MF,

It's always going to be impossible to set a standard that meets everyones criteria. I think that exams like this one merely dredge out the bottom feeders, leaving the 'reasonably' safe and competent to practice with some degree of distinction. There will always be a smaller group of folks that rise to top like cream, and the only 'test' to distinguish them from the rest is the efficacy of their work with clients (reputation).

I agree with your points on advertising... .Good point for the PMA to consider.

In the end, I think that we can all appreciate some sort of effort to set a minimum standard of practice. Although many have stated that it's their clients that ultimately 'judge' or validate their competency I would have to disagree with a small portion of that reasoning. Clients are typically not educated about the body the to the extent that we 'should' be. Therefore we cannot rely on them to accurately judge or assess whether or not we are capable, safe, responsible or competent practitioners. That would be like handing me a set of architectural plans and asking me what I think of them. Are they sound? Safe? To code? They may look good and interesting but it's not appropriate for me to determine legitimacy. And I often get Pilates students and reputable teachers alike in my practice who are dealing with issues in their body and after speaking a bit about what they are doing it's clear that they are making the situation worse through some of the movements they're performing. It's not their fault, they're just assuming they[teachers] have enough understanding, or the students are simply trusting that their teachers know how to properly handle the situation. So they assume the problems they are having with their backs, necks, SI joint, etc. couldn't possibly be antagonized by the Pilates exercises which are supposed to help the back... . That's another topic altogether though.

Even the most sincere, well-intended teacher may not recognize the limitations of a 600 hour training (which is mostly 'teaching', not anatomy or musculo-skeletal pathology/dysfunction management). But it doesn't mean they should be faulted or are acting inappropriately with intention... It just means that clients are not the appropriate 'standard of measure' for competency.

Carol,
Correct, in part.... However, regardless of the profession, to suggest that a standardization exam is supposed to serve the sole purpose of generating more income for people is short-sighted, self-serving and inaccurate. That mentality, again regardless of professions, displays the lack of desire or concern to work towards something larger than ones self. I just don't feel that an exam of this nature is/was designed to boost ones income. It is for the purpose of distinguishing Pilates from other exercise professions and try to establish a minimum standard for practice.

How the PMA runs their organization is up to them beyond that, and if its members or potential members are not pleased with the oversight management strategies then there's obviously a problem worth tending to.

As for my vantage point... We all come to the table with one, whether that be a newly trained teacher, a "master" teacher, a classical teacher, a more progressive and creative teacher, teacher/bodyworker, whatever... . Each of them will present a viewpoint that is influenced by experience and such. And given that my 'profession' has gone through this process, and continues to currently, I clearly see parallels involving frustration, resentment, politics, uncertainties, support, etc.. The profession itself is of little significance on this topic because the obstacles and challenges are the same. I would make the same comments to anyone in my profession who might dismiss the importance of this type of exam because it doesn't serve them financially.

This very same process hasn't been an easy one in my profession either. But the dedication of a few individuals spread to many more and it has proven to be of great benefit to the profession as a whole. It would have been very easy to give in to the pessimism, opposition and negativity of many early on, and many still don't like it. But those who have believed in something larger than themselves, or their particular 'school' of thought, or those who could put their egos and political wars aside for the greater good of our profession have been rewarded with greater professional stability, a larger network of like-minded people and a stronger organization to help educate and disseminate information and opportunity to the general public.

People can choose to participate or not.. I'm not judging them for taking a stance either way. What I am saying is that I don't feel it's a valid argument against the PMA to say that it doesn't help the profession because it won't increase someones business right off the bat. That's not its intended purpose or benefit. And that 'opinion' of mine is not a judgment of character, but of reasoning. So regardless of my vantage point, the interpretation remains the same. I'm sorry if you feel that skews things, but what doesn't skew our perception?

I agree just wondering. I feel that this is what we as a Pilates industry needs to look at and are facing. I do realize that it is easy to look at the PMA, or anyother organization for that matter, and ask what it does for us in our day to day business. As business owners we have to look at the bottom line in order to stay in business and to be able to have the opportunity to serve our clients. I would put the question out though, "Where does the interest for our services come from?" We do have to be skilled and safe at what we do. We do have to connect with our clientele, which is what many have said is their measure of their success. On one level this is true, but where have our clients come from? When and how did they hear about Pilates? How much of this was perpetuated by both the quality Pilates offerings from services to equipment? How much of this was from low quality product or service with great marketing plans and budgets. Whether we like it or not anything that says Pilates whether it be good or bac has perpetuated all of our businesses. When thinking on a larger scale it is important to realize that even if we are not benefit directly from the PMA or other organizations, we all benefit indirectly from the direction of the industry. This is where the PMA and its membership and even its certification is important. As I stated previously,there will at some point be a "required" direction for the Pilates industry legally and governmentally. I personally want this direction to be established by the Pilates Industry for the Pilates industry. Whether it is clear or not, this is the PMA both in regard to the organization and the exam. As a board member, I do pay attention to what is being said in regard to this both from members and non-members. Keep the dialoge going, this issue is important.

Sincerely,

Shawn Healey

Miss Elizabeth Anderson, after all this dissertation, please feel free to jump in again. JW and Carole and LA, ya'll are so articulate!
JW, I agree, the PMA is not set up to increase business. I do think its set up to a) create unity of some nature, b) open up some discourse and discussion and debate among ELDERS c) set a basic however low minimal standard. Just like the Massage therapy national exam, Nursing exam, baords for chiropractic and boards for Dr's, which changes depending on who takes it, its 10000 random questions and they are switched out on every exam. Its COMPREHENSIVE and covers varying things (so I have heard).
I have not taken the PMA exam, because I don't have the extra dough to throw around (like many of us) right now. Not to say I wouldn't, I just know it won't make a difference to my business or any client. It would be for me, to test my own grasp of all this information.
On that note, I think there is value to Polestar, Stott and PhysicalMind , BASI and the "pre-Pilates" and fundamental work. I also think its important to always STRIVE to keep the Classical work alive. 6 years ago, I could never have done a Grasshopper on the reformer without a spasm that would have put me in bed for a week. Now, I try to adhere as much to the classical program as possible, and I love the FLOW of it, and how beautiful it is to watch and how lovely it feels when performed on Gratz (I own BB and Peak, with cords, and its NOT the same).
The big issue I see as a studio owner is this:
I have a contemporary "certificate" but I teach the classical mat order and reformer orders. I have an instructor who is Stott and one that is BASI. They are both great and smart about functional movement. BUT-
the orders are different, the "words" and "names" of exercises are a little different. So sometimes the clients get confused. Thats why I think the PMA is important... to standardize these basics, and make sure that all teachers are speaking the same language...
any way, 1 more cent from me.

justwondering writes:
"As for my vantage point... We all come to the table with one, whether that be a newly trained teacher, a "master" teacher, a classical teacher, a more progressive and creative teacher, teacher/bodyworker, whatever... ."

Sorry, NOT AT ALL what I meant by vantage point. Please refer to my December 8th comment to Ms. Kopich. Also, since you went on...I don't dismiss the Exam for those who wish to sit for it. I am simply reserving my right to NOT sit for it. I don't like the idea of allowing my arm to be twisted just in order to present.

Dear MF, you write:
"That’s why I think the PMA is important... to standardize these basics, and make sure that all teachers are speaking the same language..."
Another nail on the head!!! Thank you, MF. Worth way more than one cent!!!!

I have some ideas on that...but for now, readers can go back to my November 25th post, if interested—because I know I am not the only one with ideas.

I want to share this with all of you because we can make a difference in peoples lives and I know that why many of us do what we do.I just received a letter from a former client who I have not seen in two years. She was writing to thank me for referring her to a crainial sacral therapist for her baby daughter who was born with a damaged facial nerve and had unilateral facial paralysis. I had worked with this therapist and knew she had the training and backgtound working with infants and had great resluts. Now after two years the baby can smile and works with speach therapists who say that the paralysis is gone and the muscle weakness can be strengthened, the progronosis is that the baby will be fine.
The letter end by saying
"Without you my little girl would not be where she is today, we will never forget you"
Amen, that kind of acknowledgement for this profession is worth 100 PMA certifications

To MF:

Thank you for urging me to post again. I am reading the forum with interest every day, and there are so many different themes going on it’s hard to decide when and where I can most usefully interject.

Fundamentally I want to use this opportunity to clarify things about the PMA. In spite of things I’ve written above, there are still misconceptions being repeated by posters, including the one just stated by LA, who still does not understand the purpose of the exam and seems to have a personal grudge to bear of some kind which he/she repeatedly expresses via insults while cloaked in anonymity, while at the same time singing his/her own praises. I have to choose when and if to try again to clarify things. I am pleased that the discourse is moving into a more thoughtful, philosophical discussion. I am very grateful for the useful and illuminating contributions by ‘justwondering’.

I just want to touch on a couple of things for clarity for our readers:

One can be a PMA member, and not be PMA Certified.
One can be PMA Certified, and not be a PMA member.
Or one can be both.
Or one can be neither.

Any position on the above matrix is a valid one. For myself, I feel that goes without saying, but given some of the discussion above, clearly it’s very important to say it. The ways that we can all occupy space and express ourselves are infinite. We are all part of the whole.

Becoming a PMA Member is voluntary.
Becoming a PMA Certified Pilates Teacher is voluntary.
Creating the organization called the PMA, developing its aims and objectives and working toward them, is voluntary.
Applying to present at the PMA conference is voluntary.

The PMA – and by that I mean all PMA members, all Board of Directors past and present, PMA staff, the Exam Committee, all exam item (question) writers, all committee members, all PMA certificants, all PMA conference presenters, etc etc – all of these people are OF THE PILATES COMMUNITY. There is no ‘us’ and ‘them’. It’s ALL ‘US’, to quote Deborah Lessen, PMA Board President. (I don’t mean to shout – I’m just trying to be emphatic.) Those of us who are actively working in the organization as staff members, are of the Pilates community. Those who volunteer on the Board or on committees, are of the Pilates community. We are not some other kind of foreign beings. ‘We’ and ‘you’ are the same thing – ‘we’ and ‘you’ are all ‘us’ – the Pilates community.

I’m sorry – this is a bit pedantic, please bear with me.

The PMA (people of the Pilates community), have decided this year to require PMA conference presenters to be PMA Certified Pilates Teachers, in an effort to support the credential that they (people of the Pilates community) created. These members of the Pilates community have an objective, which is to have people take the PMA 3rd party credential seriously as an act of establishing this profession. The aim is NOT to exclude anyone. The aim is to urge people to INCLUDE themselves. There are many activities in the world where if you want to participate, you have to meet eligibility requirements established by a given community. In the case of being a PMA conference presenter, eligibility requirements were established by members of the Pilates community who are volunteering under the auspices of the PMA, in other words, the Board of Directors and committee members – all volunteers and members of the Pilates community.

Re: Carole’s statement: [‘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 -....”]

First, it’s patently obvious that professionals need explanation of what the word ‘certified’ actually means. I would imagine that educating our community about this distinction will go on for many, many years, as it has and is in many other industries that are trying to professionalize. We’ve hardly even begun that process.

Second, I’d be happy to make the point that Carole delineates - I’ll have to think of the right place to do it. Yes, when a member of the public goes out to search for a Pilates teacher, they will doubtless find many highly accomplished teachers who are not PMA Certified Pilates Teachers. They will also doubtless find many poor teachers who are not PMA Certified Pilates Teachers. How will they know the difference? What means do they have of assessing whether a Pilates teacher, (into whose hands they will entrust their body, and in some ways their mind, spirit and money), will be at the very least, competent and safe? The only independent, unbiased measure that we have, is the PMA exam. The exam is meant to establish that the teacher is competent and safe. LA (Dec 6) suggests that a teacher’s expertise can be measured by ‘watching (the teacher’s) passion for Pilates awaken in (her client)’. I would submit that this is not a system of measurement, that it is self referential and subjective and that the assertion would not be legally defensible as assurance of professional expertise in court – rewarding and pleasing though it may be. What we need is an objective measure, brought about through professional psychometric procedures which includes a role delineation. This is what the PMA exam is.

As we well know, EVERYONE says they’re an excellent teacher. Has there been one person on this forum who has said ‘Actually, I have to admit, I’m a really bad teacher. And in fact, I say so on my website and brochures! (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) ’? No, Pilates teachers from A to Z ALL publicize themselves as first rate. So, the public really has a job on its hands here. If they are interested in knowing that at the very least their teacher is competent and safe as assured by a 3rd party, then they will want to find someone who has PMA certification. That is a measure of baseline competence. From that starting point, they will then discover if they like the teacher and if they like the results and experience they achieve from their teachings – as well as all the wonderful and amazing qualities their teacher may have, IN ADDITION to being competent and safe.

If there is any doubt in the minds of our readers that there are unsafe, unethical, unprofessional and badly trained Pilates teachers out there in the world, effectively promoting themselves as valid, highly accomplished teachers – let me put your minds at rest. They are out there, and they are successful at getting clients. And we at the PMA office hear from these clients who have been injured, who are in pain, and whose money has been taken. We also hear from teacher trainees who have been abused and abandoned by their schools, whose teachers abscond with their money, or threaten them, or refuse to ever let them finish their courses. They bring us their tales of woe, and they ask how we, the PMA, can stop these people from practicing. Can’t the PMA discipline these people in some way? We have to explain that we can’t. We are not the police, we’re not a regulating body, we have no legal authority. We have to explain that the industry is completely unregulated and that anyone can say they’re a Pilates teacher, or a Pilates teacher trainer, and take money for it. 'Let the buyer beware' is their only safeguard. However, we explain that the PMA is working to professionalize the industry, that the organization has established professional standards and an exam to measure the safety and competency of a given teacher – and we are trying to get more of our fellow members of the Pilates community to participate in that process for the public good. We advise them that if the person being complained about is a PMA member or PMA Certified, that they can file an Ethics Charge Statement (which is part of the PMA’s Ethics Procedures), and move through a series of steps within the PMA structure; at which point the most the PMA can do is reprimand, or revoke membership or certification. Further to that, it is a question for the law. If the person complained about is not a PMA member and not PMA Certified, we can only write a letter, or make a phone call, if that. Further to that, they must call a lawyer, and in some cases, the police.

It’s still early days. We need much more participation by the community to make the credential more meaningful – but it is growing day by day.

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

Elizabeth,
Well put.

It all reminds me that prior to the establishment of organizations like the PMA the 'standards' for practice came from the individual schools/training programs themselves. And as we can see the quality and depth of those programs has become widely variable. Therefore, the credentials, integrity and scope of education has become a very difficult, if not impossible, sea to navigate through when a member of the public is looking for a 'qualified' and competent teacher.

With such growth in the advent of 'schooling' opportunities, it appears an organization like the PMA is necessary to set an acceptable baseline. This way you weed out programs that are less than adequate and create distinction among those groups of teachers.

In my professions 'umbrella' organization I sat to take the first administered pyschometrically valid exam alongside chiropractors, physical therapists and an MD colleague of mine who certainly doesn't 'need' such a fundamentally basic exam to boost his credentials or ranking in the publics eye, but felt it was an important step for the profession as a whole to move forward on a new level and he knows it's the effort of us all that will allow that to happen.

I can only imagine what a mess we'd have on our hands if say physical therapists weren't required to pass exams and graduate with a degree in PT from a sound program. You'd have personal trainers, amateur athletes, massage therapists and the like out there mixed in with properly and well educated individuals all claiming to practice physical therapy... . Thank goodness that's not the case.

But that is the case with Pilates at the moment. And it will only get worse with new trainings popping up left and right by over-zealous teachers who want a piece of the profitable educational pie.

Despite the rise of my professions organization, we still have diversity in our approaches, if not more, and none of my freedoms as a practitioner to develop the work have been hindered. In addition, many bridges have been constructed between schools voluntarily as a result, offering even greater opportunities for growth and advancement.

Good luck with things.

JW

The first line of defense for any teacher, business owner, etc is that you have to believe in what you do. If you don't believe it yourself, you will have a hard time "selling" it to others. I am sure that every teacher on this site is successful in their business because of the passion they exhume in their studios every day. That passion is what attracts the clients you have and the results you give them is why they stay.

I am in no way defending the PMA when I say this, but their mission was to set standards on a "fitness fad" in order to preserve an industry profession.

What I feel resulted is instead of raising the standards on the profession, they "sold out" to the fad and the standards became watered down.

As a past member and Corporate Sponsor of the PMA, I watched the decline as the organization grew. I went from being inspired, to being annoyed by the elitist attitudes. Any corporate sponsor that wasn't an equipment company was of lesser importance to the PMA and at the New Orleans conference was not given so much as a thank you for their support.

As a teacher, I watched the same conference sessions taught by the same presenters year after year. It is in my opinion that a Pilates teacher is not qualified to teach Anatomy & Physiology unless they have the university creditials and the experience to do so. When I wanted to learn about Anatomy & Physiology, I went to a university and learned from an expert in the field. I didn't go to a PMA conference. In five years of attending conferences I did not attend a single workshop that taught me about Joe's work. How do you determine spring resistance, why did Joe make the magic circle 16 inches instead of 14 or 10? Instead I learned how to do a teaser with a magic circle between my ankles and my hands like this was going to revolutionize my mat class. Joe Pilates used the magic circle to develop and strengthen the respiratory muscles, strengthen the external rotators, and rotator cuff muscles. Apparently, that wasn't fancy enough for the presenters committee.

I found out from talking to the equipment companies and the board members through out the years, that they were trying to set standards on an industry that they know very little about. There is way too much of this industry based on consensus and almost nothing based on Joe's work. Every studio is different and the only common thread is that everyone claims they teach Pilates.

As far as Scope of Practice. If you are not a member of the PMA, you do not have to adhere to their guidelines. The PMA's Scope of Practice does not apply to my practice as a Pilates teacher. I "diagnose" a postural problem and I "prescribe" exercises to correct the problem. In order to do that, I need to make physical contact with the client. I have already violated half of the PMA dont's in the clients first session so there is no point in paying for my name to be on the website.

As far as liability is concerned, I can guarentee you that the PMA would be no where to be found to come to your defense even if you were practicing within their scope of practice.

I want to be clear on some points, after which I really do need to get on with my work.

I am not against the PMA. I look forward to an Exam that the community can agree upon as a means to provide a standard for the public.

I have always wanted a pilates community committed to defining a scope of practice for pilates professionals. I have been working on those boundaries with my clients, bodyworkers and alternative medicine practitioners, doctors, psychotherapists, school teachers, and more for many years. I developed a model that helps the public and professionals to understand what we do when we practice the pilates forms. That model, while supported by scientific evidence, was not derived from it. For a period of over ten years, I developed the model from client and coworker feedback; among other things, it provides a framework for communicating about the intuitive processes we use while we teach pilates that other embodiment practices have also investigated. The approach to development was experiential in nature and I consulted with a phenomenologist to support my findings. The findings are also supported by a little-known test that was done in the 1930's by a physical educator on how people relax. It shows that bodies are neurologically different and it has been theorized how that affects brain function, learning style, and communication, among other things.
In other words, the model is body-based.
When pilates is approached in this way, it is neither of a Physical Therapy viewpoint or Fitness viewpoint. These belong to a different paradigm. This is the paradigm that has been thus far been most recognized by the PMA. I feel confident in expressing that opinion, knowing what I physically know, and having been privy to the beginnings of pilates organizations as well as the PMA and I have my own take on their orientation, as well as hearing the four pilates business models put forward at the PMA conference this year, that does not, in fact, include mine.

I have been a member and have supported the idea of an Exam since the inception of the PMA. However, I did not agree with choosing CASTLE as the way to do it or to the money spent on it as a first order of business. Now the PMA is in a conundrum that involves the need to gain support from I would venture to say, at this point, mostly beginning instructors with PT/Fitness bent. As they have turned their focus (if it was, in fact, ever upon the emerging paradigm) towards mostly those in the PT/Fitness paradigm, the PMA excludes a large portion of teachers as well as CREATES a situation that serves to FURTHER ALIENATE members of its so-called "inclusive" community.

I saw the first order of business to be getting the schools together to decide how they can define pilates on their own terms without competing. I have had a way to do that since the mid-90's, but all have been too busy building their empires and competing with each other--to be the FIRST to do this or that----to be able to either understand my motives or to recognize the importance of the physical and mental implications of the 1930's test. I will resist the urge to name names.

Furthermore, while GREATLY dismayed by the competitive natures of the major Teacher Trainings and a few well recognized individuals in the pilates community, as well as the usage of incorrect language by Elders who are supposed to be supporting the PMA and its Exam (shouldn’t trademarks and licensures be a thing of the past?), as well as the behind-closed-doors nature of PMA goings-on due to a poorly executed website or otherwise, I continued my support as I considered that those tactics and practices would END through the hard work of the board or once people had my information. It was not my job to criticize; I felt that others of a business minded nature might step forward to point out these incongruencies, but apparently not. Also, I have had a priority towards my clients and my work and building the model, and I also know that I am best understood when I present my knowledge PHYSICALLY.

All the publicity that Shawn states as having helped me as business owner, has actually not, in that when I began, no one knew what pilates was. I have marketed myself as a movement teacher since I was depositioned for the trademark cancellation. Also, my clients come to me through referral or word of mouth, very few from my yellow page ad that only recently added pilates as a category. I still have trouble explaining what I do to practitioners like the ANONYMOUS justwondering (he is case in point as supporting the dominant paradigm perpetuated by the PMA, so of course, while discounting the comments of other anonymous readers, Elizabeth is grateful for some of his comments; so am I, but I am in better position to illuminate justwondering on both the emerging paradigm and the physical practices of pilates which elude him). I do place pilates as central to my teaching, but the public has to be educated on a variety of levels before the full value of pilates is recognized.

I was hoping to present this year. When the Exam was proclaimed as a requirement, that was the last straw. I decided to start a conversation on Pilates-pro.com to see what other perspectives might support mine. I had a good idea because I always get a great response when I teach my material in terms of community building. I did not actually expect to post responses for now, however, I felt pushed to do so. Thank you, Ms. Kopich and Elizabeth.

I know highly trained teachers who do not like to get involved in pilates politics, long ago affectionately named “pilatics” by a colleague of mine. I was trying to stay out of it myself. As evidenced there are other teachers who, yes, have a bent towards a certain pilates perspective and want nothing do with the PMA, but also are valid teachers. I am happy that those teachers are willing to speak up, albeit anonymously. Perhaps the critical edge would fall away if they felt support and validation for their work. They are closer to the paradigm in which I work than most with a PT or fitness orientation.

I hear that the PMA feels it has not discounted anyone’s work. Then, it should also be willing to hold out a while longer in order for another paradigm to be considered that is, in fact, not interested in negating or dimishing the paradigm the PMA is so fervently focused upon.

There is an opportunity here for a larger scope of pilates to emerge and I hope that I can inspire those on the sidelines with gripes, opinions, and expertise to join me. In any event, I will take it, and I will not compromise my integrity or the position of the “emerging” paradigm (it’s actually been there all along) by taking the ENTRY-LEVEL Exam AT THIS TIME. By requiring me to do so before I can share my knowledge—which is actually a validation of the great scope of pilates with which I believe many will resonate, the PMA has excluded me and many others, and has shown its myopic and limited viewpoint, if not it’s true colors.

Talk amongst yourselves; I'm really tired and I need to get my website up.

Stacey,

First I'll say that throughout this discussion I'm neither for or against PMA itself, but rather in support of the idea of standardization for the sake of professional integrity, preservation and longevity. The Pilates community can figure out whether PMA specifically meets that type of goal.

Stacey, I agree that conference workshops should fall within the scope of the professionals presenting them. Just the same, "diagnosing" conditions should as well. Pilates teachers, regardless of a few anatomy classes, should not be "diagnosing" problems. There are often pathological reasons why someone presents with postural distortions/imbalances, and if you try and 'correct' those surface/musculoskeletal imbalances you could be doing more harm than good by taking away their functional adaptation/compensation for the underlying problem(s). A disc herniation or bulge for instance can often cause a shift in spinal positioning as the bodies way to reduce or avoid further compression of the segments in question. If you try to "prescribe" a corrective movement/postural pattern to make them 'appear' straight and balanced you will likely make the condition worse... something to think about before "diagnosing" postural problems. Our bodies can certainly become distorted through habitual movement/occupational strain patterns, but that's only one potential reasoning for it. Understanding why someone presents as such involves more than just knowledge of anatomy. So unless a teacher is also educated as a physical therapist with proper pathology knowledge and the like, that type of 'practice' should be left up to the professionals properly, & legally, qualified to "diagnose".

This is a good example of how some level of standard could help define a 'scope of practice' and why it's important as far as the safety of the public is concerned.

It's easy enough to simply remain independent from regulation and practice the 'way you want to', but that doesn't justify what you do or make it appropriate.

So as far your comment goes, "The PMA's Scope of Practice does not apply to my practice as a Pilates teacher.", you're right... you have no business doing what you do under the pretense as a 'qualified Pilates' teacher. What you're doing is pretending to be more than a Pilates teacher without any type of credential or certification to do so.

A little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing... Knowing something about the location and action of single muscles doesn't equate to an understanding of its function with the whole... and the hierarchy of system function.

You're right, justwondering, a little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing; that is why I have educated cooperative practitioners in my network when they use the little knowledge they have about pilates to give recommendations to my clients that interfere with their emerging personal path of investigation and embodiment, out of either a fear-based mentality or an over-elevated sense of righteousness with the respect to their particular embodiment practice.

I'll be happy to speak with you, as well, when you decide to come out of anonymity.

Carol,

"I still have trouble explaining what I do to practitioners like the ANONYMOUS justwondering (he is case in point as supporting the dominant paradigm perpetuated by the PMA, so of course, while discounting the comments of other anonymous readers, Elizabeth is grateful for some of his comments; so am I, but I am in better position to illuminate justwondering on both the emerging paradigm and the physical practices of pilates which elude him)"

First of all, I have clearly stated that I'm not in congruence or opposition to the method by which PMA approaches the process, but rather in support of basic standardization for the sake of integrity and safety.

You're snobbish assertion that I don't understand you're work is unfortunately inaccurate. I understand the other components to the work more than you know, as I am a practitioner within the field of somatics, working on a much deeper level in my work than solely that of anatomy and physiology.

However, simply because my interest is primarily in human potential and the development of our kinesthetic intelligence, I don't believe it excuses me from having a sound understanding of the physical structures I'm working with to achieve those ends. Couching ones ignorance of anatomical/physiologic understandings in the notion of a higher metaphysical purpose is simply not safe or acceptable in my opinion. I'm speaking specifically in regards to disciplines that involve physical use and/or manipulation of the body.

So although you may see your approach and purpose in the work to reside in another paradigm altogether (as I see my profession clearly working with a very, very different paradigm than that of PT/Fitness), a paradigm shift does not negate the value and need for a standard level of anatomic understanding.

I find it hypocritical that you continue to suggest that I'm making assertions about people that I don't know, yet you are doing the same towards me. I completely understand your point of view here and respect whatever decision you've made regarding PMA affiliation or otherwise. I'm merely mentioning points that I feel are important. And regardless of ones greater purpose and intention with the work, there still exists a relevant need for basic regulation to protect the public and for some level of cohesiveness within the profession (as a basic definition of "Pilates").

My profession carries a paradigm shift that started with the conception of the work many decades ago. That shift remains prominent in the work today, despite our more recent standardization measures. And within that organization exists a full spectrum of approaches from an emphasis on the psychology/emotional content expressing through our physical being, all the way over to the more anatomically based approach to human structure. However, neither approach excludes the importance or necessity for basic competency in anatomy/physiology and the fundamental principles of the practice.

Organizations should be, in theory, a solid foundation and fertile ground upon which diversification and exploration can take place... All rising from a single idea/premise/method put forth by Joe Pilates.

...It sounds as though you have a lot to offer the Pilates beyond the conventional paradigm approach... at least I would say so. But please do not claim that I'm part of the mass consensus on what Pilates 'should' be, because my stance is anything but that. I personally have many gripes with the PT/Fitness world regarding their mechanistic and 2-dimensional approach to health and well-being, along with the methodology used to attain that state.

And on that last post, ...I was referring to the 'little bit' of anatomy training that Pilates teachers get causing over-zealousness to start treating injuries/problems and such. I agree that practitioners of different disciplines often judge others without understanding what they're judging. I'm not one of those folks and happen to be very open to just about anything because what I do is not the be all, end all. There is no magic bullet... magic method that will address everything for everyone. Forums such as this have been helpful to me in illuminating the broader scope of Pilates, such as your own. I thank you all for that.

Despite occasional disagreements, it's been a pleasure exploring the diverse opinion and ideas expressed hear. I like to play devil's advocate for my own personal growth, so I hope nobody has been offended by it. I may be firm in some beliefs/opinions, but retain my flexibility and open mind in others as well. To each his own... .

To justwondering:
I could not have been grouping you with those practitioners that I wrote about in my post: I do not know who you are. It would be very helpful indeed if you could refrain from taking all I say as personally meant for you and simply express your viewpoint without using derogatory remarks. I agree with much of it. In fact, I have thanked you and made the distinction that I have both agreed and disagreed with some of your comments and have done so respectfully and in a spirit of cooperation. Perhaps, if you identified yourself, you would be more prone to adopting a cooperative vantage point.

In playing devil's advocate, your purposes are served for, as you say, your own personal growth. Glad you are having fun. I, however, am very serious about my position in order to promote what I believe is quite possibly the same kind of paradigm shift that you have witnessed. Unfortunately, I have come in contact with few in your profession who believe that a mere pilates teacher could grasp the fullness of your intent.

I am not a snob. I am not hypocritical. And, there's an "e" at the end of my name.
Respectfully,
Carole Amend

To Elizabeth Anderson, Let me first say that I am a member of PMA and have been for several years. I have no grudge with any person or the organization in and of itself if fact I support and and applaud the efforts of the individuals who are working to give the industry legitimacy.
But I take offence with your pompous and condecending tone. I do not use this forum to promote myself. I am humble in my quest for more knowledge about Pilates,and have said as much. I hold myself to a high standard and strive toward excellence but I never claim to know it all.-
My response about how I measure what I do was taken out of context and was in answser to a question posed by Carol.I feel very fortunate to be in a profession I love and to help people feel better,, but I take no credit for the Pilates work, that goes to Joeseph Pilates I am just a conduit for teaching his method, and I do it with a full heart and with joy because I believe in it.

Let me ask you, Who are you to put me down? I never attacked you personally. I am not trying to exploite this site for my personal gain. I am merely responding like others offering my opinion or point of view.
and that is that the PMA has shown no responsibility to uphold the standards they are claiming to set when all it takes to get listed on the website as a training school is payment of a fee. And while you say you do not endorse these schools, there is an implication of that when the names are seen on the PMA site.

Before the PMA there was just one person who set himself as the regulator of the Pilates industry and he ruled it with an iron fist so that no one could even utter the name with paying a price. There were many instructors out ther who were wonderful but if they didn't go to his school they were not recognized. I thought the lawsuit was suposed to release us from that tyrany.

So now I ask, where did the PMA board members come from as representatives of the entire Pilates community? Was there some kind of election that I missd out on because I don't remember voting.

LA (aka, Leeann Artur)

Sorry the tone has seemed to change between us. But I'm not sure what's worse, being passive agressive and condescending in your commentary towards me or about my commentary, or stating outright what I'm reading from you.

Again you said:
"I still have trouble explaining what I do to practitioners like the ANONYMOUS justwondering (he is case in point as supporting the dominant paradigm perpetuated by the PMA, so of course, while discounting the comments of other anonymous readers, Elizabeth is grateful for some of his comments; so am I, but I am in better position to illuminate justwondering on both the emerging paradigm and the physical practices of pilates which elude him)"

If that's not condescending with a spice of arrogance then call me crazy. It contained a clear and outright assumption of my ideologic beliefs and the last bit.... well condescending and arrogant as I mentioned. You're in "a better position to 'illuminate'" me on matters that presumably "elude" me. ...???? I'm sorry Carole, but I didn't realize the discussion I was participating in here was about the your specific 'paradigm view' and how that fits, or doesn't fit, with the PMA. Please excuse me, but I don't recall getting into a conversation with you on your particular approach (although I'd be happy to do so).

Now fair is fair. The comment I made (not towards you at all) regarding a "little bit of knowledge" was in clear reference to anatomy and the teachers. Not about 'other' practitioners judging your work... ??? Whos really making this personal?

And when you read that comment you made a couple of posts ago you suggest that other practitioners are giving conflicting advice out of "fear" or "self-righteousness". How about considering that maybe others are just as knowledgeable as yourself, or maybe see things from a different light that your approach hasn't "illuminated" yet. They might even have more experience or knowledge in that situation than yourself... who knows, but I think the reasons for a possible conflict of advice could be far more than what you suggested. It seems a little snobbish to me that you are the only one who knows best how to help someone, or that maybe you yourself could learn something from someone else's point of view. And although you might not like my direct choice of wording, it's merely an adjective to describe what I'm reading, even if it isn't how you meant it to sound.

I'm disappointed that our discussion has changed tones. I can't help but feel that based on your last few comments this began to get personal for you. If the PMA does not want to promote a paradigm that you believe in then you have every right to not participate. I wish and would hope that organizations like the PMA don't take subjective stances on matters like that, because as I mentioned earlier, there should be room for several points of view and approaches under the same umbrella. This all sounds like a problem within the organization itself, not one that is inherent in such an organization. It's easier to conceptually start a group like the PMA, but another thing altogether to manage its function... And it sounds like there is going to have to be some internal reform before the Pilates community as a whole can come together and work 'cooperatively' despite their specific differences in ideological beliefs.

As for the last comment you made about playing devil's advocate... another sarcastic remark that wasn't necessary. Maybe empathy would be a better word to convey the purpose I had in mind. Yes, you're absolutely right that cultivating an understanding for anothers point of view serves as a means for personal growth, including MY OWN. Are you somehow suggesting that you're purpose here is solely to 'educate and inform' others? Or that you're beliefs/ideas/perspective is above reproach or self-reflection? That you as well couldn't benefit from considering another point of view? After all, that is what playing devil's advocate is about... thoroughly considering multiple views for the benefit of greater understanding of the whole picture.

I don't believe that you're opposed to that notion, I really don't. I think that things have gotten a little heated and we're BOTH making personal jeering remarks and have lost sight of our initial intent. I have no right to make personal comments about you, I just described the REMARKS you made towards me... I didn't call you a snob or hypocritical... just the comments themselves, which for better or worse, was how they came forth.

My anonymity was initially to say that I'm not here to serve my ego or any personal agenda. Many folks will use forums like this to 'sell' themselves. Not my intention or desire.

To justwondering:

Please insert the following in bold:"...but I am in better position THAN ELIZABETH to illuminate...."

I am sorry that you took it personally. It was more meant to point out Elizabeth's duplicity in being both grateful for your ANONYMOUS remarks as you spoke to her purpose, yet she would condemn LA for her anonymity.

To clarify the second half: Somatics practitioners need to assume a high level of responsibility and expertise for their clientele because of the deep touch element, and so, I would hope that a hands-on practitioner would assume the role of "expert" for their client. By choice, I rarely assume this role by means of touch. Amazing things can done through both movement AND touch, separately or together, and in that way, with a knowledge of movement, your scope of practice is different than mine and most probably crosses over paradigms more often.

Yes, I did lump you in that instance with other somatic professionals, who have been less than kind or respectful to me, until they understand the LEVEL at which I work and the results I am able to support. This level at which I work is sometimes as simplistic as material in the Anatomy Coloring Book (although I have studied lots more), and it is quite helpful to clients; I meet my clients where they are. While after 27 years I have reached a level where I dare to have enough confidence to claim some sort of movement expertise, I still operate under a commitment to a reciprocal learning environment with my clients, coworkers and my cooperative network. My sessions with clients are process-oriented and never about how much I know, rather about what is emerging in them.

Perhaps you could forgive the less than perfect wording--it was already too long a discourse--and try to give me the benefit of the doubt that I in no way meant to disrespect you. In defense of my comment, until I made it in response to your support of the PMA at that moment, I am not sure whether anywhere else on this site you have ever stated your view on the paradigm shift. I am glad that you were able to make that distinction, just as the PMA team has had a chance to clear up misconceptions. Perhaps you could help me to illuminate the paradigm shift to the PMA because I have obviously been less than successful in stating my case to them.

As for the physical pilates practices remark, you have already said that you would be open to hearing about where I have disagreed with some of your statements on pilates on this site. I believed you. I am fairly certain that Elizabeth is not in a position to recognize those subtle movement qualities or distinctions about the apparatus and relate them to you.

As for: "Are you somehow suggesting that you're purpose here is solely to 'educate and inform' others? Or that you're beliefs/ideas/perspective is above reproach or self-reflection? That you as well couldn't benefit from considering another point of view?" I am going to let that one go considering I have stated otherwise several times and I have no need to defend my expertise in my field to you.

Again, respectfully,
Carole Amend

Good GOD already! Could you people quit with the epic diatribes? Keep it short or move on. It's Pilates, not the cure for cancer or brain surgery! And passing an exam does not ensure competent teachers. Just look at the medical profession.

Hello just wondering, we have had an exchange in the past and I look forward to your input. I agree with Stacey on much of what she had to say, but as in previous posts from her, where she took a lot of flak,I still think that it is dangerous to diagnose a condition or try" to fix" a problem other than what is in our scope of practice. Times have changed since Joe Pilates plied his trade in his studio and we need to be mindful that unless we are licenced as Doctors or PT's or have a medical background we should not under any circumstances even usse the word diagnose. We are after all movement teachers, or exercise teachers, if you will,and that is why I refer my clients to chiropractors, or PT's or MD's if there is an issue or problem that is causing pain and it is not from the normal issues I see. Now I will say that as a definition, Pilates is a method of "corrective exercises designed to reeducate the muscles to help create a more uniformly balanced body.In the process of our education, we are trained to recognize these imbalances and muscular patterns of holding tension and we learn how to treat them with the appropriate exercise, done with the correct form and breath to help release the tension., .
I don't pretend to be anything other than a person who has been trained in the Pilates Method and that is what I teach. I think that in the process of setting industry standards a lot of people have become carried away with themselves . (do not misconstrue, I am not referring to Carole Amend whose point of view I respect,)in any event,I commend you for your insightful remarks and we should all take heed.
However there have always been charletans and fakes in every profession. The PMA cannot be a watchdog for the industry and should not even assume that role.

rebelred - You're right on all accounts. But still, imagine the mess we'd be in trying to find a decent and relatively competent MD if we didn't have any standard at all. Nothing is 'fool' proof unfortunately.

Carole - I'm sorry you're treated as such by certain individuals... Suffice to say, it happens in both directions so I know where you're coming from. I've had my share of encounters with self-righteous feldenkrais practitioners, pilates, yoga, ...the list goes on.

And I think in the context of a paradigm shift I more clearly understand your concerns and needs alike. And I can see why the conventional application of pilates might fall short of meeting those interests.

I suppose I'm fortunate thus far in that our organization as a whole is founded/representative of the work itself, which exemplifies a paradigm shift at its core... it was the shift in thinking and perception that gave birth to the approach. People then fraction from there to go in different directions with it.

Sorry all for the dissertations.... . I think I've contributed what I can on this one.

Peace, Kindness & Respect to all of you,
JW

Thanks LA, I wasn't trying to come down on Stacey again.. I think you summed up my concerns well.

Best

Dear Leeann –

I would like to apologize. I think that for me, there was a buildup of hard feelings due to a number of comments you've made about the PMA, however I want to say that I also felt that in your posts you made many perceptive and sensitive remarks which I’ve appreciated very much and learned from. It’s clear that you care very much about your work in Pilates and have great results with your clients. That is always inspiring and informative to read about and I don't mean to discount that. But, your messages so frequently end with a sharp whack at the PMA. I have to admit that I do feel attacked when you say the PMA is an elite mafia, and we're trying to create a pompous and self-serving heirarchy. Don't you think you would if you were in my shoes? We’re only human beings here. Sometimes we react, when we should contain our feelings. I will learn from this. In any event, I apologize for coming across as pompous and condescending. That’s not how I want to be with people.

To Carole - With regard to the anonymity issue, I don’t see why everyone doesn’t use their name. However, with justwondering – I never felt under repeated attack by his/her posts, which is why I didn’t feel an objection to their anonymity. I suppose that there are many reasons why people don’t want to make their identities known.

I agree with JW’s sign off –

Peace, Kindness & Respect to all of you, and have a good weekend.

Elizabeth Anderson

I wanted to clarify that above I meant - sometimes I react, when I should contain my feelings. I was speaking of myself.

Bye.

I have posted as anonymous and I like it, its a guilty pleasure. Um Hellooooooooo. Its a BLOG.

1) Thanks rebeired for that succinct remark.
2) I like it when people can make their points in within a paragraph or so. Its just personal preference.

hmmm... its 12:40 am on the east coast and it took a while to get all the way to the end. I'm just sayin'.

Thank you, LA, much appreciated.