You can help!
Stott Pilates is an approach to the original Pilates exercise method developed by the late Joseph Pilates that is still in active use in 2009 as well as a company that operates in multiple countries, based in Toronto, Canada. This company specializes in Pilates education, equipment and accessories for home and commercial use.
History
The Stott Pilates method was developed in the 1980s and is continually refined by Moira Merrithew and Lindsay G. Merrithew. They have spent more than two decades refining the Stott Pilates method, in collaboration with physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, to ensure it’s aligned with current scientific and biomechanical research.
Moira Merrithew received her Pilates training from Romana Kryzanowska, a protégé of Joseph Pilates, following her career as a principal dancer with the City Ballet of Toronto and the Atlantic Ballet Company. Lindsay constructed Moira’s first piece of studio equipment called a “Reformer”, because this equipment could not otherwise be obtained. Pilates was very much a cottage industry at the time and access to equipment was very limited. These machines were constructed out of wood. Moira and Lindsay Merrithew recognized that the original equipment designs of Joseph Pilates were not adjustable and the person had to adjust to the machine and not the other way around.
In 2008, the company designated 1988 as the year in which the company was founded.
Starting in 1990, Lindsay G. Merrithew developed Stott Pilates’ equipment line with increased adjustability to accommodate users of every height.
In 9 September 2008, the company offered Pilates training and certification, with over 22,000 instructors trained in 94 countries, manufactures Pilates equipment and accessories for home and commercial use, and has produced more than 120 Pilates DVDs.
Principles
The Stott Pilates method has exercises designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints. The Stott Pilates method places more emphasis on scapular stabilization than other methods do. The method focuses on the following five basic principles:
- Breathing
- Pelvic placement
- Ribcage placement
- Scapular movement
- Head and cervical spine placement
Breathing
The breath pattern used in the Stott Pilates method involves an expansion of the rib cage out to the sides and back without allowing the shoulders to lift. According to Stott Pilates, it is also important to breathe into the lower part of the lungs, because there is more efficient gas exchange.
Pelvic placement
Pelvic placement emphasizes stabilization of the pelvis and lumbar spine (lower back). in either a neutral or an imprinted position. Neutral placement maintains the normal curve of the lower back: when lying on one’s back, the front of hip bones and pubic bone should lie parallel to the mat, and the lower back should not be pressed into the mat. While breathing and engaging abdominals in this position no strain should be felt through the lower back In an imprinted position, the lower back is moving toward the mat.
Ribcage placement
The ribcage position affects the alignment of the thoracic (upper) spine. When lying on the back in a neutral position, maintain the sense of the weight of the ribs resting gently on the mat (that is, maintain the normal curve of the upper back). Don't lift off or push the rib cage into the mat. Pay particular attention to the placement of the rib cage when inhaling or while performing arm movements overhead.
Scapular movement
Stabilizing the scapulae (shoulder blades) on the back of the rib cage is as important as contracting the abdominals during the initiation of every exercise. This will help avoid strain through the neck and upper shoulders. To achieve proper placement, a sense of width should be maintained across the front and back of the shoulders, making sure to neither allow the shoulders to round forward too much nor squeeze together toward the spine. Shoulders should not be lifted too far, or over-depressed. Placement should be somewhere between these two positions.
Head and cervical spine placement
The cervical spine (neck) should hold its natural curve with the head balanced directly above the shoulders when sitting, lying and standing. In some cases, a small pillow should be used when lying on the back to put the head and neck in a comfortable position. Whenever lifting the head and upper body from the mat, lengthen the back of the neck and nod the head forward without jamming the chin into the chest. There should be enough room to fit one’s fist between the chin and chest. Once the head is in proper position and the shoulder blades are stabilized (Principle 4), the upper torso can be lifted by contracting the abdominals and sliding the rib cage toward the pelvis.
Pilates equipment
Pilates exercises can be done on the floor using a mat or on specialized equipment. The main piece of equipment used in Pilates exercise is the reformer, which has a horizontal carriage that glides forward and backward on rollers. Resistance is provided using springs along with other attachments for a variety of exercises and positions (that is, lying down, seated and standing.) The mat exercises may also include props such as the Stability Ball, Mini Stability Ball, Toning Balls, Flexband, Fitness Circle, etc.
On 9 September 2008, the latest reformer that was available from Stott Pilates had a vertical frame, pulley system, and retractable rope system that allows a three-dimensional range of motion that expands sport-specific programming.
Further reading
- Archer, Shirley. Pilates Fusion: Well-Being for Body, Mind, and Spirit. Chronicle Books 2004, p23. ISBN 0811839877
- IDEA Health and Fitness. Successful Pilates and Yoga Programs. IDEA Health & Fitness Association 2004. ISBN 1887781323
- Monroe, Mary. “Icons and Innovators.” IDEA Fitness Journal February 2008.
- Neporent, Liz and Suzanne Schlosberg. The Fat-Free Truth. Houghton Mifflin Books 2005, p 306. ISBN 0618310738
References
- ^ "Article in Malaysia Star online
- ^ “Pilates Insight.com Pilates who's who”
- ^ "Pilates Digest interview with Lindsay and Moria Merrithew"
- ^ "Merrithew Company description"
- ^ Teyhen DS, Miltenberger CE, Deiters HM, Del Toro YM. (2005). The use of ultrasound imaging of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver in subjects with low back pain. JOSPT , 35:350-355.
- ^ "Toronto Life article on Stott Pilates studio"
- ^ "Stott Five Basic Principles
- ^ Hodges PW, et al. (1997) Contractions of specific abdominal muscles in postural tasks are affected by respiratory maneuvers. Journal of Applied Physiology , 83(3), 753-60.
- ^ Kofotolis N, Sambanis M. (2005). The influence of exercise on musculoskeletal disorders of the lumbar spine. J Sports Med and Phys Fit, 45, 84-92.
- ^ Richardson CA, Snijders CJ, Hides JA, et al. (2002). The relation between the transversus abdominis muscles, sacroiliac joint mechanics, and low back pain. Spine , 27, 399-405.
- ^ Crichtley D. (2002). Instructing pelvic floor contraction facilitates transversus abdominis thickness increase during low abdominal hollowing. Physiotherapy Research International, 7, 65-76.
- ^ Akuhorta V, Nadler SF. (2004). Core strengthening. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 85(3 Suppl 1), S86-92.
- ^ Herrington L, Davies R. (2005). The influence of Pilates training on the ability to contract the transverses abdominis muscle in asymptomatic individuals. J of Body and Movt Ther , 9, 52-57.
- ^ McGill SM. (1998). Low back exercises: evidence for improving exercise regimens. Phys Ther , 78(7), 754-765.
- ^ Nadler SF, Malanga GA, Bartoli LA, Feinberg JH, Prybicien M, Deprince M. (2002). Hip muscle imbalance and low back pain in athletes: influence of core strengthening. Med Sci Sports Exerc , 34, 9-16.
- ^ Merrithew M. Comprehensive Matwork, Essential, Intermediate, & Advanced Reformer (2003). Toronto, Canada
- ^ Rydeard R, Leger A, & Smith D. (2006). Pilates based therapeutic exercise: effect on subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain. JOSPT , 36, 472-484.
External links
- "Stott Pilates website"
- "Contemporary Pilates Teachers and Styles"
Pilates Certification® NYC
IM=X Pilates Inc. offers innovative pilates teacher training, including Pilates Mat and the ... The IM=X Pilates Certification in New York City. Copyright © 2004 IM=X Pilates, Inc
United States Pilates Association - Certification Process
T he New York Pilates Studio® Teacher Certification process consists of two phases: academic study through the System Workshops and experiential training through the Apprenticeship ...
PILATES TEACHER CERTIFICATION IN NYC « Movements Afoot’s Blog
So You Want to Be a Pilates Teacher... Movements Afoot & BalancedBody University BBU Schedule at Movements Afoot. Pilates has grown to more than just fitness routine.
Pilates Teacher Training and Certification Programs for Pilates ...
There are many Pilates Instructor training programs. What is Pilates certification? Do you need to be certified to teach? These issues are discussed, and there is an introduction ...
New York Pilates Studio ® Teacher Certification Program
Welcome to the Official Web Site of the New York Pilates Studio ® Teacher Certification Program.
re:AB® Pilates - Teacher Certification Program. Pilates Instructor ...
re:AB® is dedicated to the preservation of the authentic teachings of Joseph Pilates. New York City's most successful studio for authentic Pilates training. 2 locations Chelsea ...
Metropolitan Pilates | Teacher Certification - Catalog
Catalog and Application Form Click the link below to view our 2010 Teacher Certification Program Catalog and Application Form. If you have any questions, please call ...
Pilates Teacher Certification Program | PISC Studio
Only a limited number of spaces are available each year on a first come, first serve basis for applicants that are qualified.
Pilates Teacher Training Certification | Physicalmind Institute
Physicalmind Institute of Canada offers Method pilates teacher training and certification. Mat and Reformer courses available in multiple Canadian cities.
Pilates Teacher Training | aerobic fitness Pilates | Pilates teacher ...
We offer Pilates Teacher Training. Pursue a Pilates career with our Pilates teacher training, Pilates workshops & Pilates Reformer certification. We are the Power Plate Advanced ...