Do you remember your favorite teacher from high school? If you're
like most people, your favorite teacher significantly influenced your
interest in the subject she taught. Well, it's no surprise that your
first Pilates teacher will most likely shape your preferences for one
type of Pilates over another -- for better or worse!
As
for the two of us, we don't have "Pilates bodies" -- and some Pilates
teachers we've had through the years made us abundantly aware of that
fact! I wanted to feel GOOD leaving a session, but instead felt like
Quasimodo and wished I'd had a potato sack to hide my deformed,
twisted, imperfect body. Of course we both ended up embracing the type
of Pilates that was taught to us by a teacher who was open, fun,
inspiring, life-affirming, attentive to imbalances but full of
compassion and had us feeling really GREAT about our bodies and our
potential after the lesson.
If you have tried Pilates and hated
it, then by all means, give it another try. Maybe you and the teacher
just didn't "click." To make this easier for you, we have included
some links to some great Pilates studios in the city, all of which
teach slightly different styles of Pilates. Of course we'd love to see
you at our studio, Pilates on Fifth,
but we also know that location and style can be everything, and there
are many great Pilates studios here in NYC! Here's the list....and we
know all of these owners and can state confidently that they are
exceptionally qualified AND kind individuals who are dedicated to their
craft.
LindaFit by Linda Farrell: www.lindafit.com.
Linda is a beautiful lady both inside and out and teaches fabulous
body-sculpting mat classes throughout the city (just check out her legs
if you don't believe us!) She teaches at Steps, Broadway Dance Center
and Equinox among other locations.
Rolates, run by Roberta Kirschenbaum: www.rolates.com.
Roberta is kind and wise -- a perfect combination for a great Pilates
instructor and studio owner. Rolates often conducts innovative,
educational workshops and has the added bonus of inhabiting Joseph
Pilates' original studio space!
Pilates Reforming New York, run by husband and wife team Ann Toran and Errol Toran: www.pilatesreformingny.com.
Ann delivers challenging core-strengthening, elongating workouts
conveniently scheduled throughout the day. Pilates Reforming New York
specializes in energizing group reformer classes.
Power Pilates, presided over by Dr. Howard Sichel: www.powerpilates.com.
Dr. Sichel and Power Pilates has an amazing team of leaders in the
Pilates industry providing high quality instruction at 6 locations
throughout New York City and more throughout the country.
So
remember....if you tried Pilates once and didn't like it, please give
it another chance! Maybe it isn't for you, but if you're reading this,
then you're interested enough to give it another try!