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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 instructor.  Reformer traini

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 approach to pain manage

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 Mbodies began after purchasin

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Fitness and Movement Instructors: A Focus on Cancer Rehabilitation

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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for fitness instructors, Pilates instructors, yoga and dance instructors, physiotherapists, and other medical movement professionals.  This blog post aims to explore the available CPD courses and qualifications for cancer rehabilitation, with a particular focus on breast cancer survivors.  We will look at longer courses as well as shorter taster workshops. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and workshops play a crucial role in equipping fitness and movement instructors with the knowledge and skills necessary to support cancer patients and survivors.  Longer, more detailed training programs, such as those offered by Mbodies Training Academy and CanRehab, provide in-depth education and thorough assessment, ensuring that instructors are well-prepared to work with this special population.  In contrast, shorter workshops from companies like STOTT Pilates and BASI Pilates offer valuable introductory knowledge without for

Official sounding Pilates Organisations are Confusing Students – is this their intention?

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The confusion around Pilates Instructor training is increasingly made more chaotic by official sounding and competing interest groups, and organisations implying (but not saying) that they set obligatory government training standards which when fact checked are not official in terms of National Standards or required accreditation. In recent months, there has been growing confusion among prospective and existing Pilates instructors regarding the accreditation of Pilates apparatus training courses.  This confusion is largely driven by targeted social media campaigns and email blasts suggesting the establishment of new national standards and accreditation bodies for Pilates in the UK.  Here are some key points to consider: 1.  Frequent Inquiries I receive weekly emails from various sources, stating the writer’s confusion about the accreditation of Pilates apparatus training.  Recent communications, such as those from the "National Pilates Certification Program" (NPCP), Pil

Pilates Under Scrutiny: How Mbodies is Raising the Bar on Safety

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for access email:  info@mbodiesacademy.com Introduction In recent weeks, the Pilates community has been shaken by a series of high-profile legal cases that have cast a shadow over the safety practices in Pilates Reformer studios.  Notably in the UK, a violinist was awarded a significant compensation for an injury sustained during a Pilates Reformer Class.  This has led to a surge in media coverage, highlighting similar incidents and raising concerns about the safety and professionalism within our industry. Understanding the Issue The unfortunate truth is that these incidents highlight a longstanding issue within the Pilates world:  a lack of comprehensive understanding and implementation of health and safety standards.  At Mbodies Training Academy, we have always emphasised the importance of Pilates Studio Safety and proper training by requiring that all of our customers taking a Pilates apparatus education course also take our 2 hour Studio Health and Safety Course.  However, it

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing UK Level 3 Pilates Training to Meet Modern Client Needs

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The Pilates industry in the UK is facing a significant challenge.  The basic skills and knowledge imparted to newly qualified Pilates Matwork instructors at Level 3 often fall short of the expectations and needs of the modern Pilates client.  This gap is becoming increasingly apparent as the typical Pilates clientele grows older, more demanding, and more informed.  This article aims to explore this gap, the reasons behind it, and potential solutions to better equip instructors to meet the evolving needs of their clients. The Basics of UK Level 3 Pilates Training A typical Level 3 Pilates Matwork qualification in the UK provides instructors with the fundamentals of Pilates. These courses usually cover around 30 Pilates Matwork exercises, a basic understanding of Pilates history, and some group exercise training skills. However, the curriculum is predominantly geared towards teaching fit and healthy individuals in a group setting. This approach leaves newly qualified instructors wi