http:\/\/archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com\/cgi-bin\/texis.cgi\/web\/vortex\/display?slug=pants20&date=20070920&query=dry+cleaners+sued+by+judge<\/span><\/a><\/p>\nThank God he doesn\u2019t do Pilates.<\/span><\/p>\nImagine an industry <\/span>where physical risks abound<\/span><\/i> yet consumers have absolutely no reliable way to determine which providers are even minimally qualified.<\/span><\/p>\nImagine an industry where consumers\u2019 uninformed assumption of practitioner competence coupled with their own desire to buy the service offered stokes the pipeline at even the most unprofessionally, even illegally run businesses.<\/span><\/p>\nAdd a cast of overdeveloped, overexposed divisive characters who refuse to exit stage left, mix in a cadre of leaders who rule with muddled minds and front transparent biases then top it all off with a dysfunctional social history that\u2019s a mash up of <\/span>Sex in the City<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>the Sopranos<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Valley of the Dolls<\/span><\/i>, and, dear people, we\u2019ve arrived . . . welcome to the world of Pilates!<\/span><\/p>\nAnd not only have we arrived, but we\u2019re all here together \u2013 the good, the bad, the ugly \u2013 and we\u2019re all part of this industry equally and indivisibly. The highest lifts us all, the lowest depresses us all. I am you, you are me, we are it.<\/span><\/p>\nDo Mary Bowen\u2019s Balloon Breathing!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOur Link to the Past<\/b><\/p>\n
Save the Drama for Yo\u2019 Mamma<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
State of the Industry: There is unprecedented and highly visible cooperation among all levels of teaching and industry-related commerce. There is also discord, from slight to serious and both public and private.<\/span><\/p>\nHave you noticed the dissention in the world of Pilates, especially at the top and by top I mean first generation teachers? Even though it\u2019s not widespread among that esteemed group, it is plainly obvious because the main perpetrator of it is blatant in her display of it. And in addition to the one major rift, there also exists discord of a more minor nature.<\/span><\/p>\nAll of it – the big and the small, the bold and the oblique – is equal in my mind and guess what?<\/span><\/p>\nThere\u2019s a precedent in our industry for this type of behavior. Joe himself was guilty of it and so I guess it\u2019s not surprising that some of his disciples carry on that most embarrassing, deplorable aspect of our history.<\/span><\/p>\nSimply put, the divisiveness we witness among our beloved first generation teachers must stop . . . and it will.<\/span><\/p>\nEventually.<\/span><\/p>\nOne way or another.<\/span><\/p>\nAn eternal optimist, I remain hopeful that our first generation teachers will take advantage of the powerful opportunity they have to lead us to righteousness, to demonstrate their emotional maturity and intellectual depth by healing their relationships themselves, but if they don\u2019t cure the divisiveness themselves by rising above their differences, it\u2019ll still be taken care of but in a much more passive way.<\/span><\/p>\nPersonal responsibility is the over-arching message of this article but this is one problem that is most definitely going to be solved even without anyone taking responsibility for it.<\/span><\/p>\nI apologize if talking directly about people dying is offensive, viewed as disrespectful or is in bad taste. I intend no disrespect.<\/span><\/p>\nWe\u2019re all going to die and the only real mystery about it is the timing of said death.<\/span><\/p>\nTiming is everything!<\/span><\/i> I also realize that there is no particular order to such things.<\/span><\/p>\nThat said, here\u2019s something we all can agree on: It\u2019s impossible to maintain a disagreement, no matter how intense, after we\u2019re dead. So, if not before, once our most senior leaders pass on from this fantastic and wonderful world, their particular controversies will disappear right along with them and it will fall to those who outlive them to repair any residual damage.<\/span><\/p>\nCleaning up the mess will not be pleasant but it must be done. Until then, let\u2019s work together to minimize the damage.<\/span><\/p>\nHere\u2019s what I propose: For those of us who do not own any aspect of these disagreements, rifts and grudges, let\u2019s agree to steer clear of them at all cost. Let\u2019s also realize that when conflict happens – and it will and it should and it\u2019s natural and normal that it does – we must use our best skills to manage it, we must be gentle with each other and know that only by working together do we stand a chance of surviving the type of exponential growth our industry is experiencing, with all of us together, successful and productive on the other side.<\/span><\/p>\nLet\u2019s promise ourselves and each other that our commitment to getting along with each other, to building each other up and helping each other out will override any temptation to front issues that are not ours.<\/span><\/p>\nDeal? Deal!<\/span><\/p>\nWhile we need to be aware of such unpleasant things, we also need to honor our most experienced teachers \u2013 even the ones who exhibit deplorable behavior – and that may pose a challenge because we\u2019re often tempted to throw out the baby with the bathwater. In this case, that would be a mistake because we only have so many first-hand accounts of this work and we need to maximize our exposure to them while they still exist.<\/span><\/p>\nThis may help you figure out productive ways you can learn from each of our beloved first generation teachers, in spite of the derision that exists among them.<\/span><\/p>\nPersonally, I aspire to emulate the grace, cooperative spirit and soothing styles of Mary Bowen and Lolita San Miguel, the technical wisdom, physical elegance and long-lived passion for teaching of Ron Fletcher, the perseverance, humor and problem solving ability of Kathy Grant and to be able to tolerate a hangover as well as Romana.<\/span><\/p>\nThese are all positive aspirations, they are all things I need to work on and they are all ways I can appreciate, respect and be inspired by our industry\u2019s most esteemed leaders.<\/span><\/p>\nThese leaders should be guides for you, too, so think about what you\u2019d like to learn from each of them, research their websites or their work online, catch them at a conference or register for one of their weekend workshops and get your own first-hand dose of first generation magic while it\u2019s still around.<\/span><\/p>\nAnd to guard against following in their footsteps in less admirable ways, when push comes to shove in our own sheltered studio lives, it definitely helps to remember that the market is vast and there is room enough for us all regardless of which lineage we follow or innovate off of. There is enough business to go around. Relax. Do whatever it takes for you to regain perspective. Above all, be nice.<\/span><\/p>\nConsumer Protection & the Teaching of Pilates<\/b><\/p>\n
Houston, We Have a Problem<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
State of the Industry: The Pilates industry is unregulated, entirely, completely, totally.<\/span><\/p>\nThe fact that our industry is unregulated is a huge problem and anyone who says it isn\u2019t has probably made <\/span>millions of dollars <\/span><\/i>in our <\/span>unregulated<\/span><\/i> market and is financially threatened at the idea of change. Follow the money!<\/span><\/p>\nCan you think of a single valid argument against regulation in an industry where the physical risks are this great?<\/span><\/p>\nIn its simplest form, there is absolutely no doubt that if there were consumer protections in place there would be fewer client injuries and insurance losses would decrease.<\/span><\/p>\nI\u2019m going to expound greatly on the finer points of the issue of regulation, but from the outset I want to be clear that, more important than any of other aspect of this complex and emotional topic, there can be no adequate compensation when someone suffers an injury as a result of teacher negligence.<\/span><\/p>\nThe conscientious teacher is forever changed, studio ownership is potentially financially ruined and the staff and clients of the studio are also damaged, albeit indirectly. Our entire industry suffers, right along with injured client, at the hands of incompetent teachers.<\/span><\/p>\nWorse still, the most rapidly growing segment of this work is in gyms where the quality of instruction is greatly compromised if for no other reason than because of the group class model.<\/span><\/p>\nBut the lack of consumer protection extends well beyond the point of sale for the discreet service, e.g. a Pilates session, and when you realize that teacher training programs are also unregulated you begin to understand the magnitude of the lack of regulation in such a rapidly growing industry.<\/span><\/p>\nBeyond advocating for regulation of the teaching of Pilates, I also advocate for the regulation of teacher training centers. Period.<\/span><\/p>\nTo try and make sense of all this, let\u2019s start where all Pilates sessions begin, or should anyway, which is with a well-trained teacher.<\/span><\/p>\nLeading the Way to Industry Standards,<\/b><\/p>\n
Leadership & Organization<\/b><\/p>\n
Alex, What is the Pilates Method Alliance?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
State of the Industry: There are no mandatory standards for the teaching of Pilates or the operation of teacher training centers.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Pilates Method Alliance formed in 2000 and its mission is to create professional standards for our industry, to preserve the historic work and to inform the public about the nature of our industry. That is a hugely powerful mission and each aspect of it is critically important to the overall success of the industry.<\/span><\/p>\nThe PMA is a membership-based not-for-profit organization and as such, the work of the organization can only gain traction when its membership is robust both in numbers, financial support and purpose.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you are not a member of the PMA, join now. And by now I mean now, as in right now. Go to <\/span>www.PilatesMethodAlliance.org<\/span><\/a> and sign up. We\u2019ll wait right here for you.<\/span><\/p>\nI want to be perfectly clear about the fact that I was a huge PMA supporter <\/span>years<\/span><\/i> before I accepted a seat on its Board of Directors.<\/span><\/p>\nWhen I joined the industry back in 2000 and began learning about the challenges we face and the role the PMA can play in solving them, I knew I would be a strong supporter of the organization. The PMA has been, and remains, our best chance at a strong, vibrant, independent and successful professional industry.<\/span><\/p>\nBeing involved as a member, conference attendee, conference presenter and since November 2006, as a Board member, I\u2019ve learned a whole lot about how the organization works, what it can and can\u2019t do, and how I can best use my time and efforts to support it. By the time I step down in November \u201907 to resume my focus on PMA committee work and service in a less restrictive way, I will have served on the Board for a year.<\/span><\/p>\nYou\u2019ll hear me speak both critically and glowingly about the efforts of the PMA. Just because I am a long-time supporter of the organization, have served on the Board and am a member does not mean I can\u2019t cause a ruckus, make a fuss and generally agitate on behalf of my own agenda.<\/span><\/p>\nThat\u2019s the beauty of a membership organization; become a member and your voice is heard, serve on a committee and you become a leader, sit on the Board and be part of planning for the future of this industry. It\u2019s a thrilling concept and I have absolutely no reservation in suggesting that any and all of you would be enriched, invigorated and forever changed by getting involved.<\/span><\/p>\nJust Do It. Nike<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nAs clear as the PMA mission appears to be, there has always been confusion about what it really is, what it does and how it does it. The PMA has done a terrible job of informing Pilates professionals about its purpose, efforts and goals.<\/span><\/p>\nLet\u2019s go over that right now.<\/span><\/p>\nThe PMA is probably most clearly understood by first understanding what it isn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\nIt does not train teachers.<\/span><\/p>\nIt is not involved in education at all.<\/span><\/p>\nIt does not intrude in any manner into the business of studios or curriculum of training centers.<\/span><\/p>\nIn its most simple distillation, the PMA is <\/span>for<\/i><\/b> objective professional standards and is <\/span>for<\/i><\/b> keeping the historic work in tact as the unifying foundation of the Pilates industry .<\/span><\/p>\nIt\u2019s the Switzerland of the Pilates world: it\u2019s neutral, it takes all comers, it welcomes everyone regardless of our educational background, lineage loyalty or favored spinal mechanic. Studio owner, training center mogul, equipment manufacturer, gym teacher or client: there\u2019s a place for all of us under the PMA umbrella. PMA conference presenter standards are the very highest in the industry, which means when you attend a PMA conference you\u2019ll be learning from the industry\u2019s most elite, best-reviewed and most highly respected educators.<\/span><\/p>\nBecause Joe Said So<\/b><\/p>\n
Historic Pilates and the PMA<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
State of the Industry: There are no regulations governing the use of the word \u201cPilates\u201d or what that word defines.<\/span><\/p>\nSome people, especially the movers and shakers and more influential graduates of the morphed\/ adapted\/evolved teacher training schools, are particularly polarized about the PMA\u2019s mission to preserve the historic work.<\/span><\/p>\nBut the PMA does not <\/span>in any way<\/span><\/i> bar or block anyone from teaching whatever they want to call Pilates, in any location, in any way, in whatever order, style, manner or method they so desire.<\/span><\/p>\nThe PMA does not interfere with free will in the marketplace.<\/span><\/p>\nThe PMA endeavors to preserve the historic work because the historic work forms the base of our entire industry. And the preservation of it should be rather easy since it is so well codified. <\/span>Joe was multimedia before there WAS multimedia!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nThere are thousands of photographs and hours of moving film footage of Joe, his clients and his process. There are the 2 books Joe wrote plus countless newspaper and magazine articles on and about Joe and Clara, many containing long rambling revealing quotes.<\/span><\/p>\nThe work as they developed it \u2013 famous in part for its many iterations, variations and modifications – resides in the muscle fiber and brain tissue of our first generation teachers <\/span>because Joe and Clara themselves put it there. <\/span><\/i>\u00a0Although the essence of the work can accurately be best described as problem solving, the skills, tools and techniques used to solve our clients\u2019 problems were all within the bounds of the historic work, the tool box Joe and Clara built and passed down to all who know their exercises as they created them.<\/span><\/p>\nLet me explain the purpose and value of the historic work to you as simply and clearly as I see it.<\/span><\/p>\nHistoric Pilates = the alphabet.<\/span><\/p>\nWhen we know our alphabet, we\u2019ve got the base, the foundation, to put together a wide variety of intelligent, interesting, exciting and inspiring words to express our own unique selves. What one teacher might do with it is guaranteed to be vastly different than what another teacher might do and I certainly hope you remember what the Pilates Nun says about this . . . <\/span>vive la\u2019 difference!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nBut underneath all those Pilates adaptations, evolutions, morphs and flat out changes lies the common bond, <\/span>the alphabet<\/span><\/i>, the thing that unites all of us.<\/span><\/p>\nIf we call our industry \u201cPilates\u201d but we\u2019re all speaking different languages, we\u2019re not only <\/span>not <\/span><\/i>going to understand each other but the public won\u2019t stand a chance of experiencing anything remotely similar to what Joe & Clara, the eponymous Pilates, created.<\/span><\/p>\nIf we lose the historic work, our language, so to speak, will be lost and at that point Historic Pilates \u2260 Pilates Today.<\/span><\/p>\nThe best predictor of the future is the past. Dr. Phil<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nWe can only know where we are and where we\u2019re going if we know where we\u2019ve been.<\/span><\/p>\nThis simple fact is the reason we study history, why, culturally speaking, we teach kids about wars long ago fought, atrocities long ago committed, the way boundaries and alliances have been formed, even centuries after any of it would seemingly matter.<\/span><\/p>\nHistory totally rocks and being ignorant of it in our culture, in our place in the larger world, dooms us to repeat it. The clich\u00e9 is a clich\u00e9 for a reason!<\/span><\/p>\nWithout knowing where we\u2019ve been in the evolution of Pilates, our natural tendency to drift, adapt, venture, explore and dilute will result in a loss of meaningful connection to our base and at that point, we\u2019re just basically screwed. <\/span>P-Nunny talks smack!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nSo, regardless of whether you fly your freak flag, morph at will or are the second coming of Joseph (Pilates, that is), you\u2019re still very, very smart to support the preservation of the thing that got you started, the solid and stable place you jumped off of \u2013 the historic work. This thread leads us right back to support of the PMA.<\/span><\/p>\nLet\u2019s Stay Together. Al Greene<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nWho\u2019s on First? Lou Costello<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nWhere you lead, I will follow. Carole King<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nCan\u2019t we all just get along? Rodney King<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nWithout an umbrella organization like the PMA, our various lineages lack a cohesive bond and without a cohesive bond we\u2019ll more easily fall prey to the larger industries that surround our discipline, all of which are professionalized, standardized, regulated and, goodness me, so very much more organized than we are.<\/span><\/p>\nPhysical Therapy licks its chops on one side while Personal Training and the gym\/club world lie in wait on the other. Yikes!<\/span><\/p>\nHere\u2019s the simple truth:<\/span><\/p>\n