A Fusion of Sport and Pilates
As an ESPN play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball and college basketball, Jon Sciambi might not have been the typical keynote speaker for a Pilates conference. But as someone who finds balance in Pilates and connects it directly with athletics, he was the perfect fit.
First introduced to Pilates by pitcher Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs, Sciambi realizes the importance of the mind-muscle connection and sense of control that Pilates brings. As he puts it, “It helps me understand how, why and what is actually making something move and fire.” Understanding the anatomy of functional movement is definitely relevant to any athlete.
Sciambi addressed his philanthropic work as well, which involves fundraising for ALS, a condition he has personal experience with and for which he strives to bring awareness. He related this important mission to the work of improving lives through exercise, noting that “Carrying around the knowledge and ability to improve someone’s physical state is a powerful currency.” His message was inspiring, and the relationship of Pilates and sport is certainly one that will continue to gain momentum.
A Wealth of Knowledge
Additional speakers from many different backgrounds also shared their knowledge during the event. In fact, over 50 presenters from around the globe provided expertise and insight over the course of the four days.
Among the many professionals in attendance was mind-body guru Eric Franklin. His famous Franklin Method® uses dynamic imagery, anatomical embodiment, and reconditioning movement exercises to improve how the body functions. Eric has a background as a dancer, and he has provided training to Olympic athletes and professional dance troupes such as Cirque du Soleil.
Another mind-body movement educator and practitioner that presented was Elizabeth Larkam. Sharing much in common with Franklin, she also has a background in dance and has worked with Cirque du Soleil. She has created Pilates protocols for orthopedic, spine, and chronic pain diagnoses, and collaborated with physical therapists to help wounded soldiers using Pilates techniques.
Madeline Black, author and educator, also shared her insights at the conference. Madeline coaches and mentors advanced teachers, raising the level of education and quality in the Pilates industry worldwide. Madeline lives and works at Studio M in Sonoma, California, and is the author of the popular new book, Centered: Organizing the Body Through Kinesiology, Movement Theory and Pilates.
A Host of Cool Products
PMA 2017 wasn’t just about the sharing of information; it also spotlighted some of the industry’s best and most innovative Pilates products. Exhibitors ranged from studios to apparel to props. There was truly something for everyone who strolled through the exhibitor hall.
OPTP brought many of its exclusive Eric Franklin items to the conference so that attendees could see firsthand the tools of his Franklin Method that he discussed in his presentations. The ever-growing collection of Franklin Method products provides users with tension release, efficient movement, and relaxation. Franklin is also the author of 13 educational books for both professionals and individuals, including the recently released Grow Younger Daily, as well as The Art & Science of Cueing, a guide for Pilates educators featuring mental imagery techniques.
Also exhibiting was the popular ActivMotion Bar®, perhaps one of the most innovative products to capture the attention of the Pilates world in recent years. The bar features internal ball bearings that shift during movement, producing instability for a challenging workout on a mat or reformer. The 4-foot, 4.5-pound version, offered exclusively from OPTP, is the most popular ActivMotion Bar for Pilates. There is also an exercise manual developed by ActivMotion inventor Derek Mikulski featuring more than 40 Pilates, rehabilitation, and golf exercises using the bar.
A number of discs, balance boards, and similar products were also showcasing their applications for Pilates. One of these effective tools for developing strength and balance was OPTP’s Pro Rotating Discs™. With many versatile uses, the discs can help educate hip rotators, increase core strength, and improve range of motion. The rotating 11” diameter discs have their own instructional DVD, “Movement Techniques for Rotating Discs”, developed by the previously mentioned Elizabeth Larkam.
Already Excited for 2018
Between all of the amazing speakers, motivational messages, and great products, it was hard not to be inspired by the PMA conference. And of course, the luxurious setting of the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa didn’t hurt, either. Even though we’re still awestruck by the experience, we’re already looking forward to next year…we can’t wait to see what 2018 holds in store.
