Alan Herdman at The Pilates Works
Alan shares his objectives for the workshop, three must-have for Pilates instructors and how Pilates has evolved since Joseph Pilates's times.
Objectives for the Workshop
Alan would like the students to delve deeper into Pilates exercises, and make them more meaningful rather than accept at face value.
How has Pilates evolve since Joseph Pilates's era?
There are mainly two schools - the traditionalist and the contemporary. The traditionalist approach wants to keep the same way Joseph Pilates has taught. The contemporary approach keeps the principles and essence of Pilates, but adjusts to the needs of the 21st century. Human bodies are different today from what they were in the 1960’s due to our changing life style. About 75% the mat work is flexion but we don’t need as much flexion as before because our current lifestyles have a lot of flexions with our postures using computers and mobile phones. We need to go more into extension.
Increasing Professionalism of Pilates Instructors
Alan believes that to elevate professionalism of Pilates and build up a community of Pilates teachers, we need to have much more integration between the schools. When Pilates is taught at different schools, it is the same techniques but different styles. Alan think Pilates should be a different mixture of styles that gleans the best from the different approaches.
Key Trends
As Pilates become more popular, the training courses have become shorter and that can be detrimental to the future of Pilates. A Pilates course should be longer, more in-depth so the students learn, practice and observed a lot with real people before they start practising with clients.
3 Must-Haves for a Pilates Instructor
A Pilates instructor need to love the techniques, love people and have an open mind to embrace what comes to them.
Alan Herdman at The Pilates Works
Alan shares his objectives for the workshop, three must-have for Pilates instructors and how Pilates has evolved since Joseph Pilates's times.
Objectives for the Workshop
Alan would like the students to delve deeper into Pilates exercises, and make them more meaningful rather than accept at face value.
How has Pilates evolve since Joseph Pilates's era?
There are mainly two schools - the traditionalist and the contemporary. The traditionalist approach wants to keep the same way Joseph Pilates has taught. The contemporary approach keeps the principles and essence of Pilates, but adjusts to the needs of the 21st century. Human bodies are different today from what they were in the 1960’s due to our changing life style. About 75% the mat work is flexion but we don’t need as much flexion as before because our current lifestyles have a lot of flexions with our postures using computers and mobile phones. We need to go more into extension.
Increasing Professionalism of Pilates Instructors
Alan believes that to elevate professionalism of Pilates and build up a community of Pilates teachers, we need to have much more integration between the schools. When Pilates is taught at different schools, it is the same techniques but different styles. Alan think Pilates should be a different mixture of styles that gleans the best from the different approaches.
Key Trends
As Pilates become more popular, the training courses have become shorter and that can be detrimental to the future of Pilates. A Pilates course should be longer, more in-depth so the students learn, practice and observed a lot with real people before they start practising with clients.
3 Must-Haves for a Pilates Instructor
A Pilates instructor need to love the techniques, love people and have an open mind to embrace what comes to them.
Alan Herdman's Pilates workshop rated 5/5 and above at The Pilates Works
Participants share their thoughts on Alan Herdman's Pilates workshop and their key learnings.
Dr Chan Wui Ling Ratings: 5 / 5
Dr Chan said Alan is a very approachable, friendly and knowledgeable teacher. "I learnt that breathing posture is very important, and you have to imagine a belt around the waist when you breath out," she said.
"Good Posture is critical. Many people suffer from back aches due to bad postures. Simple movement such as lifting up of the hips when you stand improve the posture. If my patients have bad problems, I would advise them having good posture is key to alleviate that," enthused Dr Chan.
Tan Wee Ping Ratings: 6 / 5
This is Wee Peng's second-time attending Alan's workshop, the Brand Manager raved about Alan's humour and generosity as a teacher who holds nothing back from sharing his 47 years of teaching experience.
"Too many learnings to pick Top two! My biggest learning is that to work on the spine, we must start from the pelvis. When the pelvis is in good position, the spine will follow suit. Secondly, the scapula movement can be mobilised to improve the flexibility of the spine," said Wee Ping.
Yumi Okamoto Ratings: 5 / 5
Yumi has been a staunch supporter of Alan since Alan's first workshop in Singapore, the part-time Pilates instructor and new mommy summed up in one word on Alan as a teacher: "Superb!"
"Alan always teaches you something new from the basic fundamentals by looking from another angle. It's very fascinating," Yumi reflected. "He teaches not just techniques but goes deeper than that."
"As a teacher, sometimes we become arrogant. This is a good reminder that we have a lot to learn and to rediscover our bodies," said Yumi humbly. "I re-learnt again a lot of daily simple movements can be corrected with right Pilates postures. All the simple movements that are done wrong do add up eventually to an imbalance body!"
Alan Herdman's Pilates workshop rated 5/5 and above at The Pilates Works
Participants share their thoughts on Alan Herdman's Pilates workshop and their key learnings.
Dr Chan Wui Ling Ratings: 5 / 5
Dr Chan said Alan is a very approachable, friendly and knowledgeable teacher. "I learnt that breathing posture is very important, and you have to imagine a belt around the waist when you breath out," she said.
"Good Posture is critical. Many people suffer from back aches due to bad postures. Simple movement such as lifting up of the hips when you stand improve the posture. If my patients have bad problems, I would advise them having good posture is key to alleviate that," enthused Dr Chan.
Tan Wee Ping Ratings: 6 / 5
This is Wee Peng's second-time attending Alan's workshop, the Brand Manager raved about Alan's humour and generosity as a teacher who holds nothing back from sharing his 47 years of teaching experience.
"Too many learnings to pick Top two! My biggest learning is that to work on the spine, we must start from the pelvis. When the pelvis is in good position, the spine will follow suit. Secondly, the scapula movement can be mobilised to improve the flexibility of the spine," said Wee Ping.
Yumi Okamoto Ratings: 5 / 5
Yumi has been a staunch supporter of Alan since Alan's first workshop in Singapore, the part-time Pilates instructor and new mommy summed up in one word on Alan as a teacher: "Superb!"
"Alan always teaches you something new from the basic fundamentals by looking from another angle. It's very fascinating," Yumi reflected. "He teaches not just techniques but goes deeper than that."
"As a teacher, sometimes we become arrogant. This is a good reminder that we have a lot to learn and to rediscover our bodies," said Yumi humbly. "I re-learnt again a lot of daily simple movements can be corrected with right Pilates postures. All the simple movements that are done wrong do add up eventually to an imbalance body!"
Alan Herdman shared how he started his Pilates teaching journey in 1970.
Alan Herdman shared how he started his Pilates teaching journey in 1970.
Alan Herdman shared how he started his Pilates teaching journey in 1970.
Workshop Content
Friday 29th Sep
Saturday 30th Sep
Sunday 1st Oct
Morning Session
(9.30am - 12.30pm)
Moving For Life
Alan will demonstrate and teach participants essential exercises that will be beneficial for every client. He will cover the fundamentals and incorporate the principles of Pilates in the movements he will be teaching. It'll benefit both clients and teachers.
Morning Session
(9.30am - 12.30pm)
Pilates for the more Mature Population
We are seeing an increasing number of more matured clients starting to do Pilates to cope with their growing immobility, increasing imbalance and postural challenges. Alan will teach the differnt diagnostic approaches and modified movement executions that will benefit these clients and help improve their quality of life.
Morning Session
(9.30am - 12.30pm)
Advance Reformer Work
This session is suitable for both Pilates teachers and clients who are practicing advanced exercises on the reformers. Alan will explain core principles, demonstrate and breakdown these exercises that will challenge the participants both physically and mentally.
Afternoon Session
(1.30pm - 4.30pm)
A New Modified Pilates Mat for the Lower Back
Clients with lower back pain may have problems performing the classical Pilates matwork repertoire. They may not be able to reap as many benefits as they should since they may be concurrently battling with their discomfort. Alan will showcase a modified Pilates matwork repertoire suitable for such clients, and explained the principles of how these exercises can be more beneficial.
Afternoon Session
(1.30pm - 4.30pm)
Hip Replacement
Clients with hip replacement or who are in need of hip surgeries require concerted care and different approaches. Alan will instruct participants on what to look out for and highlight contraindicative exercises for these clients. He will also demonstrate and discuss modified Pilates movements for clients with hip related issues such as sacroiliac (S.I.) joint instability.
Afternoon Session
(1.30pm - 4.30pm)
Neck and Shoulder Issues
Neck and shoulder issues such as pain, aches and dislocations are most common amongst our clients. Alan will discuss the major neck and shoulder issues, watchouts and instruct participants on Pilates movements and exercises that will help clients deal with these issues and help alleviate some of their discomfort.
Workshop Content
Fri 29th Sep
Morning Session
(9.30am - 12.30pm)
Moving For Life
Alan will demonstrate and teach participants essential exercises that will be beneficial for every client. He will cover the fundamentals and incorporate the principles of Pilates in the movements he will be teaching. It'll benefit both clients and teachers.
Fri 29th Sep
Afternoon Session
(1.30pm - 4.30pm)
A New Modified Pilates Mat for the Lower Back
Clients with lower back pain may have problems performing the classical Pilates matwork repertoire. They may not be able to reap as many benefits as they should since they may be concurrently battling with their discomfort. Alan will showcase a modified Pilates matwork repertoire suitable for such clients, and explained the principles of how these exercises can be more beneficial.
Sat 30th Sep
Morning Session
(9.30am - 12.30pm)
Pilates for the more Mature Population
We are seeing an increasing number of more matured clients starting to do Pilates to cope with their growing immobility, increasing imbalance and postural challenges. Alan will teach the differnt diagnostic approaches and modified movement executions that will benefit these clients and help improve their quality of life.
Sat 30th Sep
Afternoon Session
(1.30pm - 4.30pm)
Hip Replacement
Clients with hip replacement or who are in need of hip surgeries require concerted care and different approaches. Alan will instruct participants on what to look out for and highlight contraindicative exercises for these clients. He will also demonstrate and discuss modified Pilates movements for clients with hip related issues such as sacroiliac (S.I.) joint instability.
Sun 1st Oct
Morning Session
(9.30am - 12.30pm)
Advance Reformer Work
This session is suitable for both Pilates teachers and clients who are practicing advanced exercises on the reformers. Alan will explain core principles, demonstrate and breakdown these exercises that will challenge the participants both physically and mentally.
Sun 1st Oct
Afternoon Session
(1.30pm - 4.30pm)
Neck and Shoulder Issues
Neck and shoulder issues such as pain, aches and dislocations are most common amongst our clients. Alan will discuss the major neck and shoulder issues, watchouts and instruct participants on Pilates movements and exercises that will help clients deal with these issues and help alleviate some of their discomfort.
Alan Herdman's Gems of Wisdom
Alan shares the most common issues clients face today, his teaching philosophy and how professionalism can be further improved.
Poor Posture is the Common Denominator
Alan said that the most common problems of people who come to Pilates are a result of poor posture, exacerbated by bad lifestyle and not enough movement.
The top four most common needs amongst his clients in UK are correcting poor posture, alleviating back problems caused by poor posture, and working through pre-and post hip replacement surgery work as well as that of knee replacement surgery.
Alan's Teaching Philosophy
Alan believes that clients should not be box-fitted into Pilates techniques, rather Pilates techniques should suit the individual client's needs.
Increasing Professionalism of Pilates Instructors
He advises that there should be longer, extended training for today's Pilates instructors to build up their professionalism. Anybody can learn the Pilates exercises but the strategy of approaching clients particular issues is the key - a lot of the exercises are bad for certain conditions, and Pilates instructors need to be equipped with extensive knowledge to provide professional and beneficial advice to clients.
Alan's Personal Satisfaction
Alan said his sense of satisfaction in his Pilates journey come in the form of recognising some of the high potential students who can become very good teachers eventually, as well as seeing someone who thinks he or she is too old to exercise yet able to bounce around with energy after Pilates.
Alan Herdman's Gems of Wisdom
Alan shares the most common issues clients face today, his teaching philosophy and how professionalism can be further improved.
Poor Posture is the Common Demoninator
Alan said that the most common problems of people who come to Pilates are a result of poor posture, exacerbated by bad lifestyle and not enough movement.
The top four most common needs amongst his clients in UK are correcting poor posture, alleviating back problems caused by poor posture, and working through pre-and post hip replacement surgery work as well as that of knee replacement surgery.
Alan's Teaching Philosophy
Alan believes that clients should not be box-fitted into Pilates techniques, rather Pilates techniques should suit the individual client's needs.
Increasing Professionalism of Pilates Instructors
He advises that there should be longer, extended training for today's Pilates instructors to build up their professionalism. Anybody can learn the Pilates exercises but the strategy of approaching clients particular issues is the key - a lot of the exercises are bad for certain conditions, and Pilates instructors need to be equipped with extensive knowledge to provide professional and beneficial advice to clients.
Alan's Personal Satisfaction
Alan said his sense of satisfaction in his Pilates journey come in the form of recognising some of the high potential students who can become very good teachers eventually, as well as seeing someone who thinks he or she is too old to exercise yet able to bounce around with energy after Pilates.
Alan Herdman's Gems of Wisdom
Alan shares the most common issues clients face today, his teaching philosophy and how professionalism can be further improved.
Poor Posture is the Common Demoninator
Alan said that the most common problems of people who come to Pilates are a result of poor posture, exacerbated by bad lifestyle and not enough movement.
The top four most common needs amongst his clients in UK are correcting poor posture, alleviating back problems caused by poor posture, and working through pre-and post hip replacement surgery work as well as that of knee replacement surgery.
Alan's Teaching Philosophy
Alan believes that clients should not be box-fitted into Pilates techniques, rather Pilates techniques should suit the individual client's needs.
Increasing Professionalism of Pilates Instructors
He advises that there should be longer, extended training for today's Pilates instructors to build up their professionalism. Anybody can learn the Pilates exercises but the strategy of approaching clients particular issues is the key - a lot of the exercises are bad for certain conditions, and Pilates instructors need to be equipped with extensive knowledge to provide professional and beneficial advice to clients.
Alan's Personal Satisfaction
Alan said his sense of satisfaction in his Pilates journey come in the form of recognising some of the high potential students who can become very good teachers eventually, as well as seeing someone who thinks he or she is too old to exercise yet able to bounce around with energy after Pilates.
Thank You Everyone!
The Pilates Works wants to thank all the wonderful participants for joining Alan Herdman's workshop. It has been a great pleasure having you with us those three insightful days. Hopefully, Alan has inspired us to continuously challenge, learn and innovate better ways of teaching and improved greatly our appreciation and know-how of technical executions of Pilates movements.