The NATO phonetic alphabet, is the most widely recognized system of spelling the letters of words that could be mistaken for other letters. My name is usually mistaken for Guiton instead of Guyton because “y” and “i” are not easy to distinguish due to pronunciation or hearing. The NATO alphabet is a spelling alphabet. Specific words have been designated for each letter of the English alphabet. This system was implemented acrophonically, which means the use of a word is has been designated as the name of the alphabetical symbol representing the initial sound of that word. This system is universal so that critical combinations of letters (and numbers) can be pronounced and understood by those who transmit and receive voice messages by radio or telephone regardless of their native language. The paramount reason is to ensure intelligibility of voice signals over radio links.
Therefore my name is acrophonically spelled: Golf-Uniform-Yankee-Tango-Oscar-November. It is not Gross-Underarm-Yucky-Tummy-Often-Neglected!
The Pilates Alphabet is the name of the exercises. The PMA Certification Examination has designated a specific name that is recognized within a system of exercises in English. These names are recognized in all languages. These names were designated by Joseph Pilates and the recollections of his students. Despite his intentions, names still have a way of changing within studios. Two of my sweet 20 something gals are calling exercises fun names like the Pops and the Inchworm. It is easy to see how things can morph. The girls may have chosen these names because it describes how they feel the movements at this time. They are new students.
The PMA researched and with careful consideration established the “letters” for my profession. This common system allows Pilates teachers to exchange information that is uniform and facilitates accurate communication in any language. Take some time to review The PMA Pilates Certification Exam Study Guide. You may find that your Pilates Alphabet has transformed. It is fun to notice these things and get back to the basics.
The Swan is not a Cobra.