As someone who works a demanding 9-to-6 (and often longer) job, carving out time for personal growth can be tough. My role often stretches beyond regular hours, leaving little room for much else. However, recently I embarked on a 6-week, 30-hour Pilates instructor training course, attending class every Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Despite the rigorous schedule, the experience was transformative and taught me lessons far beyond physical fitness.
A New Challenge: From Pilates Enthusiast to Instructor-in-Training
I’ve been practicing Pilates for about 3 years now, primarily through private classes due to a knee problem. Though I felt comfortable in my personal practice, the decision to transition into instructor training was a whole new challenge. Not only did I have to keep track of my own body and movements, but I also had to learn to teach pilates - potentially a whole class and they would stay safe and injury-free.
The training was intensive, covering anatomy, Pilates reformer exercises, and how to lead large group classes. Pilates reformer workouts, in particular, tested both my mind and body. I had to stay mindful of my own form while mentally preparing myself to guide others through the exercises safely.
6 weeks of Physical vs. Mental Challenge
This experience also highlighted an interesting contrast for me: academic challenges vs. physical ones. I’ve always been more comfortable with intellectual tasks. Throughout my life, I’ve excelled in academic pursuits, but this was my first time tackling such an intense physical challenge. It felt foreign to engage in something that required full-body awareness and coordination on such a detailed level.
Each day of training began with theory and anatomy, followed by practical exercises. In smaller groups, we would take turns teaching each other. Some days, I would end up doing the same exercise 4 times, gaining a deeper understanding of which muscles were activated during different movements.
Pilates as a Path to Growth
Pilates reformer exercises are a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and coordination. But beyond the physical benefits, I learned a lot about communication. Becoming an instructor wasn’t just about knowing how the body works or exercise —it was also about learning how to cue people effectively to guide them through complex movements. This is especially important for first-time students who might otherwise risk injury or lose motivation.
One example, teaching lunges on the reformer machine. If you don’t cue properly, explaining how to set up the machine, align the body, and guide breathing, participants can get confused or even hurt themselves. On the flip side, if you don’t challenge them enough, they won’t enjoy the class.
It made me realize how much of an overlap there is between instructing in Pilates and managing clients at work. In both situations, effective communication is key. Just like I had to guide students through a series of movements step by step, I’ve found that breaking down complex concepts into manageable pieces is crucial when working with clients. Providing too much information all at once can overwhelm them, and without enough direction, they may not achieve their goals.
Life Lessons from Pilates
Completing this course wasn’t just a physical achievement; it was also mentally rewarding. I passed the exam, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I’ve not only learned more about my body and proper postures but also how to improve my communication more effectively, especially with larger groups.
Another valuable lesson I took away was the importance of body language and verbal cues, skills I now carry into my professional life. Whether I’m guiding a Pilates class or leading a client meeting, the principles of clear communication, effective cueing, and understanding people’s needs remain the same. By mastering these techniques, I feel more prepared to guide others toward their goals, both in the studio and at work.
Final Thoughts: A New Perspective
Taking this course was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve done this year. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to see physical fitness, teaching, and communication from a new perspective. I now have a deeper understanding of my body and feel equipped with new tools that are just as applicable in the Pilates studio as they are in my career.
If you’re considering a challenge, whether it’s physical, mental, or both, I definitely encourage you to take that leap. It’s surprising how much you can grow in ways you never expected. You can also check out Absolute Fitness in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
My next challenge is Marathon, what is yours?
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