Pilates and ASL

[Deaf258]

One of the interpreter students I talk to almost every day in class was also taking a Pilates class. When she found out I registered for 2 Pilates classes this summer, she asked me how would an interpreter interpret the Pilates class?? She mentioned there are some exercises where the person has to close his/her eyes and visualize then stretch with the exercise. The interpreter student said, "Your interpreter, poor her!! If she had to stand and bend over her head over your face the whole class!?!" It does sound uncomfortable for the potential interpreter.. I want to make sure, and I really don't know how interpreting works in exercising classes, because I never had that experience except with skiing classes. So, I am asking for your experience with interpreters in exercise programs or classes.

If you also take Pilates, please describe what it is like and how you accomplish the exercises as a Deaf individual.

 

[downing]

I am going to start my pilates this week. I just follow what other people, i dont know if i wanna see interpreter in my face or breath down my neck...

I took high engery acrobat classes.. my interpreter just stood there and said 1, 2, 3....breathe in and out. she didn't particpate her exercise because not part of her job....I am sure same thing for pilates. you can just have interpreter just stand or sit...just signing the numbers and breathe, whatsoever.

 

[Deaf258]

Well, Pilates is different than that high energy aerobics class.. The instructor will be touching you all the time and might be uncomfortable if you don't like being touched. Then there's the interpreter.. I know it is a little different, hard to say.. Let me show you the official Pilates website that defines the exercise.

From http://www.pilates-studio.com/docs/method/methwhat.htm :

What is the Pilates Method of body conditioning?

Imagine an exercise program that you look forward to, that engages you, and that leaves you refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental well-being.The Pilates Method (pronounced puh-LAH-teez) of body conditioning will do all this...and more.

Developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer and founder of The New York Pilates Studio®, Joseph H. Pilates, The Pilates Method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. Not surprisingly, some of the first people to use the Pilates Method were dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine.

The Pilates Method is not just exercise, however. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by extensively trained teachers.

Anyway, congrats on your signing up for Pilates and starting this week! I am envious! I won't start mine until the first week of June.