This IS an open dialogue for ALL. Therefore, personal opinions and insights are absolutely welcome, necessary, and helpful. ALL viewpoints are welcome here. Thank goodness we are free to think for ourselves and express ourselves. Thank goodness for Pilates-pro.com.

Participants of this discussion fall into two groups: members and non-members.
I am no longer a member of the PMA. Here are a few facts from my perspective:

1. Celeste states: "Members do not have to be PMA Certified."
Elizabeth states: "Certification is a voluntary process….”
Yet: Members wishing to present at conference time MUST be PMA certified. Also, some presenters do not teach pilates.

2. The PMA Exam is “entry level.” The “GOLD certified” standard, at first glance, is misleading to the public. It is true that, for those interested, the definition of GOLD is on the PMA website on the member pages.
However, if professionals need this much explanation about what “certified” actually means, surely the PMA, as a "public protector," also has a duty to clarify the following to the public:
As Elizabeth states: “…you absolutely don’t need to be a PMA Certified Pilates Teacher in order to be a valid, highly accomplished teacher -....”

3. Being PMA certified will not necessarily help anyone in a court of law. Neither does having a waiver. Ultimately, if you find yourself in such a situation, what helps most is to have proper insurance and representation.

4. Open-hearted people can passionately disagree. To be respectful is to avoid assuming that a seeming opponent means to do anything other than express a valid opinion. Movement teachers know that opposition is paramount to successful, balanced, and dynamic action.

Lastly, I will simply call attention to Mr. Healey’s comment: “Hopefully you will grow as a practitioner outside the PMA.”
Enough said, for now.

Carole Amend
AIM Academy for Somatic Integration
Mill Valley, CA
info@aim-academy.org

The truth is that this topic is moot and the PMA is trying to establish a heirachy which is pompous and self serving.
Power Pilates is a well know training program, endorsed by the PMA and offers a weekend mat certification. I spoke to a "fitness instructor" who works in a local health club who recently took the course.She now claims THAT SHE IS CERTIFIED IN PILATES and makes no distinction that it is only in Mat work and took place over one weekend. Don't you think that this is hypocritical to the credo that PMA is espousing? Now I will say that Power Pilates offers a credible training program with stringent requirements, but when standards are set aside for remunerative purposes,it dilutes the whole. And if the only way to get a pilates education due to financial reasons as well as time constraints,is by taking it one course at a time, the participants of these modular trainings should not be classified as certified.
We, the many instructors who have been teaching for years and did so without PMA or it's test, do not need an elite mafia to tell us who meets the grade and who doesn't..

Right on, LA, right on. And Stacey, I agree with your post as well... who'da thunk? :)

That brings up an interesting point. First, let me say that I am in no way affiliated with Power Pilates but I have had several Power Pilates teachers work in my studio over the years. They were comprehensively certified (and I'll use that word the way most people use that word) by Power and I found them to have good training. As I understand it, their weekend mat certification course is a prerequisite to their comprehensive program but it is misleading. One can come out of that weekend and call themselves certified. I believe the PhysicalMind Institute follows a similar format.
When I was "certified" we had to have studied Pilates for a while before enrolling in a teacher training course. My experience is that I now see some people entering teacher training courses with very little experience in Pilates. They are cramming information into their heads that their bodies have not yet assimilated. In other words, how can you teach things you yourself have not yet done? This is not always the case but sometimes it is.
So I see the need for some kind of 3d party saying that person X is qualified but from what I've seen, the PMA exam does not guarantee this quality. I like the analogy of nursing. If person X goes to Po-Dunk University and gets a nursing degree, who is to say that he/she is a qualified nurse?

LA,
Thanks so much for your answer (Dec 6) to my question about embodiment and measurement. Very nicely stated.
Carole

Carole,

Yes, opinion and insight should be welcome and are both necessary. Agenda's are by definition something wholly different. It seems that this discussion is less about opinion and insight regarding the question at hand - the PMA Certification Exam - and more of a platform for an agenda to derride the PMA.

The discussion has taken many turns beyond the question of the Exam. The exam has a clear and valid purpose. It is true that not all attorneys or nurses or doctors are going to be good at what they do. As it is in our "Profession". It is also true, that regardless of whether they turn out to be exceptional or not - they all had to pass their equivalent "Bar" examination without bias to the school they studied at. As an Industry and Profession we need a similar standard. There is really no other way to say it.

With reference to the comment about "Gold Certified" - this is not the issue at hand, and is a poor example to use in your attempt criticize the PMA as a "protector of the public". There had to be a simple distinction between those who took and passed the test before the manual was published. It does not imply that someone is a "qualified" as you are. Obviously you are a woman with extensive training and no one here - myself, or the PMA as an Organization - is looking to diminish that.

With reference to being PMA Certified to Present at a Conference.....again, please look at the bigger picture and not the personal aspect. There has to be a formal and legitimate process of Applications, Review, and Acceptance/Denial to be a Presenter. Such a process requires criteria. Being PMA Certified is only a single component of overall critria and does not guarantee someone will be accepted as a Presenter. I do not know the answer, but would like to assume, that any individual who has been teaching in their community for 20 years,has a well repected reputation and is a member of the PMA that is not PMA Certified - would have an opportunity to present their case and Application.

Regarding the court of law.....there again is a bigger picture to consider and yes, good legal representation is always paramount. Having a client with a Nationally recognized "Credential" is a strong foundation for any counsel to have.

Yes, we all must grow - as individuals, as a community, spiritually, emotionally, and physically - within the PMA,outside of the PMA, in our homes, in our studios, in our world. And yes, open hearted people can passionately disagree. The point of it all, however, is progress. Again, opinion and insight are all highly relevant - only if the "ego" steps out of the way to lead us on the most pure path.

Regarding Carole's comments earlier today, I'd like to follow up on a couple of points. I also want to state that I hope none of this sounds combative in any way. It's not meant to be. This being said, I feel that many of the points you made were supported by taking statements that were out of context. I'd also like to expand (purely my oponion) on these points made.

In your first point you say that not all PMA presenters teach Pilates. I don't mean to be too assumptive, but I know that for myself, as surely is the case for you and many others, some of the best understanding about movement comes from experts outside of our own industry which can very much assist in the way we approach our Pilates practice. What is compared in point number 1 with what both Celeste and Elizabeth had stated doesn't seem to suppport how and what descisions are made about presenters at the conference. The conference, membership and certification are different issues and have different decision making approaches.

Point number 2...I don't feel that anyone directly associated with the PMA (as Elizabeth is quoted) is, has or will be saying that the PMA certification is the only thing that validates Pilates instructors. If there is confusion on GOLD certified or if this is misleading, it should be looked at.

Point 3...A PMA certification will not neccessarily help anyone in a court of law. I'm assuming that what your speaking of in a court of law and the reason for being there is because of injury. Yes, proper insurance and representation are critical, however what will be looked at is negligance on the part of the practioner. When push comes to shove in court, what education process as well as standard of practice will be looked at very closely. The reason the PMA has developed standards of practice and ethical guidelines is for the purpose of giving practioners an understanding of where legally their scope should be. I've seen many practioners, as I'm sure you have that routinely practice outside of their scope, who if they were sued would probably be held liable. I also think that it is important to keep in mind that the PMA from a certification standpoint isn't giving a formal education process. It is giving an option for those who have been in the industry and may be very qualified in the teaching of Pilates to have a nationally recognized certification based on third party administration. Again, all this can help when any of us are under the microscope when, God forbid, there is a law suit. On this point, I would also go back to my original post and say that there will likely be a point in the future that what you or I think is an appropriate and quality education process/certification process a court may not based on law. This is where a national unbiased certification process will positively effect us all.

Number 4...I totally agree, open-hearted people can passionately disagree, and yes opposition is paramount to successful, balanced and dynamic movement, however opposition can also create rigidity without organized cooperation.

Lastly, since I was quoted here, I would hope that anyone who has passion for what they do with Pilates does grow outside of any particular organization. We can learn alot from one another. If one doesn't then that person probably is lacking the passion needed to change their clients lives. However, it is what I said prior and after what was quoted that make that statement have its value and what was intended. Out of context it may sound quite different, which I believe is why it was in fact, standing alone. I do believe that the PMA on many levels is important for the Pilates industry, which we could probably debate for days. I also have spoken with many who do need community, education and direction that the PMA can be a part of. As a board member of the PMA, I have no interest in being part of an elite mafia as LA puts it. As LA demonstrates in her last entry, there is great discrepincies in what some coin as a "Certification", which is what the PMA is trying to distinguish and clearify for both the industry and general public. To Carole, I am sorry that you have decided that the PMA membership has no value to you. I feel that the direction of the PMA is very positive and will only get better with input from both members and non-member alike. Hopefully at some point you will have a change of heart. I'm sure that there is lots all of us would learn from each other.

A couple of points to clarify from posts above:

Re: the PMA conference, the body of the conference is all Pilates content. Non-Pilates content is presented in the pre and post conference workshops only.

This is the first year (for our 9th conference) that the PMA has put in place the rule that one must be PMA Certified to be a PMA Presenter. In all prior years PMA Certification either did not exist or was not required. We are trying to create an event where there is a shared reference point, which is the exam, and we felt that we now have enough critical mass to attempt it.

Dropshot said: ‘Power Pilates is a well know training program, endorsed by the PMA...’ I should explain what the PMA IS and IS NOT.

The Pilates Method Alliance is:

• a professional association committed to uniting the Pilates community in the USA and internationally.

• a credentialing organization that has established the only industry-wide, third party, legally defensible, comprehensive competency exam for Pilates teachers. The PMA is committed to establishing professional standards and promoting continuing education for Pilates teachers.

The Pilates Method Alliance is NOT:

• an accrediting organization. The PMA does NOT accredit, recognize, approve, assess or endorse Pilates teacher training programs or Pilates studios. Therefore, the PMA brand and registered trademarks should never be used to indicate endorsement or imply approval of any Pilates teacher training programs or Pilates studios.

So, we do not ‘endorse’ Power Pilates as a training school because we don’t do that with any schools or studios – that is not our role. Our only yardstick for approval of anyone is our exam, which assesses individual teachers. We are of course very familiar with Power Pilates and have great respect for them, and they are great supporters of ours. Having said that, many teacher training companies in the field continue to use the word ‘certification’ in a manner that is incorrect in NOCA terms, despite our wish to the contrary. We can only hope that as the industry evolves that this will change. Despite being so much bigger and more powerful than the PMA, ACE is still dealing with this issue in the personal training field. Having just attended the NOCA conference last month – I’m well aware from sitting in on numerous lectures that this is a common issue to grapple with in any industry trying to establish 3rd party certification. We are not in any sense unique in going through this struggle.

Dropshot illustrates the salient point that when you use the word 'certified' to mean someone has done a training course, people who’ve done a weekend training are viewed (incorrectly) as being just as qualified as someone whose done 1000 hours. They're both 'certified', right? The term ‘certification’ becoming increasingly meaningless when it’s misused in this way. Dropshot says: ‘So I see the need for some kind of 3d party saying that person X is qualified but from what I've seen, the PMA exam does not guarantee this quality. I like the analogy of nursing. If person X goes to Po-Dunk University and gets a nursing degree, who is to say that he/she is a qualified nurse?’ The nursing analogy you've given is exactly right. Who knows what the nursing student was taught? It might be great, and it might be terrible. My question is, Dropshot, what do you need to see to believe that the PMA is a valid 3rd party certification exam? Maybe I can show it to you if knew what you were looking for as proof.

Elizabeth Anderson
Executive Director
Pilates Method Alliance
www.pilatesmethodalliance.org

To the PMA team:

I have decided to withdraw my membership from the PMA, in part, because of a bigger picture that is inclusive of both PMA members and non-members. My withdrawal does not mean that I do not wish to co-operate. My viewpoint actually exhibits flexibility: I recognize that I do not necessarily need to be part of the PMA—an organized cooperative defined on its own terms. Simply, it is fact that other options do exist. Differentiation is helpful and necessary in balancing the whole body. I choose to believe that as people, while distinguishable on several levels, we are inseparable in spirit, no matter how it may otherwise appear. I am one who is not afraid to stretch to the limit, to dare begin a new conversation with a new set of distinctions.

I see pilates as an amazing phenomenon of great scope. It has taken hold in people’s hearts as evidenced in this forum. It is multi-purpose and multi-option! The PMA serves its particular purpose within that phenomenon.

So, I do hope that Elizabeth’s statement: “I’d like to thank Carole Amend for opening this discussion” was genuine. Pilates-pro.com is a forum that is not available within the PMA, at this time, for whatever reason. Here is an opportunity to hear “other” opinions and stances—valuable to all. Here the PMA has the opportunity to clarify misconceptions to a greater community also committed to pilates—an opportunity that I am glad the PMA is using because I believe that people should have all of the facts before they make decisions. Perhaps some will choose to join, perhaps some may decide it’s not for them. Some may take the exam, some may not, for a variety of reasons. It is a matter of choice. It is my opinion that, from a cooperative, “bigger picture” vantage point, Ms. Zopich, this might be considered to be positive, and assumptions as well as an outright accusation of an intention of derision or personal agenda would not enter the picture. I find your passion and confidence commendable, but, as a veteran movement teacher, I wholeheartedly disagree that there is a “most pure path.”

Lastly, I am happy to single out another of Shawn’s statements: “We can learn alot from one another.” So true. Thank you for clarifying, because, in context, I might have either viewed the comment which I previously quoted as having tipped the arrogance scale for the day or someone, somewhere, had massaged/manipulated you into thinking that it is only possible to attain knowledge from their information within the PMA. I make it a practice to hold my tongue before assuming, and to allow for clarity; I am happy to hear your distinction and have no problem in trusting in your good intentions, especially when you post a statement like: “I also have spoken with many who do need community, education and direction that the PMA can be a part of.” That you might view the PMA as being part of a bigger picture gives me hope for conversation beyond this particular discussion and I sincerely thank you for that.

I hope the above statements shed light on where my heart is; that place will remain steadfast and unwaivering.

Yours in Spirit,
Carole Amend

Thanks for ending my evening with this entertaining dialogue. I don't think reading or participating in this blog (for less than 30 days)gives anyone enough information to say they won't become a PMA member or sit for the exam. I hope readers of this topic will keep an open mind and search out other resources before making a decision about the PMA.

My criteria for judging my knowledge and abilities as a teacher are my clients. Are they having a good expereince? Am I just instructing or am I educating each client to be autonomous for and in their own bodies. Do they leave my studio affirmed and confident and feeling better than when they came in? Many of my clients have been with me since I opened my studio in 2000 and that speaks volumes about my skills as a teacher of the Pilates Method, not whether I can pass a written test, with very little in it about actually teaching the method.
The PMA means very little to my clients and at the end of the day my clients are who I rely on to judge me.

It's interesting to watch this conversation unfold... Another profession I'm a part of began this process of convergence for the sake of professional recognition and standardization a few years back. It was the best thing that could have been done.... By doing so it began to diffuse political wars between the different 'schools' and 'veterans' of the field, opened dialogue for the benefit of growth and understanding, and thus allowed for the advancement and evolution of the work as its initial founder would have wanted.

I suppose it's safe to say that Pilates is no different in its conception and development. Do you think that Joe Pilates would have left his work 'as is' if he were still around? The arrogance shown by some of these 1st generation teachers is rediculous... Get over yourselves!

I think it's unreasonable to assume that the Pilates community can effectively run itself with the same methodology that Joseph did before he passed. His operation was incredibly small by todays standards, yet you're trying to manage this beast with the same casual ease. It won't work and Pilates will fizzle out or morph into things that would make everyone cringe if there isn't some kind of umbrella organization under which all of its professionals can stand.

Those weekend 'certification' classes that seems to tick everyone off is precisely what will dominate you in the end. Because at the end of the day, the students coming in to take class could care less about you're background... all they're responding to is the words "Pilates Class", and if they like the personality, style and approach of the teacher (regardless of ability or knowledge base) they'll keep coming back.

An organization like PMA could allow everyone the opportunity to be a part of a larger reputable community that offers diversity and a baseline integrity. It may not draw people in your doors to start, everything has its humble beginnings. But down the road it will gain recognition and those using it will be seen as organized and responsible professionals.

I'm not a fan of regulation but I see its intended purpose. And although nothing will weed out the good from the bad entirely, it does prove effective to some degree... certainly more so than the current state of the profession.

Remember, you may see yourselves primarily as teachers of exercise movements, namely Pilates, but you are still RESPONSIBLE for the well being and physical safety of your students bodies. That means that what you do can and does effect them either negatively or positively alike. Therefore, having an exam that is heavier on anatomy and ethics than you might care for isn't absurd or irrelevant. It frightens me to hear some people in this discussion dismiss the importance or relevance of anatomy questions on the exam. That is precisely what the public needs to know via these certification tests. "Is this teacher knowledgeable enough to safely work with my body, and possibly adapt for my injuries, without causing harm via the Pilates method?"

It doesn't matter if you know every exercise and such if you don't know your head from your ?#$#$#. Knowing proper Pilates form and protocol doesn't prevent anyone from being injured... BOTTOM LINE!

On a more positive note... This could be an excellent opportunity to come together as a larger community and diversify perspectives and approaches for the sake of not only yourselves as teachers, but for your students. There seems to be an opportunity awaiting but the opening is going to require some shrinking of egos and harmless compromise. It's quite selfish to judge the PMA on the merits of what it can do for you alone, or your business. What about the very profession that sparked passion within you all and created a fundamental drive to help others feel good within their body?

I find it disturbing that so many of you are more concerned about things that will benefit your bottom line... There seems to be a lack of maturity shown here at times in that some are not able to see how the PMA might benefit and preserve the profession in years to come, boosting its stature and spark its ongoing evolution. It's seems to be all about ME, ME, ME! 'How will it make ME more money?' These sentiments are no better than those snobish models, I mean teachers, that don't want their pictures taken without reward.

In the end, maybe both groups can have what they each want. The models/teachers/glamour driven types who are into the vanity of it all can remain 'independant' and make lots of money off the latest trends of the industry. And the other folks can ban together as a new and larger group to strengthen, bond and support the future growth and integrity of the the work they love.

One of the things I learned in my profession while this has been going on is that those who don't participate tend to keep repeating the same old thing they've been doing for years, for better or worse. And those who open up communication find themselves in a rich soup of ideas and creativity, ultimately leading to a stronger passion for their work and a new-found dedication to something that is larger than ones self.

Egos will always die with their host, but ideas will transcend from one willing, to the next. - JW

I am really enjoying this discourse. It's much needed and I'm finding it intelligent and stimulating - much better than the other blogs on Pilates.
It was exactly the opportunity for this kind of exchange that brought me to the PMA in the 1st place. It seems it's happening here better. Dissenting voices can be heard.

One way the PMA served the community was by bringing a broad spectrum of perspectives and disciplines together to present at the conventions. I just learned here that the PMA is now excluding non-PMA certified people as presenters. Very disappointing if true.

Also, Perhaps someone can address the difference between licensure and certification. Several times nurses, doctors, and lawyers have been referred to when discussing certification, but these are all licensed professions. Apples and oranges.

Colleen,
In order for a profession to enact state legislation for the administration of a licensing exam, there needs to be a standardized certification process that 'defines' the profession. Then those 'qualified' individuals can sit for their respective states licensing exam.

Just like the academic requirements to become a Physical Therapist is not enough to legally practice, one must then take their states licensing exam, regardless of where they went to school. It is presumed however, due to the standardization of college/university level education requirements, that one has 'graduated' from that said program thus meeting the necessary requirements/grades to then sit for the exam.

A state needs a standardized measurement that tests the general competency of an individual prior to allowing them to move towards a license to practice. That's, in part, what PMA would be working to accomplish.

To use a simpler example since Pilates is not a college level type of program... Massage Therapists must first attend an 'accredited' institute/school for massage therapy to receive their "Certificate in Massage Therapy". Because these schools are often "accredited" to meet state laws they can then sit for the states licensing exam. But they are not "Licensed" until they take their states licensing exam and pass obviously, if the state has one. Each state has specific requirements as far as educational hours goes and they must be accumulated as part of a single program usually. 'Workshops' and such don't count as part of these... it must be part of a comprehensive accredited program.

If a state doesn't have licensing legislation then they usually require "National Certification", which happens by taking the national certification exam. (That would be the equivalent of the PMA exam) Any practitioner who completed any formal massage therapy program may sit for this exam to gain national certification. Licensing is a step beyond this and dependent on each individual state.

Given the very, very loose laws around requirements to be a personal trainer in most states, it's unlikely that Pilates would ever require licensing since they're often considered to be personal trainers/exercise teachers. The real danger lays in the fact that many of these personal trainers/exercise teachers also begin experimenting with 'bodywork' on people without proper training, education or licensing. Simply by using the term "bodywork" they can get away with touching people... as long as they don't call it massage therapy. One example of the inadequacies/loop-holes of regulation... but what can you do?

Having these different levels of standardization does however help the public have a safer experience overall... but it obviously has its flaws and exceptions in both direction, good and bad.

One more thought on that...

An advantage of having an organization like PMA would be to help differentiate Pilates from personal training as a profession.

Also to clarify, I didn't state the following accurately. "A state needs a standardized measurement that tests the general competency of an individual prior to allowing them to move towards a license to practice. That's, in part, what PMA would be working to accomplish." PMA actually doesn't do this... That is up to the individual schools becoming 'accredited' and meeting requirements of the states standards.

I also wanted to comment on the commonly used term "Master Teacher". This term merely suggests that one is proficient and experienced at 'teaching' pilates... it says nothing about ones knowledge of the human body (anatomy/physiology/pathology and such). So to suggest that just because someone is a "master" teacher and they're more qualified than others is nonsense. I would trust a Physical Therapist with only one year of pilates teaching experience (and proper training in pilates of course) before I trust a "master" teacher of 20-30 years in pilates but no other education. Just my opinion though... .

Thank you, Colleen and justwondering.
Yes, there are several examples in the massage and bodywork field of how organizing can be beneficial and how differences can be ironed out or if not, changed into offshoots. I find it all pretty fascinating.
It can also be noted that personal trainers can be ACE, ACSM, NSCA, etc., certified under NOCA. The PMA has a big job ahead and passionate individuals to aid it.

As a teacher who decided not to develop a Major Teacher Training (however, I am grateful for a few wonderful apprentices), I do have a unique take on the beginnings of pilates organizations and the PMA and much is now water under the bridge. While the double standard is disappointing, the rule "only those PMA certified can present" does exist and so I turn my attention to it being perhaps a good thing: it has forced an issue and allows a different conversation to ensue. More on that later....

Some schools most definitely discount the work of others and take a competitive stance, which I find so interesting from a dynamic movement perspective. I would love to outlaw terms like “master” teacher unless specifically defined and agreed upon, but that was a marketing river that could not be stopped. The reality is there are all kinds of clients who are drawn to the work by whatever means and all levels of teachers to serve them. Unfortunately, it's easier to stretch the truth than hamstrings.

Hopefully, it's all good, however, it's all the more reason why safety and proper representation to the public should be on the top of everyone’s list, individual or organization…no matter what school, no matter what orientation to community.

Creating the Exam is one thing; what it actually represents at this juncture and how that is represented to the public or to students enrolled in reputable, extensive Teacher Trainings (ie: why should I do my practice hours when I can just go and take the Exam?) is quite another. These are some of my concerns.

As a seasoned 30 year vet of the fitness industry the PMA controversy is old hat. When I began my career the fitness industry was in it's infancy.
ACE which was then IDEA was trying to establish a standard for instructors, who were teaching without any workshops or training, most were enthusiastic exercisers who watched the 20 minute workout on TV or a Jane Fonda video and decided that they could do that and make money at it.
I was one of the first instructors to take the IDEA certification exam in 1986. This was before the exam training manual was released. I overheard instructors whisper, "what is the Karvonen method?" during the test, and since we were teaching aerobic exercise it was kind od scary that they didn't have a clue,but some managed to pass the mulitple choice test regardless of their lack of basic knowledge.
I was already certified through the Kenneth Cooper Research Center in Dallas, TX, and had a degree in exercis science and saw the need for an industry standard that safeguarded the exercising population from unqualified instruction.
But that really never happened, even after all these years, the fitness industry still presents weekend conventions that offer workshops for certfication in step and aerobics as well as personal training, nutrition and now pilates certs are offered, the course work covering just the barest of anatomy and science but mostly choreogophy. This includes not just ACE, but all the organizations that offer these conventions, ECA, AFFA, NSCA,AAI, and the list goes on.
I spent my career as the fitness and program director for a chain of health clubs and I championed the need for more science and longer training programs back in the day and still do, I agree with justwondering that a strong anatomy background is imperitive to being a compentente instructor, and knowing the ethics of your industry is crutial to be able to function in business.
That being said I still think that all this boils down to is money. It was tough to make money teaching aerobics back then and the fitness industry has thrived by making money from itself and the presenters and promoters who are making the money are loth to change anything.
The Pilates community is now facing a similar conundrum, how do we grow and thrive, but keep a reign on who is out there teaching the work as it was envisioned by Joe.How can we maintain standards if we are too willing to set them aside to make a buck. I do believe that there needs to be way to set standards for this industry, but really outside of a national test, which by the way the fitnes industry has been kicking that idea around for years, there is nothing that really validates what you do other than your clients.

Dear LA: Your December 9th comment above did not go unnoticed. Beautifully stated.

To justwondering: I really do appreciate your time and effort on this site and some of the wonderful clarifications you make. I also need to say that on a movement level, you have made some comments on some other posts about pilates “protocol” that I do not necessarily agree with. You seem like someone who might be open to hearing why and I’ll be happy to give my perspective on that at some point. There are also some things you’ve stated that I do agree with…like why isn’t the psaos mentioned in an article on “core”…?

Back to this subject: In making comments about bottom lines and protocols and other eloquent statements, justwondering, ;-), you are sometimes lumping together too many points. (The typewriter keys have gotten stuck there and need to be separated. I also use this analogy for my clients about muscles.) There is an implication out there that the Exam is a plus for one’s bottom line. I intuitively believe that some members are drawn, perhaps unknowingly, to the PMA for this reason, but I do not have the ego to state that it only serves to illuminate their ambition—that is, until I know them well enough personally to make that judgment call, and I would never do so on a public forum. I know some wonderful teachers who do use the GOLD standard in their literature, who have perhaps done so without all of the facts on how it might affect their peers. Still, I would not begrudge them, especially if they use it to attract a certain type of clientele and if they give them the type of attention and care that LA so maturely writes about. As several here have stated, clients don’t know about the PMA, and many teachers have bravely and proudly taken it upon themselves to “market (themselves) and educate consumers” as M. McDonald states, as we all in our integrity should. But, having to now also defend our legitimacy, as the Exam is simultaneously marketed as a distinguished honor by a “critical mass,” can be a time consuming proposition for teachers already under a crunch. Since the PMA has all but stated it doesn’t care whether or not this greater community chooses to be members, it does not appear that the PMA is at all willing (able, whatever) to help us out with that; it seems only interested in recouping that $300,000 by any means necessary, including silence. If I have done some good by dissenting from the PMA, so that this voice is finally heard, so be it.

Many teachers posting are not coming from a place of arrogance. They know what works and are committed to their clients. I don’t think the importance of anatomy or ethics questions was being dismissed. I am certain that not all views of pilates were taken into account thus far in the Exam questions. Much more conversation on the subject of how we teach pilates is needed (this is what you have incorrectly “gleaned,” Elizabeth—you might have simply asked me what I meant by “business” vs. “movement”). Although perhaps not discounted per se, my stance as a teacher, in my opinion, is not represented by the Exam or the PMA at this time, despite my many efforts. To speak to a concern of yours that I may be hearing, justwondering, can there be more interfacing with bodyworkers and the knowledge they possess? Absolutely…but that’s another discussion.

There are many, many wonderful teachers out there whose work people don’t hear about because they are not, for whatever reason, in the limelight, members of the PMA, or profiled by Pilates Style. Each place has its own set of trials and tribulations. Do good work with your clients, and you get the equivalent of “no child left behind” bureaucracy slapped in your lap before you can present. Be someone who has worked very hard to make some great movement distinctions for professionals and has accepted celebrity ranking, and you unfortunately run the risk of being either loved or hated. It’s tough all around. I like it best when we try to trust in intentions and place our focus on how we can serve our beloved clients best.

Speaking of which, I am just returning from a two week "hiatus" and am looking forward to getting back to my studio, clients, and my somewhat neglected bottom line. I am happy to have been able to facilitate this discourse and thank everyone for the candid responses.

Yours truly,
Carole Amend

Carol, I want to relate this to you in particular but to all in the forum in re to interfacing more with bodyworkers.
I am lucky to ave a wonderful chiropractor who works in my studio with me and after he adjusted a client of mine for the first time said she was being pulled into thoracic flextion at the T1-T2 juncture and was curling around her heart energy, almost fetally. He said that what I was doing with her on the barrel and the spine corrector was perfect because her chest is tight and she really needs to open her heart energy. He said this without knowing that she is a widow of 9-11 and recently had to claim more of her husbands remains from the morgue.
So yes, yes, I do believe that we need to interface with the community of bodyworkers. The human body is a fantastic and wonderous amalgumation of the mind, and the spirit and all we can do is strive to help our clients move toward balance of all three.
I appreciate the dialogue in this forum and hope that we can all work to keep the public educated about what Pilates is and if we are united and have a "uniformly balanced" view that can happen.

I am a newly appointed board member to the PMA. I am a Pilates enthusiast or as I learned at the PMA Conference in Phoenix, a Pilates devotee. Some of you you may be aware that I am a financial planner by trade. Anyone call hold himself/herself out the public as a financial planner, but to be a certified financial planner is different. I understand that the money making potential in my profession may be greater {although, as of late that too can be debated :) }. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards' mission is to uphold the CFP(R) marks, promote the CFP(R) marks and protect the public. The be a CFP(R) listed professional on the CFP(R) Board website, one must pass the certification examination, complete a background investigation, and satisfy three years of industry experience. The CFP(R) Board is a regulatory organization. Our sister association the FPA-Financial Planning Association is a membership organization. Anyone can be a me mber of the FPA. We invite everyone- insurance agents, estate planning attorneys, bereavement counselors, life planners, mortgage professionals, accountants, financial planners, money managers, etc. to join. The only requirement is that the members pay their dues and be involved in a particular aspect of the financial planning process. Some financial planners work for a bank, others for an insurance company, credit union, brokerage firm, independent firm or for themselves. Some receive compensation from commissions, hourly fees, asset management fees, retainer fees or any combination thereof. Our organization is by no means perfect, but we put our business model differences and compensation differences aside to fight the Securities and Exchange Commission. The FPA won the lawsuit. The premise of the lawsuit was that CFP(R) professionals at wirehouses (Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, Morgan Stanley, etc) were held to the same fiduciary standard as independent planners. To be listed on planner search though, planners must be CFP(R) certified. Now, I would be lying if I told you we did not encounter backlash about people complaining about us being elitist. However, there has been a tide in sentiment, the people who do invest the time into passing the certification examination appreciation the high standards and understand that these standards are put in place to protect everyone. As we have seen in recent months, financial literacy and education to the public is more important than ever. For this reason, regulators are cracking down on providers who claim to offer certifications after only a weekend of instruction. More than ever with Wall Street Washout, Mortgage Meltdown, politicians and the American public understand the need for regulation and full disclosure.I am not saying such a horrible thing will happen to the Pilates Community. In a sense, the FPA has won the trust of the public, not just the SEC lawsuit.

Respectfully,

Carol,

Thank you for your honesty and thoughtful responses/input. I would welcome discussion on those points of disagreement you mentioned.

Forgive me for the "stuck" keys, and maybe that's actually so. But I also think that we often try to extract and isolate things that don't naturally occur in isolation as they really exist. I liken it to anatomy as well in that we can artificially and intellectually separate muscles with our minds and scalpels but in the human body they exist and function as one complete whole without such distinctions. It's the coordination of their combined action that matters most, more-so than the individual 'strength' of their function. Well, onward with some more lumping... I don't mind your comment at all.. I recognize that I'm also just spattering thoughts out about several topics.

I want to mention that I respect your decision, and that of others, to make a personal choice regarding affiliation with PMA, or any other group for that matter. I respect it because it's ultimately YOUR choice AND you seem to have put a lot of mature thought into it.

With that said, I am not trying to judge others decision on the matter, but only pointing out what has been stated outright as their reasoning for not participating... Which was something to the effect of "It will not bring me any more clients because they don't even know what PMA is." I think that particular shallow line of reasoning is self serving and narrowly focused on ones personal gain and lacks a broader perspective on how it might benefit the profession they love as a whole, for years to come. There's nothing wrong with having a 'bottom line', obviously that's important to us all... but that bottom line can become effected if the standard within the profession gets diluted by weekend warriors and such too.

Now every organization has its problems... and I'm not defending PMA here for those flaws. But if they are not meeting the needs of their paying members then the members need to speak out and demand some change or else... . Any member funded organization should be working to represent its members and if its not then something needs to done.. So I hope PMA executives are listening to what's being voiced in this conversation and responds accordingly.

And by the way, I do think it's perfectly fine to use PMA membership status as a "Gold" standard marketing tool, that's in part what its for. The next step is to bring awareness of its significance or purpose to the public, the same way that Pilates was marketed and brought into greater awareness and recognition. It's a process that has to start somewhere or it will never happen in any capacity.

p.s.- I hear what you're saying about celebrity status, and it's also worth noting that 'celebrity status' doesn't necessarily reflect ability as much as it does marketing/business savy. Some of the most knowledgeable and effective practitioners (movement and otherwise) are not on the cover of magazines, DVDs or owners of 'franchised enterprises'. But we know little of them because their focus is not on marketing, but on being great practitioners/clinicians and helping those who come to them. Often where there's heavy marketing and celebrity recognition there's an intended emphasis to do so... We all know marketing isn't easy casual work.

I just missed an entire Law and Order episode and my eyes are burning, and I may need glasses. Its been a dissertation for sure.
The thing that surprises me the most throughout this entire thing is that not person pointed out that although the PMA doesn't "sanction" or "endorse" any one certification (or curriculum) on the site, they have a "paid advertisement" with a "disclaimer" but the advertisers are like "Bob Blow Pilates Institute" or whatever. Some don't have websites, just email addresses.
The young lady from Florida was directed to this specific website, and from what I saw, I was a little disappointed by the advertisers.... only Polestar was a "recognizable" agency. And frankly, props to Brent and Dav and everyone, but its rehabilitative, and much like PhysicalMind, some people want to EXERCISE, not rehab. I think in order for the PMA standard to be reached as a whole the PMA should NOT take paid advertisers on the site for "certifying" bodies... it COMPLETELY devalues the PMA exam, and goes against this "third party" and "objective" exam.
Carole, JW, LA, all of you have great points. I have attended PMA conferences and have left better for it, as a teacher. I have taken a state certification exam for Massage Therapy. I know I am a decent Pilates instructor, because people with years more experience tell me so. I know I am good massage therapist, because people tell me so. But I needed to take a test so that the "public" could feel confident, so the state could feel confident, that I could do my job without hurting anyone, and follow these "guidelines" set up.
Setting a standard is not a bad thing. Perhaps those standards could be made higher by not taking just any old advertiser that is willing to pay to promote their "certifying studio."
Standardizing the work is a good idea, but its like standardizing school from kids... If we are teaching to the test, how can any instructor think outside the box when a body doesn't fit a certain mold? It ahs to come with experience.
Last, I love this website, but it should be moderated.
my two cents, anyway.

MF, Let me reiterate that when standards are set and then pushed aside and ignored by the very people who are the most outspoken about having them, just for financial gain, those standards are diluted and do not mean anything.
Because ironically, while all this dialogue is going on, I got an email from a well know and respected training organization( that was previously mentioned) and guess what...... they are selling training DVD's on the chair, mat, barrel etc and all you need to do to get CEC's is send in a proof of purchase receipt, So now the standards have devolved to the point that you don't even have to attend a workshop or prove compentence, all you need to do is prove that you spent your money on their stuff!!

justwondering:
Your professional orientation is not pilates, correct?
When I hear judgments, good or bad, I must also consider the vantage point.

Dear MF: Thanks for all you state up through “It has to come with experience. Last, I love this website"—it is worth much more than two cents. You hit one of the incongruent nails right on the head. There are more. I am all for standard-creation and recognition as well as for structures that I can enter into without a hard-hat.