Emerging Instructor in Focus: Rhiannon Guinn

Emerging Instructor in Focus

Instructor Name: Rhiannon Guinn
Studio(s) you study or work at: PilatesJ & Movewell Pilates
Location: Hobart, Tasmania
Instructor training: Tensegrity Training
PAA Level: Student + Group Instructor (Mat)

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

I was practising Yoga at a Pilates studio, and so curious about the Reformer room that I just had to try it out. I loved the slow, controlled challenge of the classes and the meditative aspect of it. It was also a huge relief to find movement that I liked, especially learning that I could practice Pilates despite an injured wrist (which meant I was unable to weight bear on it for years).

I decided to become an instructor after Covid hit and my world was turned upside down career wise. I suddenly had the chance to leave the 9-5 office world behind, so I decided to enrol in both Yoga and Pilates training. The more involved I became with the teaching side of the Yoga/Pilates world, the more I knew this was what I needed to keep doing.

What did you eat for breakfast?

Nothing fancy today! A coffee and toast.

In one word, describe your first Pilates teaching/apprentice teaching experience?

Nerve-wracking!

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

Amidst all the chaos, Covid-19 gave me the opportunity to change course and become a movement teacher.

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

I’m lucky that for most of the pandemic, Tasmania’s borders stayed shut so we missed most of the lockdowns and restrictions. This meant that almost all my training was face-to-face, and my training group became a really close-knit team.

What was the most unexpected part of your training?

I never expected to make such great friends with my training group, it was wonderful to see how encouraging and how supportive we all were towards each other. Even after we finished our formal training, we would meet up to practice teach or workshop moves/cues. I’ve also been able to help some of the people closest to me start to find movement, who will probably never step foot into a yoga or Pilates studio.

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

I love watching people move on YouTube and Instagram – some of the ways they move are amazingly inventive (even if it’s something I’ll likely not do or teach for a long time). It also means when I get to have some ‘playtime’ in the studio, I can try out various movements and sequences, modifying them to suit my body.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

You don’t start motivated, you build your own motivation.

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Coffee! My family has been known to take our espresso machine with us on holiday.

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

I’ve been a member of the PAA since I finished my Certificate IV last year. Information on both the PAA and APMA were included in our workshops.

Do you have a motto?

“Just Be Kind” – To the world, the people around us, and especially to ourselves.

What’s the most challenging aspect of learning to teach?

Learning how to notice the little nuances within peoples bodies to ensure they’re activating or softening in the right spots to find the movement.

How do you use PAA?

I’ve been enjoying the Facebook posts and articles posted.

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

I would love to meet and be taught by Ellie Herman – her books helped me through my entire course and are usually my first port of call.

What do you appreciate most about your body?

My body is so strong! Despite a few ongoing physical conditions/issues, it always lets me move (even if sometimes that movement is a well needed rehab/pre-Pilates style or restorative yoga session).

The book you’re currently reading?

I usually have a few books on the go: lately I’ve been reading Breath by James Nestor, and The Deepest of Secrets by Kelley Armstrong (I love a good mystery book).

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