Pilates 201

In Pilates 101, we answered the question, “What is Pilates, and what are its benefits?” Today we will extend the conversation, focusing on how to teach Pilates in a physical education setting.

Imagination Station

Imagine a PE class that operates like a wellness center, where motivated students choose from and enjoy participating in a variety of fitness stations (weight training, yoga, fitness walking, cycling, etc.). Where each station is led by certified student instructors focused on helping their peers develop personal fitness skills, knowledge, and confidence.

Read on to make this dream your reality!

Core Refresher

Pilates is a lifetime fitness activity focused on developing core strength and flexibility using a variety of low-impact exercises and stretches. The benefits include enhanced physical, mental and emotional well-being. It can be a meaningful part of a well-rounded High School Physical Education program.

Pilates in High School PE

In a High School PE program, Pilates consists of two progressive instructional activities:

1. Basic Training

Here students master fundamental safety protocols and movement techniques and experiment with and master basic exercises. This may take multiple lessons as the teacher leads students through the mastery process. Pilates Basic Training focuses on SHAPE America National Standards 1, 2 and 3.

2. Create a Routine

Here students create a personalized workout routine by applying fundamentals mastered in basic training. As part of the process, students practice, refine, and then lead classmates through their created routines. Students are challenged to create a 10-minute routine that includes a minimum of 18 different exercises across a warmup, a main workout, and a cooldown. Pilates Create a Routine focuses on SHAPE America National Standards 4 and 5.

Teaching Tips

• Encourage students to give Pilates a chance to help them improve their strength and confidence.
• Focus students on safety and performance cues.
• Use equipment to ensure safety, individual success, and motivation.

Get Equipped

• Pilates Equipment Options
• Sportime Core Pilates for Kids Exercise Cards
• Aeromat Light-Weight Pilates Ring
• Gymnic OverBalls
• Abilitations UltraFoam Roller
• Aeromat Elite 72 x 24 inch Yoga/Pilates Mat

Share Your Knowledge

What are your experiences teaching Pilates? What advice would you give someone who has never taught Pilates but wants to? Post a response below and let us know!

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