a bit of a whim
I started Pilates teacher training on a bit of a whim.
At the time, I was teaching dance and wanted to offer my students something extra. I’d done Pilates here and there in classes, so it felt like a natural choice.
What I didn’t realise until I began my training was that I actually had no idea what Pilates really was.
In my head, I thought I’d learn a few moves and tricks, and before long, I’d be out there teaching. And sure, I could have done that. But as I delved deeper, I realised I didn’t want to stop at the surface understanding.
The precision and alignment of each exercise fascinated me. As I explored the theory alongside the physical practice, I started noticing changes in other parts of my life:
• My yoga asana practice became stronger and more stable.
• Old niggles and aches began to ease.
• My core was becoming stronger
• I felt more confident in my body’s capacity.
• Even my mental endurance grew.
Through all of this, I learned that Pilates, like yoga, is a practice.
In yoga, we say “practice” rather than “exercise” because it’s not just about nailing a pose. It’s about exploring the edges of your mental, physical, and spiritual self in a safe, familiar space, and slowly expanding those edges.
This applies to more than just the mat. For example, I practice my art. I play at the edges of my skill, refine them, and when they feel solid, I take them into bigger works.
So I don’t “do” Pilates. I practice Pilates. I approach teaching the same way, always returning to the basics for myself and my students. Because when your foundations are strong, you can go so much further.
I invite you to be curious about your own practices. Whether it’s on the mat, at work, or in a creative pursuit, everything can be a practice. And when we meet ourselves with compassion for where we are now, we lay the groundwork for where we want to grow.
If you want to explore your Pilates practice, we offer numerous ways to do so at the Studio!
Our 12:00 p.m Beginner Reformer Pilates classes start today.
In these classes, we will focus on the foundational elements of Pilates exercises. These are great not just for those new to reformer, but also for those who want to spend time building their foundations in the practice.
AND we have our Reformer Pilates Teacher Training starting in October! I am excited about this because the teachers on this training are the ones who have mentored me and helped me build my own practice.
I have seen the manual they have created, and it is in-depth and comprehensive! It is the stuff I have gone out of my way to learn since my training, all in one place!
Nin Yoga & Kaya Academy will continue to diversify our offerings always, as each of us is a unique human being, all needing something a little different.
Know that our core offering, always was and always will be serving our community
- Karen Gruber
P.S as well as our weekday beginner classes, we also have 6:30 am classes starting next month! Thank you to everyone who put in their votes