In this issue: First Things First (pg 1) Online Membership: Closing the Gap (pg 3) Pilates on Vacation (pg 5) Teacher Training: Bridge Program (pg 6) Upcoming Studio Closures (pg 7) Membership Clarity (pg 8) Summer Events + Workshops (pg 9) Weekly Themes (pg 10)
Summer 2023 Newsletter
THE PILATES SCHOOL SF
CONGRATULATIONS to TJ and Aimee, our first two graduating apprentices! We know it sounds cliche... although you two may have been the apprentices, *we* learned so much from you this past year. It has been a genuine pleasure training you both, and we are SO excited to have you on board! Y'all will see their names showing up on more classes, and notice open times for private sessions on their schedule.
pg 2
And now we are 4! or 5, if you count marshmallow
pg 1
Take advantage of their availabiity to get a fresh perspective and a new set of eyes on you this summer and autumn!
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! Can you believe it's already summer? It feels like just yesterday we were dealing with neverending rain and cold, gray days. Oh wait, that WAS yesterday. We forgot this is San Francisco... We've got something exciting brewing behind the scenes here at the studio! Big projects are in the works, designed to take your membership to a whole new level. We've also tweaked a few things in the app to make your memberships easier to understand. But with growth comes change, and we wanted to give you a heads up that some schedule tweaks are on the horizon. Don't worry, though- we will make sure the transition is as smooth as your Mat routine... Let's dive in!
First things first...
pg 3
Closing the Gap
There is a problem with the online Pilates industry, and we are going to fix it. Our new program is designed to close the gap between one-size-fits-all workout video libraries, and expensive location-specific training. One of the biggest problems inherent to most of the Pilates video resources out there is that they do not address the need for personalization- something we consider ESSENTIAL. Without some kind of guidance, most people end up injuring themselves, reinforcing bad habits, or straight up throwing in the towel on the whole workout program. And why wouldn't they? Without a map and some specific directions, what good is a library of generic workouts? To this end we are excited to announce that over the course of the summer we will be filming and developing our own Virtual Studio, an essential part of our new even more affordable Online Membership option! This new feature will roll out over the course of the next year, with the express goal of solving this gap problem. The membership will be centered around guided, personalized access to a growing video library of focused Pilates content. The membership will include regular live online classes with a teacher that will give corrections, regular online (or in-studio) Open Studio times to practice with some accountability, AND we will match you with a personal trainer in your time zone who will train you once a month, and guide you through the vieo library to videos that make the most sense for your goals and needs. This project is going to bring affordable, high quality training to people who have been made to feel unwelcome by the Pilates industry. It's just one more way we are trying to remove the elitism from Classical Pilates. We want to showcase the incredible strength that comes when real people do real Pilates in the real world! So yaknow, don't be surprised if we ask for volunteers to be students in some of our videos. ;) Concept testing begins this June! Because of this you will see a large number of new online classes on the schedule in June and July. Please feel free to sign up for those that suit your schedule, and dont worry if a teacher name isn't listed We are in the midst of hiring a few highly qualified remote trainers who understand our vision and ethos, and they will take over the time slots that show the most demand. So go ahead and book some online classes! Help us craft a perfect schedule for your needs! We are so excited to take this next step towards Pilates equality! Ready? Lights! Camera! Pilates!
pg 5
Take your Pilates on vacation!
Staying in town instead?
pg 6
Contemporary and Classical Pilates spring from the same roots, but exist as different parts of the same tree. This summer we are offering an intensive course for certified Contemporary Pilates trainers who want to learn to teach Classical. The program consists of weekly lectures and hands-on practical learning, and gives participants access to the studio to refine their personal practice, and hone their teaching skills. The bridge program will be led by Ray, who has been training fitness teachers for 25 years. To apply or learn more, please email RSalahuddin@pilatesschoolsf.com Thursdays July 13 - Aug 24 5:30pm-7:30pm Cost: $1500 Limited to 4 participants
Teacher Certification: The Bridge Program
Pilates needs a vacation. It has been working really hard lately, and it is begging to tag along on your upcoming trip. It promises to not take up much space, and swears it will be the perfect little portable workout. All you need is space for a mat or a towel. Here are some tips to make sure Pilates behaves itself on your trip: 1. Pack Props We recommend packing a set of Therabands. Once you arrive at your destination, put them somewhere you can see to remind you to do your workout. 2. Keep it Simple Don't overthink it. You dont need to do a Wunda Chair workout in your hotel room. Just do your Mat routine. Mat is the perfect on-the-go workout that will always get the job done! 3. Go Online We've expanded our online offerings this summer! Online classes and private sessions are a great option if you struggle with motivation. Can't find a time that works? Book Online Open Studio! One of us will be there to give you feedback and hold you accountable in case Pilates gets a little unruly on your trip. ;)
transitioning from contemporary to classical
pg 7
6/3 Open Studio Saturday 10am - 2pm (No Classes) 7/1 - 7/9 Studio Closed (July 4th/Summer Break) 8/5 Open Studio Saturday 10am-2pm (No Classes) 8/31 Limited Schedule 6am - 1pm 9/1 - 9/4 Studio Closed (Labor Day, and the very important national holiday known as Rachael's birthday!) REMINDER: Ray's hours will reduce to part time (Thursdays, Fridays, some Saturdays only) over the summer, starting June 18th. Her regular full time schedule will resume in September.
Speaking of September...
You asked for it, and we were happy to oblige! Mark your calendars! Sept 25 - Oct 1 Registration opens 8/15 (Y'all are nerds... and we love ya for it!)
STUDIO CLOSURES AND CHANGES
pg 8
The Return of Science Week
There have been a lot of small changes in the functionality of your membership. Please look for a recent email from Ray, and make a point to watch the 30 minute Orientation video to make sure you are aware of all the little adjustements that have been made to the app, the system, and the studio rules. Some examples of the things you may want to know: Your monthly charge is now called your "Student Dues". The bulk of your student dues goes towards your Private Session Credits. Your Wellness Living account is a little easier to understand. Class and Open Studio passes are separate from your PT (personal training) credits. You can see how many have been used, how many are scheduled to be used, and how many remain on your account. (This is your seasonal reminder that your unused PT always roll over to the next month). The orientation also covers how the PT credit system works. If you would like to put your membership on hold, we need 30 days notice. We are about to start requiring that all students wear socks when on the equipment. We highly recommend you opt for sticky socks. There's lots more, too! Please schedule yourself for an orientation video showing so you can stay up to date.
Membership CLARITY: Watch the orientation video
pg 9
WEEKLY FOCUS
pg 10
Obviously the focus of EVERY week is Marshmallow
Each week the Classical Core classes have a focus or a theme, and since so many of you have started noticing patterns and rhythms to what we teach, we figured it was time to lay it out for you! JUNE 2023 6/5 - 6/11 - Reformer: Know your order! 6/12 - 6/18 - Tower/Cadillac: Seminar Series 6/19 - 6/25 - Wunda Chair (in-studio) Mat (virtual) 6/26 - 6/30 - Pilates Around the Room JULY 2023 7/10 - 7/16 - Reformer: the Long Box 7/17 - 7/23 - Mat on the Chair: FEEL the Goal (in-studio) Mat: FEEL the Goals (virtual) 7/24 - 7/30 - Pilates Around the Room: Making a Workout AUGUST 2023 7/31 - 8/6 - Circuit Week: Strengthen Your Weak Spot 8/7 - 8/13 - Reformer: All the 2nd Halves 8/14 - 8/20 - Tower/Cadillac: These Hips Don't Lie 8/21 - 8/27 - Wunda Chair: Pull the Pedal...... (in-studio) Mat Week (virtual) 8/28 - 8/31 - Test Out Week / Pilates Around the Room
Pilates B.E.S.T. (Bone Estrogen Strength Training) 4-Part Series Keep them bones nice and strong with a targeted strength training program designed to complement your Pilates practice. Bone Estrogen Strength Training is a well-researched and proven method of improving bone density, and can help prevent the dreaded Osteoporosis. In this four-class workshop series you will learn the how to safely and effectively add this type of strength training program to your workouts. Part 1: Intro to the components of B.E.S.T programs Mon June 5 - 4:30pm Thur June 8 - 3:30pm Part 2: USA Weightlifting mechanics and execution Mon June 12 - 4:30pm Thur June 15 - 3:30pm Part 3: Merging the B.E.S.T concepts into your Pilates practice Thur June 22 - 3:30pm Part 4: Practice Your new workout with Ray Thur June 29 - 3:30pm Member $140 | Non-member $240
Barrels, Beer & BBQ Sat July 15 - 11am - 3:30pm Three great things that go great together: delicious spine-opening Barrel-based workouts on a sunny day, delicious homemade BBQ, and delicious bubbly beer! Joins us for all three on July 15th! (BYOBeer if you have a favorite you want to share!)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT
Pilates in the Park Sat Aug 26 - 9am - 12pm Start your weekend off with a Pilates mat class in Golden Gate park! We will offer one Basic and one Intermediate level class, and of course, snacks! Exact park location TBD. Stay tuned!
info@pilatesschoolsf.com
A lot of corporations wear convenient allyship in June, draping themselves in rainbow flags until the clock strikes midnight on July 1st. That's not how it works over here. This is a BIPOC + LGBTQIA space. Our community is fighting to keep fundamental rights in this country. It's a scary time to be alive for so many of us, even though we live in San Francisco. Let us never forget that the first Pride was a riot, started by trans women of color. It may feel silly to say "happy" pride month, but we think it's important to demand our right to happiness and joy in this country. So, HAPPY PRIDE! In order to do any of that one must practice self care and take time to rest. By showing up for yourselves the way you have been, you are making sure your well will not run dry while caring for your community. We want to say thank you, and let you know that we are so very honoured and grateful to be a part of your support team. Whether you are a community member or an ally, we are proud of each and every one of you for continuing to prioritize your well-being while you are fighting this battle. We've got your back.
www.pilatesschoolsf.com
2652 McAllister St, San Francisco CA
(415) 508-6467
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
-Rae & Ray