Supervision

• On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• We recommend that certified teachers teach pilates to students.
• Classroom teachers should be on site to supervise classroom management.

Instructional Considerations

• Beginner exercises should be identified as such.
• Teaching of beginner exercises is recommended for younger children.
• Advanced exercises should never be taught to beginners/young children.
• Advanced exercises should be taught by certified pilates teachers as they can be dangerous resulting in injury.
• Students should be taught to respect their individual limits and should be encouraged to modify or substitute postures with those that offer a similar skill challenge.
• Teach to the child’s age level.
• Start with a warm-up to avoid injury. Warm-up should include spinal rotation, shoulder mobilization, flexion and small extension of spine, and hip-opening exercises.
• Pilates principles of Breath, Fluidity, Centering, Balance, Concentration and Control should be the focus of the workout.
• 5 Principles of Alignment should be followed:

1. 1. Breath – In through nose and out through mouth to create focus and flow. Teach breathing into lungs without “heaving” of chest or abdominals. Breath helps recruit core muscles.
   2. Pelvis placement – Work in “imprint” when legs are in air or when abdominals are weak or back issues are present. Imprinted spine means whole spine is in contact with mat, no space under low back, pelvis is tilted. Work in “neutral” otherwise, with natural curvature of spine. Hip bones and pubic bone are level, abdominals recruited but not shortened.
   3. Rib cage placement – Ribs should always be “connected” with the abdominals, so no popping ribs. Ribs are in line with pelvis in all positions, lying, sitting, standing.
   4. Shoulder stabilization – In good posture, shoulders are flat on rib cage. Collar bone is level with ground. Good shoulder stabilization releases neck tension and encourages proper firing patterns of the abdominals.
   5. Head placement – In line with shoulders. At all times avoid neck tension and pain. Can use light support to help strengthen neck muscles.

Equipment/Facilities

• Comfortable, stretchy clothing should be worn.
• Bare feet are recommended.
• Long hair should be pulled back and tied comfortably out of the way. Hair accessories should be suitable to lie on.
• Non-slip or “sticky” yoga mats should be used. Other mats such as gymnastics mats are suitable.
• Standing surfaces should be level and free from hazards.
• Students should be reminded to drink water during activity particularly if room temperature is elevated.