January 2012

Magnetize Me

You may recall from a previous article that I completed my certificate for Holistic Massage last year. It has been a great experience to offer massage to the locals in the village and they have appreciated having this service offered. However, in the past three weeks, the village has been inundated with tourists and visitors... all wanting to treat themselves to a massage! Fantastic for me but not so great for my back.

There is a technique to massaging where we can protect our bodies as much as possible. For example... bending and moving our legs to create the flow rather than just moving our arms which can create tension in the shoulders. It's also important to set up the bed correctly so minimize any strain on our muscles. For example... the height of the bed and the space around it. And most important (and obvious) is to maintain a good core connection while working! As a Pilates instructor, I believe I have a good grasp on how to do this properly :) The simple fact is that when you're doing four or five massages each day, your body gets tired and starts to take strain. My saving grace has been MAGNETS. 

My Dad is an international-level tennis player and my Mom suffered from Fibromyalgia for years. They both found enormous benefits from using magnets and so I was introduced to magnetic therapy by my parents about ten years ago. There has been a wide range of products such as shoe inserts, necklaces, jackets, and bed mattresses that I have used to maintain my good health and well-being. I have often used a magnetic roller on my Pilates clients who suffer from headaches (or an acute pain) and it has worked wonders. Even on those that are sceptical!

So for the past three weeks I have strapped a large flat magnet to my lower back while doing massage. And although I've been tired at the end of the day, my back and body have felt good. Now... this is not a sales pitch! I do not sell these magnets and there is no distributor in SA, but if you're interested in more information, please feel free to contact me. In order to take care of our clients, it's important that we take care of ourselves first and foremost, and magnetic therapy may also give you that sense of well-being.

 

Take care
Renee Watson

December 2011

Ron Fletcher

Ron Fletcher passed away on 6th December 2011 at the age of 90. I wish I had the opportunity to work personally with this amazing teacher and trainer. Although I learned much about him and his techniques from Dianne Miller, one of the respected trainers that I have studied under, nothing can replace first-hand experience. Every Master Trainer that I've worked with has provided enormous insight into the Pilates method as well as giving their own unique perspective and repertoire. With the passing of another Elder, it is a reminder of the responsibility we have to maintain the integrity of Pilates and how we teach our discipline.

It will not be too far off in the future that we will no longer have access to these wonderful people that trained directly under Joseph and Clara Pilates. It's natural that the Pilates Method will evolve over time and that each trainer will have their own take or memory of something that was taught but it is crucial that we preserve as much of the original thoughts and principles as possible. The Pilates Method Alliance® (PMA) has introduced a mentoring program which I believe will be integral in this endeavour. Various renowned instructors/educators including Deborah Lesson, Julian Littleford, Mary Bowen, Rael Isacowitz, Lolita San Miguel have come on board to take us under their wings and 'pass the torch' for the Pilates Method. What a fantastic and unique opportunity and I encourage anyone who can participate to do so!

With this model in mind, Conscious Movement Education is doing their part in encouraging quality Pilates teaching and education by offering a Mentor Program starting in 2012. Students in the CME Mat and Equipment Courses can apply to be partnered with Senior Trainers. This partnership will give students direct access to their mentor on a regular basis for a period of six months in order to review repertoire, get guidance in their case studies, develop their teaching skills, to cover any general questions or issues that may arise and thus emerge as a high qualified and exceptional trainer.

While the loss of Ron Fletcher is tragic for the Pilates community, I hope that we can find the gift that he has left behind and that we do not squander any opportunities to work with the Elders and Master Trainers still with us.

Take care
Renee Watson