Instructor in Focus: Frances Cahill

Instructor Name: Frances Cahill
Studio(s) you work at: Pilates Fitness Institute
Location: Myaree and Burswood in Perth, WA
Instructor training: Advanced Diploma with Pilates ITC
PAA Level: Trainer Level 2

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

I was studying dance at high school and had heard that Pilates was great for body conditioning so I went to try it out. I was wanting to improve my flexibility and ranges of motion to help my ballet practise. I was totally hooked after my first lesson and have never looked back!

What did you eat for breakfast?

Coconut yoghurt with blueberries and home made muesli.

In one word, describe your first Pilates experience?

Epic

What impact has the recent COVID-19 virus had on your world?

Nothing could have prepared me for the huge changes and challenges COVID would bring. My studio closing down for a period of time was such a heart wrenching experience and also brought about a workload stress and volume that was off the charts. Balancing that with taking care of my young family has been a steep learning curve but ultimately I am thankful for the growth and new skills that I can take forward in life and business.

How have you handled your Pilates teaching with COVID-19, any advice to other teachers?
I’m usually a very camera shy person and previously the idea of teaching and putting myself out there through digital media was something I’d steer clear of where possible, COVID forced me out of this comfort zone and now I’m a much more adaptable teacher because of this. My advice about pivoting your teaching game online would be put aside your personal fear – your clients aren’t watching and judging you, they’re genuinely interested and showing up to hear what expertise you’ve got to share. So share yourself freely and unreservedly and it will be such a rewarding exchange for everyone.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The people – my team and my clients. Seeing and sharing the enjoyment and life changing potential of Pilates and holistic health practise makes all the added juggle of balancing business and family so worth it. I’m also really passionate about my role in elevating industry and professional standards. Creating fulfilling career pathways for government accredited and comprehensively trained Pilates teachers is something that really drives and motivates me.

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

I enjoy referencing Pilates Anytime to connect with teachers I love from all over the world.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

Health first.

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Peanut butter!

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

A long time now! It must be coming up to 12 years or so. I heard about the PAA when I was doing my teacher training qualification.

Do you have a motto?

Think fiercely, care intensely, live vibrantly.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

Wearing so many hats on a daily basis. Teaching is my therapy but most of the time I’m also chained to a computer too. No one day is the same and sometimes my best laid plans are wiped out in a second when needing to mentor my team, cover sick leave, etc., but we can all relate to this and although it’s a challenge, it also means there’s never a dull moment!

How do you use PAA?

My teacher training organisation, Pilates ITC is a registered Education Body with the PAA and I have always been an active participant in the PAA conferences and events where possible.

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

This is so hard! I have so many Pilates rockstar crushes. If I would be forced to pick a few, Deborah Lessen, Blossom Crawford, Sally Anderson and Karen Clippinger are all teachers who have and continue to be amazing mentors to me through my career.

What do you appreciate most about your body?

The innate intelligence of it.

The book you’re currently reading?

This is Your Brain on Food – a book about nutritional psychiatry by Uma Naidoo.

We're looking for our next Instructor in Focus!

We’d like to get to know you and how Pilates fits into your life.

Each fortnight we highlight a PAA member as our Instructor in Focus on Instagram, Facebook and in our member enews. To be our next Instructor in Focus, answer a few questions and submit a photo of yourself (min. 570px wide).

We look forward to getting to know more about our PAA community!