I can’t quite believe that it’s been 10 years since I qualified as a Pilates Instructor back in November 2011! It was a great achievement for me and I’m so pleased to still be teaching and watching my clients get stronger, flexible and more mobile with every class.
I feel it is a great accomplishment and something to be celebrated. It got me thinking, what are some of my highlights over the last 10 years? Here are 10 of my best achievements since becoming a Pilates Instructor:
• First ever Pilates class
Prior to qualifying as a Pilates Instructor, I had been a Personal Trainer for 10 years, so I was used to working with clients on a 1-2-1 basis. Teaching a class was a whole new experience and I can honestly say it was a completely nerve wracking experience. I think that first class was the hardest class I have ever taught, but once it was over, I knew I had made the right decision to become a Pilates Instructor.
• Every class is different
I know how important it is to keep the classes fresh and I’m so proud to be able to say that in 10 years, I have never taught the same class twice. We might do the same theme, for example, Posture Week or Stretch, Strength and Mobility, but I can guarantee that the class will be different in some way.
• Having my own studio
In September 2016, I made the decision to have a studio in my garden. It was a dream come true, my own personal space to teach my clients both in classes and 1-2-1’s. I loved my studio and the commute was so easy! 😀
• Fundraising event for CLIC Sargent
In June 2018, I held a fundraising Pilates day to help raise funds for a very worthwhile charity. So many of my clients got involved. It was a great day and we raised £2,615. I was so proud that day that we could help to make a difference.
• Moving Pilates online
Due to the pandemic, it was either sink or swim as traditionally Pilates is a face to face service, however, during the three lockdowns of 2020/2021, I managed to retain many of my existing clients and grow my business. I love the fact that now I can teach Pilates online and reach a wider audience. Moving online has been a revelation for both myself and my clients. You can read more about this in my previous blog.
• Still teaching some of my original clients
It’s hard to believe that I still have clients who have been with me right from the start. They’ve been with me as I have grown in confidence and experience and have also had to put up with the same jokes for 10 years. In fact, one of my clients recently said she knows exactly what the punchline is before I say it. I think it may be time for some new jokes in the next 10 years!!
• Seeing my clients transform
The main reason I became a Pilates Instructor was to help clients have a better quality of life. When you see someone, who has been struggling or had an injury and can start to enjoy life again because they are stronger, fitter and more mobile, it is one of the best feelings in the world.
• Every day is a school day
My clients all know that I love to learn. It has always been a passion of mine and attending courses and learning is so important to me. When I qualified, I set myself a goal that I would attend a course every year to keep my knowledge up to date and I love coming back to class and sharing what I’ve learnt. As I always say, “Every day is a school day.”
• Nationwide and European clients
If you had told me 10 years ago, I would have clients from all over the country and Europe, it would have asked what planet you were from. The pandemic has changed all that. Since moving online, I can now take clients from all over the country and the world. Completely crazy, but it works and I love it!
• November 2021
People who know me well, know I don’t like change, so I think my biggest achievement and something for me to celebrate is that in 10 years, I have had to constantly change my business. From school halls, to my living room, to my studio, to online, I am doing a job I love, with clients I love and who knows where I’ll be teaching in November 2031.
Here’s to the next 10 years and beyond. What are your memories / highlights from the last 10 years of Pilates? I’d love to know! If you’d like to find out more about my Pilates classes, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
