Pilates Exchange

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There are so many different aspects to a teacher training program that can make or break the experience for you. But where do you start? What questions are important? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Tune into this episode of The Pilates Exchange to discover the crucial questions to ask to ensure your Pilates teacher training experience is inclusive and representative of your values. Jump in to hear Hannah explore several questions she wished she had asked at the beginning of her training journey. Although this conversation is mostly tailored to the Pilates world, it will definitely apply to other teacher training certifications. Take what you want and apply it as you need it! Tune in as Hannah gets into the nitty-gritty of what has the power to boost or hinder your experience! Enjoy. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hannah brings insight and intent to the topic of today’s episode.
• Asking about prerequisites: is the certifying body interested in your prior experience?
• The type of Pilates certification that is being offered: Classical? Contemporary?
• Ask about the language the certification is being taught in.
• Inquire whether the teacher training is recognized by a certifying agency (is it accredited?). 
• If diversity and inclusivity are important to you, make sure to check with the program including the “special populations” demographic. 
• What type of language is being used: how do they talk about bodies and other humans?
• Are you able to do the exercises depending on what body you are in?
• Ask about what the course includes: mat exercises or a comprehensive course (with all the equipment).
• If the course includes equipment, make sure to inquire about which equipment pieces are included.
• Does the course teach you how to teach: with practical teaching tips and opportunities to practice? 
• Does the program offer support in helping you find a teaching position?
• Do they offer a basic understanding of the business of teaching?
• Seek advice regarding financial aid, including scholarships or work-study offers.
• Be aware of money grabs to maintain the legitimacy of your certification.
• Find out more about student demographics, teacher policies, and how they are being inclusive in their studios.
• Unforeseen circumstances and the program’s policy about missing a day.
• Who are the teachers teaching the program, and ask yourself if it’s a good fit for you personally.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/ 

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In the world of dance, yoga, and Pilates, the term "Master Teacher" often surfaces. But what exactly does it mean? At times, it appears to be a self-appointed title, as there's a lack of clear definitions or criteria to determine who qualifies as a master teacher. Today, Hannah embarks on a journey to explore her interpretation of what it means to be an authentic and masterful teacher. She delves into various aspects, such as the potential pitfalls of blindly following self-proclaimed masters, the essence of authentic and masterful teaching, and the significance of tailoring movement to suit each individual, enabling them to feel comfortable and authentic in their bodies. Hannah also shares her perspective on why she questions the concept of a hierarchy among teachers and offers her concluding thoughts on the attributes and characteristics of a master teacher. Don't miss today's episode of The Pilates Exchange; start listening now!"

Key Points From This Episode:

• What does “Master Teacher” even mean?
• What makes a Master Teacher?
• Why the saying: “Those who can do, do and those who can’t, teach.” is total BS.
• Dangers of unquestionably following these self-proclaimed masters.
• Better tools to discern what is correct and what is valid in movement: teacher training.
• What authentic masterful teaching looks like.
• What it means to be a masterful student.
• The importance of training with other people: there is not just simply one “best” way.
• Just because you can do it doesn’t mean that you can teach it.
• An example of how movement is interpreted: how methods can change over the years.
• Fitting the movement to the person in front of you.
• Challenging and exploring movement in all different directions.
• Why Hannah doesn’t believe in the hierarchy between teachers.
• An example of a visiting teacher (at their studio).
• Uncovering beautiful movement; what masterful teaching does. 
• Final thoughts on what a masterful teacher is. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mark Darby — 

Pattabhi Jois — www.ashtanga.com/html/article_medin_alex.html 

David Swenson on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/davidswensonashtanga/ 

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/ 

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In the fitness industry, there is often too much emphasis placed on being a certain shape and size. Even though there isn’t just one way to be strong, fit, and healthy, the images typically showcased in related marketing, social media posts, and education are still pretty clichéd: noticeably muscular men and slender women who “glow” rather than sweat. In today’s episode, we unpack why these stereotypes are harmful, why coaches must be especially careful when it comes to voicing their own unconscious biases about body image, and why commenting on another person’s body is almost always inappropriate, even if you believe it’s well-intentioned. Tune in to find out why we should take the focus off size, shape, and appearance in the fitness industry and celebrate movement instead!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The (sometimes harmful) body image stereotypes that prevail in the fitness industry.
• Reasons that coaches need to be cautious about their unconscious biases.
• Loving the skin you’re in and celebrating movement over appearance.
• An instance where Hannah called a student out for commenting on another student’s weight.
• Why “you’ve lost weight” isn’t necessarily a compliment.
• Our golden rule: keep your thoughts about other bodies to yourself!
• How we will expand on this topic in upcoming episodes.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/ 

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There is this idea floundering around the Pilates world that practising Pilates will transform your body into one akin to a professional dancer. You know, one that is thin, muscular, and hardly contains body fat. Which simply isn’t true, nor is it really even possible. Today, Hannah explores the idea of unconscious bias and its role in body imaging in the world of Pilates. We look at dismantling the myth of the Pilates body shape, factors involved in attaining (theoretically) a “dancer” body, and why it is important that we as teachers look at and reflect on our dancer upbringings (and the negative aspects thereof). We need to start having more conversations about bodies and healthy expectations in this realm. Pilates fundamentally revolves around improving movement quality, embracing the freedom that movement offers, and relishing in the experience. We should encourage a shift away from fixating on unrealistic body ideals and instead channel our energy towards enjoying the benefits of improved coordination, increased mobility, enhanced flexibility, greater strength, and better posture that Pilates offers. Join the conversation as Hannah poses a question to ignite a conversation about propelling change!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dismantling the idea that a thin body equals a Pilates body:  the Pilates body shape.
• The various factors involved in theoretically attaining a “dancer” body. 
• Doing the work, as teachers, to dismantle our dancer upbringing and why it is important.
• Hannah shares her perspective on the importance of thought behind social media posting. 
• An example of how exercise, eating, and body image disorders are part of our professional careers.
• We need more conversations about bodies and about healthy expectations. 
• The taboo topic: how teachers are also struggling with body image and exercise disorders.
• Why your body isn’t your business card, but your teaching is.
• The necessity, as coaches and teachers, to look first at ourselves.
• The importance of being honest about the benefits of doing Pilates.
• Thoughts on how we want to move forward as an industry and as teachers.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Body Is Not An Apology — https://thebodyisnotanapology.com/ 

Joseph Pilates — https://www.pilatesfoundation.com/pilates/the-history-of-pilates/ 

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedi

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It can be hard to navigate life after a dance career, especially when it spans two decades. But finding direction can lead to great rewards. During this episode, Natsu Sasaki, a former dancer with a twenty-year legacy and founder of Natsu Face Yoga, joins us to share her wisdom. Tuning in, you’ll hear about her early introductions to the world of dance, and the remarkable story of her unusually lengthy career as a professional dancer. We discuss her exploratory experiences where she searched for a possible path, before happening upon face yoga and finding its rewards in her own life. Learn about her introductory experiences as a dance teacher, how she learned to embrace flexibility and work with her students, and what it’s been like to start a business in an entirely new field she is equally passionate about. Thanks for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Natsu Sasaki, founder of Natsu Face Yoga. 
• Her introduction to the world of dance as a child.
• Becoming a professional dancer and having a 20-year-long career.
• Natsu’s eventual transition to leaving the dance world and what made it difficult.
• The ten-year period she spent exploring alternative careers. 
• Her year-long experience of unemployment and teaching dance.
• Why there was so much preparation time necessary for her to teach classes.
• How she learned to be more flexible in her teaching classes.
• The importance of finding your own authenticity as a trainer.
• How Natsu discovered the power of giving her teenage students options. 
• How she first discovered face yoga by chance.
• Her experience of starting a business.
• Some of the highlights so far. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Natsu Face Yoga Studio — https://www.natsu-faceyoga.com/

Natsu Face Yoga Studio on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/natsu_faceyogastudio/

Natsu Face Yoga on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/people/Natsu-Face-Yoga-Studio/100088367675592/

Natsu Sasaki on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/natsu-sasaki-ab611b264/

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: https://mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/ 

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As teachers, we have the amazing opportunity to create spaces where growth, freedom, safety, and a spirit of play can thrive! Today, we embark on an in-depth exploration of pain as a complex phenomenon. Pain is a manifestation of the intricate processes within the nervous system, which processes information from various sources. Everything, from the minutest detail of ensuring our clients feel safe and cared for to the language we employ and even our grounded presence as instructors, collectively influences how the nervous system perceives stimuli, ultimately determining whether pain is triggered. Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to the first guest on the podcast, Colleen Jorgensen! Colleen is an osteopath, athletic therapist, pain care educator, speaker, and Therapeutic Pilates, Yoga, and somatic teacher. Having endured a decade of pain herself, Colleen possesses firsthand knowledge of its challenges. And, after sensing a void in available resources, she introduced "Dare to Heal," an indispensable online program tailored to teach those in pain to help themselves. Join the conversation as we hear about how a spinal cord compression issue changed her life, why we must understand that pain does not equal damage, why mindful language matters in our teaching, why we should emphasise play in our classes, and so much more! Don’t miss out on this episode, so start listening now! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Colleen highlights what brought her to movement in the very beginning.
• She delves into the evolution, taking the functionality of Pilates and incorporating it into rehab.
• How a spinal cord compression issue changed Colleen’s life.
• Why we as teachers must understand that pain is not the same as damage.
• We dive into the discussion on the narrative of “Pain means damage” and normalising pain.
• Three things to check in with if students or clients have pain during movement. 
• From the teacher’s perspective: two things to understand (and do).
• Colleen explains how the body produces pain and why that is relevant: danger vs. safety.
• The importance of creating a safe space where people are seen, heard, and respected.
• How to change the perception of pain being exclusively viewed as a biomechanical issue.
• She illustrates the power of empowerment when someone feels pain in class.
• We discuss why mindful language matters in our teaching and cues. 
• We emphasise how (and why) play is a key element of creating safety in our classes.
• Colleen shares her best teaching tip.
• Let go of the need to look perfect at the front of the class; let your injuries be seen, teachers! 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Colleen Jorgensen — https://www.colleenjorgensen.org/ 

Colleen Jorgensen Email — [email protected] 

Colleen Jorgensen on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/c/ColleenJorgensenStillnessInMotion 

Colleen Jorgensen on Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/stillnessinmotionwithcolleen/ 

Colleen Jorgensen on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/_stillnessinmotion/  

Interpreting chronic pain science with Colleen Jorgensen — https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/interpreting-chronic-pain-science-with-colleen-jorgensen/id1547693412?i=1000619120800 

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: 

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Making the transition from student to teacher can be a challenging process. You need to go from concentrating on yourself to focusing on leading an entire class and paying attention to every single student in the room! Plus, you’re now using your voice to communicate instructions to a large group of people, sometimes for hours at a time. There is also the difficult challenge of managing teachers who attend your class and struggle to adapt to their role as a student. Today we explore all of this and more as we unpack the do’s and don’ts of being a student teacher, why generosity is such a wonderful characteristic in the classroom, and how to approach tricky scenarios in the studio. We also reflect on the luxury of attending other people’s classes as a student, and the power of starting on a clean slate and allowing yourself to learn something new. To learn more about the journey from student to teacher, and how to let yourself be a student, be sure to tune in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The challenges of going from student to teacher.
• Learning how to use your voice when becoming a teacher.
• A reminder to use your chest voice, rather than your head voice, when teaching.
• Starting on a clean slate and allowing yourself to learn something new.
• The luxury of taking classes with someone else.
• Sharing is Caring: Why generosity is integral to teaching.
• Teaching other teachers, and how to create space for an exchange of ideas.
• Identifying your expectations as a student and when to share them with the teacher.
• Examples of how coaches can struggle to occupy the role of student.
• Why, as a student or coach taking a class, you should never correct other students.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook- 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook -Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: Creativity Mini-Workshop

Read about Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with us at: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvzuZtali0B3uWzVcwOH1Q 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/ 

Send us Fan Mail

So many pilates teachers experience imposter syndrome whether it’s because of a lack of skills in the art of teaching or because we feel that we will never know enough to be good enough teachers. Have you ever felt this way? If the answer is yes, then this episode is for you! Tune in today as we delve into the different ways imposter syndrome shows up in teaching and how embracing your authenticity, accepting that you can continue to learn and don’t need all the answers, and framing your nerves as excitement can quell these feelings. Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The types of imposter syndrome that occur in teachers and the reasons for them. 
• The importance of embracing your authenticity.
• Why pilates teachers do not need to know everything and have all the answers. 
• A reminder that you are allowed to doubt yourself as a teacher. 
• Relabelling nervousness as excitement. 
• Why being open to learning throughout your journey to better your teaching is important. 
• Hannah defines imposter syndrome and delves into her take on it. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook- 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook -Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: Creativity Mini-Workshop

Read about Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with us at: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvzuZtali0B3uWzVcwOH1Q 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/ 

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Taking on a class or training session with an advanced student might sometimes evoke a sense of uncertainty regarding what we, as their instructors, can offer them. This can be especially true when their physical practice looks ‘already perfect.’ It’s in this space, that it’s important to remember that we are here to help people move, enjoy, and love being in their bodies. Today, join in as we explore different tools that can help us deepen the practice of our high-level dancers or athletes. Tune in for deeper insights, which will help you, as an instructor, approach working with professional athletes openly and confidently while catering to their specific needs and achieving exceptional results. Movement is, after all, the joy that integrates us all together. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• What all clients, high-level athletes or not, come into the training room looking for.
• Tool to help someone deepen their practice: dynamics of movement.
• Another tool when working with higher-level clients: letting go.
• The relationship between the student to their movement; a question worth posing.
• An alternative approach to engage high-level performers is through brain work.
• Integrating the freedom to feel compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness into your training.
• The importance of adding fun to your training sessions. 
• Fresh air, space, and the opportunity to ‘just be.’

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook- 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook -Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: Creativity Mini-Workshop

Read about Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with us at: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvzuZtali0B3uWzVcwOH1Q 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/ 

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As pilates teachers, we are bound to make some cueing mistakes from time to time, and finding ways to fix those issues can make for more effective, results-driven sessions. In this episode of The Pilates Exchange, we are delving into the biggest cueing mistakes teachers make and how you can fix them. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about how spending too much time on the setup can be problematic, why you have to be intentional about your individual notes, the importance of allowing people to make mistakes, and more! We even discuss the multitude of different verbal and non-verbal conversations that need to be had between teacher and student. So to hear all this and be reassured that these mistakes aren’t your fault, press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why these mistakes aren’t your fault. 
• The dangers of spending too much time on the setup and how to fix this problem. 
• Discussing the importance of being intentional about your notes for each person. 
• Why we need to let people experience exercises for themselves and without intervention. 
• The types of verbal and non-verbal cue conversations we need to have during a session. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook- 100 Pilates Class Themes: https://performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook -Top Teaching Tips: https://performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: Creativity Mini-Workshop

Read about Train the Trainers: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers/

Connect with us at: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvzuZtali0B3uWzVcwOH1Q 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/