Pilates Teachers' Manual

I spent the weekend at Momentum Fest, enjoying three full days of movement classes, workshops, and community talks. I'm here to share a little about what I learned, what I loved, and all things virtual Momentum Fest! Be sure to look at my Instagram story highlights for snippets of all the classes!  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual and on the web here: http://bit.ly/pilat...

Classical mat exercises in Pilates have you spending most of your time close to the ground, in supine, prone, side-lying, seated, and kneeling, but there isn't very much standing. I took Barre Above's Pilates Focused training to look at ways to incorporate standing exercises to challenge balance, proprioception, strength, and coordination in my mat classes!  Follow the podcast on Instagr...

I started this episode wanting to discuss Pilates history, but ended up talking more about Joe as a teacher, the power and shortcomings of lineages in Pilates and yoga, and how Pilates has gotten better as it has evolved.  Definitely check out "What is the History of Pilates?" on Pilates Students' Manual for a more concise timeline and discussion of Pilates history here: * https://b...

Updated Episode on Prenatal/Postpartum Exercise Guidelines: https://www.buzzsprout.com/795520/episodes/10427087 As a Pilates teacher, you know what exercises to avoid for a pregnant client, but do you know the reasoning behind those protocols? More importantly, do you know how Pilates can help your pregnant clients stay strong, pain-free, and recover safely  postpartum? I didn't, so I took Ka...

As June and another month of staying home begins, I reflect on the difficulties and opportunities staying home provides. Trainings, continuing education, staying connected, being furloughed, and filing for unemployment; it's all here. Tune in to this honest discussion with me about navigating the financial uncertainty of quarantine as a Pilates teacher.  This episode was recorded prior to the...

This is the second half of my conversation with Sarah Dami, a wonderful Chicago Pilates teacher and mental health advocate. Listen in to learn what's driving her on the day-to-day . her advice for Pilates teachers, and her passion for mental health! Be sure you've also listened to part 1!  Sarah Dami is a Certified Pilates Instructor and teaches at Club Pilates West Loop & River Nort...

This is the first half of my conversation with Sarah Dami, a wonderful Chicago Pilates teacher and mental health advocate. Listen in to learn how she found Pilates through physical therapy for her chronic back pain and her experience in a Club Pilates Teacher Training program! Be sure to listen to part 2 next!  Sarah Dami is a Certified Pilates Instructor and teaches at Club Pilates West Loop &amp...

Curious about the best way to offer virtual private Pilates sessions? Olivia offers her tips and tricks for setting the stage before the appointment, wrangling cameras and props during the appointment, and some Zoom specific tips for having an amazing virtual private session.  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual and on the web here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual for the la...

Since we are teaching Pilates online, let's teach the best online classes we can! Tune in to hear amazing suggestions for setting up your space and class for success, tips and tricks for teaching on Zoom, and how to lead a class that both you and your students enjoy!  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual and on the web here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual for the latest...

Today's episode features the incredible Pilates teacher and Momentum Fest co-founder  Jessica Valant! She shares her journey to Pilates, what's happening with the Momentum Fest's virtual offerings  this June, and inspiring advice for Pilates teachers and studios. Be sure to grab your tickets to Momentum Fest at early bird pricing at momentumfest.com !  Jessica has been a physical th...

Welcome to Pilates Teachers' Manual: Your Guide to Becoming a Great Pilates Teacher! This season will focus on teaching and working remotely, as that is the reality for many teachers. Look forward to lots of tips and tricks for teaching classes online, great interviews, and a peek behind the scenes into the life of a Pilates teacher!    Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual a...

That's a wrap on Season 1! Thanks for making it so amazing! Here I revisit some of the episodes of the first season, share lessons I've learned, and tease content for Season 2 in this wrap-up episode!  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for updates! Check out the Pilates Teachers' Manual Instagram for highlights and exclusive content from Season 1, and a countdown to Season 2!  Fol...

Today I'm joined by Chicago-based Pilates teacher Sarah McGinn! Hear how she found Pilates after a serious back injury, how she became a certified teacher, and her advice for new and experienced instructors!  You can take class with Sarah at Chaturanga Holistic Fitness' virtual studio: https://bit.ly/chfonline or live on Facebook with Fit UChicago: https://bit.ly/UFitChicago . She is on...

Now is the time to pivot. As a full-time Pilates teacher, stopping teaching entirely is not something I'm able to do. Instead, I've transitioned to offering virtual group and private classes through video conferencing and Facebook Live. While that shift was initially intimidating, the challenges presented by a new way of teaching are also opportunities to grow as a teacher and expand you...

As Pilates teachers, we rely on other teachers, staff members, and studio owners. This network supports us when we teach, as we look for new studios and opportunities, and, in extreme cases like quarantine, helps us stay sane. Tune in to learn more about what a Pilates network is, why it's so important to have, and how to build your own. Self-isolation tips included! #quaranteam Follow the po...

The teacher sets the tone of the class, for better or for worse. When you teach confidently, you conduct the class like a symphony, flowing from exercise to exercise, engaging with the people in front of you, and having a good time yourself. Here are my tips for leading a Pilates class with confidence.  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual and on the web here: http://bit.ly/pilat...

March 2020 brings Daylight Savings, the first day of spring, and an unplanned two week hiatus from teaching as the city of Chicago shut down for self-isolation, social distancing, and flattening the curve. If your entire income comes from teaching (like me) what can you do to stay strong in quarantine? Here I outline some self-care tips, teaching recommendations, and provide some resources to supp...

Offering private sessions in your clients' homes is a great way to be your own boss, but the lack of studio structure presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. This episode is an excellent primer to the client-facing and back-end considerations to make when arranging private sessions in your clients' home.  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual and on the we...

Interested in working with clients one-on-one, but not sure where to start? Private sessions can be incredibly rewarding for both teachers and clients, but the individual class structure is very different from teaching group classes. Here are my teacher tips for growing your client list and teaching successful private appointments in the studio.  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersman...

How do you build a teaching schedule that works for you? For me, I found that my love of teaching grew exponentially when I had a schedule that made me happy. Listen to this episode to find out what I did to get there!  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual and on the web here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual !  Today's episode can be discussed on Instagram here: http://b...

So you're a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher, now what? Welcome to the wild world of continuing education credits, where you work to maintain your credentials and grow as a teacher!  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual and on the web here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual !  Today's episode can be discussed on Instagram here: http://bit.ly/ptms1ep2 .  Email pila...

How do you become a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher? What are the best ways to study for the certification exam? Tune in to find out Olivia's tips and tricks for the process!  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual and on the web here: http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual !  Today's episode can be discussed on Instagram here: http://bit.ly/ptms1ep1 .      Email pilate...

Welcome to Pilates Teachers' Manual, a podcast for Pilates teachers by a Pilates teacher! Here is a little trailer introducing you to the show.  Follow the podcast on Instagram @pilatesteachersmanual and on the podcast website http://bit.ly/pilatesteachersmanual .  Email pilatesteachersmanual@oliviabioni.com with your feedback.    Support the podcast:     Boka toothpaste: 15% off of your firs...