A Year in the London Pi Pilates Studio: 12 Transformative Pilates Workshops
A Year in the Studio: 12 Transformative Pilates Workshops
Are you ready to elevate your Pilates practice and teaching skills to the next level? "A Year in the Studio" is your golden opportunity. This exclusive series of 12 workshops is designed to help you master the art of Pilates, whether you're a seasoned instructor or a dedicated practitioner. With 60 years of collective experience from your teachers—Holly Murray, Willemien Schurer, and Max Lobatto—this series is a unique chance to immerse yourself in the Pilates Method like never before. Over the course of a year, you'll explore exercises, apparatus, and teaching techniques that will transform the way you move, teach, and connect with your clients. Let’s dive into what each month has in store for you!
1. The Structure of ‘A Year in the Studio’
1.1 Planning Your Calendar
The year is thoughtfully divided to build consistency and ensure that each workshop dovetails seamlessly into the next. As you progress, you’ll notice how the knowledge and skills gained in one workshop are reinforced and expanded upon in the following sessions. This structure not only helps in retaining what you've learned but also allows for a deeper understanding of the Pilates Method as a whole.
1.2 Seasonal Focus: Autumn/Winter vs. Spring/Summer
In the autumn and winter months, the focus is on helping clients move correctly—building a solid foundation is key during these colder months. As spring and summer arrive, the workshops open up into the new and bold, encouraging innovation and exploration in your practice. This seasonal approach ensures that your teaching stays fresh and relevant throughout the year.
2. September: Building a Better Booty
2.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 27th September 2024
Instructor: Willemien Schurer
CPD Points: 2
Kick off the series with a focus on the "Primary Power House," as Romana Kryzanowska called it. This workshop is all about activating the glutes, adductors, and abdominals—key muscle groups that are often underutilised yet crucial for both athletes and desk-bound individuals.
2.2 Key Takeaways
Techniques for firing up these often tricky-to-activate muscles.
Exercises that ensure your clients build power and stability from the ground up.
Strategies to integrate these exercises into both private sessions and group classes.
3. October: Building a Better Booty—Fine Tuning
3.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 11th October 2024
Instructor: Willemien Schurer
CPD Points: 2
Take your booty-building skills to the next level with this advanced session. Here, you'll dive deeper into the lower pelvis activation, addressing more complex movement patterns and challenging scenarios that your clients might face.
3.2 Key Takeaways
Advanced techniques for pelvis activation.
How to address and correct complex movement patterns.
Integration of these techniques into higher-level client sessions.
4. November: The Shoulder
4.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 15th November 2024
Instructor: Willemien Schurer
CPD Points: 2
Shoulder issues are a common problem for many clients, often leading to pain and restricted movement. This workshop focuses on unlocking the mechanics and strength of the shoulder for lasting results.
4.2 Key Takeaways
Understanding shoulder mechanics and common issues.
Exercises to improve shoulder strength and flexibility.
Techniques for long-term shoulder health in your clients.
5. December: The Pedi-Pole
5.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 13th December 2024
Instructor: Holly Murray
CPD Points: 2
As the year winds down, dive into the ultimate posture and poise training with the Pedi-Pole. Often underestimated, this apparatus offers powerful benefits beyond its typical use as an ending exercise.
5.2 Key Takeaways
How to use the Pedi-Pole for different body types.
Exercise setups for both private and group settings.
The broader applications of the Pedi-Pole for improving posture and poise.
6. January: Hypermobility—Empowering Mobility, Mastering Strength and Precision
6.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 31st January 2025
Instructor: Willemien Schurer
CPD Points: 2
Start the new year by revisiting a crucial topic: hypermobility. This workshop is designed to transform mobility into strength and precision, ensuring that your clients move with confidence and control.
6.2 Key Takeaways
Techniques to manage hypermobility in clients.
How to strengthen and stabilise hypermobile joints.
Precision training to improve overall movement quality.
7. February: Hands On—Empowering Your Touch
7.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 21st February 2025
Instructor: Holly Murray
CPD Points: 2
Hands-on adjustments are a powerful tool in any Pilates instructor's arsenal. This workshop will empower you to use your hands with confidence, enhancing your ability to guide clients safely and effectively through exercises.
7.2 Key Takeaways
The art of effective hands-on adjustments.
Building trust and communication through touch.
Practical tips for using hands-on techniques in different settings.
8. March: The Cadillac—What They Don't Tell You
8.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 14th March 2025
Instructor: Max Lobatto
CPD Points: 2
The Cadillac is a versatile piece of equipment, but there’s much more to it than meets the eye. This workshop will unveil lesser-known exercises and techniques that can turn the Cadillac into a powerhouse in your studio.
8.2 Key Takeaways
Uncommon Cadillac exercises that deliver powerful results.
How to maximise the Cadillac’s potential in both private and group classes.
Tips for integrating Cadillac exercises into a well-rounded Pilates practice.
9. April: Barrels—Blow Up Everything You Know
9.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 11th April 2025
Instructor: Max Lobatto
CPD Points: 2
Think you know the Barrels? Think again. This workshop will challenge everything you thought you knew about this powerful apparatus, introducing you to exercises that have far-reaching potential for all your clients.
9.2 Key Takeaways
Exploring advanced Barrel exercises.
How to adapt Barrel exercises for different client needs.
The hidden potential of the Barrels in improving core strength and flexibility.
10. May: Drive an Advanced Workout
10.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 23rd May 2025
Instructor: Holly Murray
CPD Points: 2
May’s workshop is all about pushing boundaries and driving advanced workouts on the Reformer. Learn how to maintain flow and accuracy in challenging exercises, ensuring your clients are always progressing.
10.2 Key Takeaways
Advanced Reformer techniques for high-level clients.
How to balance challenge with skill in your workouts.
Tips for maintaining flow and precision during complex exercises.
11. June: The Guillotine—Unlocking Potential
11.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 13th June 2025
Instructor: Holly Murray
CPD Points: 2
The Guillotine is often overlooked in Pilates studios, but it offers unique benefits for hip and spine mobility. This workshop will teach you how to unlock its full potential, using its spring resistance and gravity to open up joints and enhance movement.
11.2 Key Takeaways
Understanding the unique mechanics of the Guillotine.
Exercises to improve hip and spine mobility.
How to incorporate the Guillotine into regular client routines.
12. July: Build the Neck—From Weak to Fit
12.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 18th July 2025
Instructor: Max Lobatto
CPD Points: 2
In today’s world, neck strength and mobility are more important than ever. This workshop will take you on a journey from weak to fit, exploring exercises and smaller apparatus to reform the body starting with the neck.
12.2 Key Takeaways
The importance of neck strength in overall health.
Exercises to build and maintain neck strength.
How to integrate neck training into your clients' routines.
13. August: The Surprise—Trusting the Unexpected
13.1 Workshop Overview
Date: 15th August 2025
Instructor: Secret
CPD Points: 2
Sometimes, the most powerful moments come from the unexpected. This workshop is a surprise, designed to challenge you in ways you might not anticipate. Trust the process and leave room for the magic of maybe!
13.2 Key Takeaways
The importance of flexibility and adaptability in Pilates.
How to embrace the unexpected in your practice.
The potential of surprise elements in creating powerful teaching moments.
"A Year in the Studio" is more than just a series of workshops—it's a journey into the heart of the Pilates Method. With each session, you'll deepen your understanding, refine your skills, and discover new ways to inspire and challenge your clients. Whether you're focused on building consistency or exploring bold new techniques, this series offers something for everyone. So, plan your calendar, and get ready to transform your practice over the next 12 months.
FAQs
1. Can I attend individual workshops, or do I need to commit to the entire series?
You can book workshops individually or commit to the full series for a comprehensive experience.
2. Are these workshops suitable for beginners?
While the workshops are designed with experienced practitioners in mind, motivated beginners can still benefit, especially if they have a strong interest in deepening their Pilates knowledge.
3. What is the cost of each workshop if booked individually?
Each workshop costs £120, but booking the full series offers significant savings and ensures you don’t miss out on any part of this transformative journey.
4. Will I receive a certificate for completing these workshops?
Yes, each workshop provides 2 CPD points and a valid certificate upon completion, adding up to a total of 24 CPD points if you complete the entire series.
5. What is the 'Surprise' workshop in August about?
The 'Surprise' workshop is designed to be a mystery, encouraging participants to embrace the unexpected and explore uncharted territory in their practice. The details will be revealed closer to the date.