how is pilates taught?

Question

Is it taught by instructions in a class? I have joined my local gym and am interested in the pilates class.... but I am deaf and can't follow verbal instructions. Will I be able to "copy" my class-mates? Or do I need to be able to hear the teacher's instructions?

Oh, and if anybody knows, is Tai Chi the same? I know it's a different discipline, but is it "copyable" or do I need to hear instructions again?

Thanks

Answer 1

T'ai Chi and Pilates are both taught verbally, and both will require you to get specific 'pointers' from the instructor while you are performing the movements.

(They BOTH revolve around HOW you do the movements, and the FEELING you aim for; you can't just copy shapes.)

HOWEVER, THAT SHOULDN'T BE AN OBSTACLE !

The Disability Discrimination Act places a responsibility on any provider to the public, to take reasonable steps towards inclusion. So you don't "need to hear instructions", as long as you can get them somehow.

The instructor might also be quite keen to find ways of widening the audience for the activity. Apart from any equality issues, it would add to their own set of teaching skills. For example, they might be able to refer you to a particular book, and work out a system of page and paragraph numbers that can be used as instructional 'cues' in the class. Or they might already have visual aids such as wallcharts, that can be used as a visual guide to the spoken cues.

Try to have a word with the instructor, outside of the session times, either using your own skills, or with help from an interpreter. You can guage from the reaction you get whether it's going to be difficult, or if they want to be helpful. You may find that some BSL is already in use there, even if nobody in the Pilates session currently needs it.

If you draw a blank with the Gym, try the Evening Classes run by your Local Authority. Many of those include activities that you might not expect, such as Fencing & rock Climbing, as well as purely fitness-based sessions like those you have mentioned. Because their whole purpose and funding base revolves around the needs of the community, you should find you're 'pushing at an open door'.

Don't hold back, and good luck with the class!

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