FAQ's

1. Where did Pilates come from?

Pilates is a proven exercise technique which has been in use for some 70 years, yet it still remains virtually a well-kept secret. This situation appears to be rapidly changing as people's requirements are evolving and their approach to exercise is changing.

"It is the mind itself that builds the body."
- Joseph H. Pilates

This statement, which is a fundamental concept in Pilates, is totally in line with these modern demands. It is important to note that the benefits of Pilates can be experienced through many other forms of movement and sport – it is designed to enhance performance levels and help you get the most out of any activity that you may enjoy.

Pilates is a form of total body conditioning and training developed by the late Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) during the early part of this century, first in Europe and then in the USA. It is an exercise method that strengthens core postural muscles and develops proper body alignment; it reduces common muscle and ligament damage associated with other fitness regimes and often plays a key role in rehabilitation programmes.

Until recently Pilates was relatively unknown to the general public – but now it is mushrooming worldwide. Why this phenomenal growth in both interest and participation? Quite simply, it works.

The Pilates method of exercise was created by Joseph H. Pilates, who was born in 1880 near Düsseldorf, Germany. Joe was frail as a child, suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He overcame his physical limitations with exercise and body building, becoming a model for anatomical drawings at the age of 14. He became accomplished in many sports, including skiing, diving and gymnastics.

Joe went to England in 1912, where he worked as a self-defence instructor for detectives at Scotland Yard. At the outbreak of World War I, Joe was interned as an "enemy alien" with other German nationals. During his internment, Joe refined his ideas and trained other internees in his system of exercise. He rigged springs to hospital beds, enabling bedridden patients to exercise against resistance, an innovation that led to his later equipment designs. An influenza epidemic struck England in 1918, killing thousands of people, but not a single one of Joe's trainees died. This, he claimed, testified to the effectiveness of his system.

After his release, Joe returned to Germany. His exercise method gained favour in the dance community. In 1926, he immigrated to the United States. During the voyage he met Clara, whom he later married. Joe and Clara opened a fitness studio in New York, sharing an address with the New York City Ballet.

By the early 1960s, the Pilates' was training many New Yorkers including young ballerinas at the New York City Ballet. While Joe was still alive, only two of his students, Carola Trier and Bob Seed, are known to have opened their own studios.

Other second generation Pilates Trainers that learned from Joe and Clara included Romana Kryzanowska, Ron Fletcher, Martha Graham, Carola Trier, Eve Gentry, Bruce King, Mary Bowen, Robert Fitzgerald, Kathy Grant and Lolita San Miguel. In 1967, just before Joe's death, both Grant and San Miguel were awarded degrees by the State University of New York to teach "Pilates." These two are believed to be the only "Pilates" practitioners ever to be certified officially by Joe.

Joe continued to train clients at his studio until his death in 1967 at the age of 87. In the 1970s, Hollywood celebrities discovered Pilates via Ron Fletcher's studio in Beverly Hills (Ron referred to the method as Body Contrology). In the late 1980s, the media began to cover Pilates extensively. The public took note and the Pilates business boomed. Pilates believed that he was ahead of his time; he was probably right because today more than five million people worldwide practice Pilates. The numbers continue to grow.

2. What is Contrology then?

Joseph Pilates called his techniques "Contrology." He did not call it Pilates when he first started teaching.

3. Is the equipment the same today?

In a way, Pilates equipment today is not much different than that of yesteryear. Spring tension, straps to hold feet or hands, supports for back, neck and shoulder are as important now as it was then. Because of the remarkable nature of the equipment to both challenge and support the body as it learns to move more efficiently, the inimitably designed pieces truly act as a complement to the challenging "matwork" exercises.

4. Where can one get the equipment?

Please contact us directly for help with equipment purchases.

5. Did Joe Pilates invent Contrology on his own?

While Joe was the outspoken force behind his method, his wife Clara, a trained nurse, quietly incorporated his concepts and exercises in ways that benefited more seriously ill or injured clients. Her approachable style and special techniques spawned a dedicated lineage of teachers whose work flows through and uniquely colours the landscape of the Pilates method today. It is perhaps because of Clara that Pilates is clearly recognized as a positive form of movement-based exercise that can be tailored to any level of fitness and health.

6. How often should one do Pilates?

For best results, Pilates should be practiced 2-3 times weekly in approximately one-hour-long sessions. Pilates may be practiced in a group or private setting, based on the individual's needs financially and physically.

We suggest that new clients attend an assessment during which the instructor can identify postural strengths and weaknesses and also teach the basic principles of Pilates. Thereafter, private sessions will help new clients progress at an effective rate. After the basics are understood any client can improve by attending semi-private or group sessions.

7. How much can one expect to pay for Pilates?

Internationally prices for classes range from US$5-US$20 for group mat sessions, to upwards of US$50-US$100 for one hour of private instruction utilizing the full repertoire of Pilates equipment.

In South Africa, Pilates is extremely affordable. Mat classes range from R50-R120 per class and private sessions are generally between R150-R300.

Pilates could be performed at home, but proper instruction and quality equipment are essential to its success. Pilates cannot be learned from a book.

8. How can one find a properly trained Instructor?

Comprehensively, competently trained and knowledgeable instructors are the essential element in realizing one's potential, and enjoying the process of learning Pilates.

Please search the directory of trainers at www.pilatesinfo.co.za to find a Pilates Instructor in your area.

9. What does one need before doing a Pilates Course?

Firstly you will need a strong desire to become a Pilates Instructor and have a good understanding of what this takes.

You will need to have a qualification in Basic Exercise Science. If you don't have this we can help you to register for a nationally accredited full time, part time or correspondence course in Exercise Science. Please mention this requirement in your application.

10. How does one become a Pilates Instructor?

Joseph Pilates worked at length with his own instructors, allowing them to assist and then finally teach after sometimes as long as 2 or 3 years of training and apprenticeship. He was quoted as saying, "Remember Rome was not built in a day." and "Patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavour."

While excellent training programs exist in the marketplace today, some are clearly inadequate. Comprehensive teacher training programmes offer structured class instruction, practical training and some kind of apprenticeship programme. It is also important that students have access to their Instructor Trainers for continuous development support. Some institutes even require professional development courses to be taken annually to remain certified. You should be able to easily contact your Instructor Trainer whenever advice is needed.

11. What questions should one ask when you investigate a Pilates Teacher Training Programme?

Here is a list of questions to ask once you find a training program that you are considering:

Are there any requirements for entry into the program? (Most comprehensive Pilates programs require prior Pilates exercise experience or an entrance exam as a pre-requisite for entry into the program. Some may require a basic course in movement science that covers subjects like applied anatomy, exercise physiology and biomechanics.)

Does the training program offer instruction on all the pieces of exercise apparatus or just a specific piece?

What is the time structure for the program? Does it meet weekly or weekends, monthly, etc.?
How long does it take to complete the program? (For example: Total structure of the program requirements in hours/months.)
Are lecture observation, apprenticeship and practice hours involved? (Remember, a well-rounded program includes all of the above.)
Who is the program director, and what is his/her background and training? How long has he/she been teaching? Who are the program's other facilitators, and what are their backgrounds?
Can the program provide references with contacts of prior graduates of their program?
Are the graduates of the programme well trained and competently practicing Pilates now?
Does the program administer a practical and written exam prior to issuing a certificate?

12. How do I know if the Teacher Trainer is qualified?

The following are general guidelines, questions, and information you can use to help search for a quality Pilates teacher trainer (i.e. course provider):

How many total hours were spent in the Instructor Training program? (The Pilates Method is a knowledge based method of exercise and training. Time spent in certification training produces qualified teachers.)
Does the instructor have a relevant degree or diploma in Health, Fitness, Movement Science or other related subject?
Does the instructor have any other movement related teaching experience?
How long have the instructors been teaching Pilates?
What is the instructor's/ studio's philosophy and specialty? Are they able to handle special needs, injuries and rehabilitation?
Does the instructor or studio teach the full repertoire of Pilates on all pieces of apparatus?
What is the maximum number of students allowed on the course?
Are the facilities equipped with all the necessary equipment and training aids?
Are theory and practical evaluations part of the programme?
Are facilities available for students to observe and practice outside of their class schedules?

These questions are suggested as effective assessment of a quality Pilates education provider. James Raaff and Associates fulfils all these requirements and goes on to introduce innovative workshops, progressive training modules and continuous local and international support to all students and graduates.

13. Can one qualify to teach in a faster manner?

Long-time instructors who knew Joe maintain he and Clara would be very happy and proud of the popularity and growth of Pilates. However, it is less clear how he might feel about the influx of "quickie certifications" available for would-be instructors wanting to be trained in a weekend or two.
Workshops that last a day or two are not sufficient to train a student to be a competent Pilates instructor.

14. What else can help one become a good instructor?

The Pilates method is an exercise/movement technique which trains practitioners to integrate the use of mind and body during the performance of its exercises. Through this integration, Pilates creates positive overall physical benefits.

If you spend time reading and attending courses that develop your vitalistic and holistic view of health, you will most certainly find this valuable as a Pilates Instructor.

15. As a fully trained instructor, what should I be able to do?

A fully trained teacher must have practical knowledge of human anatomy, normal and exercise physiology as well as functional biomechanics. They should practically understand the entire Pilates exercise system, including its philosophy and purpose, the primary goal of each exercise, and an ability to modify the exercises without losing their main intent.

He/she must be able to accurately assess a client's posture and movement patterns, understand what the client is doing in a session, and build an appropriate, client-specific program. He she must also be able to pace the work out for and effective movement experience, communicate specific, applicable corrections, and use appropriate hands on ability.

All educational programs teaching the Pilates method of Exercise regardless of hours or number of exercises taught should provide the participants with the following information:

The names of the exercises, apparatus and all of the various parts. (Not only mat)
The appropriate sequencing of the exercises, repetitions, and the use of resistance.
The appropriate set-up of the apparatus for each exercise and all possible safety issues.
Proper spotting and verbal cuing techniques for each exercise.
The components of each exercise (rhythm, tempo, dynamics, breath, flow, etc.)
The objectives of each exercise.
How to effectively modify, break down, and/or adapt an exercise.
How to design a clients specific program

16. Does the course program of James Raaff & Associates fulfill all the requirements of a quality education provider?

Yes. James Raaff & Associates employs Doctors, Biokineticists and Physiotherapists who also have extensive Pilates experience. All Instructor trainers have completed several courses to be eligible to present courses. We have international experience and also provide local education and training for the largest nationally accredited fitness company in South Africa. For education, training, support and equipment all over Southern Africa and abroad, please call us on +27 21 465 2870 or email info@jamesraaffandassociates.com.

17. Is Pilates another exercise fad?

Remember that the Method (as it is sometimes called) has been around for about 80 years. With the aging of our population and the increasing trend toward mindful, moderate health practices, you are more likely to find Pilates studios have long wait lists. Many believe Pilates should be introduced to public schools, shaping the fitness ideals of our next generation.