Emerging Instructor in Focus: Hannah Watt

Emerging Instructor in Focus

We’ve launched a new take on a favourite feature to meet our next generation of Pilates Instructors!

Instructor Name: Hannah Watt
Studio(s) you work at: Performance Pilates & Physiotherapy and On the Green Physio & Pilates
Location: Perth, WA
Instructor training: Polestar Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction
PAA Level: Professional Level 1

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

I first tried Pilates upon a recommendation from my physiotherapist. At the time I was training for a national competition in Athletics & I rolled my ankle at training, my physio suggested that Pilates would be a good compliment to my training & help me prevent future injuries. I did 1 session with her & fell in love with it! I kept attending weekly sessions with her until I graduated high school & enrolled to do the course straight away!

What did you eat for breakfast?

Coconut yoghurt with granola & berries

In one word, describe your first Pilates teaching experience.

One word to describe my first teaching experience would be traumatising! Haha! I had a very unfortunate first experience teaching a group class. Nothing could prepare me for the see-through pair of pants & no underwear that a new client wore to my first class 🤦🏽‍♀️

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

COVID-19 has been a rollercoaster! I am very fortunate to live in WA where even though we have had lockdowns we have been able to live a semi-normal life most of the time. On one hand COVID has been great for business as people are more aware & putting more time into themselves & their health but on the other hand the uncertainty of job security is very scary as we are always the ones affected by lockdowns!

How have you handled your Pilates teaching with COVID-19?

My teaching style has definitely changed due to COVID-19. I have found myself focusing a lot more on my verbal cueing & exploring the way I can impact movement without touch & I think this has been a great positive for me. I know previously I had been quite reliant on tactile cueing as I found it more efficient & effective, however now I have found a good balance between both.

What was the most unexpected part of your training?

That’s a hard one! So many things were unexpected, but for me it was the confidence it created. I am generally quite a quiet person around people I don’t know & I hate public speaking! But now I love it, I thrive in an environment I once hated!

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

Pilates Anytime! I love the classes on offer & it’s a great way to move with instructors you know & trust!

The best advice you’ve ever had?

Work hard, be honest & be proud of who you are.

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Chocolate!!

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

18 months!

Do you have a motto?

Every moment of our life can be the beginning of great things – Joseph Pilates

What’s the most challenging part about learning to teach?

For me it was being confident in front of a group of people! But also, I never thought I would be able to remember all the exercises!

How do you use PAA?

For professional development courses.

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

Joseph Pilates… obviously! But knowing that is impossible I would love to meet Lolita San Miguel, it would be amazing to have her teach knowing she was one of the few to be certified by Joseph himself!

What do you appreciate most about your body?

Everything! My body allows me to have so much movement, supports me in everything I want to do but also tells me when I need to rest & recover.

The book you’re currently reading?

The Happiest Man on Earth – Eddie Jaku