We all know that Pilates is great! However, over this past year, I have been surprised at the number of young clientele that our studio (The InnerSpace in Avon, CT) has attracted.
We first offered a class called ‘Playful Pilates’ a year ago. This was a simple venture for four age groups: 4-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-13. Classes were 30 minute mat classes with a focus on fun and imagination. They booked up almost immediately.
The secret of our success (as is often the case) was a mix of factors. We had parents who had first-hand experience of the power of Pilates and wanted their children to benefit as well. We had a dynamic 25-year-old instructor who had a sense of joy and playfulness. We had a commitment to make sure that the kids’ progress was seen and the work could be shared at home with their parents in some homework assignments!
After the first session, we expected groups to continue but were unexpectedly surprised by the request for child privates. We now have quite a clientele of young Pilates students studying privately. They are all athletes; the sports they represent include soccer, lacrosse, hockey and figure skating. Most privates are 30 minutes, although some of the older teens and the very high-level competitors take one hour sessions. All came in tight, some in pain or recovering from injuries. All have benefited, and we are now looking at expanding into a class for youth athletes that is more sports specific.
We have heard testimonials that they are now playing pain-free, can touch their toes, have more push and drive – and perhaps most importantly – that they are now able to accomplish skills that they were previously unable to do. And of course, people are taking note, other parents are asking what ‘camp’ their kids went to that improved them so much.
Because this is a blog, and not a CEC, I want to just share a few things that have worked for us in training these budding competitors.
While you want to keep it fun, you also need to keep it a focus on progress:
- As with any client, assess their body with the first exercises to determine areas of tightness, weakness and looking for muscle imbalances. You may be amazed by how asymmetrical some of them are. If they have R/L side-to-side imbalances, give them a priority and then move to other areas of challenge.
- Be disciplined, but with a sense of humor. Teach the order, the transitions and gently remind them or make a joke when they wander off-track. As with all clients, ask them what’s next, what’s the name of an exercise, etc.
- Kids thrive on praise, so notice the improvements and make a big deal about it, but be sure that they have earned it and are genuinely better. Kids can smell a phony comment a mile away!
Use props to stimulate their imagination, help them find a better feel for an exercise or connection. You should also use their imagination to challenge them:
- Try to incorporate their equipment as a prop. We have developed a concept called FitSticks and have trialed it for youth group classes. The lacrosse and field hockey players bring their sticks and use them is their prop. The soccer players frequently use a ball.
- Imagination is very alive in most kids, so tap into it! Use images that are playful, appeal to their age group and also to their sport.
- Share with them for example, how something relates to a sports skill. Then have them take it off the mat and focus on it at sports practice during the week and see how it works. Once they improve in their sport they will be eager to do more of this!
Equipment? There is plenty on the mat to challenge kids.
- The mat work will make them strong and flexible. If you are working with older teens that you think may benefit from reformer and/or chair, follow the progression guidelines. They may be more uncoordinated than you would expect!
- The younger kids really want to do the equipment. As a reward you might use the stability ball to simulate the reformer exercises. We have a Swedish Ladder that our gymnasts in particular benefit from working on, and the kids enjoy the small hump barrels. Balance what they want with what you know is best for them.
It’s important to keep in mind that kids are not mini-adults and should not be treated as such. Remember that they are still growing and very impressionable. Be an impeccable role model! Be enthusiastic! And as Mencius said, “Be child like not childish!”
- Zoey Trap, Peak Pilates Master Trainer