Rising to the Challenge

It wasn’t until recently that I grasped just how much Core had given me the tools to be a skilled and composed Pilates instructor.

I was asked to instruct a staff mat class at the Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University, where I am currently a volunteer on a research study. I had no idea how many people would show, what fitness level these people would be at (seeing as this was not taking place in a fitness facility) and just exactly what challenges might arise teaching such a mixed group. Thinking about these different factors would, in most cases, put a big knot in my stomach and give me the urge to prepare, prepare, prepare. But no anxious nerves arose.

Between the hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of hours spent observing Core instructors, intensive weekends, workshops and the practical experience gained from training friends as well as a required mat class, I felt completely calm and ready to teach this class. No matter what challenges arose, no matter how many varying fitness levels there were or how many people came, I had the skills and tools to tailor my class to meet these needs. I didn’t need to prep or go crazy planning out modifications and variations. I knew them all, I know how to simplify exercises for the beginner client or challenge exercises for the more intermediate.

I am aware of how a class should flow and what exercises are appropriate at what point in the session or class. When the day came to teach the first class, it proved no less than a challenge! About 15 people came, most never having done Pilates before and the majority with very little mind/body connection. But the class had to go on and by the end, I think I was more exhausted running around making adjustments and stopping people from compromising positions all while maintaining the calm, confident composure of a professional instructor. But overall, I would say it was a success and I continue to teach this class weekly.

I faced similar challenges in the apprentice mat class we are asked to teach as well. Some days I would have a complete beginner and another client that has done Pilates for years. Rather than caving under the pressure or cheating one of them out of the appropriate level class, Core has given me the tools to be an instructor who can adjust to an array of varying circumstances and share the gift and benefits of pilates. Thanks CORE!

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