Finding My Why: The Heart of a Pilates Teacher

I became a Pilates teacher I because I love helping people feel better. When we were children, a simple kiss could make a scratch feel better. While I can't kiss away life's wounds, as a Pilates instructor, through movement, I can guide others toward healing—not only their bodies but their minds as well.

Movement is powerful. Physically it builds our strength, aids our digestion, lowers our risk of falls and injuries. The endorphins from exercise can lift our spirits, improving our mood and overall emotional well-being.  

Healers by another name 

Healing requires empathy, patience, and understanding. I’ve encountered many remarkable souls with these abilities, often in professions like physiotherapy, psychology, naturopathy, osteopathy, massage therapy, nursing, and, of course Pilates teaching. Once known as healers, they now hold various titles, yet their core mission remains the same: to help others heal.

Healing requires me to be generous, to look into someone’s pain, whether it be physical or emotional, without judgement. In some way, pain reminds us of our humanity and need for connection. Connection can come through the healing touch, the energy exchanged through a simple touch, a look, or a kind word.

Being the best teacher I can be

As a Pilates teacher, I am privileged to connect with my clients in this way, guiding them to feel empowered in their bodies. My classes are a safe space where clients can confront and overcome challenges and gain strength and confidence in themselves. I understand the fear of physical challenges well (a recent injury reminded me of this). But I’ve learned that stepping out of our comfort zones is what makes us stronger.

To be a truly transformative Pilates teacher requires curiosity, empathy, and creativity. In designing my teacher training programs, I aim to foster these qualities. I keep the learning process playful and simple, sparking curiosity and nurturing empathy—a skill often neglected in our fast-paced, emotionally distant world.

Lessons in kindness

My life as a Pilates teacher is rich with meaning, built on quality connections with my clients, my partner, my family, and even my cats, Stanley and Kubrick. They all teach me lessons in patience, kindness, and understanding.