IM=X® recently hosted a virtual Tower and Tower/Barre certification for eight participants from IM=X® Lafayette, IM=X® Fremont, IM=X® Englewood, IM=X® North Charlotte and IM=X® Middle Village. During this course, participants learned how to use the unique and proprietary IM=X® Wall Tower. This piece of equipment is a wall-mounted structure featuring three levels of hooks with springs attached for resistance training that can target every muscle of the body in a completely unique way. Springs can be clipped to each of the three levels depending on the exercise sequence and client’s height. There are two different lengths of springs: short (typically more resistance and used for upper body) and long (less resistance or used for lower body and particularly standing Tower/Barre exercises). At the end of each spring, you have the option to fasten either handles, foot loops or a wooden dowel, for a variety of movements and assorted target muscles. To add even more resistance, many IM=X® Wall Tower exercises also incorporate the IM=X® ring or light hand weights.
The IM=X® Wall Tower and its accessories can be used in four unique programs: IM=X® Tower, IM=X® Tower/Barre, IM=X® Barre and IM=X® Cycle/Tower. This most recent course, the IM=X® Tower and Tower Barre Certification, taught our group of eight instructors 17 new sequences in a 2-Day Intensive. The exercises they learned in the IM=X® Tower course can be offered in workouts of 30-75 minutes or combined with Mat, Xercizer, Cycling and more, providing an endless variety of hybrid options. All instructors received an instructional manual which contains photographs and deatails step-by-step instructions on how to teach each exercise sequence. As one instructor put it: “adding these workouts to my IM=X® repertoire will give my clients more variety and provide a great complement to IM=X® Xercizer routines.”
The course started at 10:00 AM Eastern Time and ran for eight hours for two days. The course started with an introduction and review of the the IM=X Five Fundamentals and some new exercise science research. Instructors were “put on the hot seat” a few times as Master Trainer Renee challenged them to recall information taught in previous IM=X® certification courses. After that, it was time to start diving into the new Tower and Tower/Barre exercises. All exercises were first demonstrated by video and explained by Master Trainer Renee with attention to the Tower configuration, verbal and tactile cues, appropriate modifications and progressions, goals and target muscles of each exercises, and other applicable notes. Next, participants got to “practice teach” either working together with other participants in their home studio, or teaming up with participants in other states. Of course, the days also included plenty of Tower and Tower/Barre workouts to allow instructors the opportunity to experience the new formats taught in the IM=X® Tower and Tower/Barre course.
IM=X® Master Trainer coached participants through learning ten sequences which progress into a robust option of formats. Next, the seven unique Tower Barre sequences add upper body and core strengthening to grand pliés, relevés, tendus and other ballet-inspired movements to allow for a barre workout that uses springs, handles, foot loops and a dowel for a truly unique blend of exercises not found anywhere else.
In order to attend the course, all participants needed to be IM=X® Pilates Basic certified first. It was also required that they review the Tower workouts on IM=X® OnDemand channel prior to course attendance. Independent practice hours are required upon course completion in order to master a variety of workouts. In order to be awarded with a certificate of completion, all instructors must now practice teach for a recommended 20 hours and must then demonstrate their proficiency in teaching the IM=X® Tower and Tower Barre formats in a Practical Exam to be completed within three months of course attendance.
We wish our new IM=X® Tower and Tower Barre candidates the best of luck in completing this process and we look forward to seeing them again soon for their exams!