our philosophy and teacher training
I believe that training should be continuous and comprehensive. From my own practice and teaching I draw my research and aim to deliver teacher's training of the highest standards. I evolve and enrich my technique with new ideas from myself and others and aspire that my contribution to the Pilates education grows in time.
Pilates is a highly therapeutic method. Time, practice, and an open mind are key factors. Acknowledge that our bodies are made of many systems meant to work in harmony and in relation with the surroundings. Skeletal, myofascial, respiratory, digestive, lymphatic, cardiovascular, nervous and more systems are considered separately but work together to perform simple or complicated tasks in everyday life as well as in unique conditions. Pilates teaches us awareness, helps to become conscious of our bodies and its links, advancing our physical skills and everyday functionality.
It is important to start the practice from a calm state for the body and mind. Encouraging students to feel comfortable and relaxed creates clarity that enables to efficiently receive and give stimuli and instructions. Emphasis on skeletal alignment, breathing, and focus, creates grounding (acknowledgment and sense of gravity) and readiness to perform. We become present both in our bodies and our surroundings. Ready to explore our bodies safely but efficiently, improve our mechanics, develop a variety of new skills and prevent or rehabilitate injuries.
I use the Pilates method and its varied styles from different influences to train teachers, all with attention to detail, comprehension and the individual. I feel blessed that so much knowledge from the past and present has come my way and hope that my students will feel the same.
Ellie Ioannidou
