Pilates for kids and why it matters
“I think it's safe to say that as Pilates teachers, we already have more than enough trouble getting adults to follow directions when teaching Pilates. From our constant reminders, to our repetitive words or cues, we as teachers have to be super clear and concise as teachers and let's admit it can get quite challenging at times. Adults usually come in a preconceived idea of what Pilates is and can go wrong and can sometimes be close-minded in regards to what exercises work for them based on past experiences. It’s things like that have made this mom of two small kids, feel a bit more compelled to teach pilates to children,” said Clarissa.
“I am proud to say that I am the author of “ Sage Does Pilates”, a children's book that goes over how to do Pilates mat exercises for kids aged between two and seven years old. It’s simple, easy to follow, and very descriptive. It’s the perfect book for parents of small children. In addition to bringing Pilates to small children, it also tackles diversity as it is the first book to feature a young black girl as the main character in a Pilates book.”
The Pilates Journal had the opportunity to sit down with Clarissa and ask her what inspired her to write this book.
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How did you come up with the idea for Sage Does Pilates?
I came up with this idea many years ago after the birth of my daughter Sage, who is the inspiration behind the book. During that time I yearned for all sorts of books that had a little black girl as the main character just so she could see herself in them. Over the years I would receive Pilates or Yoga books primarily for adults but never really for kids with the exception of a few. I remember saying one day I am going to write a book for kids so my daughter can be represented. Years went by because well that’s just life, and one day a Pilates book for kids was gifted to her. When I opened it up I once again saw a child that did not represent my kids and it was then that I finally pulled the trigger and sat down with an Illustrator and created the book you see here today.
What was your thought process behind the illustrations and who illustrated it for you?
US illustrations illustrated the book for me and I still work with them often as they help me fine-tune the book. For example, just recently I had them add an about me page to my book so all newer copies will have the about me information in them that has a beautiful picture of me and my daughters. As far as my thought process behind the illustrations, I wanted it to be authentic. My daughter's name is Sage and she is a light skin black girl who wears braids in her hair. I am a light skin black person who usually wears my hair in an afro or in braids. I was adamant about making sure the characters looked like my daughter and I to the fullest capacity because I wanted to show that there are girls and women who look like us in the Pilates industry.
Tell us more about Sage and how did you get her to find interest in Pilates?
Sage recently turned 5. She is my Christmas baby. Yes, Christmas Day 2018 I got the best Christmas present ever! As far as Sage becoming interested in Pilates, she honestly had no choice (lol). I had been doing Pilates with her throughout my pregnancy with her and once she was born, I would take her to the gym with me for self-practice, she would watch videos with me and even occasionally go to work with me when I had to teach Pilates. So she was always around Pilates.
How have you been able to attract other kids or parents of kids to become interested in Pilates?
Great question. So I have been pitching my book to schools, daycares, shopping centres and libraries and they all have been extremely receptive. They have been so receptive that I am now doing monthly Mommy and Me classes with my youngest at the local library and got my book added to their collection. I teach Pilates at an all-girls high school which is super fun. I started doing a virtual Pilates kids Class once a month. I have partnered with a local kids toy store and have a class with them also next month as well. I also recently applied to be a CEC provider for a Pilates for Kids workshop, fingers crossed it gets approved, which will teach others how to attract other kids to start pilates at an early age. I think it's super important for our kids to learn about body awareness and mindfulness young because it helps them become better adults.
If you can provide some advice to Sage as she gets older in regards to her Pilates Journey what would you say?
I would tell her…do the best you can with the information you have at the moment. Your journey will look different at each stage but just know mom is here to help guide you every step of the way.
Clarissa Shepherd lives in Virginia and is a leader in the pilates industry as she is one of the first people of colour to use her platform to focus pre/postnatal pilates and kids pilates. Although she is USA-based, her impact can be felt globally, as her children’s book “ Sage Does Pilates” is globally recognized. She’s a Club Pilates Master Trainer and is Comprehensively trained Peak Pilates professional.
Clarissa will be running a kids pilates teacher training workshop on May 4th and another on July 27th, virtually for 3 cecs. The workshop includes a pdf copy of her book, a manual which covers topics like working with kids with autism, plus some marketing materials on how to get into schools and day care centres.
She will also be doing a workshop for the Pilates Method Alliance on May 28th on postnatal pilates and kids also for CECs.
Clarissa can be found via instagram, Facebook, and Youtube @PilatesMamii
To purchase her book ‘Sage Does Pilates’ visit pilatesmamii.com/shop or pilatesmamii.com to see upcoming events or purchase a private session with Clarissa.