Always Be You!

In my journey of learning the Pilates method, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the profound difference between merely instructing a class and truly teaching it. It’s not just about guiding students through exercises; it’s about fostering their autonomy and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning process. I hold immense respect for those Pilates teachers who prioritize their students’ independence over rote instruction. These educators invest their time and energy in empowering students and supporting them to explore beyond the confines of the class. In my experience, the best Pilates teachers are those who transform into exceptional educators, helping students cultivate a deeper understanding of their bodies and the

I used to be much too preoccupied with success and whether, at whatever stage of my life, I had measured up to my vision of my goals. I’m sure many of us do this pointless, self-defeating analysis. I wasted energy, stressed over things over which I had no control, and neglected to spend time on what was truly important to me and to those in my life. I had this recurring dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. I would wake up, head to work, teach for hours with limitless energy, and have all the time I needed for self-care. I had convinced myself that in a few years, I would

Imagine for a moment that everything your professional career is built on – the things that defined you as a teacher – became irrelevant. Visualize the work you put into your practice coming to feel outdated or unable to resonate with today’s students.  In 2007, I was completing my observation hours at a Classical Pilates studio and was approached by the owner after she had finished her class. Having watched her teach effortlessly, I inquired how long she had taught and what she felt her secret sauce was. She told me that she had been teaching for more than 20 years and that her strict approach to teaching and adhering

It seems like only yesterday that I was listening to my parents lament about how the world was changing too fast. I never put much thought into what they were saying and went on with my daydreaming. Perhaps my parents were medieval thinkers or simply old-fashioned? Well, times have indeed changed, and we are at a critical juncture presenting two choices: be left behind, or dive headfirst into the modern world. It can be challenging to update our way of thinking and learn to embrace change. There are two integral components necessary in making the leap to modern thinking. First, make time to deepen your personal practice. Challenge your mind

With technology continually advancing fitness equipment to enhance your workouts, it can be challenging to determine the best options available. Surprisingly, despite the sophisticated designs of modern workout devices, the most innovative fitness tool was created in the 1920s and has been right under your nose all along: the Pilates Reformer. More than a century after its inception—and having witnessed countless fitness machines come and go—the Reformer remains a staple. It is utilized not only for its original purpose of rehabilitation but also for athletic strength training and conditioning. Whether your goal is to build a strong core and lengthen your spine through traditional Pilates or to increase strength and

Why do so many individuals struggle with the original Classical Pilates exercises? What would the Pilates world look like if Joseph Pilates had been influenced by today’s scientific understanding? Would he adapt new methods for teaching movement? These questions often arise in discussions with classically trained Pilates instructors. Personally, I believe that if we could eliminate the “struggle” many face with Pilates, our industry would become the top choice for exercise. I am convinced that if teachers grasped the science of movement, they would be better equipped to implement modifications. Moreover, they would recognize the value of introducing variations to help students feel more successful and to prevent their bodies