Stell Hull Lampkin
September 22th, 2021

 

It is always such a wonderful experience to witness Rael’s warmth, enthusiasm, passion, high expectations, precision, and humility. For the past almost ten years I have been blessed to work with clients mostly aged 65-89. I’ve watched many of my clients age from late 60s to approaching 80. I was eagerly awaiting this workshop. I agree that this workshop was for VERY fit clients. All the information Rael shared was so important. I have a couple of suggestions as to the content order. Perhaps include the “General Guidelines” on day one. These items are often crucial BEFORE ANY movement begins. For example, I often meet my first time aging clients as they arrive if I believe the outdoor space entering the studio might have areas for concern (difficult parking, uneven sidewalks, showing them the bathrooms, etc.). Our initial sessions begin before entering the building. Most of my aging clients seek Pilates because of fitness issues/injuries/conditions. It would be great if this workshop had a few modules. Again 80% of the aging clientele I worked with started in the inactive to limited categories. Full sessions on BASI Pilates block systems for these categories are probably the most needed. Deliberate progression of exercises and movements (even what I would call pre-Pilates) is sometimes required as we work toward the Pilates repertoire. Finally, I urge you to seek 65+ clients for your models. Day 2 of the workshop when we watched Rael and Linda was extremely helpful in terms of cuing, modifications, assists, etc. This really gets to the heart of the work for client success. I thank Guadalupe for her inspirational message and perspective. The two days passed quickly and as always, I left motivated and grateful. I am reminded what a privilege it is to be part of the BASI family. Thank you!!

Rael’s presentation of the material was easy to follow and created a foundation for my older clients. I could use some of the information right away. Still waiting for the video to review things I need to check against my notes. But, the overall workshop was worth the time and money invested!

Especially for this particular workshop I appreciated using someone (sorry, I do not remember the lady’s name) to demonstrate the exercises that is not as proficient at doing them. I understand that you are not getting into specific conditions and a certified course would better get into client challenges. Still, in my world the number of clients that fall into the older population that are quite fit are limited. Without getting into the specific conditions and totally challenged client I still found it much more real to have someone that Rael needed to cue more vs someone that could easily execute the moves. I myself am 67 so clients in my age bracket gravitate to me due to my age. They in no way are able to move as many of the models used. I indeed got a lot out of the workshop, just a suggestion.

I felt the workshop was valuable but it did not in my opinion address what I hoped would be the focus of the workshop-modifications for an older population that has many physical issues or restrictions. It was more of an overview of much of the repertoire. Also, the sections of working on the BASI equipment was not helpful as I do not own BASI equipment in my home studio. It was a perfectly fine workshop, I just felt it wasn’t “as advertised.”

Thank you Rael, Stella and BASI Team for the excellent and valuable learning experience and course organisation.

A very excellent workshop and it made me curious about attending the Legacy program. I appreciate the ability to participate online and to be educated by Rael. It’s fantastic! It would be great if the recordings could be available for unlimited time. Overall, I am very happy with the workshop.

Regarding responsiveness my two emails have not been responded to. One was from before the class when I thought I’d have a conflict. The other was after the two days of the workshop when I asked about being able to review the exercises via the recordings. I also found that just having 5-7-10 minutes of break time was insufficient for the amount of work that was done. Could have used at least a 30 minute break mid day. I love Basi Pilates. If I lived on the west coast I’d take a third certification thru Basi. That being said I would have gotten more out of the class with more concentration on the standing exercises and some sitting exercises and the physiology of them for the 65+ group. I am 78years young. I’m told I’m an anomaly for my age. 5’2” 103lbs looking and feeling in my 50s. Amazing shape if I may say so myself. I work with the 65+ group and have clients that have “grown up” with me over the 16 years since my first certification. This workshop was really important to me and my work with my clients particularly in the area of balance. I would really like to be able to review the recordings to review those exercises that would work best with my clients.