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How Long Do I Have Access to My Online Course Materials? Why MBodies Does Things Differently

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  One of the most common questions we receive at MBodies Training Academy is: “How long will I have access to my online course materials, and how long do I have to complete my course?” It’s an important question, and unfortunately, many students have experienced the frustration of time-limited access when studying with other training providers.  We believe that professional CPD education, especially within the Pilates, health, and fitness industries—shouldn’t come with unnecessary restrictions.  That’s why MBodies Training Academy takes a different approach to online learning. The Problem with Time-Limited Access Many training providers impose tight restrictions on course timelines and material access.  Why? ·         Instructor Costs in Live Hybrid Models : Some online courses are built around Zoom-style hybrid learning, where an instructor is employed to deliver sessions live.  Naturally, this model requires a short...

Joseph Pilates’ Internment Years: A Fresh Perspective on Pilates’ History and Relevance Today

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  Over the past few months, I’ve been captivated by a series of four articles published on Bret Miller’s Pilates Intel website, authored by Jonathan Grubb, a historian and Pilates instructor based on the Isle of Man.   These meticulously researched pieces focus on a pivotal period in Joseph Pilates’ life, from his arrest in September 1914 to his internment on the Isle of Man, and finally to his transfer to Alexandra Palace in Muswell Hill London as World War I ended. Grubb’s work offers new insights into Pilates’ time in captivity, dispelling myths and highlighting themes that are as relevant today as they were over a century ago, here’s an overview of the articles and the key lessons they hold for modern Pilates instructors. Arrest and Early Internment (Lancaster Camp) The first article sets the scene with Pilates’ arrest in Blackpool in September 1914, following Britain’s classification of Germans, Austrians, and other nationals from enemy countries as “enemy aliens.” ...

"Menopause Advice: Evidence-Based Guidance at Mbodies Training Academy"

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  Understanding the Dr.  Louise Newson Controversy Dr.  Louise Newson, a prominent menopause specialist, recently faced scrutiny regarding her approach to prescribing hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  The British Menopause Society (BMS) has removed her from their specialist register, citing concerns about her prescribing practices not aligning with established guidelines.  Reports indicate that some women treated at Newson Health clinics experienced complications from higher-than-recommended doses of HRT, raising questions about safety and adherence to clinical standards. This controversy has sparked a wider debate among health-conscious individuals, particularly women in midlife navigating menopause.  Dr. Newson's approach, which sometimes involves prescribing HRT 'off-label' at doses exceeding standard recommendations, has led to concerns from both patients and fellow clinicians.  Some believe these higher doses could lead to adverse effects, i...

Evolving Your Pilates Practice: Responding to 2024 Trends with Mbodies CPD Courses

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  The 2024 HFA (Health and Fitness Association) Global Report presents valuable insights for the fitness and wellness sectors, showing clear trends that Pilates instructors should pay attention to as they look to future-proof their careers.  The Pilates industry, particularly Matwork, is reaching saturation in many markets, but there are growing opportunities in areas like apparatus training and specialist education.  Mbodies Training Academy offers a variety of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses that can help Pilates instructors meet these new demands, diversify their services, and enhance their professional skillset. Here are some ways that Pilates instructors can respond to these industry shifts, utilising CPD courses to stay ahead. Apparatus Training: Expanding Beyond Matwork and the Reformer Whilst Pilates Matwork offerings are reaching market saturation in many UK areas and instructors are finding it ever harder to fill their classes, the same i...

Why are Pilates Instructors Choosing the Wunda Chair Over Cadillac/Tower Training ?

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  There is no argument that Pilates apparatus studios are evolving, and with this; education and practice also evolves.  Traditionally, in fact right up to 2022, once instructors completed their foundational training in Matwork and Reformer Pilates, the next step was most popularly to expand their expertise by taking a Tower or Cadillac instructor training course.  However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards Wunda Chair training as the preferred extension of an instructor’s skill set.  This change is driven by several factors related to the practicality, versatility, and market demands of Pilates practice today. The Foundations: Matwork and Reformer Pilates Matwork remains the cornerstone of Pilates education, providing the essential principles and techniques that form the basis of all Pilates practice.  Achieving a Level 3 qualification (or its national equivalent) in Matwork in the UK is a critical first step for any aspiring inst...

Can Pilates or Self-Myofascial Release really help in chronic Pain Management in isolation or when combined ?

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When experts look at the complexities of Pain Management, there is a growing recognition of the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses the complex interplay of physical, emotional, and psychological factors.   This biopsychosocial model of pain invites a more holistic perspective, moving beyond the traditional focus on symptom suppression to embrace strategies that empower individuals to take control of their own health and well-being. At the forefront of this integrative approach are two powerful modalities: Pilates and Self-Myofascial Release (SMR).  Together, they offer a comprehensive pathway to managing and alleviating pain, particularly when conventional treatments have fallen short. Understanding Pain:  A Biopsychosocial Puzzle Pain, especially chronic pain, is not merely a physical sensation but a multifaceted experience influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.  This understanding underscores the importance of a holistic...

Broaden my ‘Scope of Practice’: How Mbodies' Online Myofascial Release Course Transformed My Teaching. By Kelly McMahon

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How Mbodies Myofascial Release Course Transformed My Teaching My name is Kelly McMahon, and I’m the owner of InspireFit , a boutique Pilates and fitness studio in Dunfermline, Fife.  Over the past 26 years, I’ve built a thriving business from the ground up, beginning as an independent instructor and growing to lead a team that serves over 500 clients.  At InspireFit, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of classes, from mat and Reformer Pilates to various fitness sessions. Yet, despite my extensive experience, my desire to deepen my knowledge and bring fresh techniques to my clients never wanes.  This drive is what led me to Mbodies Training Academy’s Myofascial Release course. Why I Chose the Myofascial Release Course:  Practical Fascial Release Methods for Movement Professionals My journey with myofascial release isn’t new - I’ve attended courses on the subject before, but I was eager to delve deeper and enhance my understanding.  My path to Mbodi...