Instructor in Focus: Katrina Edwards

Instructor Name: Katrina Edwards

Studio(s) you work at: Aligned for Life Pilates

Location: CBD Mebourne

Instructor training: Advanced Diploma of the Pilates Method (PITC)

PAA level: Principal Trainer

What originally motivated you to try Pilates and then go on to train as an instructor?

I was 18, getting treatment for a recent medial meniscus repair and the physio asked if I would like a job while I rehabbed my knee. He passed over a video which was of Carola Trier and 3 weeks worth of content across the mat, reformer and Cadillac. I watched about 15 mins and without any hesitation took up the position in the first Pilates studio in Melbourne which we opened 6 weeks later. I was hooked and from there have studied and attended regular classes ever since.

What did you eat for breakfast?

Porridge with banana and honey

In one word, describe your first Pilates experience?

My first led class was with Rael Isacowitz at McDonald College and my first exercise was the “Roll Down”. I felt the power of complete o-ordination of the mind and body and the remarkable teaching of Rael. He has such reverence to the way he teaches and such grace. It was an experience that has carried with since and has shaped my practise and teaching methodology.

What’s the best thing about your job?

That my skills have been able to transfer across varied settings offering a chance to step up each day and be challenged. I love the problem solving involved in my jobs and the opportunities offered to explore and evolve as a teacher and person. I spend three and half days teaching conditioning at the Australian ballet school, a day teaching at Melbourne city football club and then back at my studio working with players from North Melbourne football club and western bulldogs and then home to support both of my teenage children in our homeb ased gym and pilates studio.

Your ‘go to’ website for all things Pilates (other than PAA)?

Ooohh, I have to admit I am a book person. I read books more than anything and then I spend my spare time in my days watching players train and dancers practise in the studio. This fuels my sessions and my approach.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

“Bring your best self each day”

An indulgence you can’t live without?

My own daily practise in the morning before I start my day and at night before I go to bed.

How long have you been a member of PAA and how did you hear about PAA?

Oh boy, since the start!!!!

Do you have a motto?

Yes, “give it your best shot from the time you wake until the time you die”.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

That I over invest.

How do you use PAA?

As a reminder of the profession I have invested in.

Who is your Pilates idol or would love to meet, and why?

Well I don’t really idolise anyone, but rather see genius as more that I would like to be mentored and coached by and aspire to be like. And mine is Rael isacowitz, and I have met him, and studied with him.

What do you appreciate most about your body?

That at 52 it still is happy to keep up with me.

The book you’re currently reading?

1) A Kineasthetic Legacy, the Life and Works of Barbara Clark and 2) The Thinking Body by Mabel Todd