In the acrobatic, cheerleading and gymnastic world, one is very familiar with the art of spotting. This is what your trainer, coach or fellow teammate does when you are learning to do a new move or exercise in as part of your routine.
A good example in cheerleading is the back flip. One learns this move usually on a mat with one or two persons to your side to assist you in execution. Slowly one progresses to less and less spotting until you’ve achieved your goal and can do this safely on your own.
One example from dance is a partner lift like the ‘swan dive’ or quick drop to the floor will be practiced initially with more than one person there to make sure it is done safely and accurately This enables the individuals to learn proper technique through careful guidance and confidence building before going solo.
In exercise such as weightlifting, or resistance training think of the person (trainer) standing behind the bar as the individual does a bench press. This assures that the bar does not end up on the face or chest of the person attempting to lift the weight. It allows them also the chance to slowly increase the weight knowing there is a safety net.
Teachers, coaches and trainers ‘spot’ trainees not only in physical ways but also mentally. Pure presences in the arena, positive verbal reinforcement and intermittent cues and tips on how to enhance the movement skills is an art in and of itself. Some coaches due this incessantly and others in a more minimalistic way.
Spotting Defined
“Spotting in weight or resistance training, is the act of supporting another person during a particular exercise, with an emphasis on allowing the participant to lift or push more than they could normally do safely. Correct spotting involves knowing when to intervene and assist with a lift and encouraging a training partner to push beyond the point in which they would normally ‘rack’ the weight (return it to its stationary position).”
Like everything in life there can be too little and too much with all ranges in between. In the Pilates sector we recently had a discussion about spotting in an advanced seminar with Cynthia Lochard, a Level 1 Romana’s Pilates teacher.
Below are a few of the highlights of that discussion.
- Spotting that is TOO hands on doesn’t allow the individual to actually learn
- Spotting needs special variety: close up and wide view (aka step away)
- Spotting safely doesn’t mean doing the action for the person
- Expect the unexpected but allow room to grow from trial and possible error
Teaching self-practice
In thinking about all these points I’m reminded of Joe Pilates original studio in New York City that had a different model of instruction. You were a member and came to the studio when your schedule allowed it. You were given your workout and if need be Joe, Clara or other chosen instructors at the studio would assist you with your workout.
There was not 1 on 1 consistent guidance in every workout or every exercise, like we have today. Students/clients were encouraged to be independent, now the emphasis is heavily weighted towards dependence. There also was not the era of “liability” concerns that exists in recent decades, particularly in the US market.
Maybe we are not giving ample room and providing a platform for individuals to practice ‘learning’ on their own. Would students take the initiative for self-practice? Something to ponder as studio owners and instructors.
Repetition and Order
I always like to step back and think why a situation is happening. If teachers are tending towards too much spotting, where does this come from. As above, not teaching enough independence, liability concerns or something as simple as NOT teaching the order and sequence to clients that allows self-sufficiency.
With the era of learning via videos and online teaching platforms younger teachers often look for the newest or latest “trick” to teach to clients. They feel an urge to continually find a new exercise, of course I’m generalizing here, but it is something I witness frequently.
I’m a believer in let the method do the teaching. Provide a consistent order and sequence that provides the student with a learning experience that ultimately leads to self-knowledge. Or as my longtime dear colleague Ted Willemsen, a physical therapist in the Netherlands said:
“I want my clients to not need me at a certain point. That’s the best compliment I could get.”
Level advancement
One possibility in the trend towards heavy spotting could be a result of teaching too many new exercises too soon. By this I mean a client is advanced at a tempo that does not ensure real absorption of the material.
Think of a student trying to learn a language. One needs to acquire a vocabulary, practice small sentences, integrate basic grammar skills and then overtime has the ability to speak the language. This takes time, practice and patience by both teacher and student.
Exercise and Pilates are no different. If clients are presented too many new exercises, too quickly they might have a theoretical understanding, but it won’t be in their muscle memory and thus not have self-sufficiency in execution. This could incite teachers to jump in and over spot. Certainly, there are other possibilities as well.
This same too rapid speed of advancement I fear also stems from certification programs that, a) accept individuals with not enough years of practice under their belts and b) pass individuals through their programs too quickly. Both of these lead to weak foundational skills of new instructors.
Are we just doing too much?
Have Pilates’ teachers, coaches and trainers slipped into the era of “helicopter” educators? Is it time to step back and reconnect with more simplicity in teaching the method? The fascinating part of learning is no matter how long one is in the field, for me twenty plus years, the basics are what matter.
New tricks, flashy highlights and heavy reliance on someone else is not the only road forward. Repetition, solid skill building and the art of spotting can provide pillars of learning to students at any level and age.
Note of appreciation
Special thanks to Allison Gonzalez (in the photo above), Senior Classical Pilates Teacher and owner of Evolve Movement Collective who has taught and spotted so many students over her decades of devotion to the original method. She hosted numerous workshops of inspiring teachers and played a major role in bringing Classical Pilates to the SF Bay Area.
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
John F. Kennedy
