Pilates for Kids

With more exposure to Pilates as a form of exercise amongst the adult population, I find that there is also an increasing awareness for kids too, if they're typically involved in sports at school. 

In recent years, I have had the opportunity to train kids as young as 10 yo; and to my surprise, synchronized swimming has become such a popular sport with teenage girls, other than netball and volleyball. The boys are more into racket sports like badminton and tennis, or soccer. I mean, WHY NOT? At this age, kids should be out playing sport instead of facing the computer/ IPad.

Below illustrates briefly a child's motor skill development process:

But really, this post came about because today my client asked me for help about training her teenage girl who enjoys synch swimming so much, she wants to improve in her sport (O what tender age 💖) but has been really upset that whenever her coach tries to stretch her (like a reverse pancake), she cries in pain (poor girl). 

This is probably the 4th kid (whom I've encountered for water sports) and I honestly think kids these days have a mix sense of adult instincts to thrive and compete- well I didn't when I was that age HAHA. I think the beauty of synch swimming especially- it's a mix of the fun of gym, the aesthetics of dance, and the athletics of diving and playing in the water. 

I personally feel that while flexibility is a plus at that age, there's a need for purposefully guiding them to know and understand their bodies better. This would mean they can enjoy their sport(s) and stay off the injury zone. While I prefer to teach young adults past 16yo, I am equally glad to empower kids who start from zero to be inspired to participate in a sport and eventually get stronger. 🙂

Furthermore, as Celeste and Howard mentioned in this video (PLEASE WATCH!), 9yo is the peak of a kid's neurological state, and from experience, they really pick up movements fast. "Fun and interactive" is probably the most important element when structuring for a program for teenagers. 

In time to come, I think it will be pretty exciting to see how Pilates will eventually unveil a myriad of benefits and opportunities for kids and sports, and sports for kids, and more. Truly.

so... what is Pilates?

I had a really interesting conversation with someone last night- he has been practicing Pilates (forever) to complement his sport in skating. He took the plunge to do a reformer training (somewhere) but was rather disappointed how information was watered down (or taken too simply).

so... what is Pilates?
and what does it offer you as a practitioner?

I fell in love with Pilates at first attempt (like quite literally). It was logical, and highly functional. As a teacher/instructor of this method for more than 7 years, I am still awed by this revolutionary method. I guess it's also because our bodies are (DAMN) amazing, how it naturally moves, and heals.

so... what is Pilates?

I would say the concept itself is foundation to many other forms of training modalities, its essence and intention (the system) creates balance for effective strengthening and efficiency of movement. I mentioned during the event last Saturday that as a sports person, I prefer some form of rigidity rather than too much flexibility in my body. (That being said, split was never on my to do list)

I prioritize (and largely believe in) integrated mobility and muscular elasticity. These came about from my background of trainings. I coined integrated mobility to refer to the ability (of a joint that is right in its place) to move with good range of motion without the risk of injury- a little more to feel good in the body, not less to feel outright stiff. Muscular elasticity assimilates that of a spring that recoils and recycles energy in the entire system. This is possible because of the intention to facilitate the gliding of tissues in the body and tap on the stretch-reflex properties of muscles that create movement.

and what has it done for me as a practitioner?

I can touch my toes? NO, haha. That's part of the process. I think the best takeaway for me is that I maintain a form of homeostasis in my body, when something gets out of order, I feel it right away and I can address it. I am very much aware of my body asI hit the ground when running (it's remarkable how you feel your steps recycle on its own - like a bicycle), and when I glide through the water when I swim. I think being able to do that has made sports enjoyable for me.

My hope for people out there is for them to regain that joy in their activities. J

Pilates for Sports

It's been a pretty busy period juggling work, and planning for work- the latter involved more travelling and meetups than I had anticipated. But all's been well. I'm grateful for this experience. I think I've taken a huge step out of my comfort zone trying to pursue something that's true to my heart. 

I can't reveal much because there're still many unknowns although also many plans in the pipeline. Slowly but surely..

On a side note, time flies! It will be the end of August soon, and the event for endurance sports is this Saturday! Haha, friends are more excited than I am... They've already texted me that they can't wait! So blessed to have them support this venture, and also, it has been my hope for people to see how Pilates and sports training are actually complementary and WHOLE. 

 

In the hope that such initiative will follow through, I will be starting a class on Thursday evenings at 6pm at Ilies Soma Pilates studio at Holland Village.

TADAHHHH! PM for details, or email^^ mobility.fitness.pilates@gmail.com

xoxo