The Challenging Clients…

Image found on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nuco/3927930428/sizes/m/in/photostream/
Thank you!

Wouldn’t it be great if each client you work with is shows up on time, is kind, agreeable, works hard and says “thank you”?  That would be great.  But…not all of your clients are like this.  True?

How you deal with the difficult client is as important if not more important than how you deal with your ideal clients.

While you may wish that all of your clients are perfectly wonderful, the truth is that you meet up with all kinds of people when you teach.  Once, a new teacher said to me that she will just have a little studio and never teach people that she doesn’t like.  I thought “That is spectacular!  What a luxury!”  However, whether you are an independent contractor, employee or studio owner…you’re going to find yourself with a difficult client…even just for one session…but likely for many more.  You are not always in that luxurious position to be able to choose your clientele.

The issues between client and teacher that cause friction are multifold.  They range from:

Habitually late

Doesn’t pay on time

Late cancel and doesn’t want to pay

Gets frustrated at your cueing

Fights you on your cues and tries to control the session

Rushes you in the session

Doesn’t listen to your cueing

Treats you like a servant

Fights you on all areas from cleaning apparatus to paying for the sessions

Talks on the phone during the session

and so many more…

Let’s tackle two of them:

The client who fights you on your cues and tries to control the session

The client who doesn’t seem to listen to you

The first one used to really bother me

The second one used to really bother a friend and colleague of mine.

You, too?

The most important thing to recall when dealing with any client, difficult or incredible, is that you are in a service industry and while you do not need to serve all of your clients’ idiosyncrasies, you are meant to focus on one thing:  Giving your client the appropriate workout.  You are getting paid to teach Pilates (or whichever other modality you teach).  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  With that, you must behave accordingly on all accounts whether you love or hate your client.

The client who fights you on your cues and tries to control the session.

This client behaves as though she knows better than you on all points.  She knows which apparatus to begin on; which version of the exercise is right for her; which session time would be better even though you cannot accommodate with your schedule.  She thinks there is always something wrong with the apparatus, certainly not her.  Nothing you seem to say satisfies her…yet she still comes back for more and even wishes you had more sessions available. Oh, why won’t you open up time for her?  You arrive dreading the session, grit your teeth through it and then breathe a sigh of relief when she’s gone…depleted for the rest of the day.

Yes…we’ve all had or have this client.

Well, some people are like this.  Do they not need you too?  Of course they do.  Maybe even more than the seemingly perfect client.  Maybe <em>you</em> need this client, too.

You see, this person is quite insecure.  (We are all insecure, of course.)  She feels out of control.  She shows her insecurity here by trying to control the session and that means attempting to control you, too.  Of course.  In the rest of her life, she is the “top dog”.  She is the expert.  Everyone always bows down to her.  But now, in the studio, she is in a position of student, not teacher.  She feels like she is in a weakened position.  Of course, we know that she is not in a weakened position, but she can’t feel that, yet.  She doesn’t believe that being a student is strong.  However, we know that learning is everything.

Of course, there are times that you’d like to say “Hey, Lady…you’ve come to me to take a session…to learn from me.  I’m the expert in this scenario and you are the novice…so just do as I say and zip it!”  But…you can’t say that.  You lose the client, destroy your reputation and,<em> if you’re any sort of human being, you feel incredibly guilty that you just treated an insecure person like this!</em>

We have to make a plan, then, of how to address this client and how to address your own natural feelings of frustration..

First is how you behave.

You must not react to your clients’ behavior (in all instances)…unless they are being truly abusive of you.  You must always take the “high road”.  You have to take a deep breath, assess the situation, recognize this is an insecure person who feels out of control…and see her as a human.  She’s not a monster.  She’s just a human being.

Once you see this controlling client as the human that she is.  You have multiple options:

1 – You work around her controlling behavior by being kind.  You attempt a short explanation of why you are giving her the cues that you are, but if she fights you over and over again…you know what? Just skip it.  Move on or do the version that she wants to do as long as it’s not dangerous.  It’s not a big deal if she does semi-circle with fists against the shoulder blocks like you’d like because she is so petite or palms against them the way she was first taught and the only way that she’ll apparently do it.

Pick your battles wisely.  Because when it comes to the big stuff, then you will have stored up some points and extra leverage.

You can’t give in all of the time.  You must remember that you are ultimately in control of the session…but some things are not worth the fight.  That will be a manner of controlling the session.  She is looking for a fight…don’t give her the fight.

2 – If it is so difficult and you can’t manage a session.  Then there needs to be a discussion.  Whether she is your client or a studio client, you can surely say something like “I understand that you have done this other ways in the past…” or “I realize that you are concerned about this…” or “I know you love the begin on the reformer…” but “I have a plan for you and would like to make sure you get what it is that you’re taking this session for…”  (Then remind her why she is there.)  ”Please give me the chance to give you a quality session.”

Most teachers are uncomfortable with a little bit of confrontation.  But…you’ve got to have a direct line of communication with your clients.  You must set up that you are in charge and you set the work in the session.  You have to resist giving the control over to the client.  That doesn’t mean that you are controlling or like a drill sergeant.  It just means that you have to “command the session with kindness”, as I am fond of saying.  Lead with a good and open heart, but do lead.

If this doesn’t work or you feel that it is not appropriate to your culture or the culture of the studio, then have a discussion with the owner or manager about the situation and see if she or he can act as a bridge, of sorts, between the two of you.  A gentle conversation between the three of you can change everything.

This client is not evil…just challenging.  Find a way to feel for her insecurity.  Take a look on line and see what it is that she does for a living.  Perhaps you’ll find yourself impressed by her work and/or efforts in life.  You might be surprised.  Maybe she has had a struggle.  There’s something in there that makes her behave as she does.  Have a heart.  Again…as long as she is not actually abusive…see the human in her.

The client who doesn’t seem to listen to you

Do you have this client, too?!  Of course you do!

This person does not seem particularly present during the entire session.  Perhaps he is the early client before work.  Midday client.  After work client.  Oh…he is the client who has work on his mind all of the time.  Yes…you know this man (or woman).

You give him cues that you know are going to get him in gear!  and…he doesn’t even hear you.  He doesn’t alter his movement to your cueing at all.  You wonder if you’re talking to a brick wall.  Well…you sort of are.  You’ve got to change your normal way.

Did I say that you change?  Yes.  You must change your normal way.

He is thinking of other things because work is on his mind and he is (like the controlling client) uncomfortable being in the position of student when he is usually in the position of lord and king…employer and head-honcho.  Of course, this is a strange position to be in…so he blocks it out, though he is there with you and moving.  Even more problematic…he continues to think about his business, while in the session.  He is still at work while in the session.  He even answers his phone, checks his emails and texts.

First, let’s congratulate this client.  A lot of people work all day and don’t even get any exercise in at all.  This person at least makes it to your session.  That’s special.  Whatever is accomplished in the session is good!

Know that this client is going to go in and out of being present in the session.  You will not be able to predict it.

Here are a couple of options:

1- Perhaps you need to begin by talking less, as a rule.  Perhaps his mind is elsewhere and your cues are white noise to him.  I suggest starting each new exercise with your strong cueing and then hold back from cueing over and over again.  Then…make sure your cues are really necessary.  (I suggest this as a rule all of the time, anyway)

If he still doesn’t respond, which is quite likely, then address him by name.  Of course, let’s call him “John”  (as in “John Doe”).  Perhaps your cue is in footwork and you want him to press the carriage out until his legs are actually straight, but he always stops short of straight.  Say something akin to “John, you must fully extend your legs.”  He might actually respond because you called him by name.  It will take him out of the fog or different place in his brain that he is in.  He has been addressed directly and the white noise is gone.

Call him by name and give a hands-on cue at the same time.  Then he is even more alert…back into present time and place.

2 – With that…varying  your cues is vital to keeping this client present…and all clients, as a matter of fact.  Say the the cue one way, then repeat it, repeat it in a different way and then hands on if you need.  With the same example as above, it might sound like this “Press the carriage away until your legs are straight.  Press the carriage out until your legs are straight.  John, push out until you legs are strong and long…longer”

3- Again, like our controlling client before, you may need to have a brief discussion with him.  Address the situation with kindness rather than harshness.  Perhaps something like “John, I understand that you are a busy man and have work on your mind even when you’re exercising, but I want to give you what you are here for and make sure you get the most out of the session.  Try to stay as present with me as you can.”

It may or may not work…but it’s worth trying.

Just be safe with your client and consider what is the most important aspect of the session you want this client to achieve.  Make sure that happens and it will be a successful session.

The Key

The key is NO REACTION

No matter how frustrated you might be with these two types of clients or any clients (or any other clients)…you must not react.  You must not lash out or show your frustration.  That is not your job and it’s likely the quickest way to lose your job…or at least the client.  It’s not helpful to anyone and it’s certainly not what a true teacher does.

That doesn’t mean you are not human.  Of course you want to react.  You just must not.

Good luck!

****Thank you for taking the time to read and continue your education in this way!

Here are upcoming workshops and session information:

Full details are on my website under “Workshop Calendar”:

http://www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

New York, NY, USA: May 28, 2013

Chicago, IL, USA: June 1&amp;2, 2013

New York, NY, USA:  June 6-9 (Sessions at Art of Control/Contrology Conference)

Denver, CO, USA: July 12-14, 2013 (Pilates on Tour)

New York, NY, USA: August 4, 2013

Austin, TX, USA:  August 24 &amp; 25, 2013

Vermont, USA:  September 28 &amp; 29 (full information coming soon)

DENMARK:  November 8-10 (full information coming soon)

ITALY:  December 6-8 (full information coming soon)

Again, full information on all of these workshops is on my website: http://www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

Please keep your eyes peeled for upcoming products I will be introducing to continuing your education from your own home with the aural rhythm manuals, webinars, videos, manuals and more!

If you have any questions about Pilates, injuries, biomechanics…just email me at info@TheVerticalWorkshop.com I will always work to get you answers.

Thanks for taking the time to read!

- Shari Berkowitz

The Vertical Workshop

Pilates Teacher Blog:

http://www.TheVerticalWorkshop.wordpress.com

Simplicity = Understanding

(full photo credit unknown)

If it’s complicated, it probably isn’t correct.
The hierarchy/pyramid of “correctness” or Truth: Simple is on the top and Complicated is on the bottom.

If it takes more than three short sentences to explain…you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Wow! That was a loaded introductory paragraph!

This statement I’m making applies to all of Life…including Pilates.
You see…though aspects of existence, including movement, appear complex, they are truly simplistic and minimalistic at the core. The building blocks of anything are not intricate. Everything can be broken down into basic components. If you can’t break it down basic components, then you don’t actually understand it. That’s OK…just means there’s more work to be done.

How does this apply to Pilates?
When a client asks “why do we pump our arms in The Hundred?” The answer ought to be simple:
The rapid, big movement of the arms challenges your ability to stabilize your torso and outstretched legs and revs up your cardio-vascular system.
Done.
Any more complicated than that…you don’t really know the answer.
More study in the right places.
Look for simplicity.

Along the same lines, the answer for “my left hip, right shoulder and neck hurt…also my right ankle and sometimes my knees. What’s wrong with me?” It’s not 5 separate ailments. It’s one. Which one? All. We’re a completely connected organism. Any imbalance to one area is an imbalance of the whole. Pain in one area always begets pain or dysfunction in another in the action of creating balance…even if that balance also creates pain and discomfort. So the answer to your client…”nothing is wrong with you. You are human having a full body response to being imbalanced. Good thing you’re here!” And then what will you focus on? Each of these areas separately? No. That would be complicated. Go to the fusebox of movement and stability in the body…the pelvis and spine…and you will be able to address all things at once:

Is it that simple? Yes.

Does she have an abdominal connection?
Are her lumbar vertebrae mobile or immobile?
Are her femoral heads free in their acetabulum or stuck?
If mobility and freedom…then continue with that moving up the spine and down the legs.
If immobility and stuck…then your answer is clear. Start to stabilizing the pelvis and mobilizing the lumbar spine and/or the femoral head.

And this brings me to the most simple of all statements: That mobility and stability at the pelvis is the most important place to start with everyone. EVERYONE.

The human body is far more simplistic that you think. Yes, yes, everyone is different, but…everyone (everyone) is the same. As much as we hold our individuality dear (especially in my country, The USA), the truth is that we’re all the same. We all have the same components. Sure, sure, some people have wisdom teeth, some don’t. Some have psoas minor and some don’t. Some have their sciatic nerve running through the piriformis muscle, some don’t. Also, some have body parts removed. Some have one ailment, some have another. Some have many ailments. The variables of each person’s imbalances are innumerable. Still…we’re all the same and all designed to physically behave the same way. Our components are really the same.

With that…no matter how many apparently complicating variables there are…we must address each person’s body the exact same way. If the joint between sacrum and lumbar spine (L5-S1) and/or (but likely “and”) the joint between acetabulum and femoral head don’t move and don’t behave as joints any longer…that will be a sure sign of dysfunction across the body.  That is for every body…everybody.

You might intuitively believe that the body is responsive…but do you really believe it and know it? Study Biotensegrity (prepare yourself for my next articles on it). Because our bones are suspended in the tension web of our soft-tissue, any force against or on one part of our body will elicit a response from the entire body…the entire organism. Dr. Stephen M. Levin is the leading researcher on how this applies to the human body.  I’m a proud to call him a colleague and friend.  Read his papers, commentary and more at www.biotensegrity.com

So…applying simplicity to Pilates today:

Just look at your client and note movement or non-movement in L5-S1 and in the acetabulofemoral joint (hip joint).  Are these joints able to move in all directions?  Are they stuck in some.  Can your clients make the choice to stabilize them when desired to mobilize something else?  If the answer is no to any aspect of those questions…then you most focus on that primarily.  In fact, if you use the most basic exercises in Pilates in the first sessions…that will tell you all you need to know about what is and what is not working well in your client.

Do not concern yourself with why you client’s shoulder is “stuck” until you are thoroughly satisfied that s/he has great mobility, ability and stability of L5-S1 and in the acetabulofemoral joints.  The shoulder will stay stuck until those joints are mobile, back and abdominals are strong and able, upper leg muscles and hip/glutes are strong…then we’ll see how the shoulder responds.

Here are some exercises that are basic that will help you focus on what is and what isn’t happening with your client:

Reformer:

Footwork, Leg Cirlces/Frogs, Elephant, Knee Stretches, Running and Pelvic Lift:
Keep the pelvis and spine stable while you mobilize the acetabulofemoral joints.
Femurs should move without moving the pelvis.

Round, Straight on Short Box:
Keep femurs stable, mobilize the acetabulofemoral joints

Mat:

The Half-Roll Down, The Roll Up:
Keep femurs stable, mobilize the acetabulofemoral joints L5-S1 and the rest of the spine

Single Leg Circles and Abdominal Series:
Keep the pelvis and spine stable while you mobilize the acetabulofemoral joints.

Spine Stretch Forward and The Saw:
Keep pelvis and legs stable while you mobilize L5-S1 all the way up to the skull.

Does that make sense?  That is the most important thing to start to recognize and then focus on.  What does it take for your client to get it?  A lower abdominal abdominal connection, back muscle connection and leg and gluteals connection.  The glutes not by squeezing them (because that doesn’t strengthen them…only jams joints) but by pressing straight legs back against the mat, working to straight legs on the footwork exercises on the reformer while the reformer moves the entire time the legs are moving…

These are great places to begin.

How long do you focus on this stability and mobility?  Until your client (or you) get it.

Really?!

Yes.

Nothing gets accomplished buy bopping around from one theme to another.  Be simplistic…focus on the most important thing first.  You can find this action or stability in every exercise (or legs, pelvis and spine stable while you move the arms)…focus on it in every exercise.

Please ask me questions.  This is a rather broad topic that i just hit on.  Again…it’s not difficult.  It’s simplistic.  That doesn’t mean easy…just not complicated.

****Thank you for taking the time to read and continue your education in this way!  Here are upcoming workshops and session information:

Here’s what’s coming up in the next few months:
Full details are on my website under “Workshop Calendar”: http://www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com
Boston and Northborough, MA, USA: April 20 & 21, 2013
London ENGLAND: April 26-28, 2013 (Pilates on Tour); sessions at Pi Studios
Rhinebeck, NY, USA: May 19, 2013
New York, NY, USA: May 28, 2013
Chicago, IL, USA: June 1, 2013
Denver, CO, USA: July 12-14, 2013 (Pilates on Tour)

Again, full information on all of these workshops is on my website: http://www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

Please keep your eyes peeled for upcoming products I will be introducing to continuing your education from your own home with the aural rhythm manuals, webinars, videos, manuals and more!

If you have any questions about Pilates, injuries, biomechanics…just email me at info@TheVerticalWorkshop.com I will always work to get you answers.

Thanks for taking the time to read!
- Shari Berkowitz

The Vertical Workshop

Pilates Teacher Blog:
http://www.TheVerticalWorkshop.wordpress.com

A Stunning (and Simple) Reminder…

At the start of each workshop, I ask the participants “Why do people come to Pilates?” It’s important to remember what we’re doing and why. Before each session, I recall why this client has come to the studio.

So…ask you to recall: Why do people come to Pilates?

The many of you ready this will all have different answers, but are likely akin to the following:
1 To get out of pain – they hurt somewhere and have been told Pilates will make them feel better.
2 For core support – they were told they need “core support”…whatever that is. They likely don’t know what that is but believe it has something to do with abdominal strengthening.
3 To get flat abdominals – Sure…they hear that in Pilates you develop strong abdominals.
4 To get a “Pilates Body” – That means as long and lean a body as is possible.
5 For exercise – Pilates is their exercise of choice.
6 For better posture – Some people have had a lifetime of poor posture and are finally ready to break out of their habits and get more upright.

These and many others are the reasons people come to Pilates. Note that they are all looking for movement, strength…exercise.

Of course…you know this. But taking a moment, a mere moment, before each session to remember why your client is coming: her goals…and your goals for her (because you might have additional goals for your client…you likely do).

It’s easy to slip into the instruction stupor. You drone in and out of one session into the other. Bear with me here: you are bored and boring…(I say that with love). That’s just that you’ve forgotten your goals. Perhaps your only goal was some extra work on the side or work while you wait for something else to come along. That’s OK…but why not take on the goal of the Pilates session…and the session will be effective.

When you have purpose in a session (and in life), then each hour is of value. There is always a great answer to “what are we doing here?” We’re working toward something. Something spectacular.

Of course “what are we doing here?” is the question of The Ages. A philosophical endeavor. But let’s narrow it to the universe of Pilates…and we can really focus: we are exercising, working to develop a strong and supple body, attaining fitness and health goals (specific to the client)…

So…a mini-blog/article/post while I travel down to Washington, D.C. to teach in Bethesda, MD for the weekend…let’s just remember what we’re doing each hour. Your goals for your client, your goals for yourself!

Enjoy!
- Shari

Here’s what’s coming up in the next few months:
Full details are on my website: http://www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

Washington, D.C., Bethesda & Rockville, MD, USA: March 16-17, 2013
Boston and Northborough, MA, USA: April 20 & 21, 2013
London ENGLAND: April 26-28, 2013 (Pilates on Tour); sessions at Pi Studios
Rhinebeck, NY, USA: May 19, 2013
New York, NY, USA: May 28, 2013
Chicago, IL, USA: June 1, 2013
Denver, CO, USA: July 12-14, 2013 (Pilates on Tour)

Again, full information on all of these workshops is on my website: http://www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

Please keep your eyes peeled for upcoming products I will be introducing to continuing your education from your own home!

If you have any questions about Pilates, injuries, biomechanics…just email me at info@TheVerticalWorkshop.com I will always work to get you answers.

Thanks for taking the time to read!
- Shari Berkowitz
The Vertical Workshop

Pilates Teacher Blog:
http://www.TheVerticalWorkshop.wordpress.com

Upcoming Workshops Near You…

Hello!

Before I post the latest article, please take a look at the next handful of workshops I’ve got coming up.  There will be more in 2013, but these are the ones that are confirmed as of this post (March 9, 2013).

If you don’t see one that you can come to, please email me and let’s set up something at the studio that you work at or own.  Email me at info@TheVerticalWorkshop.com

Full information on all of these workshops is on my website:  www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

Washington, D.C., Bethesda & Rockville, MD, USA: March 16-17, 2013
Boston and Northborough, MA, USA: April 20 & 21, 2013
London ENGLAND: April 26-28, 2013 (Pilates on Tour); sessions at Pi Studios
Rhinebeck, NY, USA: May 19, 2013
GERMANY: June 7, 2013
AUSTRIA: June 8-9, 2013
Denver, CO, USA: July 12-14, 2013 (Pilates on Tour)

Again, full information on all of these workshops is on my website:  www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

Please keep your eyes peeled for upcoming products I will be introducing to continuing your education from your own home!

All the best, 

- Shari Berkowitz

Shari Berkowitz & The Vertical Workshop

www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

Colleague Questions: Sciatica

Shari Berkowitz and Cheryl Sullivan Cole at Pilates on Tour Atlanta, GA 2013

Thank you, as always, for reading and continuing your education here on Shari Berkowitz & The Vertical Workshop’s Pilates Teacher Blog.  I’m going to start posting articles in several different topic-groups.  One will be “Colleague Questions”.  That’s what we have today.

I always ask that if you have questions regarding biomechanics or Pilates, to please reach out to me.  I will work to either answer your question or guide you toward an answer…my choice on that is based on my desire for you to learn and continue practicing being a critical thinker.  I will always, always give you the help you need…most often I will ask that you work to gain the answer rather than my just giving it to you.  That way I am really helping you!

Here is a question from a colleague about a client who is experiencing symptoms of sciatica. I’ve not included any personal information on the teacher or client…just our discourse with some additional information to help flesh out the education.  The final part of our interaction is full of information of what to do and what not to do…solid guidelines.

I’ll continue to post some of the interactions I have from wonderful teachers from all over the world.  I spend a hearty part of each day doing this via email…might as well share:

Colleague: Janet

Line of pain for sciatica

Client Issue:  Sciatica

Conversation:

JANET:

Hello Shari,

I have a question, a student asked if I could suggest stretches for Sciatica. I told her I would do some research and get back to her. So here I am asking you what to suggest? Any help would be appreciated.
Best,
Janet

SHARI:

Hi, Janet,

It’s great hearing from you!

I’m glad you reached out!  Here’s what I suggest you do…and I will give you the answer, too:

A-1 IMPORTANT:  Is she self-diagnosed?  Did she see a doctor?  Why does she think this is sciatica?  What are her symptoms?  How long and how often does she have this?

If the determination is some sort of sciatic or seeming sciatica:

1st: You must study what sciatica is.  There are many ailments that present themselves like true sciatica.  So…study away!  Two that you will clearly encounter and should study up on are actually Sciatica and then Piriformis Syndrome.

2nd:  Once you see how the sciatic nerve is affected in both Sciatica and then Piriformis Syndrome you will recognize that no matter how badly your client wants to stretch his/her hamstrings…she must not!  She will be overstretching an impinged nerve only causing more damage.  So…

1 – No stretching of hamstrings.

2 – Eliminate all hamstring stretch components of exercises.  For example:  Single Leg Circles, The Spine Stretch Forward and The Saw – do with bent knees and other such exercises.  Skip things like Single Straight Leg Stretch/Scissors, Side Kicks, The Tree…these things are just asking for trouble when she is in pain.

3 – Stretch the lower back and back of hips – So I’ll ask you, Janet:  Which exercises in Pilates work to stretch the posterior lumbar spine and the glutes and piriformis?

Your turn!  Write back to me and let’s go over the stretches that will help!

All the best!

- Shari

JANET:

Hi Shari,
So, client has ongoing issue, waiting to get her report about doctor visit.another instructor told me to avoid stretching and only work on strengthening. Is that right?
I am not sure what to do to help. Do I work to strengthen like Bridge, ab work pelvic tilts, glute chest Lifts, reverse curls, leg slides and leg lifts. I don’t know what to do to stretch with care?
Still need help, she comes to my reformer classes and I don’t want to cause her pain.
Thank you,
Janet

SHARI:

Hi, Janet,

Knowing what is really going on will be great!  A true diagnosis can tell you what to do and not to do.

With that…As long as it’s not an actively bulging disc that is creating this issue, then you can do 1/2 Roll Down on the Mat and Rolling Back with Roll Back Bar and Push Through on the Cadillac to help stretch her lower back, but if she has a bulging or herniated disc that is actively causing problems…then she cannot do any of those, right now.

Now…bulging discs that don’t cause any pain are not an issue in these exercises…only if someone is having pain that is diagnosed by a doctor as coming from that disc pressing into a nerve do we have trouble.  If you had an MRI today, though you are not in that sort of pain, you would likely find that you have bulging discs.  Does that make sense?  They just don’t always bulge into nerves…so are usually no problem at all.

With that…disc issue or not, she can do stretches of the back of the hip.  That is lying on her back, she would cross on ankle/base of shin over the thigh of her other leg. That would put her in a “4″ shape.  Hold behind her thigh and flex at that hip bringing her thigh closer to her chest.  That stretches the back of her hip as long as she keeps her sacrum centered and stable on the mat.  in a neutral pelvis.  As soon as she tips her “tailbone” up…posterior tilt…she will be skipping the hip focus and now into loaded posterior lumbar spine stretch…which if disc issue is no good.  So…keep neutral pelvis and you’re in business!

I hope that helps.

And…no straight legs when there is a possibility of her hamstrings stretching…because that will add to the inflammation of her sciatic nerve, no matter why it is inflamed.

When does she get doctor visit report?  Did she have xrays/MRI?

- Shari

JANET:

Shari,
My client saw a doctor and this is what she reports so far:”I have had a few MD appts this week. In My back…have slipped disk L4&5 and inflamation in other discs.
Will have a nuclear stress and additional blood work when we get back.
Docs do not seem concerned’ neither do I.”

She is going away for a 3  weeks, so I have time to plan her return and what I can do with her.
Any further thoughts on this would be welcome!
Best,

Janet

SHARI:

Janet,

I’m glad that your client saw a doctor.  Most important with a persistent situation like this.

Indeed, a “slipped disk L4&5 and inflamation in other discs”

To understand with a simple definition:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/herniated-disk/DS00893

MayoClinic.com often has wonderful simple definitions for ailments…of the entire body.  A great resource.

 

If the word “slipped” is used, then we’ll consider it herniated where the nucleus is coming out of the crack in the annalus fibrosus.  The extruded nucleus and mis-shapen annalus likely creates smaller than normal pathways for the nerves to leave the spinal column…hence pain.  Pain is from nerve endings that are being pressed on when they’re not supposed to be. 

 

It’s always good to know which side the disc is protruding towards.  She may be able to get that information.  Then you can see in your mind’s eye which movements will likely cause more pressure on that nerve and what won’t.

 

Has the doctor given her any precautions or contraindications for movement?

 

I suggest going with what I said earlier…since we know it’s a disc issue that is showing itself with symptoms of sciatica, then until she is feeling no pain, eliminate seated exercises.  You see, sitting (even with the most lifted and perfect posture) provides 9 times the amount of lumbar loading as lying down.  9 TIMES.  So…considering that she has an ailment of the lumbar spine/discs and likely is guarding (muscular gripping to protect the area) which adds to load and that she likely doesn’t have the greatest abdominal and back support, muscular strength and stretch in balance to give the most space to her vertebral joints and her hip socket…then eliminate seated exercises so as not to exacerbate the issue.

 

Exercises where she is lying supine are great.

Exercises where she is standing with support are great.

 

Guidelines:

Guidelines are just that…”beware” spots.  These are not absolutes.  Just items to keep in mind so that you can decide what to do and what not to do…

 

Exercise Choices:  

• Only choose exercises that will aide in creating space and support in her spine, keep her body active, but work around the area of pain
• Eliminate Seated Exercises until she is feeling good again and the inflammation has retreated.
• Beware of Twisting Exercises.  The lumbar spine has a very limited amount of rotation without sheer forces.  With her inflammation and current condition, hold off  on twisting.  
• Beware of Prone Exercises.  In truth, she might do great with prone exercises…a limited range of motion of spinal extension…but…you must know which direction  the disc is bulging to feel comfortable with this.  If the doctor has suggested prone exercises and that feels great to her, then you’ll have the all clear.  Until  then…Best to…

• Only do exercises that are lying supine or standing with support

 

Apparatus Modifications:

• Reformer:  Reduce Spring Load.

 

Body Position/Exercise Modifications:

• Eliminate Hamstring Stretch Component of Any Exercise:  Full extension of the hamstrings can add to the lumbar load.  Especially if client has tight hamstrings,  then you must bend the knees a little bit (or even a little more than normally) on any exercise where the legs would be outstretched.  
• Ex:   Spine Stretch Forward – Still sit up on center of sit bones/ischial tuberosity, but bend knees a bit to eliminate the hamstring stretch component
• Single/One Leg Circles – Keep circling leg’s knee bent a little bit to eliminate the hamstring stretch component.

Now…bent knee does not mean “soft” knee.  Soft knees are a waste in Pilates and a good topic for another time.  The leg can be very active though bent.  A  strong leg that just happens to be bent.

Eliminate the Hamstring Stretch Component also because this client is experiencing sciatica.  While she feels that she just wants to stretch, as I mentioned earlier,  the nerve is already inflamed and “over-stretched” because of the impingement.  Any additional stretching will increase the pain, though in the moment it  might feel good to her.  Again…it will only exacerbate the issue.

 

Apparatus and Exercise Set Ups:

• Make sure getting into an exercise is actually safe.  
• Ex:  Perhaps you want to get her into Leg Circles/Frogs on the Reformer.  Make sure that you are certain that how she is getting into the straps is actually  effective for her ailment.  I would suggest that you keep her legs into her chest and that you pull the straps (and carriage) to her feet.  Please do not let  her push on foot on the foot bar and reach a leg into the strap.  You will only twist her pelvis with spring load and add to the compression, not to  mention you run the risk of twisting her SI joint out which is already going to be strained by her experience.

 

Medications:

• Remember that if your client is on any opiate or sincerely strong pain-killers or muscle relaxers, she is in a dangerous condition to exercise.  She will not be able to  judge what is painful or not…her nervous system will not be able to figure out before damage happens if she should or shouldn’t do a move.  In which  case…until she is off of strong pain-killers and/or muscle relaxers, she must not do Pilates or any exercise that is not prescribed by the doctor (and shouldn’t  “operate heavy machinery”…including a car!)

 

A Good Rule:

• Please work to keep her out of pain.  
• Anticipate what might be painful to her.  It’s not OK to do a repetition to see if that causes pain.  One repetition with pain is too much.  Plan ahead by learning from  each of the previous repetitions and exercise.
• Refrain from asking her if every exercise feels OK.  Only ask her about pain or no pain in the first few exercises.  Tell her something like “Remember the  gam3 is “no pain”.  If you hurt at all…you must tell me so that I can modify the exercise to make it right for you.  I don’t want you to hurt at all.”  Then keep  an eye on facial expressions, body movements and sounds to know if it’s OK.  If you ask over and over again, then you only concern your client.  She needs to  focus on what’s working rather than what is not working.

 

Now…you have to study up and see how it all goes!

 

If you have any other questions about this, please ask.  If you ask your client what hurts and what doesn’t, what did the doctor say she could and could not do and then go with care, but no fear…then all is well!

 

All the best, 

- Shari

****I hope that you could follow our conversation well.  I would like to share these sorts of conversations with you from time to time.

With that…

Ask questions when they arise!  Please drop your questions and thoughts here in the comments so that all can benefit from both your question (as many will have the same one) and the answer as well as your shared experiences from your thoughts!

Workshops and Session information can now be found on my websites at www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

-

There, you’ll also find downloads of other published articles, news about what’s coming up and very soon many products to continue continuing your education!

-

You’ll find full information on the site upcoming 2013 Workshops and always keep your eyes out for new ones that get confirmed each week:

-

2013 continues with (remember all information is on the website):
L.A./Manhattan Beach, CA: February 23-24

Washington, D.C./Bethesda, MD: March 16-17

Boston, MA:  April 20-21

London ENGLAND: April 26-28 (Pilates on Tour); sessions at Pi Studios

Rhinebeck, NY: May 19

GERMANY:  June 7

AUSTRIA: June 8-9

Denver, CO: July 12-14 (Pilates on Tour)

(And many more that are in the midst of confirmation)

Don’t see one that is right for you…let’s set up workshops at your studio/the studio you work at.  Email me at info@TheVerticalWorkshop.com

Again, please go to www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com for full information on these workshops

And if you’d like to subscribe to this blog so that you know when new articles are posted…please hit the subscribe button/toggle on the sidebar!

Thank you!

- Shari

Efficiency Part 2: Only As Much As Is Necessary

Young Joseph Pilates – Photo Credit Unknown

How much energy do you need to use? How much effort does it take to do any action? Are you making a choice of how much muscular energy to exert in each exercise for each muscle or are you just making a general effort? It’s equally as passive to go “full out”, “balls to the wall”, “blow your load” as it is to walk through an exercise simply moving, but with no energetic “determination”. Those who are gripping and squeezing and tightening are equally as inefficient as those who don’t work for a muscular connection at all.

The last Efficiency article posted was Part 1 of 4 in the series : Efficiency…Part 1 of 4:  Order of Muscular Engagement. This Part 2 of 4 article is all about making sure that you’re being efficient and teaching Efficiency of Effort. This must be a considerable part of the focus from the beginning as well as in advancement in Pilates. Only use the effort needed to accomplish the exercise appropriately…no more, no less. How do we make choices? And how could it be that more is not necessarily better, right or good? Conservation of energy needs to apply to all aspects of life, not just your choice of light bulbs or wash cycle. When you do an exercise, now you must consider how much engagement of any muscle you use. Not every muscle fiber needs to go into full-on-mode. Not all muscle fibers need to work in any given exercise. Sometimes all. Sometimes some. Sometimes none. When you observe a person or animal and note seeming effortless movement. Was it truly effortless or was it truly the appropriate effort for the task at hand. Whether it be a great jumpshot in basketball, a phenomenal flip in gymnastics, a stunning short spine in Pilates or anything else…what you’re likely seeing or sensing is the efficiency of energy: no more and no less than is needed. When there is grunting and grimacing or movement without beauty…there is an inefficiency.

I’m not saying all beings have to have the unattainable “perfect” form. I’m saying that efficient effort of muscularity is beautiful to observe and to feel.

Let’s take The Hundred on the Mat as our first example. How much energy do you need to exert for each part of the exercise? First consider what the exercise is for. What are you trying to accomplish in The Hundred?
-Warm up and strengthen the cardio-vascular system/heart and lungs.
-Strengthen the abdominals and muscles of the spine.
-Strengthen the hip flexors.
-Strengthen the musculature of the shoulder girdle and those that support the shoulder joint.
-Focus the mind in transition from the outside world to the body-mind workout of Pilates.

Let’s look at the components:
-Abdominals are working to lift the upper torso, stabilize the full torso and stiffen the spine (yes I just said “stiffen the spine” which simply means keep it firmly still…even though this is of course an active action [redundant] of opposition as well as stiffening.)
-Multifidi and back extensors work to stabilize the spine in dividing the superior posterior pelvis
-Hip flexors are working to keep legs lifted and outstretched.
-Quadriceps keep knees extended/legs straight.
-Adductors of the femur keep legs together.
-Trapezius and Rhomboids in conjunction with Serratus Anterior keep the scapulae/shoulder blades on the back side of the body.
-Anterior Deltoids pump the arms up and resist the lowering of them down
-Diaphragm works to take in air and relaxes to expel air. -The conscious brain must work to coordinate the actions and transition from the “chaos” of the outside world to the moving meditation of exercise, namely Pilates.

Wow…the list goes on and on…we can consider muscles of the neck, arm, etc…but I’ll work for this lesson efficiently without going further on the bits he pieces…

Just taking the Abdominals: how much effort does it take to do its job here? Lie on the floor and give it a go.

-Really…how much effort does it take in your abdominals?
-How much do you have to pull in and up?
-And on which muscles are you most focused?
-Are you actually using the muscles that really do the intended jobs?
-Or are you “holding your abdominals as tight as you can” even if it’s more effort than the exercise requires?
-What of your adductors?
-Are you hugging your legs together so they can help stabilize your pelvis and connect your legs together so that your hip flexors can be as efficient as possible in keeping your legs uplifted?
-How tight are your hugging them?
-So tight that compression and grip have overtaken simple stability?

Go through each muscle group’s job and see: am I using too much, not enough or just the right amount of energy?

Another example:  The Footwork on the Reformer…

Have you ever had a client who starts the footwork and nearly goes into a full jump?  I remember a client of mine in Los Angeles, a master of Capoeira and black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  After having done a basic mat, we went to the reformer.  Set up for the first footwork and it was no surprise that he muscled the exercise as one would expect a beginner with such strength to do.  4 heavy springs and you would have thought he was doing jump board on 1 light spring.  (Of course, he was a first-timer doing what first-timers do…he needn’t have “gotten it” by any means).  I bring him up because he clearly used more effort that was necessary.  Against the resistance and pull of 4 springs, we need to slightly use more energy than the springs to press the carriage out with our legs and resist with just the right amount of energy that the carriage does move, but at the same pace as when used when we pressed out.  Too much on the out and we jump.  Too little and we either don’t move or we don’t achieve straight legs.  Too much on the in and the carriage barely moves or moves so slowly that we’re practically not moving.  Too little and the springs yank in and the carriage crashes into the frame.  (P.S. – When the carriage crashes the answer/cue is not “use your Power House…the answer/cue is ”stabilize your torso with your deep abdominals, resist the springs with your legs”.

So…like The Hundred, How much energy do you need to exert for each part of the exercise? First consider what the exercise is for. What are you trying to accomplish in The Footwork?
- Strengthen Legs (Indeed, it’s a leg exercise.  Not a “Power House” exercise. A leg exercise.)
- Warm Up or Challenge the Cardiovascular System
- Create or deepen a leg to torso connection/coordination:  moving legs with a stable torso
- Hit specific reflexology points with each portion of the footwork (yes, let’s not dismiss the value of this)

Let’s look at the components:
- The Quadriceps work to straighten the legs pushing the carriage out and countering or working with the hamstrings resisting the carriage in.
- The Hamstrings work stabilizing the knees to “Straight” while the quadriceps press out.
- The Adductor Group works to keep the legs in a relatively neutral position maintaining strong and efficient alignment of the legs. They also assist in stabilizing the pelvis so the legs can be most efficient.
- The Abdominals work to help stabilize the torso (pelvis, spine, etc.) so that the legs can be most efficient.
- In fact, all torso muscles (abdominals, back extensors, multifidi, etc. QL, Shoulder Girdle Muscles, etc., etc., etc. work to stabilize the torso, arms and head so that the legs can be most efficient.
Because this is a leg exercise.

So…are you doing and cueing with efficiency in The Footwork on the Reformer?

I think two examples are enough for you to start taking a look into each and every exercise.  Any more would be inefficient on my part.

Being efficient means using only what’s necessary to create the desired result. It also means using as much as is necessary.  Make sure you’re using and cueing the right amount.

There’s some good homework to play with!  Clearly, from the work above, you must consider what each exercise is for, what body parts do what and how much they need to work against what and with what.  What tools and what challenges do you have before you.  Then use only the amount of effort needed.

You see…all in all, exercise is meant to help you be more able.  More Ability.  If you under-spend your energy, you’ll get no value from the work.  It will likely be a waste of your energy (see article from May 2008 Half Effort is Wasted Effort) and you will be depleted with no discernible movement forward toward a health/fitness goal.  If you over-spend your energy, you’ll also get no value from the work.  Likely, you will be aching from overuse and build up of lactic acid or muscles will develop without balance or compression develops rather than balance and control (oh, right, this is Contrology, the science and art of control…making physical and mental choices)…or all of these things.  When Contrology is really happening and efficiency is practiced (it is a practice…it doesn’t just happen), then you will be more able in the short and long term.

Good stuff!

Now, practice and enjoy!  Ask questions when they arise!  Please drop your questions and thoughts here in the comments so that all can benefit from both your question (as many will have the same one) and the answer as well as your shared experiences from your thoughts!

Workshops and Session information can now be found on my websites at www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

-

There, you’ll also find downloads of other published articles, news about what’s coming up and very soon many products to continue continuing your education!

-

You’ll find full information on the site for these upcoming 2012 and 2013 Workshops and always keep your eyes out for new ones that get confirmed each week:

-

2013 starts with (remember all information is on the website):

Boston, MA: January 13
NY, NY: January 15
NY, NY: January 27
Atlanta, GA: February 1-3 (Pilates on Tour) Sessions at local studio
Vicenza, ITALY: February 9-10
L.A./Manhattan Beach, CA: February 23-24
London ENGLAND: April 26-28 (Pilates on Tour); sessions at Pi Studios
Rhinebeck, NY: May 19
Austria: June 8-9
Denver, CO: July 12-14 (Pilates on Tour)
(And many more that are in the midst of confirmation)

Again, please go to www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com for full information on these workshops

And if you’d like to subscribe to this blog so that you know when new articles are posted…please hit the subscribe button/toggle on the sidebar!

Thank you!

- Shari

An Article for Everyone (Dec. 2012 and earlier)

Thank you for taking a moment to continue your education here at The Vertical Workshop’s Pilates Teacher Blog.  I am in the midst of writing several articles for the blog which always slows down the publishing.  That along with teaching sessions and workshops, writing for magazines, researching and have a personal life…makes me a tad slow sometimes in finishing articles…but I love it so and hope you do, too!

Here is a list of what is already on the blog. Please, click on an article title that resonates with you!  Enjoy!

• Thanks to This Community of Help
• Word to The Wise:  Take Good Care
• Efficiency…Part 1 of 4:  Order of Muscular Engagement
• Gut Instinct:  Intuition vs. Education
• Independence Through Pilates
• Sharing A Client Between Teachers:  Client Exercise Cards
• Dystonia – Let’s Learn!
• Equipment Maintenance
• Whose Client Are They Anyhow?
• 10 Sessions, 20 Sessions, 30 Sessions…
• Shoulder Girdle:  A Delicate Balance
• Doing Wrong To Get To Right?
• Lift Your Abdominals and Lower Back Bones Like Your Life Depends On It…Because It Does!
• Curl Your Chin To Your Chest?  No, Thank You!
• What’s The Point Of It All?
• First Things First
• Breathe.  Breathe In.  Breath Out.  Just Breathe!
• Lock Joints? Don’t Lock Joints? What do we do?
• Pilatespeak – Choose Your Words Carefully2011/06/07
• Pilates…a Profession?2011/05/04
• Neutral Pelvis and Neutral Spine: What are they and why do we care?!2011/04/01
• Bowed Legs – Another Knee Issue2011/02/27
• Anatomy – Where do I begin?!2011/02/08
• One more tidbit about knees…all knees…2011/01/18
• Knock-Knees Part II2011/01/02
• Knock-Knees and Pilates2010/12/12
• Advancing to the Ideal: Modify and then Advance2010/11/23
• Pilates Teachers, what do you need?2010/11/12
• Flow, rushing, pacing…what’s it all about?2010/10/07
• Purpose and Legacy2010/09/28
• Commanding Your Class – A question from a reader2010/09/08
• Breathing – That’s What Your Nose Is For!2010/08/18
• Classical Confusion: Clarifying the Definition of Classical Pilates2010/08/02
• “Success Story” – Pilates Style2010/07/13
• Independence: It’s fundamental to Pilates!2010/07/04
• Cues: A Handful of Great Ones Are All You Need2010/06/18
• Rome Opens My Eyes: Pilates’ Place in the World of Fitness!2010/06/16
• Gym Mentality: How to Win Over the Gym Pilates Client2010/06/04
• Pilates Olympics Extravaganza! Fantastic!2010/05/25
• Lower Abdominals: How can we teach our clients (and ourselves) to connect?2010/05/06
• Creating a Holiday: Pilates Day Everyday!2010/04/30
• Positive Cueing – Teach What To Do, Not What Not To Do!2010/04/16
• Teaching Mixed Level Semi-Private Sessions – Guidelines2010/04/14
• Group Classes – Multi-tasking the Multi-level Group Class2010/04/07
• Pilates Apparatus – So many different manufacturers. Can we teach on anything?2010/03/30
• Pilates Myth: “Get out of your hip flexors”2010/03/19
• Improvisation in Pilates2009/10/29
• Heart Starter2009/08/17
• Entropy has no place in Pilates2009/06/26
• Taking the Mystery Out of Pilates2009/06/06
• The Value of the Entire Method of Pilates2009/05/30
• Go to what scares you the most!2009/04/12
• Those Pesky Ribs – Poppin out all over the place!2009/02/04
• Expectations: It’s About Growth – Not Perfection2008/11/30
• What is one thing you learned today?2008/10/20
• 4 Pilates Stances – Deeper discussion on parallel vs. external rotation2008/10/02
• Parallel vs. “Turn Out”/External Rotation2008/08/14
• Back to Basics: Honor Every Position…especially the last part!2008/08/03
• Back to Basics – Part 2 – Would Mr. Pilates Recognize That Exercise?2008/07/14
• Back to Basics – Part 1 of The Series2008/06/23
• Half Effort is Wasted Effort2008/05/12
• 4 Teaching Tips2008/04/23
• Hips Up…Shoulders Back!2008/03/19
• Don’t be afraid to teach2008/02/21
• Classical Excitement!2008/01/27
• Keep the Common Exercises Uncommon! – Will Wonders Never Cease?2008/01/09
• Remember what it’s all about.2008/01/02
• Confidence2007/12/01
• Thankful for Pilates2007/11/23
• Practice What You Teach2007/11/14
• Create “A Community of Help”

As always…please feel free to comment, ask questions, request a topic for me to write on…I welcome your thoughts!  Email me directly if you need or want at info@TheVerticalWorkshop.com  Those who know me know…I always write back!

Workshops and Session information can now be found on my websites at www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com

There, you’ll also find downloads of other published articles, news about what’s coming up and very soon many products to continue continuing your education!

You’ll find full information on the site for these upcoming 2012 and 2013 Workshops and always keep your eyes out for new ones that get confirmed each week:

2012 continues with:
NYC, NY, USA – Dec. 11

2013 starts with:
Boston, MA: January 13
NY, NY: January 15
NY, NY: January 27
Atlanta, GA: February 1-3 (Pilates on Tour) Sessions at local studio
ITALY: February 9-10
L.A./Manhattan Beach, CA: February 23-24
London ENGLAND: April 26-28 (Pilates on Tour); sessions at Pi Studios
Rhinebeck, NY: May 19
Austria: June 8-9
Denver, CO: July 12-14 (Pilates on Tour)

Again, please go to www.TheVerticalWorkshop.com for full information on these workshops

And if you’d like to subscribe to this blog so that you know when new articles are posted…please hit the subscribe button/toggle on the sidebar!

Thank you!

- Shari