Special Topics: Building (More) Strength in the Pilates Environment

with Jeremy Laverdure, DPT

Refunds: 14 days to original card. After 14 days, via check/Venmo at our discretion. Max 14 days for card returns.

Course Description

Debates about whether Pilates “counts” as strength training have been all over the internet lately. The answer to that question certainly depends on how narrowly you define Pilates, and how any given teacher tailors a given client’s program. We believe that the application of strength training principles can improve how we meet our clients’ strength goals in the Pilates studio. We also believe that sometimes the best progression for building strength involves getting off the Pilates equipment and picking up a dumbbell, kettlebell or barbell. When we do this with our clients, are we suddenly not teaching Pilates? They don’t seem to care. They are happy to be challenged in a way that feels useful, safe, and immediately applicable to their daily life.

In this course, students will:

• Learn basic exercise physiology and strength training principles
• Be introduced to the physics of the Pilates equipment, in order to understand how best to utilize spring tension for building strength
• Explore coaching strategies for foundational strength training exercises: squats, deadlifts, rows, presses, and so on
• Learn variations to accommodate differences in client height, weight, proportions, mobility, and baseline strength
• Walk away with programming tips to ensure seamless integration into Pilates sessions and classes