After dedicating more than 25 years mentoring and guiding the next generation of instructors through her Teacher Training Program, Donna will now be focusing her attention on providing Continuing Education courses to the Pilates community. Her mission is always to uphold the integrity of Joseph Pilates’ work and this next phase of her growth as a teacher of teachers will give her the opportunity to expand on the basic foundations and principles of the Method, foster confidence, instill joy, and inspire appreciation for the Classical Pilates Method as handed down to her.
Continuing Education, experience, curiosity, caring, and the willingness to grow, all contribute to the mastery of any skill, and Donna would love to contribute to your journey of this endeavor to help others live a healthier and more vibrant life.
“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”
Continuing Education Workshops Offered
Pilates For Seniors:
Growing older does not have to mean giving up on an active lifestyle or excepting your limitations as the “normal effects of aging”. In this workshop, you will learn how to safely take a senior through a series of Pilates exercises that will give them overall improvements in strength, balance, spinal flexibility, and mental alertness. We will discuss modifications and contra-indications for specific conditions common to this population, as well as giving them the tools to continue to live the lifestyle they choose. Whether it’s tennis, golf or just playing with their grandchildren, Pilates can help give them the confidence and vitality to support a greater quality of life.
History, Philosophy, and Principles of the Method:
In this lecture, we will discuss the history of Joseph Pilates, his philosophies on health and fitness, and take a deeper dive into the principles inherent in his Method that are often overlooked or misunderstood in the Pilates community.
What Is the Mind, Body, Spirit Connection?
This phrase gets thrown around often to describe Pilates, but do we really understand the meaning and how the Method enhances these qualities? We will discuss the scientific definition, the energetic, emotional, and spiritual connections Pilates offers, as well as the similarities and differences to other mind/body practices, such as yoga.
The Art of Cueing and Spotting:
Learn the best ways to communicate with your clients for the best outcomes. Understand the various types of cues and why, when and how to implement them. As Albert Einstein said, “ If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough”.
Another form of cueing is hands-on spotting. Learn the reasons why to spot, when it is and is not appropriate to touch, how to use your hands and body most effectively, how to become more sensitive to your clients muscular tensions and end range, and how to safely assist them in stretching.
Classical Pilates Technique and sequencing:
These workshops can be geared toward any apparatus or Mat work and at various levels. Learn the Classical Pilates sequencing, why it’s important, how to make modifications or breakdown an exercise when necessary, and how to progress your clients.
