Precision, Progress, and Real Results: Kristen Dockter on Teaching Pilates the Way It Was Meant to Be Taught

You recently completed the Kathryn Ross-Nash Advanced Pilates Teacher Training — one of the most respected programs in the field. What makes this method so unique, and how has it changed the way you teach and approach your students’ progress?
Kathi created a way to codify the Pilates method as passed down directly from Joseph Pilates. Her Red Thread Method makes teaching the true method accessible to teachers without spending years as an apprentice. Her materials and workshops teach you what to look for and what exercises build the skills needed to master each exercise with strength and control. When you use the true pilates method, miracles happen. Since starting her program, I tailor most of my workout sessions to build and challenge skills and that transformed my teaching.

You mentioned that your students showed dramatic posture and alignment changes in just three weeks. What do you think makes this approach so effective, and what’s most rewarding about seeing those transformations firsthand?
Because the true Pilates method is magic! If you have time to practice three times per week with exercises selected for YOUR BODY and you put your intention into the practice, you will be astounded at the results. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the transformation. With twice per week or once per week practice, transformations will happen but will be much slower. The only catch is that you have to continue practicing to experience long-lasting results.

Alongside Pilates, you’ve also trained extensively in Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT). For those who aren’t familiar, can you explain what NKT is and how it complements your Pilates practice?
Neurokinetic Therapy is a corrective movement system designed to identify the root cause of pain or dysfunction. The method uses muscle testing to access the motor control system of the brain and identify how well the brain recognizes the function of various muscles and then to correct the dysfunctional movement pattern. I learned to notice movement patterns during a pilates workout that signal which muscles aren’t working properly and correct the imbalance, leading to greater strength and function. Another NKT technique I frequently use is muscle unlocking. Sometimes muscles are so tight that stretching is not sufficient to make a change. Once I unlock a muscle with NKT, there is often an immediate change in stability and mobility. Afterward, stretching is more effective and the student has access to movement they were previously unattainable.

You’ve helped clients resolve pain, rebalance their gait, even improve athletic performance. Can you share one or two stories that best capture how these methods have changed someone’s body — or even their life?
I have many stories – here’s a couple.

1. I have a student with very tight chest, upper back and forward head. He had a pretty significant hump on his back. After two, one-hour treatments where I unlocked muscles along the spine, the size of his hump was significantly diminished. See picture – William’s hump.

2. A new student had extremely tight shoulders and could barely reach his arms overhead. After a 40 minute treatment where I unlocked four muscles, his ability to reach overhead improved dramatically. See photo 2477 & 2478.

3. I work with an Olympic lifter to resolve various dysfunctions created by tightness from lifting. At Master’s World weightlifting competition in September, he PR’d his snatch and matched his PR on the clean and jerk.

4. Recently a new student came in seeking a solution to recurring back pain. He is currently working out in the gym four days per week, rock climbing and running. Chiropractic eliminated the pain but he wanted a longer-term solution. Walking lunges trigger the pain, so I made several corrections to his lower back, pelvis and quads, each time repeating the walking lunges. Stability of the lunges continued to improve after each correction. The most significant adjustment involved unlocking the rectus femoris (main quad muscle and closest to the surface), which allowed his back body to work more effectively and now lunges are very stable.

You’re one of only a handful of practitioners in Houston with this level of training. What do you hope people understand about this kind of integrative movement and therapy work — and how do you plan to bring more awareness to it in your community?
There’s a couple of things I want people to understand.

1. Pilates is an incredible system to develop strength, control, stamina and mind/body connection. It improves everything! There are so many teachers who have minimal understanding of the method and how to progress their students as well as so many students who don’t know that there is a difference between that group class of 10 people doing fitness on a reformer and a private lesson with an experienced teacher. Do yourself a favor and try REAL Pilates! Our prices are reasonable – come experience the difference we can make in your life!

2. I want people to understand that there’s often a more effective and holistic way to address pain and dysfunction that medication, stretching, massage or injections. Medication and injections can be temporary and are not healthy for ongoing treatment. Stretching and massage target tight muscles but usually don’t get to the root cause. NKT looks for the root cause and releases the responsible muscle, often resulting in relaxation of multiple other muscles. If you’re searching for a solution to a pain, stability or mobility challenge, try NKT.

I plan to bring more awareness in my community through social media. As time allows, I intend to meet with coaches in the area to educate and demonstrate the technique.