Search - Classical Pilates Kids & Young Adults on DVD

Pilates made fun for kids

Tom C. Floyd | Austin, TX USA | 04/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a studio owner, I am occasionally approached with the proposition of a mom bringing her eight or ten year-old child to class. I never say "no," but I do caution her that Pilates requires mental concentration and attention to details, and not all kids will maintain that for 55 minutes.

So, my experiences in training young children have been less than stellar. But, then again, I have never put the time and effort into designing a Pilates program specifically for children.

Jennifer Morley has done exactly that in "Classical Pilates Kids & Young Adults," a DVD produced by Classical Pilates, Inc.

The DVD contains four major sections, each one targeting a specific age group: 5-7, 8-10, 10-12, and 12-17.

The first section, "Pilates & Imagination for Ages 5-7," presents two exercise routines that appeal to the imagination and natural play of children. In the "Fishing Hole," for instance, the young child paddles an imaginary canoe to a fishing hole, where he then casts for imaginary fish, and when finished, goes for an imaginary swim. Supplemental graphics and special effects add to the visual and audio interest of the activity. Throughout the adventure, the child works all the major muscle groups in movements that include forward and lateral flexion, rotation, and extension.

A parent or teacher with some Pilates knowledge and a little imagination of her own could easily design other imaginative journeys to hold the interest of the youngsters.

The second section, "Pilates & Education for Ages 8-10," presents two exercise routines that more closely resemble "real" Pilates. For these older children, the focus is on integrating the exercise with sharp thinking skills. In the "Memory Game," a child demonstrates six exercises and then the viewer is asked to perform each exercise from memory in a different order. In the "Opposites" routine, a child demonstrates five additional exercises and then the audience is quizzed as to what the oppositional movements are in each exercise.

The third section, "Pilates & Pre-Training for Ages 10-12," introduces the children to light weights, seated rowing, and the stability ball. These routines are challenging for adults but presented with age-specific cues. The exercises on the ball, especially, challenge the children to maintain concentration and stability. This is a routine that a parent could enjoy doing with his or her child, deriving the same benefits.

The last exercise section, "Pilates & Training for Ages 12-17," is essentially a non-modified intermediate mat workout expertly performed by two young teens. The section begins with "Glossary / Modifications," which explains key Pilates terms and principles using both live action and animation footage. The training section presents the workout in the same real-time, voice-over format for which the Classical Pilates Technique DVDs are well known.

An older teen may well prefer to view "The Complete Mat Workout Series" instead, as it is adult-oriented and offers a fuller syllabus of the mat work.

Parents, teachers, and even Pilates studio owners should find this DVD invaluable in inspiring children to do Pilates as well as providing them with effective tools in making the work accessible and fun in age-appropriate ways."

"Pilates Kids" putting Children and Teens on the path to ma

Maureen | Phila., Pennsylvania | 07/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Congratulations to Classical Pilates for creating a DVD for children and teens while keeping the Pilates Method intact. Pilates Kids meets the unique challenge of focusing and holding the attention of the children by teaching in the format of a game or lesson and introduces the movement and technique according to their ability.

Jennifer's enthusiasm and wonderful clarity captures the attention of the children by engaging their mind and imagination in the form of a story or game to teach the basic movements and help them concentrate on controlling the body. The adorable children are wonderful examples for other children to see that they can learn and do the exercises.

The DVD is arranged in age groups the first being 5 to 7 year olds who use creativity and imagination to present the methods fundamental movement in fun game instead of a difficult exercise. The focus was on concentration and control of the body.

In the age group for 8 to 10 year olds the focus was on education. The exercises are carefully taught and demonstrate strength and flexibility along with balance and control of the body.

The "Mental Tests" creatively connect the visual memory with the exercise and convey the Pilates concept through the use of opposites. Some examples are: slow & fast, up & down, curved & straight, etc. The opposites physically illustrate the different positions and the mental participation demands that the children learn and know what the opposites mean.

The DVD includes a "Safety Deva" who demonstrates modifications and gives suggestions. This is a great tool to draw attention to working at their individual ability level.

The "Pre-Training" section for 10 to 12 year olds is a mix of mat and reformer using clear instructions and illustrations to show modifications. The flow of repetition is demonstrated and how to use less repetitions so a child can work at their own pace. This section shows that each child's flexibility and ability is different and drawings are used to show how the exercise should feel. This section is a mix of mat and reformer and exercises on a ball to demonstrate stability.

The "Training" section for 12 & up is a great intermediate mat workout for experienced students and parents can work out with them and be challenged. The drawings help to explain how the exercises are done properly and safely. There are great drawings and instructions to explain the exercises.

I highly recommend Pilates Kids having taught children myself and knowing from experience how to work on their level. This DVD is a great way for families to workout together as it teaches children step by step the basic movements of the exercises so they can safely and correctly move forward in skills and put them on the right path to mastering the Pilates Method.
"

Pilates for Kids and Youngsters

Martha Caflisch | Zürich, Switzerland | 05/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a Pilates teacher, you are approached from time to time by parents who have 'fallen in love' with Pilates who want their kids to start. To date, there has been little material for teachers to work with, so you were more or less left to your own imagination and experience as to how to approach the child's needs. This DVD provides invaluable guidance together with an imaginative program to keep the kid's interested and motivated while incorporating Pilates principles into their bodies in a fun way. This DVD is certainly going to make Pilates teachers a lot richer because they now have a reference program they can use and build on for their 'little' clients."

Delightful!!

J. Grayson | Savannah, GA | 09/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am most pleased with this DVD.......I have only watched up to the pre-teen age group, as I am inclined to teach my own children and elementary age in general. Being a pilates instructor, I love finding new ideas and imagery tools. Some of the fun imagery for children actually work well on adults, too! The props are great to add for the wee little ones. The music is nice.....the kids are adorable. My 2 oldest have enjoyed seeing a pilates video that features kids their own age....that captured thier attention immediately! I can see how this video would be perfect for even a newcomer to pilates.....
I plan on going to our elementary school during testing (stressful!) and doing some simple, effective pilates w/ the children. Yoga would be especially good as well. Either way, they could use a good stretch and flex to rejuvenate after sitting in a desk sooooo long. Not to mention, my kids get to attend P.E. only ONCE a week!!!! Pilates is a optimal solution to keep fit and strong, starting at the earilest age."