Pilates Youth Program - History
The Pilot Programs (2003-2008)
In the early years, the PMA conducted pilot PITS programs, in order to collect ‘before’ and ‘after’ data, measuring flexibility, stability and strength. The PMA's Pilates in the Schools, (now called Pilates Youth Program), was generally conducted in a series of sessions, often 10 week segments each 40 – 50 minutes in length. The framework and educational standards employed by this program targeted 5th graders and their physical education outcomes and expectations, which were addressed through the Pilates programming designed for this experience.
Pilates Youth Program (PYP) takes a holistic approach to the Pilates student. The program was designed by selecting a specific set of Pilates based exercises which are appropriate and safe for children at the 5th grade level and integrating the key areas of development these exercises emphasize with universally accepted health and wellness principles validated by contemporary medical and science-based research. This program is respectful of each person's physical, mental and emotional domains and their integrative potential to positively affect health and wellness.
The teaching creates an active learning environment where students participate in experiences to fortify health and wellness and understand the relevance of their individuality. Pilates Youth Program (PYP) is appropriate for all apparently healthy students.
PYP students respond positively to the opportunity to learn about their body and how it is connected to their minds. The pilot programs have revealed that in addition to the measured benefits of improved flexibility, core strength and stability, the students identify their improved ability to generate calmness and gain the ability to self-regulate. These benefits carry over into their lives - in school, in sports, at home, and in society.
Pilot programs ceased in 2008, when sufficient evidence had been collected as to the efficacy of the program.
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