Welcome!
Posted by Alycea Ungaro at 10/25/2006 9:44 AM and is filed under uncategorized 
Finally, a place where we can chat about the Pilates world from an insider's perspective. This blog is intended for those who have already dedicated themselves to the field and / or practice of Pilates. Not to say we won't at times foray into discussions pertaining to parenting, wellness, and of course, retail therapy. We are after all, just regular folks with a penchant for Pilates!
Hi Alycea,
I am so excited abou your blog. I have many questions but let me start with this one: what is going on in your studio this weekend? I heard you are having a open house for the Halloween weekend?
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Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I'm excited to celebrate it at the studio this year! Some of the things going on this weekend include: Guided tours of the spookiest equipment, Free mat classes for all who visit us through Halloween day, take home workouts to "Scare you into Shape" and of course no Halloween would be complete without a treat sooo....... We've had a confection company custom design containers of Real Pilates Peppermints (sugar-free) of course!! If you can't get to us for the Open House, simply log on to our FREE downloads after Halloween and download our Scare you into Shape workout!! I can't wait til' Christmas-time!
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I absolutely love your books on Pilates. I've been teaching Pilates for almost 4 years and desperately want to learn MORE. I am the Aerobic Director at a health club that is on a beach resort. Teaching Pilates is quite challenging at times because of the number of vacationers that come in to take class and have never taken a class, ever. It's frustrating to those who have worked hard to get to where they are. I offer 2-3 different levels of mat pilates. I have a Pilates 101, Pilates-1 and Power Pilates-being the most challenging. Any suggestions? I am finding very difficult to get further educated in Pilates in this area. Most of the workshops +/or certifications are extremely far away. I'm in Myrtle Beach,SC by the way. I love Pilates and have great passion for it and need and want more of it. Thanks
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Is a DVD available for The Pilates Promise? If so, where might I purchase such?
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Hi Jeanne,
A DVD for the Pilates Promise is not available. I have been developing some DVD concepts that are fresh and new and hope the new products will be available by January 2008. These things take so much longer than we'd like. In the meantime you can pick up my new Pilates Deck which has take anywhere cards you can work out with. I often recommend the Classical Pilates Technique video line by Peter Fiasca. I participated as a commentator on the product line and love his work.
There are some other lovely videos you can try with different Pilates styles. Jennifer Kries' the Method as well as Rael Isacowitz' line are both dynamic and fun.
The most important thing is that you enjoy your workout and stick with it!
Alycea
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Hi, I am wondering what advice is out there for those of us who are Pilates enthusiasts and are looking to get certified. What are the best schools and/or things to ensure the programs offer? Several places offer certification, so it can be confusing to a new comer who is also looking for a cost effective way as well.
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Hi Wendy,
I often tell people that the best training program is the one that you will stick with!
Be sure to investigate each program thoroughly to see if you are comfortable in the environment and training style and if the schedule is something you can commit to.
To make yourself more marketable, consider a program that offers complete certification as opposed to just the Mat. Most programs offer some type of payment plan. You should also be aware that many studios, including Real Pilates, offer scholarships to teacher trainees in exchange for an employment commitment. This can be a great option for people on a budget.
Finally, no matter where you train, consider your long-term goals. Is it important to you to be classically trained or do you prefer a rehabilitative approach? Wherever you land, as a teacher you are always learning so be sure to take lots of sessions and classes at other studios.
Good Luck!
Alycea
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Alycea-
Are there specific schools you would recommend that have the best programs in NYC? Also, I would like to get my complete certification in the least amount of time-is there any way to get certified less than 6 months if I was to do this training full time?
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Hi Lauren,
Thanks for your question. I wish there was a simple answer regarding the "best" program. The reality is, you will need to figure out what teaching style suits you best before committing to a program. If you are looking for a rehabilitative approach vs. a more athletic style, this will influence your choice.
I would strongly caution you against rushing through any program you select. Pilates is a craft and an art form and the more time you take to absorb the detail and nuance of the system, the better a teacher you will become. Having said that I believe some programs do complete their requirements in less than a years time.
Because there are so many variables within each school, it is impossible to label one "the best". I can tell you that Real Pilates has a staff of wonderful teachers who come from different training schools including: Romana's Pilates, Power Pilates, The Pilates Center (Boulder), Core Pilates, Body Precision (PA) and others.
Great teachers will be great no matter where they train! Continue to expand your repertoire, deepen your knowledge base and explore other disciplines to fill your "tool box" with as much as possible.
All the best,
Alycea
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I took Pilates 8 and 9 (nine!) years ago at Tribeca Bodyworks when it was still located behind Food Emporium. I thought it was really cool, and continued for off and on for the next couple of years (as I could afford it) and I think it's the greatest...particularly Alycea's studio. I've since moved to Albuquerque and that's one of the biggest things I miss about New York!
It's been about 5 years since I've studied Pilates on a regular basis and the other evening I tripped over an uneven sidewalk. Down I went, instinctively rolled into a ball and popped up on my feet. The guy I was with said, "WOW...that was like a stunt woman!" I'm positive it's the Pilates training I had so long ago that allowed me to literally fall on my face and "pop up" with no injury whatsoever...and I'm 50.
THANKS, Alycea!
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Hello Alycea,
I am new to your blog. I am currently going through a pilates training program, and will be testing in August. I am currently 5 months pregnant with my second child. I am very interested in taking your pilates workshop. Will there be any future offerings on Sundays? I also was having trouble trying to get the rates for the current workshops available. I hope to be able to attend to further my knowledge in Pilates. I currently work on Long Island in a new studio and would love to offer pre-post natal classes/ sessions. Thanks for reading and hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks!!
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Hi Farrah -
As demand presents itself, we schedule workshops accordingly.
Feel free to call the studio directly for info on pricing and schedules as they are always available to help interested people.
During the year I present at various conferences and pre-natal Pilates is often a popular topic. Keep checking my calendar for the next event.
Best of luck with your pregnancy!
Alycea
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Hi Alycea,
I've seen your books at Barnes and Noble and have found them to be very informative! I'm wondering if there are any other books or videos you can recommend that would be helpful resources as I'm becoming more dedicated to Pilates and interested in the teaching of it.
I appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you!
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Hi Julia,
There are literally scores of material on the Pilates method available today. Some of my personal favorites include:
Classical Pilates Technique DVD's - by Peter Fiasca
Precision Toning - by Jennifer Kries
The Everything Pilates Book - by Amy Alpers and Rachel Segel
Romana's Pilates - by Natural Journeys
I just recently saw a new DVD by Power Pilates with Bob Liekens teaching the advanced Reformer on the Mat and the Advanced Reformer that was fun to watch.
There are so many gifted writers and teachers out there it shouldn't be hard to find material that inspires you. My advice is to pull up a chair at your local bookstore and spend a few days sifting through resources.
Have Fun!
Alycea
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