About Katherine Rice

A Little Background Information

My introduction to Pilates started over 19 years ago and I could have never anticipated the journey and life force this would become to me as well as becoming a teacher, seeking to move and feel better through movement.

The method is a very comprehensive topic to discuss but it is fundamentally practiced in two ways, known as “Classical” and “Contemporary” Pilates.

Classical Pilates is the practice of the original teachings of Joseph Pilates method which he called “Contrology”, now known simply by his name and follows his true intentions with his exact order and progressions of his exercises. He dedicated his life to designing a complete mind-body system to warm, challenge, and cool the body while strengthening and stretching the body in all planes of movement. It is specific, using your own body on the mat along with numerous pieces of apparatus he designed to accomplish this unique total body workout. This method consists of over 500 exercises for that can be utilized for each individual body and their needs to achieve strength and flexibility.

Contemporary Pilates evolved when a trademark lawsuit protecting the original traditional method Pilates was lost after his death which then allowed anyone to teach Pilates. Because the popularity of Pilates grew so dramatically, it developed into several brands and deviated into many interpretations of the original teachings and in many cases may not resemble the actual exercise system that he developed but are in fact just Pilates-based exercises.

After many years of practice and studying extensively with many educators it became clear it was imperative to understand the distinction between the two as well as the immense amount of information. Learning the Classical work from teachers who have studied with the elders provides a much deeper understanding of the integrity and brilliance of the traditional method. Like any profession it requires education and practice. Many times training now consists of teaching choreography and programming moreover than the specific purpose of each exercise. It is not to say that all that has spun off the work is bad, it is simply not the true intent of the comprehensive method created by Joseph and can feel very different to the body.

What I have come to understand through the years of study and looking at the original work, there is no random exercise. Each movement was designed to flow to keep the body moving with specific intent and each exercise has a purpose which links to the next. Instead of filling an hour of random exercises, you develop the understanding of the work in a much different way which will help you acquire true strength when you realize where the movement initiates from to use the proper muscles with the right amount of effort to achieve proper structural alignment for efficient movement.

I have taught for many years now and I am continually fascinated by the effectiveness of Pilates. It becomes more challenging and interesting with every client I work with. As the years have gone by, if I have learned anything, it is that there is a depth and maturity to Pilates that develops over time and this experience teaches as well as inspires me to obtain even greater knowledge about the method. I continually expand my training in other topics and movement modalities that serve my clients as well as challenge them to meet their goals and compliment their Pilates practice.

On a Personal Note

I could go on endlessly about Pilates, but my goal is to get you moving and out of the chair! That is why I offer an introductory package of 3 private sessions for only $99. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions, see what I do, and get a glimpse of what Pilates is all about. I look forward to having the opportunity to share this great body of work with you.

Call Katherine Rice at 910-690-6548 to learn more and to schedule class or session.