Pilates: A quick recap of my Teacher Training

Let’s rewind 18 years and I remember being really excited when I ordered a pilates DVD. You know the one on the shopping channel, you can get strong and lean without running. Sign me up! Nineteen year old me wanted to be strong and flexible and way too nervous to find a studio. It took me a couple years to make my way into a studio, but during that time there weren’t many pilate classes, and slowly I moved away studying Kripalu yoga instead (we can get into that another day) I have always had issues with my hip and shoulder joints, but I found over the years it got a lot worse. Tweaked it in my early 30s rock climbing and found myself in a chiropractor's office. (Also a story for another time) Through functional movement we worked to get my hips and shoulder stronger, with some manual adjustments when needed. Slowly found my way back to pilates. I had met a few pilates teachers that I loved over the years, how we focused on activating the right muscles to move, and listening to our bodies. What I didn’t realize is that all my favorite teachers came from the same school. BODY HARMONICS. I should mention that during this time period I became a Kripalu yoga teacher, and I love it. For years I talked about learning about how the body moves, understanding the different systems and teaching others how to move safely. I had a strong inkling pilates was the answer but I was so nervous, “there is no way I could teach pilates.” Those were my thoughts, but somehow I still called around and found myself at Body Harmonics. I signed up and I was so excited, like really excited. There is nothing like saying you will do something and actually be able to do it!

Then module 1 happened and I freaked out, “how could I learn all this? I am not strong enough! There is no way I will remember everything? The muscles? Progressive movement? I have made a huge mistake!!” This continued through module 2, but I still kept practicing and showing up.(even if I was freaking out, crying in between repeating “there is no way I am going to do this”) I had to check in with myself and shift my perspective. What is the worst thing that could happen? Will I fail? I learned the process if that happened, turns out they have steps in place for them, costs a little extra, but at this point it’s a small investment to ensure I’m ready to safely teach others. I continued to practice, train my mother and taught a few small groups. I can tell you my first few classes were rocky, but as we continued to work together I felt my language became clearer. When my students shared how they felt in their bodies, the connection they were building with their movement. I was blown away, I was achieving what I have always wanted, I was teaching people functional movement, I was teaching pilates!!! (Now just to pass those exams!)

Every module was full of information, practice time and note taking. The breakdown of the program made it easy for me to follow and stay engaged. (I have a hard time sitting still and listening) I couldn’t believe how much information I retained, I of course reviewed in between modules and I am definitely not an expert in anatomy. In saying that I feel confident in what I do know and understand.

It’s been a month since I have passed all my exams and I am now a certified mat Pilates instructor with Body Harmonics.(WOOHOO!) Every class I’ve taught makes me fall in love just a little bit more with teaching pilates and I can not wait to continue my education delving deeper into the movement!

So if you are thinking about doing your training I highly recommend Body Harmonics!

https://www.bodyharmonics.com/training-pilates-education/