Instructor in Focus: Suzanne McCarty

Instructor Name: Suzanne McCarty
Studio(s) you work at: HARA Beyond Movement Studio
Location: Coffs Harbour
Instructor training: Romana Kryzanowska 2000 New York/ Bridging diploma PITC
PAA Level: Principal Trainer

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

My surgeon recommended Pilates as rehab to help a misalignment issue with my knee due to classical ballet training. After 3 months of Pilates I was dancing stronger than before so it inspired me to learn more.

What did you eat for breakfast?

Coffee & smoothie.

In one word, describe your first Pilates experience?

Weird.

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

It’s helped me appreciate “the little things in life” and to appreciate where I live as I always wanted to get away….

How have you handled your Pilates teaching with COVID-19, any advice to other teachers?

Luckily for me I decided to downsize my studio in January 2020 just before the COVID-19 outbreaks. I gave up teaching group classes and concentrated only on privates & duos sessions for all of last year. I was worried about clients accepting this change but its turned out that they really love it and I am booked out. Group classes are no longer a necessary part of my studio business and I only run them if its viable and restrictions allow.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I get to assist making people lives happier and healthier.

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

None in particular, I roam.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

Consistency is the key.

An indulgence you can’t live without?

I have tested that I can live without them, but why?
Wine, chocolate, cheese, afternoon naps, etc., etc., etc.

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

2009 and I cant remember how?

Do you have a motto?

This to shall pass.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

Not being accepted as a “an essential service” & categorized as a “gym”.

How do you use PAA?

To support our industry, to show a guideline for consumers and educate them that there are differences in Pilates Education and services offered.

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

I would have loved to have met Kathy Grant and other Pilates elders, I was lucky to meet Romana. Of course also JP himself, nothing is better than getting as close to the original source as possible when studying someone’s vision and lifelong work.

What do you appreciate most about your body?

That it’s holding up OK so far.

The book you’re currently reading?

Various study books from Lisa Howell for teaching classical ballet anatomically sound and for assessing dancers technique.

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We’d like to get to know you!

Every two weeks we highlight a PAA member as our Instructor in Focus, or our new student feature Emerging Instructor in Focus. We’d love you to be our next interviewee, just 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!