Master Trainer Series a Hit

By Suzanne Diffine

Jennifer Kries is a woman of her word. She promises to present Joseph Pilates’ complete classical syllabus in her Master Trainer Series DVDs. And she delivers. Despite her extensive background in dance and yoga, there are no hybrid versions of Pilates in this series, no “Pilates-evolved” moves. Just pure, classical Pilates.

In five separate DVDs, Kries introduces the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel repertoires. Each is divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced moves, followed by a brief series of FAQs at the end. Unlike the hundreds of Pilates videos on the market, these are training resources, providing tips on equipment, teacher, and client safety; cuing; modifications; and selection of appropriate exercises.

Kries is all about the work. There is no distracting music and no extravagant set, just the apparatus and the body. And her choice of trainer/model couldn’t be better. Kim Reis, a Romana certified trainer like Kries, is a pint-sized powerhouse who injects athleticism and passion into the work, clearly enjoying every challenge thrown at her.

First in the series is the mat DVD, which begins with a discussion of key elements: neutral spine, head stance, point of control, and breathing. Each principle is fully explained. Then, pre-Pilates exercises incorporating these key elements are demonstrated correctly and incorrectly, accompanied by both verbal and tactile cuing. At first glance, the term neutral spine suggests a departure from the classical realm; however, this is more an issue of semantics than principle. Kries encourages a lengthened low back allowing for abdominal engagement without a posterior pelvic tilt. This is, in fact, the traditional flat back position.

Concluding the Mat DVD is the sculpting segment, which is well worth waiting for. This is the weight workout Joe taught to the Hamburg Police.

Throughout every beginner, intermediate, and advanced workout, Kries continues to demonstrate the difference between the correct execution and incorrect movement patterns, enabling the viewer to get a better idea of the desired shape. It’s easy to see when spine articulation is lost in Pelvic Lift on the Reformer, as the hips lower first and the shoulders hike up on descent. Likewise, knees splay, the torso bobbles, and shoulders round forward when the core connection is lost in Footwork on the Wunda Chair. Kries’ uses her expressive hands to convey the desired movement or deftly guide her client into position.

Identifying the purpose of many of these moves, her suggestions for selecting or eliminating particular exercises are equally instructive: Rolling Back Single Arm on the Cadillac is good for scoliosis or one-side dominance. Tower on the Cadillac is contraindicated for clients with osteoporosis. Particularly helpful are the numerous comparisons between exercises: Pull Ups, Tendon Stretch, and Elephant all have similar shapes.

Following the classical tradition, Kries advances the work with greater range of motion, transitions, and changes in breath and focus, cautioning against introducing particular exercises too soon: Push Through on Stomach on the Cadillac should not be presented until abdominals and upper body are strong enough to avoid lumbar compression.

Addressing equipment safety, she reminds us to put the extender hardware on the outside during Leg Circles on the Reformer to avoid accidentally unhooking them as the legs come together. Teacher safety, often neglected in training programs, receives attention, as well. During Snake/Twist on the same apparatus, Kries braces herself in a lunge on the frame of the Reformer, using her core and thighs for stability as she supports her client’s hips.

The question/answer segment is informative.  Kries advises against participation in Pilates training until the age of 13, a point that may require clarification.  While workouts on apparatus may be ill-advised for adolescents, Joseph Pilates believed his system benefited youth: in Your Health, he wrote: “the proper development of body and mind, through the new science of “Contrology”, is what must be taught the child.”  Pilates archival footage shows a boy believed to be under the age of 13, performing mat exercises.

Kries is faithful to her classical roots, knowledgeable, and passionate about the work, declaring it “an honor to participate in a client’s transformation.” Her rapport with Kim Reis and her playfulness with her audience, apprentices in her teacher training program, make the series enjoyable to watch.
Kries recommends her 10-hour Master Trainer series for “the Pilates devotee, teacher-in-training, or Pilates professional.”

About the Author: Suzanne Diffine’ taught creative writing and literature in the Buffalo Public Schools for 30 years. Recognized for her accomplishments in the field of education, she appeared six times in Who’s Who Among America’s Educators, twice in Who’s Who in America, and most recently in Who’s Who in the World. For the past ten years, she has taught Pilates, currently at Pulse Pilates in Boca Raton, Florida, and Eau Spa at the Ritz Carlton in Manalapan, Florida. Suzanne is the national coordinator of Siri Dharma Galliano’s Pilates Intensive in Big Bear Lake, California, on August 21-23, 2009. You may contact her at suzdif@aol.com.

Interested in reading another review? Marguerite Ogle from Pilates.about.com reviews the Master Trainer Series.

Tags: Jennifer Kries, Kim Reis, marguerite ogle, Master Trainer Series DVD, Romana