ESOP Testimonial: Imelda Turner
Imelda completed her Matwork and Reformer Teacher Training in February 2016. Find out what she has been up to since then.
1. What were you doing before / during the Elixr School of Pilates teacher training?
A. I was working full time in IT and have for the last 17 years. My main form of exercise was mainly going to the gym and doing dance classes until I discovered Yoga in 2009. Gradually Yoga was my only form of exercise and I took on Yoga Teacher Training in Spring 2009. I have been teaching Yoga part time since then, mainly mornings, evenings and weekends.
Three months after I gave birth in September 2015, I started Pilates for the very first time. I wanted to try something different than just Yoga and stretching, something that gives low impact with fast results. I loved my first reformer class at Elixr Health Clubs which led me to enrol into the Elixr School of Pilates Teacher Training in February 2016.
2. Why did you choose the Elixr School of Pilates?
When I made the decision to do Pilates Teacher training, it didn’t take long for me to choose Elixr. The name has a good reputation and is well known. I was attracted by the website and the course content and format.
I was on maternity leave and have to look after the little one, so the location and the convenience was also perfect for me.
3. What did you enjoy about the training?
The trainers were amazing and knowledgeable. I really learned a lot during the training. I was blown away by the amount of materials to learn. We were given homework and the opportunities to create lesson plans and partnered up to teach and discuss the exercises with each other. This gave us the confidence to be up there and instruct the exercises correctly. They trained us ready to teach right from Day 1.
We went through all the exercises which I think is more important than just watching videos, because you want to know what you are supposed to be feeling when doing certain exercises – whether you are doing them correctly, what muscles are being used, as well as the options to progress or regress the exercises.
4. How has the teacher training changed you and changed your career?
The training has given me so much knowledge on anatomy, Joseph Pilates himself, the Pilates principles, the exercises both on Mat and Reformer and most importantly the confidence to go up there and teach. Teaching Pilates is not quite the same as teaching yoga. I love the challenge of having to create lesson plans and modifing the exercises to those who have injuries and/or pregnant.
I am now teaching Pilates part time, mostly mornings, evenings and weekends. It is such a rewarding career especially the health benefits and injury prevention members receive.
5. Are you teaching now? If so where?
On top of my full time IT job, I’m teaching about 15-17 classes a week of both Pilates Mat and Reformer classes at Soulful Fitness in Lane Cove, Pilates360 in St Leonards and Pilates Pointe in Carlton.
6. What concerns or doubts did you have before the teacher training and how did they resolve/change once you started?
I wasn’t sure if it was for me or if I would enjoy it, and be committed 100% to it. Once the course started, I started logging the practice, teaching and observation hours. The more I practiced and observed, the more I loved it and the more I couldn’t wait to teach!
7. People often worry that they are not ready or not fit/strong/healthy enough for the training. Did you have this concern and if so what would you say to those people who share this?
The training is not a boot camp, so you don’t have to be super fit or strong for it. You can take your time to complete and log the hours at your convenience and complete the exam within a year of your teacher training course.
The training gives you the tools and knowledge and prepare you to be an outstanding Pilates instructor.
