STOTT PILATES®
The Contemporary Approach
The progressive approach to Pilates exercise, known as STOTT PILATES, builds on the essence and principles of the late Joseph Pilates' work by incorporating modern knowledge about the body. President and CEO, Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with Executive Director, Education, Moira Merrithew have spent more than two decades refining the Pilates method to include modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation to result in STOTT PILATES – the contemporary approach to the teachings of Joseph Pilates.
Moira studied, apprenticed and worked with clients under the direction of Romana Kryzanowska at the New York studio founded by Joseph Pilates. But after a neck injury, Moira realized that the Classical Method was lacking something. She needed to ground her method in science and improve the methodology developed by Pilates. Moira worked closely with Lindsay and a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals and continues to do so to ensure all programming is aligned with current scientific and biomechanical research. STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints. This involves placing emphasis on pelvic and scapular stabilization and integrating all the parts of the body into one. Preparatory exercises and modifications allow the technique to be appropriate for many different body types and abilities making it applicable to sport-specific training and everyday life.
One of the safest and most effective exercise programs available, STOTT PILATES comprises hundreds of exercises which allow workouts to be customized to meet participants' individual needs. The neuro-muscular technique tones and lengthens muscles, increases abdominal and back strength, improves posture and body mechanics, reduces joint and lower back strain, balances flexibility with strength, and reduces stress and tension. The smooth, almost dance-like motions and an emphasis on proper breathing leave participants feeling refreshed rather than over worked and exhausted.
More on Joseph Pilates | More on the Founders Moira & Lindsay
STOTT PILATES Method
STOTT PILATES is highly adaptable and can be modified to suit the needs of any age or ability. Since 1988, the mission to promote the benefits of mind-body exercises has remained a constant. The method incorporates the modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, which make it one of the safest and most effective Pilates methods available. It is used by rehab and pre-natal clients, athletes, celebrities, and everyone in between.
STOTT PILATES Education
STOTT PILATES Instructors
Certified Instructor Trainers
STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor Trainers receive more than 1000 hours of training after they earn their Instructor Certification. In addition, these highly experienced trainers have achieved a combined high score on their written and practical exams and have undergone additional certification to teach the STOTT PILATES Certification courses to instructors. The Instructor Trainer is Level II STOTT PILATES Certified through the Advanced Levels on Mat and all Pilates Equipment and has completed the Injuries and Special Populations Course.
Certified Instructors
STOTT PILATES Certified Instructors have completed the classroom certification course and the required practice teaching, observation, and physical review hours for each course. They have also completed written and practical examinations and achieved a minimum overall average mandatory for certification. All Certified Instructors are trained to teach in both a group or private setting. If the Instructor has completed the Injuries and Special Populations course – required for Level II Certification, they are also trained to teach clients with injuries or special needs. STOTT PILATES Instructors may be Level I Certified (through the Intermediate Level) or Level II Certified (through the Advanced Level).
Apprentice Instructors
Apprentice Instructors are in the process of completing their STOTT PILATES Certification. The Apprentice Instructor has completed the in-classroom portion of the certification course and is in the process of accruing the required number of hours of practice teaching, observation, and physical review required to qualify to take the written and practical examinations.