Training with a Master Pilates Instructor

So this weekend was a three day weekend and you'd think I'd be totally inspired to write and have tons of posts ready for you. I wasn't. Instead I was focused on spending as much time as possible getting ready to finally do this thing. Teach others.

So after practice, practice, practice Saturday and Sunday on Monday I got up and drove the 45 minutes to where I work. No, I didn't forget I was off work. Although it felt totally weird to be off on some random day in February. I drove there because 10 miles down the road is a Pilates studio where the owner was taught by an Elder. And not just any Elder. Romana Krayonowska. Swoon. (Just in case you don't know, an Elder is someone was taught by Joseph Pilates himself. There are about 10).

After I got there I tried taking some pics outside the window before I realized that the door was open even though it said closed. Dork. The studio was small and had basic equipment. I heard someone say "hello" but couldn't actually see anybody so I started looking around saying "where are you?" "In the office" says the voice. At this point my dorkiness/nervousness gene goes into overdrive because I have no clue what the voice is talking about and I already looked like a dork taking pictures outside the window. Finally figured it out. Luckily it wasn't my teacher. Felt so much better.

However, my teacher, Melissa Flores did show up and she was what you expected in a Master level Pilates instructor. Tall and talks in a soft tone like everyone in the world is a small child that needs attention. In my mind she's a vegan. In real life she could be choking down a Big Mac. It just doesn't go with the picture.

The class size was small, just me and two other ladies who must attend quite often. One of the women had hair to die for and it was really distracting. I had a little bit of hair envy going on. But it was nice because I learned so much in the 50 minutes! It was great to have someone hands on to correct my form and also let me know what I was doing right. It also gave me some perspective on my own class. I think I'm way over thinking it. Just teach some Pilates exercises. It doesn't need to be a big choreographed production. There was no music during the session and it really wasn't even noticeable. But I'm not sure if that was because it was so hands on with a small group or not.

I also learned that my studies are true to the original Pilates which makes me feel better. The only thing different is that in my studies the Pilates stance isn't quite as exaggerated as what Melissa was teaching. But if you do it as per classical Pilates (like Melissa taught) you are so going to get the most amazing butt ever. So that's a keeper.

When I got home I practiced for several more hours and then decided to highlight my hair. Hair envy does that. I don't see a difference.

I would like to thank my little sister, Mika, and her husband, Kenny, who sponsored this training. They are awesome! I hope that their babies, Stanley (left) and Larry (right), didn't have to give up anything for me to go.

Last thing. There is some guy on Facebook who I don't know who keeps PMing me and asking me "How R U?" I've been ignoring it but it's been going on for weeks now. I think I should answer "married." What would you do?

Small Talk

Music or no music in Pilates class? If yes to music, what kind? Have you taken a Pilates class before? What did you like or not like?