Learner name:
Learner number:
F/504/4406
VRQ
UV31499
Programming mat-based Pilates
By signing this statement of unit achievement you are confirming that all learning outcomes, assessment criteria and range statements have been achieved under specified conditions and that the evidence gathered is authentic.
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Statement of unit achievement
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UV31499Programming mat-based Pilates
The aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to plan a mat-based Pilates programme.
You will learn how to collect information from the client in order to plan a programme for them, ensuring that it allows for clients to participate in a range of movements safely.
You will be able to adapt programmes to meet client needs and agree goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART).
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GLH
Credit value
Level
Observation(s)
External paper(s)
51
9
3
1
0
On completion of this unit you will:
Learning outcomes
Programming mat-based Pilates
1. Be able to collect information about clients
2. Be able to agree goals with clients
3. Be able to plan a progressive mat-based Pilates programme
4. Understand the principles of collecting information to plan a mat-based Pilates programme
5. Understand how to screen clients prior to a mat-based Pilates programme
6. Understand how to identify goals with clients
7. Understand the exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for special populations
8. Understand how to plan a mat-based Pilates programme
9. Understand how to adapt a mat-based Pilates programme with clients
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Evidence requirements
1. Environment Evidence for this unit may be gathered within the workplace or realistic working environment (RWE).
2. Simulation Simulation is not allowed in this unit.
3. Observation outcomes Competent performance of Observation outcomes must be demonstrated on at least one occasion.
Assessor observations, witness testimonies and products of work are likely to be the most appropriate sources of performance evidence. Professional discussion may be used as supplementary evidence for those criteria that do not naturally occur.
4. Range All ranges must be practically demonstrated or other forms of evidence produced to show they have been covered.
5. Pilates programme You are required to devise a progressive 6-week Pilates programme for an individual or group. This must be documented in your portfolio of evidence.
6. Knowledge outcomes There must be evidence that you possess all the knowledge and understanding listed in the Knowledge section of this unit. In most cases this can be done by professional discussion and/or oral questioning. Other methods, such as projects, assignments and/or reflective accounts may also be used.
7. Tutor/Assessor guidance You will be guided by your tutor/assessor on how to achieve learning outcomes and cover ranges in this unit. All outcomes and ranges must be achieved.
8. External paper There is no external paper requirement for this unit.
Achieving observation outcomes
Achieving observations and range
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Your assessor will observe your performance of practical tasks. The minimum number of competent observations required is indicated in the Evidence requirements section of this unit.
Criteria may not always naturally occur during a practical observation. In such instances you will be asked questions to demonstrate your competence in this area. Your assessor will document the criteria that have been achieved through professional discussion and/or oral questioning. This evidence will be recorded by your assessor in written form or by other appropriate means.
Your assessor will sign off a learning outcome when all criteria have been competently achieved.
4
Achieving range
The range section indicates what must be covered. Ranges should be practically demonstrated as part of an observation. Where this is not possible other forms of evidence may be produced. All ranges must be covered.
Your assessor will document the portfolio reference once a range has been competently achieved.
Guidance for assessment
The progressive six week programme can be devised for an individual OR a group.
Outcome 1
Observations
You can:
Observation 1 Optional OptionalDate achieved
Criteria questioned orally
Portfolio reference
Assessor initials
Learner signature
*May be assessed by supplementary evidence.
Be able to collect information about clients
a. Establish a rapport with the client
b. Explain own role and responsibilities to clients
c. Collect the information needed to plan a mat-based Pilates programme using appropriate methods
d. Show sensitivity and empathy to clients and the information they provide
e. Record the information using appropriate formats in a way that will aid analysis
f. Treat confidential information correctly
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Outcome 2
You can:
Be able to agree goals with clients
*May be assessed by supplementary evidence.
a. Work with clients to agree short, medium and long term goals appropriate to their needs
b. Ensure the goals are: • specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound • consistent with industry good practice
c. Agree with clients their needs and readiness to participate
Observation 1 Optional OptionalDate achieved
Criteria questioned orally
Portfolio reference
Assessor initials
Learner signature
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Outcome 3
You can:
*May be assessed by supplementary evidence.
Be able to plan a progressive mat-based Pilates programme
a. Agree the demands of the mat-based Pilates programme with the clients
b. Agree appropriate evaluation methods and review dates
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Observation 1 Optional OptionalDate achieved
Criteria questioned orally
Portfolio reference
Assessor initials
Learner signature
Range
*You must practically demonstrate that you have:
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Planned a progressive programme that includes a minimum of 1 objective Portfolio reference
With specific fitness needs
With general health needs
Planned a progressive programme that includes a minimum of 1 postural type Portfolio reference
Kyphotic
Lordotic
Sway back
Flat back
Neutral/ideal
Considered all factors when planning Portfolio reference
Space
Layout
Temperature
Flooring/lighting
Ventilation
Use of music
Equipment for the session
Personal clothing and equipment
Planned and agreed a minimum of 3 goals Portfolio reference
General health and fitness
Physiological
Psychological
Lifestyle
Social
Function ability
It is strongly recommended that all range items are practically demonstrated. Where this is not possible, other forms of evidence may be produced to demonstrate competence.
Achieving knowledge outcomes
Developing knowledge
You will be guided by your tutor and assessor on the evidence that needs to be produced. Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed using the assessment methods listed below*:
• Projects• Observed work• Witness statements• Audio-visual media • Evidence of prior learning or attainment• Written questions• Oral questions• Assignments• Case studies• Professional discussion
Where applicable your assessor will integrate knowledge outcomes into practical observations through professional discussion and/or oral questioning.
When a criterion has been orally questioned and achieved, your assessor will record this evidence in written form or by other appropriate means. There is no need for you to produce additional evidence as this criterion has already been achieved.
Some knowledge and understanding outcomes may require you to show that you know and understand how to do something. If you have practical evidence from your own work that meets knowledge criteria, then there is no requirement for you to be questioned again on the same topic.
*This is not an exhaustive list.
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Knowledge
Outcome 3
Be able to plan a progressive mat-based Pilates programme
You can: Portfolio reference
c. Plan specific outcome measures, stages of achievement and exercises/physical activities that are: • appropriate to clients’ goals and level of fitness • consistent with accepted good practice
d. Plan a progressive programme of safe and effective exercises that incorporate principles and fundamentals of mat-based Pilates
e. Plan realistic timings and order appropriate to your clients
f. Ensure that the programme allows for clients to participate in a range of movements that can be modified, progressed or adapted according to their needs
g. Identify the resources needed for the mat-based Pilates programme
h. Record plans in a format that will help you and your clients to implement the programme
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Outcome 4
Understand the principles of collecting information to plan a mat-based Pilates programme
You can: Portfolio reference
a. Explain the principles of informed consent
b. Explain why informed consent should be obtained before collecting information for a mat-based Pilates programme
c. Summarise the client information that should be collected when designing a mat-based Pilates programme
d. Explain how to select the most appropriate methods of collecting client information
e. Explain the legal and ethical implications of collecting client information, including confidentiality
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Outcome 5
Understand how to screen clients prior to a mat-based Pilates programme
You can: Portfolio reference
a. Explain how to interpret information collected from the client in order to identify needs and goals
b. Explain how to analyse responses to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
c. Describe the types of medical conditions that will prevent mat-based Pilates teachers from working with a client unless they have specialist training and qualifications
d. Explain how and when mat-based Pilates teachers should refer clients to another professional
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Outcome 6
Understand how to identify goals with clients
You can: Portfolio reference
a. Explain how to identify clients’ short, medium and long term goals
b. Explain how to use specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART) objectives in a mat-based Pilates programme
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Outcome 7
Understand the exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for special populations
You can: Portfolio reference
a. Describe the exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for working with older adults (50 plus)
b. Describe the exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for working with antenatal and postnatal clients
c. Describe the exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for working with young people (14-16)
d. Describe the key safety considerations for working with disabilities
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Outcome 8
Understand how to plan a mat-based Pilates programme
You can: Portfolio reference
a. Identify credible sources of information on programme design and safe exercise
b. Summarise the key principles of designing mat-based Pilates programmes to meet client needs
c. Describe a range of safe and effective exercises/physical activities derived from the original principles and fundamentals of mat-based Pilates
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Outcome 9
Understand how to adapt a mat-based Pilates programme with clients
You can: Portfolio reference
a. Explain how the principles and fundamentals of mat-based Pilates can be used to adapt the programme where: • goals are not being achieved • new goals have been identified
b. Explain why it is important to keep accurate records of changes and the reasons for change
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Outcome 1: Be able to collect information about clients
Unit content
This section provides guidance on the recommended knowledge and skills required to enable you to achieve each of the learning outcomes in this unit. Your tutor/assessor will ensure you have the opportunity to cover all of the unit content.
Establish rapport: Positive body language, use client’s name, address clients personally, ensure inclusion of all clients, emphasis on welcoming newcomers, be supportive and approachable, demonstrate interest and active listening, engage with clients, communication (verbal, non-verbal, positive, motivating).
Own roles and responsibilities: Risk assessment, health and safety, screening of clients, teach Pilates’ methodology (one-to-one basis, groups), help individuals to achieve specific goals (fitness or rehabilitation), classes (instruct, motivate, monitor and adapt as appropriate to individuals), offer advice and support to clients, design and implement programmes, keep records (detailed, accurate, logical), maintain own levels of fitness, continual professional development, professionalism, effective communicator, appropriately qualified.
Collect information: Collect accurate and up-to-date client information (primary and secondary risk factors, medical conditions, medication, medical history, postural deviations, muscle imbalances, fitness and skill level, lifestyle, individual goals and motivations, previous exercise history, barriers to exercise, dietary requirements, informed consent), preserve dignity and privacy, adhere to confidentiality legislation/data protection.
Methods: As appropriate (verbal (consultation), written, physical measurements, physical testing).
Show sensitivity and empathy: Towards personal needs and goals, regarding postural assessment findings, regarding fitness/skill testing results, regarding barriers, for stage of readiness.
Record information to aid analysis: Subjective and objective information (no judgemental statements), logical format, information should be clear/accurate/legible.
Treat confidential information correctly: Adhere to confidentiality legislation/data protection, ensure privacy and dignity, appropriate storage of records.
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Outcome 2: Be able to agree goals with clients
Work with clients to agree goals: Meet clients’ personal needs, develop clients’ potential, address barriers (e.g. time, motivation, commitments, increase motiviation, increase adherence), importance of client involvement, importance of identifying and agreeing goals with clients, others involved in goal setting (other professionals, friends, family, peers, colleagues), when others should be involved in goal setting (e.g. referral), goals (short, medium and long term).
Goals: SMART, recording goals (set, achieved, revised), goals consistent with industry good practice.
Agree needs and readiness to participate:
Agree needs – clarify with client, ensure understanding, no misconceptions.
Agree readiness to participate – willingness, motivation, feasibility, ability, amount of support needed, removal of barriers, agree stage of change (pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance).
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Outcome 3: Be able to plan a progressive mat-based Pilates programme
Agree programme demands: Physical preparation, psychological preparation, response to previous physical activity, changes from last session, potential impact of injuries/illnesses, planned objectives, planned activities, physical and technical demands of each activity, health and safety, emergency procedures, advice to individuals, agreement of session/programme plan.
Appropriate evaluation methods/review dates: Methods (visual observation of client, verbal questioning of client, ability of client to carry out exercises safely without direct supervision, written exercise records), regular reviews, monitoring of progress.
Plan progressive programme: Identify goals, specific outcome measures, stages of achievement, appropriate exercises/physical activities, appropriate to clients’ goals/level of fitness, consistent with accepted good practice.
Progressive programme content:
Six week progressive programme – for an individual, for a group.
Include planning – resources, risk assessment, safety considerations.
Include original principles of Pilates – breathing, concentration, control, isolation, centring, precision, flow, routine.
Include fundamentals of Pilates – stabilisation, breathing, mobilisation, articulation of spine in all planes of movement, head/pelvis/ribcage placement, scapula movement and stabilisation.
Include a range of movements: Exercises (mobility, strength and flexibility), identify for each exercise (modifications,
progressions and adaptations), in all six positions (standing, seated, supine, prone, side-lying, four point), timings, intensities and order of plan.
Realistic timings and order: Specific to the needs of individual or group, allow progression and development, ensure enjoyment and satisfaction, appropriate to ability.
Resources, facilities and environment: Resources (mats, blocks, pillows, cushions, foam rolls, Swiss balls, bands), facilities (e.g. fitness studio, sports hall), environment (e.g. space, layout, temperature, flooring/lighting, ventilation, use of music), selection (account for environment, appropriate for programme needs, appropriate for clients’ needs).
Recording plans: Six week programme plan, information to include exercises, adaptations/progressions/modifications, accepted formats (e.g. session plans), session plan information (phases, timings, exercises, exercise modifications, teaching points, visualisation, equipment, music if applicable).
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Outcome 4: Understand the principles of collecting information to plan a mat-based Pilates programme
Principles of informed consent: Principles (Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) Code of Conduct, legal implications, insurance, duty of care, law of tort or delict), purpose (to confirm client’s understanding of exercise requirements, to formally obtain client’s informed agreement to participate).
Obtain informed consent prior to collection of information: Information (verbal, written, physical), ensure clients are fully informed of what to expect, ensure clients are in agreement, to meet legal and ethical requirements.
Summary of information to collect: Personal details, primary and secondary risk factors, medical conditions, medication, medical history, injury, postural deviations, muscle imbalances, fitness and skill level, lifestyle, individual goals and motivations, previous exercise history, readiness to change, dietary requirements, barriers to exercise (e.g. time commitments, finance, access, health, self-conscious, low self-esteem, lack of childcare, family commitments, religion, fear of injury), informed consent.
Appropriate methods of collecting client information: PAR-Q, health and lifestyle questionnaire, verbal interview and discussion, verbal screening, visual and observational screening, posture assessment, physical measurements, evaluate methods for different clients (application, strengths, weaknesses).
Legal, ethical and organisational implications of collecting client information:
Legal implications – data protection legislation requirements, confidentiality.
Ethical implications – Code of Ethics, REPS Code of Conduct.
Organisational implications – appropriate storage of information, maintain client’s trust, maintain confidentiality.
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Outcome 5: Understand how to screen clients prior to a mat-based Pilates programme
Interpret information: Compare against normative data, compare against national guidelines, strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, barriers, areas for improvement, specific needs and requirements, goals, motivation, identify need for referral.
PAR-Q: Purpose (to identify present risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), to identify current state of health, to identify potential contra-indications and medical conditions, to inform referral to other professionals), administer (in accordance with American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines, prior to physical assessment, prior to exercise participation), inform the client of participation status or referral.
Analyse responses to PAR-Q:
Yes response – medical clearance needed if there is a positive response (yes to one or more questions)/are older than 40 and have been inactive/are concerned about health, consult physician before substantially increasing physical activity/taking fitness tests, ascertain appropriate activity, specific exercise limitations, exercise to be supervised/unsupervised, in most instances any activity will be appropriate as long as guidelines are adhered to.
No response – confidence that exercise can be undertaken safely, low risk of medical complications from exercise, exercise/physical activity programmes (commence slowly, increase gradually), carry out fitness assessment to determine strengths/areas for improvement.
Feeling unwell – temporary illness or condition (cold, fever, infection, pregnancy),
delay start of exercise programme.
Medical conditions preventing Pilate instructors working with clients: Primary and secondary risk factors of CHD, mental health, low back pain, respiratory disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, asthma, pre/postnatal condition, conditions of disability, older adults, need specialist training and qualifications to work with these groups.
Referral of clients: Other professionals (physiotherapist, osteopath, GP), how (formal procedures, courtesy and respect), when to refer clients (prior to participation, when contra-indications are identified, when outside the limits of professional responsibility).
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Outcome 6: Understand how to identify goals with clients
Identify goals: Based on client’s needs, short term, medium term, long term), develop SMART goals, ensure goals take into account barriers, remove barriers to participation where feasible, reduce any fears and reservations about physical activity (e.g. offer alternatives, offer solutions).
Goal types – general or specific health, general fitness or specific fitness components, physiological, psychological wellbeing, lifestyle, social, functional.
Short term goals – goals that can/will be achieved in the near future (e.g. in a day, within a week or month), motivation levels high, require minimal planning.
Medium term goals – goals that can be achieved in the next few weeks/months, mid-point to achieving long term goals, need to be broken down into series of smaller short term goals, important to review frequently so you do not lose sight of objectives.
Long term goals – achieve over a long period of time (e.g. one semester, one year), most meaningful and important goals, problems staying focused as achievement is usually far in the future, short and medium goals help achieve long term goals (stepping stones), short and medium goals help measure progress towards reaching long term goals.
How to use SMART objectives: Long term goal (ultimate desired result, e.g. be able to perform 34 Pilates exercises with correct technique at advanced levels), short and medium term goals (more easily attainable milestones, baby steps to build confidence and morale (e.g. perform partial roll down, perform modified shoulder
bridge by a set date)), ensure all goals are SMART.
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Outcome 7: Understand the exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for special populations
Exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for older adults (50+):
Older adults – screened and asymptomatic, little or no experience of the type of exercise, only 1% of the 50+ population are highly trained, activity levels may be low and decline with age, 1-2% loss in physical components of fitness each year.
Contra-indications – loss of physiological and psychological function, poor functional status, signs and symptoms of potentially serious disease, sensory and cognitive decline.
Safety guidelines – undertake pre-exercise health screening, refer to other professional if required, undertake longer and more gradual mobility and warm-up, undertake a gradually tapered cool down, exercise intensity (must be at a challenging but health-related level), use Rate Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale to monitor intensity, emphasise correct exercise technique, increase duration of transitions, simplify exercise when required, introduce new exercises at the most basic level, avoid extreme spinal flexion.
Exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for antenatal and postnatal clients:
Antenatal and postnatal clients – healthy adult women, healthy pregnancy, normal and healthy birth, previously normal and healthy pregnancies and births. Do not take up Pilates when you are pregnant if you have no experience (general rule; do not start a new activity when you are pregnant).
Contra-indications – injury, joint
misalignment, muscle imbalance, motor skill decline, embolism, thrombosis, haemorrhage, pelvic floor dysfunction, symphysis pubis dysfunction, neck and shoulder pain, experiencing other pregnancy-related symptoms.
Safety guidelines – progress with Pilates exercises gradually (e.g. levers, complexity), maintain adequate hydration and calorie intake, avoid exercising in hot and humid conditions, use the RPE scale to monitor intensity not heart rate, avoid supine exercise after 16 weeks of pregnancy, avoid prone exercise, avoid prolonged motionless standing, avoid heavy isometric or overhead resistance exercises, avoid leg adduction and abduction against resistance, avoid loaded forward flexion, avoid rapid changes of direction, avoid uncontrolled twisting or ballistic movements, reduce risk of falling or trauma, avoid high intensity or impact exercise, re-educate post-birth women on posture and joint alignment before progressing, avoid crunching and twisting abdominal exercises, babies should be excluded from the exercise area, ensure instructor’s first aid skills are up to date.
Exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for young people (14-16 years):
14-16 year olds – screened and asymptomatic, apparently healthy young people.
Contra-indications – stage of growth and development, musculoskeletal injuries, signs/symptoms of overtraining/overuse.
Safety guidelines – wear appropriate clothing and footwear, undertake a gradual
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Outcome 7: Understand the exercise contra-indications and key safety guidelines for special populations (continued)
warm-up and cool down, avoid heavy resistance exercises, use RPE to monitor exercise intensity, resistance training should use light weights and high reps, emphasise correct exercise technique, avoid ballistic stretching, ensure adequate hydration and calorie intake.
Key safety considerations for working with people with disabilities: Undertake exercise in a safe and supportive environment, risk assess, make reasonable adjustments to enable access, adapt exercise for the disability, provide specialist assistance if required, incorporate functional and life-related movement, use specialist equipment if required, refer to other professionals if required, obtain guidance from other professionals.
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Outcome 8: Understand how to plan a mat-based Pilates programme
Credible sources of information on programme design and safe exercise: Sources of information (expert reviewed text books, journals and websites, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) Code of Conduct.
Key principles of designing mat-based Pilates programmes: National guidelines, analyse collected information (against normative data, against national guidelines, strengths, areas for improvement), interpret collected information (need for referral, participation/inclusion, for exercise selection, for progression and adaptation, specific needs and requirements using individual exercise analysis).
Original principles – breathing, concentration, control, isolation, centring, precision, flow, routine.
Fundamentals of stabilisation – scapula stabilisation at shoulder girdle, lumbar spine, pelvic girdle, role of thoracolumbar fascia and diaphragm in core stability.
Fundamentals of breathing – diaphragmatic, thoracic, lateral, single and double breath application of breathing to movement, abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing for relaxation.
Fundamentals of mobilisation – mobilise joints and soft tissue through full natural ranges of movement, safe and effective joint movement, postural and structural alignment, postural types, plumb line alignment using surface markings/body landmarks as markers, modification of range of motion to meet individual needs.
Fundamentals of articulation of the spine – in all planes of movement (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion).
34 original mat-based Pilate’s exercises – repertoire of Joseph Pilate’s (The hundred, the roll up, the roll over, the one leg circle, rolling back, the one leg stretch, the double leg stretch, the spine stretch, rocker with open legs, the corkscrew, the saw, the swan dive, the one leg kick, the double kick, the neck pull, the scissors, the bicycle, the shoulder bridge, the spine twist, the jack knife, the side kick, the teaser, the hip twist with stretched arms, swimming, the leg pull (front), the leg pull (back), the side kick kneeling, the side bend, the boomerang, the seal, the crab, rocking, the control balance, the push up).
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Outcome 9: Understand how to adapt a mat-based Pilates programme with clients
Adapting programme: Progress, regress, modify, offer alternatives, different exercises, new goals have not been achieved, new goals have been identified.
Importance of keeping accurate records of change to programmes: Provides case history, holistic picture, review document, informs other instructors, facilitates communication, professional relationship between client and instructor, informed consent, litigation, legal reasons.
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