Pilates Representation in Barcelona

By Jonathan Ulra

Barcelona is one the most cosmopolitan of Spanish cities with chic restaurants, beautiful architecture, and fashionably dressed people. Like the rest of Spain, Pilates has really caught on in Barcelona and it continues to grow in popularity faster than in the rest of Europe. That said, the world economic crisis has affected everyone in Spain and it was interesting to see how attendance at the International Pilates Conference held June 5-7, still managed to attract a good amount of attendees.  Attendees to these events are practically all Pilates instructors, though many not comprehensively certified.  I had presented at the conference in 2007, sharing international presenter status with Elizabeth Larkam, and this year the numbers seemed slightly less. The conference offers topic or equipment focused workshops/classes, each 1hr 45min in length.  My classes included “Breath as Source in Pilates”, “Pilates for Runners”, “Yogilates Vinyasa Core”, a “Pilates with Theraband” workshop, and an “Exo Chair” Master Class. Other instructors offered classes in Pilates with a Softball, Pilates for Men, Feldenkrais, Alexander, Reformer Master Class, Manual Assistance Techniques, Assessing Imbalances, Pilates on PowerPlate, and a new piece of gym equipment called TOGU. The class attendance varied from 75 students to 15 students, with attendance decreasing as the conference went on from Friday’s opening to Sunday afternoon. Generally, Sunday is the lowest attendance as many attendees use that day to return to their home city.

Many people want to know how Pilates in represented in Spain. I have presented in many other European countries and find that Pilates is equally varied in all of them. One thing I noticed is that the Spanish instructors are very interested in the physiology and exercise science behind Pilates and don’t care as much if the Pilates is classical or modern. They also are more open to integrating other disciplines like yoga, Feldenkrais, dance, etc, as long as it is to enhance the client experience and skill training, and not just a popular trend. In terms of how the material presented was received, it took awhile for some of the instructors to realize the importance of the breathing workshop. However, once I got them moving and feeling the power of their breath, the enthusiasm jumped. My workshop regarding Pilates for runners drew very interested instructors and I felt all of them were focused throughout. I was especially impressed with the instructor who volunteered to demonstrate the exercises on the Reformer. My Yogilates master class was very well received and, as mentioned before, the instructors were interested in the natural integration of yoga and Pilates and enjoyed the workout. The Exo Chair seminar was the one I was least comfortable teaching as it was my first experience on this new version of the Wunda Chair from Balanced Body. For those not familiar with it, it is a Wunda Chair that has hooks on the sides and back from which you can attach springs or stretch cords of different lengths and resistance. The chair frame is cut out on the sides, making it somewhat lighter than the regular version. The chair is supposedly purposed for group chair workouts that include upper body resitance exercises for more intensity. There are straps included with handles in the bag with the resistance cords, but because of the limited back support, legwork exercises using the cords is limited. I enjoyed figuring out the different Pilates exercises that could be done with the Exo Chair, but it needs a very skilled instructor and extensive pre-planning to come up with a flowing workout. The hand springs are not easily changed and different lengths are needed for different size students. When coupled with changes to the pedal springs, things get a little bogged down. The chair is also a little too heavy to be moved easily for group work, and yet can be de-stabilized if one pulls on the resistance cords when it is not anchored by full body weight.

The sponsor of these Pilates conferences is Tecnosport, and the organizer is Paulina Savall. She is one of the most knowledgeable Pilates instructors in Spain and Tecnosport is lucky to have her to organize the events. She had an accident before the conference and was sorely missed by all. We all wish her a speedy recovery and I look forward to working with her in the future.

About the Author: Jonathan Urla, MFA, Certified Pilates Instructor (Power Pilates, PMA) was a professional dancer/choreographer for 8 years before becoming a personal trainer.  He began directing himself toward more mind-body techniques after studying yoga off and on for 15 years. His formal Pilates training began in 1996 with master trainer Phoebe Higgins in New York city.  He enjoyed integrating his practice of yoga with Pilates and soon created Yogilates in 1997 as an alternative system for optimal fitness.  He has since published a book on Yogilates(HarperCollins), produced several video programs of Pilates and Yogilates workouts, and over ten years has developed extensive continuing education courses which he presents for various organizations.  He also is an avid runner and sports enthusiast and participates in running club races and triathlons.  He has his own Youtube channel(www.youtube.com/jonurla) where segments from his programs can be viewed.

Tags: Barcelona Pilates Conference, Elizabeth Larkam, Jonathan Urla, Yogilates