Introducing AIM:
The Amend Integrative Model

 -a groundbreaking first-person conceptual model for human movement analysis, pedagogy, and practice providing a broad-based framework for communication about movement and embodiment practices.

AIM was developed by Carole Amend as a way to successfully communicate about movement concepts, as well as about boundary and intention agreements, between clients, teachers, and the cooperative network of practitioners at Bodies Mind® Studio in Mill Valley, CA, a studio specializing in the work of Joseph H. Pilates.
A main Leading Question that Carole pondered for the development of AIM was:
“How can I inspire independence and autonomy when I am telling someone what to do?”
Over a period of over a decade (circa 1992-2002), with careful attention to an empathetic, reciprocal learning environment to enhance the teacher-client relationship, the foundation of AIM’s “common-language” emerged as a client-enabling alternative to the well-known Laban Movement Analysis.

During the following decade, The Pilates by AIM perspective was developed - a somatic movement approach to pilates practice that distinguishes pilates from other disciplines, especially fitness and physical therapy. As these specific distinctions were revealed through the application of AIM, the model heralded the emerging Multidisciplinary Movement Practice Professions. AIM then became a useful tool in determining scopes of practice for Pilates Professionals and their cooperative networks, as defined under the Somatic Integration Paradigm. This serves to elevate and support the pilates community and the growing, diverse public which it serves, towards recognition of the full scope and potential of pilates practice.

As AIM translates across disciplines, connecting and networking with colleagues encourages new multidisciplinary research to advance the pilates profession and beyond. Just as “Contrology is the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit”, the “radical research” AIM inspires begins with a personal, phenomenological, transformative experience of the bodymind process. For more information about our Specialized Offerings for the Public & Professionals, please visit the Curriculum Overview page.

AIM Definitions

What is Movement Practice?

…any mental or physical practice that enlivens the spirit, educates the mind, informs the body, and/or heals the heart in order for the individual to reach his/her potential beyond current physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual limitations.

What is Somatic Integration?

…a paradigm of mind and body forever evolving through which we attempt to realize our humanity, recognize the possibilities as sentient beings, and become more whole as bodies, individuals, and societies.

The AIM Conversation

Founded in 2001, our community of dialogue is dedicated to AIM’s vision of embodiment and societal change inspired by J. H. Pilates, among others, and to enhancing communication in the cooperative networks of pilates teachers and movement practice enthusiasts everywhere. We recognize a client-centered paradigm of experience, education, responsibility, and choice, as means to safety, autonomy, and excellence. We offer a variety of ways for pilates professionals, as well as professionals from cooperative movement disciplines, to get interested, informed, and involved.

The Amend Integrative Model (AIM) heralds and informs the emerging Multidisciplinary Movement Practice Professions, which include the cooperative fields of:

Dance/Performing/Fine Arts, Sports/Fitness/Recreation, Somatics, Somatic Psychology, Allopathic /Alternative /Integrative Medicine, Spa Services, Spirituality/Yoga, Psychology, Nutritional Psychology, and Education, especially Project & Brain-based Learning, Science, and Physical Education

Join The AIM Conversation

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