Finding flow as a Pilates Instructor
Yesterday was a perfect day for me. I had six clients, four privates and one duet and they were all amazing. There is a synergy that happens with teaching between a client and an instructor. When you reach a point where beautiful, powerful things happen.
The teaser that was perfectly executed, the footwork pattern that flowed effortlessly, the sweeping arm, the elongated spine, the beautiful lines created with a combination of the human body and intensity.
I love it. It literally brings me to tears sometimes.
As teachers we have a guiding hand. We set the expectations, we modulate our voice, we guide with our hands and our experience. We help create the setting so our clients can reach their potential.
If we’re lucky we get to see the flash of pride, the quiet smile of accomplishment, the joy as the motion takes hold and our clients don’t worry about anything except the flow.
These moments happen when I think about, “be here now.” It’s never when I’m chit-chatting with my client about weekend plans, or debating the newest nail polish colors to hit the market. It’s when they are ready and focused on my voice and I am present and guiding them with all my skills.
We find flow.
I say “we” very consciously as it takes an enmeshing of client and teacher to reach this state. Everything else drops away and there is just the movement and the guide. The flow of breath, the flow of muscle, the stretch and return of the springs.
We love our clients to death, frequently seeing them more than anyone else outside of their immediate family and work lives. It is easy to drop into the habit of old friends and talk about our lives, half paying attention to the tried and true exercises we can teach blindfolded.
Instead, take a moment at the beginning of your teaching day and clear your brain. Focus on your client, their bodies, and what work they need done that day. Tell them what your focus is and ask them to go along on the ride with you. Your client will have an amazing workout. You’ll remind yourself how lucky you are that you get to do what you do for a living. Everybody wins.
What do you think? Do you focus on flow with your clients? What does that moment of perfection feel like to you?
Lisa
Being on the receiving end as a student I often feel an amazing amount of faith in my potential. That expression of faith comes through patience and supportive words. Sometimes it even means letting me relax for a moment to refocus and then rejoin. To all instructors – Thank you!
Lyndi, thanks so much for your kind words! That’s exactly what we’re hoping happens …
L–
I have been contemplating on taking classes but I haven’t gotten around to doing it for real. But from what I heard, having the best teachers would not only help you towards achieving an active and fit life but will also inspire a person in more ways than one. I really loved reading your post. Thanks.