I'm teaching yoga for kids and it's a wonderful wxperience. But what about pilates? What age is good to start? Are there any important aspects to keep an eye on? What about pilates for kids in the site?

We just received an email from a member that asked "I am looking for some helpful tips on how to teach teens Pilates?". Does anyone have any advice?

I am also about to embark on a Jr. Pilates class and would love some tales of experience and hints. The class will be for 9-12 year olds, so they are a little bit older...but I'm still struggling with ways of talking about the importance of form and precision without going over their heads or getting boring.

I think a lot of it will have to wait until I meet my new Jr. clients, and discover their interests and how they learn...just like any other class!!

My class starts March 20. So I'll keep my progress updated.

I teach a group of 11-12 year olds and I am amazed by how authentically they can perform the work. Its natural for them. From the onset, they pumped vigorously in the Hundreds with out me having to say so-a cue I almost always have to give adults. I draw on the more playful animal references of the work-they bark like seals during the Seal, but for the most part I am surprised at how focused the workout can be. Precision sees to be the most challenging principle for them, their bodies still tend to be somewhat loose and lacking in strength. The flip side to this is that they lack the rigid tension of alot of adult bodies. I am really enjoying the energy of teaching them.
Would love to hear of others experiences.

I just finished teaching a session for 12-14 year olds in an after school sports program. I agree with all of Louise's comments above. Keep them moving, bring an assistant along to offer alignment corrections if possible, and give lots of verbal cuing while moving. Incorporate therabands or yoga straps for stretching - although joints are loose, muscles are often unbalanced (especially the athletes) and stretching with support helps them find the core muscles. Once they are familiar with a movement, you can begin to fine tune with more instruction. For motivation, we had them fill out index cards with their activities and goals, gave out stickers when they 'mastered' a movement, and had a celebratory pizza party at the completion of the series.

My granddaughter is 2 1/2, her Mom and I both teach Pilates.. She often runs into my studio and flings herself down on the mat and loves to pretend to do Hundreds and Teasers.. Its so cute and funny! Shes watched us do this hundreds of times but its such a joy to see even a little person such as this take in the pure joy of movement. I need to post a pic next time I catch her in the act!

Are there any curriculums available for kids pilates? I have purchased several books (which I've enjoyed), but nothing with story lines or connected movements to create a dynamic class. Does anyone have resources they could recommend?

Rebecca ~ We have a few videos on Pilates for Kids that you may find useful. There is also this book that is recommended by the PMA. I hope this helps!

Gia Calhoun Thanks! I have the PMA book, and I love the videos. I hope to see more in the future.

I love the idea of teaching Pilates to kids and teens. Are their exercises that they shouldn't do?