing habits that weren’t working when I taught Pilates – and those habits were tough to break! Stubborn as I was, that day in the locker room, I listened. Roxy told me to “write down Romana’s words, just write them down, write them down, write them down.” And I did.
Romana used simple words, well chosen, and time tested. After all, she was an expert at getting bodies to move, and move well, for 50+ years. It was also her timing, pacing, images, vocal intonation, and touch. She was masterful at not giving too much information, and yet you knew what the exercise was for, the dynamics, and the energy of the exercise. I can remember her telling new teachers to go to the dictionary and study words and nuances of words, so we could reach different types of learners. Watching her teach a private session or a group of teachers was like watching the conductor of the symphony. She urged the movement on and never got in the way of the energy flow. This way of teaching inspires me to this day. In essence, she was showing us how to get out of the way of the movement whether it was with our words or touch. Say just enough and let the magic happen. Let people experience the joy of movement.
Brilliantly, she taught us to give less directive instructions as students progressed so as they learned an exercise, they could take complete ownership of it. And it was not only the exercise itself, but transitioning with an economy of movement, remembering apparatus changes and corrections, all which are very important in developing strong, independent students. She held us accountable, challenging her teachers and her students to be self-reliant, and she taught us that way from the start. She didn’t lift our boxes, change our springs, lower our headrests – indeed not! It was our workout, not hers! We were busy breathing and working and moving, not chit-chatting and not sitting. The work was taught as a discipline and there were clear rules. When an exercise was finished, we were instructed to immediately dismount to standing, and to change springs from a standing position. There was no lounging on the reformers like they were furniture. Unnecessary fidgeting, playing with clothing, or other distractions were discouraged – in a loving way, of course!
I’ve had lots of wonderful Pilates teachers over the years, and they all share the same qualities, leading by example how to step up our game as students and as teachers. At the end of the day, our students are our report card and their progress is a reflection of us, the teachers.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article! And always remember that enough is as good as a feast!
Clare Dunphy Hemani is the founder of Progressive Bodyworks, based in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Her roots in the field of human movement began at Northeastern University where she earned a BS in Physical Education in 1985, and holds certifications from PMA, ACE, and Romana Kryzanowska (now known as The New York Pilates Studio Teacher Training Program). In 1995, Clare began her Pilates studies under Romana Kryzanowska (first generation Master Teacher) and has since studied with several other teachers. Clare is a presenter on www.Pilatesology.com and www.PilatesAnytime.com . Clare hosts two free video channels on Vimeo.com for students and teachers interested in supplemental learning to keep the work vibrant in their practice. As co-author of the Peak Pilates Comprehensive Education Program, she mentored scores of teachers and teacher trainers between 2001-2013. Clare’s studio is a unique space where students and teachers around the world come to hone their technique and study the art of teaching. Committed to preserving the authenticity and tradition of Pilates, her approach is refreshing, energetic and supportive. Clare is excited to bring her talents her latest project www.PilatesAvatar.com , an audio program designed for students, teachers, and studios. Clare’s gift is her willingness to share knowledge generously and her ability to explain concepts in simple, clear ways. Her mission is to support the potential in all students/teachers and to keep the spirit of Joe and Romana alive in her work. Follow Clare at www.progressivebodyworksinc.