Meet Dr. Howard Sichel
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009
Dr. Howard Sichel
As you may have heard, APOGEE has a brand-new wellness partner in Power Pilates, a company that has established an international reputation for quality Pilates teacher training and education. At its helm is Dr. Howard Sichel, whom we are delighted to welcome to the APOGEE family.
In the 20 years since its founding, 7,000 teachers in 10 countries have earned their Power Pilates certification. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Dr. Sichel has been one of the driving forces behind bringing Pilates into the health and fitness mainstream. What was once the province of professional dancers is now generally recognized as one of the most effective methods of whole-body conditioning. He is also responsible for the renewed appreciation for the “classical method,” which honors the original philosophies and teachings Joseph Pilates himself.
How did this all come about? “Truthfully, it was out of frustration that I discovered Pilates,” Dr. Sichel admits. An avid sports enthusiast and athlete, he became a chiropractor on the advice of his father and the experience of a mother who “had practically been saved by one.” But, the more he practiced, the more he recognized his professional limitations. “I could make temporary changes in people’s lives in terms of pain. But, there were no long-term corrections. There needed to be an exercise protocol where people could participate in their own healing.” Master dance instructor Marjorie Perces introduced him to one of Joe Pilates’ earliest protégés, Romana Kryzanowska, and he started referring his patients to her.
The healing powers of movement proved so extraordinary that in 1989, Dr. Sichel integrated a Pilates training studio into his practice. As his clientele grew, so did the need for qualified teachers. So, in 1997, he worked in concert with seasoned instructors Susan Moran-Perich and Bob Liekens to develop a comprehensive classical Pilates teacher certification program that has earned a reputation for producing some of the world’s best-trained instructors.
Dr. Sichel’s adherence to Joe Pilates’ precise method remains steadfast and passionate: “Everything Joe Pilates prescribed is bio-mechanically sound…It never needs to be changed; it just needs to be explained.” As APOGEE’s new Executive Vice President his mission is clear: “My goal is to ensure that every member feels better physically, emotionally and spiritually. If a person really invests in what APOGEE has to offer, I can promise complete success in reversing many of the damaging effects of aging.”
RELATED LINKS
Hear more from Howard in the APOGEE Podcasts
