Going live
And other Anatomy of Pilates related news
I’ve been enjoying writing this Substack. It feels like authenticity in an increasingly AI driven world. And I think the father we dive into how AI will inevitably shape the way we conduct ourselves online we will want crave need authenticity. We will want to see the typos, the weirdly crafted sentence that actually works, the marks of human touch to the information we’re consuming. At least that’s how I think of it. And I see this a a space to cultivate that.
What you read here will always be written fully by me. My words, my typos, my weirdly crafted sentences. Because I need this outlet to make sure I’m still human. And I really appreciate that you’re here with me.
As many of you know, my business is centered around a few things:
teaching real bodies in my studio 5 days a week
delivering education and mentoring to Pilates instructors in anatomy, biomechancis, and exercise science
partnering with studios and Pilates education companies to bring anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise science to teacher training and studio upskills
And this Substack is now a part of that ecosystem. My byline says “Demystifying biomechanics through the lens of Pilates” and my goal is to do just that. Up to this point most of my posts have been half philosophical musings and half cited, educational content that more specifically matches the promise of demystifying biomechanics through the lends of Pilates. I would like to keep using this space as an opportunity to wax poetic, as they say, while also satisfying the promise of delivering content that helps Pilates instructors learn to leverage anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise science to help usher Pilates education into the 21st century.
Pilates instructors shouldn’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a Masters education like I did to feel confident in foundational exercise science concepts.
So, that’s a lot of rambling to say that I’ve added a monthly subscription option for those subscribers who want a little bit more. This is how I’ll be structuring my Substack
One article a month, waxing poetic on things (still Pilates/movement/science things) that are taking up space in my brain. This will always be free
Weekly articles that are written to more specifically fulfill the promise of demystifying biomechanics through a Pilates lens. So these articles will be more educational, more technical, more citations…you know, the stuff Pilates instructors salivate for (speaking about myself here). These article will be part of my paid subscription. It’s only $8/month or $80/year, a reasonable ask IMO, for feeling like you’re part of a community of people that are interested in the mysteries of the human body. With a subscription you get all my articles plus my archive, access to video interviews with movement experts (also known as my colleagues), exclusive discount codes to classes and continuing education, as well as access to a community chat feature where we can chat about all things nerdy.
No pressure to get the subscription. Pressure is not really my jam. But I’d love it if you did. This little stuff is how I am able to continue to do what I do, cause, y’all, teaching Pilates is not the type of career that gives you a 401k unless you do it yourself.
I deeply love what I do. I am constantly fascinated by human movement, behavior, communication…and I truly believe with every fiber of my body that it is my job, and the job of all movement professionals, to help people find the joy in movement that keeps them connected to their body for the rest of their lives.
Because, my god, aren’t we absolutely amazing creatures?
AOP News & Happenings
What’s happening in the AOP world? So glad you asked ;)
New movement class starting May 3rd, Sundays at 12 weekly thereafter. Class will be live virtual on zoom. This is not really a class to get a workout but rather, a time to explore anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise science concepts as they apply to real bodies in the studio. It’s a chance to ask questions, get creative, and explore. This is a safe space to learn! Which means it’s okay to be wrong. No one is going to put you in jail. Classes are $20 drop in, $60 for a monthly plan. Classes are recorded so if you sign up but can’t make it, all good. If you have access to Pilates equipment that is preferred but not required. Monthly plans will get access to class archives and additional content like anatomy videos to support learning. Honestly, this is a steal and I’m so excited about starting this class. Sign up for the May 3rd class below. Monthly plan options will be available starting next month.
I wrote an Ebook! Well, it’s a 50 page guide on using biomechanics to build strength in Pilates. So maybe I’m exaggerating when I say book. In any case, I worked hard on it. I wish it was something I had when I was going through my teacher training and early career. This ebook is a little bit theory with lots of emphasis on how to connect that to real teaching. I introduce the AOP Strength Framework for the first time, something I’ve been refining for the last few years. It’s a super basic way to understand what’s happening in a movement by asking 4 questions. It works. I wouldn’t tell you it did if I didn’t believe in it. It’s only $17 and will be available for purchase starting in May.
what else…
1:1 Mentoring is always available. Get clarity on the questions that come up everyday in your teaching, gain confidence in understanding anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise science, bring client case studies you’re having trouble progressing in the right direction…Sign up below
I have open spots in my schedule for in person sessions. If you’re a current client, know someone who wants to start Pilates, and are in the Santa Cruz area reach out for private a small group availability by responding to this email. I also teach a weekly mat class at CrossFit Santa Cruz every Saturday at 10:15am. This class is open to everyone! Free to members of the gym and $20 for non members. We have a real good time. Come for the Pilates, stay for the profanity and laughs. Sign up below by scrolling to the appropriate date on the CFSC schedule. Just look for the class titles “Pilates with Cody”