graph on a pink background showing the various stages of Pilates instruction offered at Pilates Native

The Pilates Native Client Journey

Posted on by Rubecca Dalton

So what exactly am I doing here?

A few weeks ago, a client walked in an said “So what exactly am I doing here?”

That was such a great question! We pulled out the Initial Assessment and discussed where they’d been at the time of IA and where they were currently.

I am so grateful for the client that asked this super important question.

It made me realize that while I’ve been really good about communicating the reason for the Initial Assessments and how they guide sessions, I’ve been really bad about sharing the bigger picture.

This prompted me to finally take all of the things that are in my brain and set them down on paper. So without further ado, I introduce you to “The Pilates Native Client Journey”.

You are Here

Pilates Native specializes in athletes and sports injuries. The majority of our clients identify with most or all of the description shown in the “You are Here” graphic.

The aches, pains and irritation are what prompt folks to schedule their Initial Assessment (IA) with Pilates Native. The Initial Assessment tells us where the body is in terms of balance, proprioception, core strength and functional mobility.

Then, based on the results of the IA, we determine which program will work best for you: The 6 week Evolution, The Balance Equation or the Stretch Equation.

The 1st two landmarks on the Client Journey map may be pretty familiar, as most of you have done your assessment and chosen a program.

But what you’re not familiar with and what I’ve finally locked down onto paper, is the overall plan behind those assessments and programs and where the heck we’re going with all of this!

The Evolution

There are 3 stages at Pilates Native: The Evolution, Integration and “The Wild”.

The first stage, called “The Evolution” focuses on really building and repairing the foundation of movement. This is where we focus on balance, proprioception, stability, core strength, and functional mobility. We know that these five foundational components are crucial to pain-free activity.

This stage includes The 6 Week Evolution, The Balance Equation and The Stretch Equation.
Why is it called “The Evolution”? Because we are evolving away from the mindset that movement and exercise is just for weight loss or ass kickin’ and can actually be used to heal the body.

The Evolution has 5 levels, each with an increasing degree of balance, proprioception, core strength, stability, and functional mobility required.

Integration

Graduates of The Evolution move to Integration. Comprised of 4 levels, Integration is designed to build up the skills developed during The Evolution with the added challenge of integrating dynamic movement and endurance to the movement practice.

Adding dynamic movement and endurance to our practice enables us to train in a way that supports positive muscle memory and promotes injury prevention.

This stage includes Integration and The Stretch Equation.

“The Wild”

And finally, The Wild! Graduates of Integration move into “The Wild” which is an advanced Pilates practice that explores and pushes the edges of what the body can do in an optimized state of mind + body connection and a functional balance between strength and mobility.

This stage includes Advanced Pilates and The Stretch Equation.
Where you are and how long it takes you to move through each level and each stage depends on you, your goals and your current abilities. There is no set timeline for these levels or stages, as each of us is different and may need more or less time to work through the program. Some of us may be fine staying in The Evolution or hanging out in Integration, and that’s totally ok!

You may have noticed that The Stretch Equation is included in each level. That’s because we want to support our mobility and nervous system needs at each stage. We also know that certain sports and activities create specific muscle patterns. Pairing stretch therapy with our Pilates practice allows us to maintain our functional balance between strength and mobility.

If it’s been 6 months or more since you’ve done your Initial Assessment, let’s check back in and see where you’re at now. We really want to use those assessments to guide your practice and make sure we’re focused where you need it most.