I remember my first apprentice meeting after entering the program. You needed 75 pre-requisite sessions before you could even assess, and that didn't guarantee that you made it into the program. Apprentice meeting were usually an hour held by Sari Mejia-Santo, Romana's daughter and master teacher. She would ask if anyone had questions, so topics for discussion would be injuries, requirements for written test and the execution and reason for an exercise. Often "Pre-Pilates" would be discussed. Pre-Pilates?!? What is that??? I freaked out! Everyone seemed to know what it was, and I felt too new to ask out loud. 

Pre-Pilates is a set of exercises that are there to strengthen an injury or aliment. They can be done before your session to either help assess a client's mobility, or to help a client warm-up before their session. They are often given as "homework" exercises, too, and are also known as "T.V." exercises. (You know, back in the day when you had to watch T.V. commercials).

These exercises help to strengthen feet, ankles, knees, legs, lower back, wrists, hands, shoulders and neck. They are done standing, sitting and lying down. Now, doing some of these at home are hard depending on the client's living situation and their injury. I would think it sounds obvious that if you can't get down to the floor, more than likely you're not going to do an exercise that requires you lying flat, as a bed or sofa is not a viable option. Your teacher will help evaluate what may work for your circumstances.

Generally, in Pilates, we have a rule to leave an injury alone and then strengthen it at the end of a session. This is where we like to teach Pre-Pilates exercises, and whatever the person's body needs. I am in midst of doing videos on YouTube. Check out my channel and look to see the Pre-Pilates series: Clinging Grace Pilates - YouTube Like, comment, share and ask questions!

As always, I love hearing from you! Reach out! Love, Light and Blessings,

Julia xo

"You can say what Pilates is in three words. Stretch with strength and control. And the control part is the most important because that makes you use your mind." Romana Kryzanowska