What makes one unforgettable? Charm, character, knowledge, work ethic, people impacted by your teaching, success in your field and passion, are just a few of my own beliefs. For many of us in the Classical Pilates sector Bob Liekens will remain an inspirational part of our lives because he embodied those characteristics. He sadly and unexpectedly left us much too soon in November 2018.

I think in true honor of such a genuine educator its’ important to honor some of his “teachable moments” that many of us continue to utilize in our own practice, as well as Bob our friend who we miss dearly.

Impact on students

On a personal level Bob was THE person for both my husband Robert and I that early in our Pilates’ careers encouraged us, guided us and pushed us to become better teachers and forever students. His passion for Classical Pilates and willingness to share his experience will constantly be part of our own personal teaching toolbox.

In addition, as I reflect on Bob I see those individuals who studied with Bob from the very beginning are themselves very strong teachers. I think of Lucero Barry, Angela Gifford, Allison Gonzalez and Emily Goldenberg in particular. Most have studios of their own, been teaching for decades and continue to be life-long students of the original method. That’s a solid tribute in itself to Bob’s positive impact to the field.

On guidance

Bob was passionate about Pilates. He had his opinions, based on years of teaching and practicing the method. He wanted his followers to feel the same level of devotion to the method. Some might say he was dogmatic, I would rather say he formed a very educated opinion on what he thought worked through years of watching people move, instructing them and writing endless manuals on the method.

He encouraged students to think, “Why are you doing this exercise? Does this person need it? Is it appropriate and if not why? This leads to one of his favorite sayings of mine, “You don’t need to modify if you teach the right progressions.”

In an age where many teachers look for new tricks and or try to change the method, trusting the genuine integrity of the original method was refreshing and inspiring to witness. Bob was unique in his articulation of an exercise and providing simple cues, not too much or too little.

“Bob was the great clarifier.  During the training program, we would leave Drago’s after a morning of observation and lessons, full of inspiration and the feeling of Joe’s work deep in our veins, and head uptown to Bob where he would clarify the work for us.  He was so deeply clear in his explanations that everything suddenly made sense.  He was kind and passionate and also helped us raise our expectations of ourselves as teachers.  I think of him every day that I teach Pilates and hope that a little piece of him shines through me to my clients.”

Angela Gifford-Owner- Pilates Works, San Francisco, California

On teaching principles

Bob was very attracted to the kinesiology concept of biomechanics (the study of a living body and its mechanics). As a former dancer, turned Pilates’ instructor and later yoga student he embraced the notion of good solid biomechanical principles. Something definitely akin to my own personal pursuit of movement knowledge.

Much like coaches who look to “sports mechanics” Bob was interested in human movement in Classical Pilates that led to less injury and enhanced performance. I often heard him say that good mechanics are in the original method itself but as a teacher our job is to see that clients adhere to these principles, in plain English, develop your eye to see the body and make appropriate corrections. Or as I’ve heard Sean Gallagher say “Find the balance in the imbalance.”

I feel grateful that Bob failed me when I auditioned for the Romana Pilates program in 1999.  He told me I was not ready and to come back in a year. Of course, I was upset, but it was a great lesson. I studied and worked hard for the year and he accepted me into the program in 2000. The 10-day intensive was one of the best learning experiences I have ever had. His clarity, passion, compassion, precision was a gift he gave to all of us who have been studying with him over the years.

I remember him saying so much but these few things I really use in my teaching:

• “Pilates is a workout from day one”
• “Never bring the exercise to the client — always bring the client to the exercise”
• “Bring people to their personal edge, most people’s personal edge is way ahead”  
• “Challenge don’t force”  
• “Pilates is not about arriving, it is about the process, movement. A way to go and a way to come back” 
• “Every exercise has a goal. The goal exists in detail, detail is precision” 

 It is an art to challenge and inspire. I miss him. His death is a great loss for me and the Pilates community.  

Lucero Barry-Owner-Studio Reset, Portland, Oregon

In closing

If your passion lights another’s fire, then I say job well done! If your proteges carry the torch with integrity and demand a high standard, kudos. If they remain forever students of the Method, you are unforgettable.