Rebecca is a Pilates pioneer; the first to teach business development at PMA, the first to launch an after-market “post graduate” program Pilates Excel, the first to provide customized curriculum and exclusive access to cadaver anatomy, the first and only to develop and freely share protocols to achieve idealized alignment and address common performance problems, the first and only to pursue the establishment of an independent safety standard credential. Rebecca completed her classical Pilates training in 2001 from Romana Kryzanowska, a protégé of Joe Pilates’, she is certified by the University of Washington in Sports Medicine and Human Performance, she is Pilates Method Alliance Gold Certified and has served on the PMA Board of Directors.
Rebecca’s profile on Pilates Bridge
Questions discussed in the interview:
- Surprisingly, the question “What is Pilates?” is the one that we hear way too often even these days. To start our conversation, Rebecca, please give us your personal definition of Pilates.
- Most people who turn to Pilates do so because they already have some “issues” going on in their bodies. As instructors we want to help them rather than injure them (of course!) I know that you are big on Pilates safety. What are three main safety concerns when teaching a client?
- Classical Pilates has a lot of exercises that use spinal flexion. When taught and performed incorrectly these exercises can be a cause of an injury or further exacerbation of back pain and other painful symptoms. What are your thoughts and advice on “safe” Pilates flexion?
- What are the benefits of PNF stretching and release work in a Pilates session? Do you have any recommendations?
- You offer a lot of workshops and Pilates training courses right now. Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming projects?
- What do you see as the main problem hindering the growth of the Pilates Method today?
- What’s your take on the whole modern vs classical Pilates debate?
- Can you share with us some of your personal Pilates mentors?
- Can you please recommend some resources (books, courses, DVDs etc) that would nourish any hungry-for-personal-and-professional growth instructor?
- Rebecca, what does it take to be an excellent Pilates instructor?
- Finally, what do you see in the future of Pilates and how do you see yourself contributing to that vision as a Pilates educator?