Pilates has introduced me to the concept of core strengh. It improved the alignment of my spinal column, which in turn relieved or eliminated alot of my neck, shoulder and lower back discomfort. As you attempt each exercise you can feel your body as it becomes aware and attempts to adjust to each move. 
Most of my life my idea of exercise was totally aerobic... running, biking etc. It was out of curiosity I signed up for a private Pilates session about three years ago with Sonia. I was blown away by the changes in my body and how much leaner I have become. I continue to hike the beautiful mountain trails in Phoenix and am so much physically stronger due to my Pilates training. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interesting in improving their core strength, posture and overall health.
I was looking for an exercise program that would help my total body but with minimal impact on my joints. Pilates helped in developing and strengthening my core which in turn has helped me in my daily activities. It has helped to increase my body awareness in posture and flexibility.
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by Sonia Kang
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As an individual looking for a trainer, Pilates, yoga, swim or golf instructor, or any sport related instructor, it is difficult to gauge their experience. If you walk into a gym, it's a challenge to decipher who is the best personal trainer for you. There are some things you should know and some things he or she should know for you.
First, be leery of someone with supposed years of training. What exactly does 11 years of experience mean? Does it mean that they received a weekend certification 11 years ago and they have taught 3 classes a week on and off for the past 11 years? Or does it mean that they have consistently had loyal clients and teaching well over 30 hours a week for the past 11 years. This you will never know, it's trying to get a straight answer from meeting someone for the first time. You know very well talk is just that, simply TALK.
The mentors and trainers who have instructed me, never seemed to talk about their past so much or dictate a resume to me. I had to ask them about their credentials on my own. They were more interested in me performing the correct movement and making sure I understood why I was doing what I was doing then talking about themselves. I also saw that they cared so much; they always ran over our scheduled time. They were not clock watchers. But maybe they should have been because they would have made more money. But I am so grateful to them, I would have paid double to be in their company. It was later, I found out such interesting facts about my trainer. She had won fitness competitions nationally and in the state. There was humility when she talked about her awards yet when it came to our workouts, she exuded pride and confidence. I loved that. Who doesn't? It is so wonderful to be with someone who is passionate about what they do. Here's a list of qualities to look for in an instructor,
- 1. They CARE. He should care if you have neck pain. He should care that your movements are sloppy. He should care about your fitness goals. He should push you and motivate you to do more.2. They are FLEXIBLE. The workout is for you. You don't have to follow the exact order she has in her agenda. If she cannot do something out of the specific order of movements, that is a red flag. This individual has been programmed by a manual. She does not the ability to be resourceful and make assessments on her clients. She should be knowledgeable in anatomy, kinesiology, have a mental rolodex of exercises to draw upon to give you a specific workout just for you.3. They are the Example. If your trainer has a beer belly, what message is that telling you? If they can perform a challenging exercise with finesse and grace, they must have done it many times. If they continue to have their own individual practice, you know they live up to what they teach. Shouldn't your trainer, represent health and fitness?4. They are Knowledgeable. Your trainer should be a walking encylopedia. For example, your swim instructor should know quirky facts about swimming and what is the latest information about swimming techniques. Not only that, they enjoy learning anything related to swimming.5. They are Open-Minded. Your instructor is willing to see things differently. And most importantly, willing to learn from their client. They are open to admitting mistakes. If your instructor is this willing, it's similar to being trainedd by a team of instructors with different knowledge bases instead of just one.6. They Expect Greatness. If your trainer wants you to do better than him, that's who, you want. You want to be held accountable. This is why you are paying for training. You might not expect that much from yourself. But if someone wants to see results in you, you might be a little more motivated to push yourself. Your trainer is proud of you. That should mean a lot.An instructor that is caring, flexible, lives the example, knowledgeable, open-minded and expects greatness has a lifetime of experience. If you train with someone for two weeks and they do not display these qualities, find another trainer. You deserve the best!
Links:
Lois Wolff, PT
AZ Sports Center, Physical Therapy and Conditioning, inc.
www.azsportscenter.com