Pilates with Samantha

 

Samantha Clayton has been involved in the field of fitness for over ten years.  Her involvement in Pilates was a natural progression from her studies in Modern and West African Dance.

Samantha is one of few teachers certified through The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA)- the only standardized Pilates certification in North America.  At Wellpoint Health Services in Yorkville, Samantha works as part of a wellness team (including a Physiotherapist and Massage Therapist) with clients undergoing rehabilitative treatments. Her experience and concern for the aging demographic - especially women - has led her to design and implement fitness classes that focus on the managementof Osteoporosis ("Osteopilates" classes).  Samantha is also a Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist (BCES) working in both clinics and private residences.

Samantha received a certificate in Human Anatomy through the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) after completing a comprehensive cadaver dissection course.  She continues to build her knowledge of the body through specialty courses and holds Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) in the following:  Postural Analysis, Pre & Post Natal Pilates, Pilates and Scoliosis, and Pilates for Special Needs.

Samantha's love of movement keeps her involved in studies of Ballet and Aerial Hoop.  Inspired by the work of actor/clown/comedian, Charles Chaplin, Samantha has choreographed a unique dance solo which utilizes a stool.  You can see her perform this new dance piece with her jazz group Brilliant Corners, the toronto based piano-trio she sings with: www.brilliantcorners.ca.

Understanding the importance of youth and exercise, you will also find her busy in the Montessori schools or Early Years Centres as a Creative Movement teacher.

THE HISTORY

PILATES (pi law tees): 

The name Pilates originates with the name of its creator - Joseph Pilates.  Born in Germany in 1880, Joe was a sickly child riddled with rickets (Vitamin D deficiency), asthma and rheumatic fever.  Thus he was determined to overcome his frailty and over many years of study and refinement developed a system which he coined "Contrology".  At the heart of his creation is an amalgamation of eastern and western disciplines and influences of Greek and Roman philosophies of mental and physical perfection.

THE FIRST CHAPTER:    

At the onset of WW1, Pilates was residing in England and was interned with other Germans.  Here he taught self defense and wrestling, inspiring and encouraging others to participate in physical activity on a regular basis. The blueprints of the reformer were developed here: taking bed springs and attaching them to the ceiling, Pilates created a unique exercise system for the non-ambulatory.  He was then moved off to the Isle of Man where he worked with sickly and bed ridden internees.  It is said that when the flu epidemic descended upon the world, Pilates' devotees where left untouched.  An amazing feat - if true - considering that the war camps were the most vulnerable at that time in history.

Pilates returned to whence he came and started a new chapter in his life working as a fitness trainer for the Hamburg Military Police.  He also took interest in holistic medicine, breath work and meditation among other things.  It was at this time that he made connections to the modern dance world where his work was highly respected and influential (and continues to be).  Did you know that most Pilates instructors have dance backgrounds?  I do!