Words of Advice
For those of us who have made Pilates and movement therapy a career, we understand how the practice of Pilates represents more than just a workout. Through our practice there are connections to life learning to breathe through challenges, trying new things, and being present in the moment. Our Pilates and movement practices help us navigate through the day, helping us feel better physically and mentally, and taking care of ourselves so that we can better take care of others. When we become teachers there are many things we must learn in order to develop in our careers. As we take on the role of teacher we transition from student and client to caregiver and leader. This position change can be both exciting and overwhelming, and learning to take on this role takes time and practice. But we've established four basic ideas that help us grow into our teaching role, which can become clearer over the years. In reflecting back on our previous experiences now, we can learn from the past and continue growing as teachers.
What advice would we give ourselves as new teachers knowing what we know now?
The individual yet interconnected ideas we would give our younger selves knowing what we know now that we are more experienced are:
1. Allow yourself to say I don't know, and realize it's ok to not know everything
2. Always continue to learn
3. Do not feel like you have to be like everyone else
4. Set your boundaries and stick to them
Everything always seems clearer in hindsight. It's much easier to look backward and say that we wish we had known that before, but time and practice are the best ways to learn. There are many things we know now that can help us, as younger or as newer teachers, and it is also helpful to hear what other more experienced individuals have to say.
When we talk about teaching Pilates there are many characteristics of teaching that are also lifelong practices outside of the studio as well for teachers and non-teachers alike. These ideas simplify finding and honoring our authentic selves. It is a continual journey to be able to be true to ourselves, and it is vital and beneficial for many different areas of life. Specific to teaching, these ideas assist us in being present, and centered with our client, which allows us to be focused on what each individual client needs truly. Our ultimate goal as movement teachers is to provide a session adjusted for individual clients that addresses their needs. So, in order to be fully aware of the client, to see and hear what they need, and to be connected to them, we must find a way to be connected to ourselves and be confident in who we are as individuals and as teachers. Our own ability to be grounded in who we are, allows us to help whoever comes into our studio space.
I don't remember where I first heard someone say it's okay to not know, but I do remember the relief and awe I felt at hearing that. It was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Previously, I felt like I had to have an answer to anything a client asked, and that if I didn't have an accurate answer for them, I was a failure as a teacher and didn't know anything. As an academic-minded personality, I do enjoy research and learning, so when I don't know something I take the time to learn about it. Hearing a more experienced teacher say that it's ok when we don't know something, gave me the confidence to be able to admit when I wasn't sure. Being able to say that we don't know allows ourselves to be vulnerable in honesty which builds confidence in ourselves, and builds trust with a client.
When we can admit that we don't know something, this allows us to always continue to learn. It's vital to continue learning to keep updated with the most recent research. Especially for movement and therapy-based teachers, we have to work from an evidence-based approach. Research and science change over time as we know more, so in order to work within the best practice we must stay up to date on the latest science. By continuing to learn, not only do we keep our clients safe and interested, but we also keep ourselves more engaged in our practice and prevent burnout, developing deeper understanding and expertise.
One of the most challenging ideas around being confident in our authentic selves is not focusing on what others think of us, and not listening to the little judgmental voice inside our own heads. It's so easy to think we have to be like everyone else. Building this confidence in who we are as individuals and as teachers is a difficult and constant process. By teaching in a way that is natural and authentic to ourselves, we can better maintain our energy level instead of trying to be something we're not, we attract the right clients to us that fit us as unique teachers, and we build trust with our clients as people can feel when something is real or faked.
In addition, we must support our own boundaries. It takes time to realize what does or doesn't work for us, but when we do realize this we need to maintain the boundaries to prioritize what is best for us. Important boundaries to maintain for teachers and Pilates businesses are making sure we get paid fully and on time, holding clients to our cancellation policy, not allowing people to take discounts, trades or deals if we don’t offer them, and making sure that even when clients are also friends or if they become friends that they still respect our time and business policies.
When we respect our own time, knowledge, training, and expertise, our clients will as well. There are countless opinions floating around the Pilates industry, and everyone wants to be heard. But overall, no matter what all these other people think, we must each do what works best for us. Finding that takes time and practice, but by growing into our authentic selves, we not only live with more ease, but we teach to our highest potential as well. We must give ourselves permission to let ourselves shine through in our own unique ways.
Associated Podcast episode: