As I sit here, preparing to leave the southern shores of China, reflecting on the past few days feels nothing short of inspiring. Here, in Sanya, a tropical paradise with an unexpected beauty and warmth, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and connecting with around 1,500 Pilates teachers, each one enthusiastic, engaged, and refreshingly present. This was no ordinary convention. It was a gathering of Pilates professionals from every background , fitness trainers, physiotherapists, even dancers, all united by a deep curiosity and commitment to learning.
Pilates conventions worldwide differ in tone and energy. Some are quiet, contemplative, and reserved; others are animated, buzzing with curiosity. Here in Sanya, the energy was unmistakably the latter. Teachers were not only eager to learn but full of questions, questions that both tested my explanations and pushed the boundaries of our shared knowledge. The selfie-taking was in full swing, yes, but so was a focused attentiveness, a thirst for understanding the depths of the Pilates method. For me, questions from the attendees are one of the purest forms of engagement. Whether they’re challenging or reaffirming, they represent a teacher’s curiosity and commitment to evolve. It’s a dynamic that breathes life into any learning space.
Reflecting on Pilates’ journey in China has been particularly poignant. I first visited in the early 2000s, at a time when Pilates was just beginning to carve its niche. Now, it’s clear how far we’ve come. My friend in Shanghai, who started with a single studio, now manages multiple, a testament to the method’s growing influence. It’s humbling to think that the work Joseph Pilates once feared might vanish has not only survived but has blossomed into an international phenomenon.
Joseph Pilates dreamt of making his method accessible to all, yet his initial attempts to introduce it to the public fell short. I imagine his frustration after his ill-received TV debut dressed in his trunks, ready to demonstrate his passion, only to return feeling disheartened. And yet, here we are, decades later, with the world embracing his method from Sanya to San Francisco.
The weekend wasn’t without its technical debates. The topic of ‘neutral spine’ surfaced, with contrasting views shared among participants. For me, the ongoing conversation about neutral is a reminder that while our understanding of Pilates principles evolves, the core philosophy remains steadfast: teach the body in front of you. Alan Herdman and Cameron Macintosh, among others, remind us that while neutral is often a useful tool, it’s not a rigid rule. Flexibility in teaching allows us to adapt the method to each individual, honouring the unique needs of every body.
Leaving China, I carry with me a renewed sense of pride and gratitude for this global Pilates community. We may teach in studios or church halls, often feeling like we’re in our own little world. But there’s a vast, vibrant network of Pilates teachers and enthusiasts out there, each carrying forward Joseph Pilates’ legacy in their own way. If only we could tell him, Mr Pilates, your method did hit the world, and it’s thriving.
Until next time, China.
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