REFORMER MAT WORKSHOP (How to earn your 2PDPs)
The video workshop for Reformering your Mat has now been launched!
Online Workshop: Reformering your Mat presented by Chris Lavelle – 2PDPs
As well as the video, the page has three links in the description:
- A copy of the exercise descriptions, to accompany the video – you should read this before watching!
- A copy of the Cueing for Stabilisation notes
- A link to the assessment paper, this must be completed and assessed to gain your 2 PDPs
Once you’ve read the notes and watched the video, complete your assessment and simply upload as a .pdf to your PAA membership file for assessment.
Email support@pilates.org.au if you have any questions or support issues.
Reformering your Mat! by Chris Lavelle
Most instructors have heard of the Reformer Mat. Maybe you have seen it scheduled frequently as an online class option?
In 1998, I was lucky enough to spend time working and studying with Romana Kryzanowska, at Drago’s Gymnasium, New York. It was during this time that I first learnt the Reformer Mat. I want to stress that the Reformer Mat was not something that was taught as a set repertoire to teachers and definitely not to clients! Rather it evolved through people following along on the floor when Romana was teaching apprentices or instructors a reformer class.
I don’t know how it first started, it may have been because there were not enough reformers for all students, but in my memory, it was often because a couple of us were hitching along an existing teachers class in the background (for free!), trying to remain inconspicuous, whilst devouring every word Romana said. I was also very lucky to sometimes have Romana generously take a couple of us through the Reformer Mat flow, after she finished her shift for the day, simply because she delighted in our eagerness to practice this challenging creation!
Having experienced this Pilates phenomenon first hand from Romana, I thought it would be great to present the work as a free online Professional Development workshop for PAA members. You can access it as a resource for your virtual classes, or simply to add it to your bag of tricks for the future. The video is accompanied by a handout and an assessment question. Simply watch the video, read the notes and submit your assessment for 2 PDPs (see below for instructions).
What you will see in this video is the intermediate version of the Reformer Mat, with a few of the more accessible advanced exercises thrown in. I teach these exercises as I remember them being taught to me and I acknowledge that this particular “rep” has constantly and creatively evolved over the years. The modifications I present are my own – simple ways that I have developed to make certain exercises more accessible to my clients, whilst not losing their original goal.
I will stress that this is not a workout I would recommend teaching to clients as a whole, particularly given the increased sitting that people are doing working from home! (Just try the stomach massage and you will understand!) Rather, I present it in its totality so you can pick and choose those exercises that may complement your clients existing mat-work routine, maybe allowing them to work on a weakness, or challenging them to progress in other areas. It could also just allow you to add some variety and fun to your online classes.
A big thank you to Ella Kauter who learnt the routine via zoom and not once lost patience with me, despite my strange cues, demanding nature and below average technical skills! I am proud that we were able to wrestle with the technology to produce a relatively OK amateur production! Sign of the times!
Enjoy!
Chris Lavelle
PAA Vice President
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