Emerging Instructor in Focus: Brit Adams

Emerging Instructor in Focus

Instructor Name: Brit Adams
Studio(s) you study or work at: Moss Vale Yoga + Pilates
Location: Moss Vale NSW
Instructor training: Pilates International Training Centre PITC
PAA Level: Professional Level 1

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

I have been practicing yoga for nearly thirty years and am lucky enough to have my own studio here in Moss Vale. After many years of the same poses I needed other complementary exercises to manage the strain on my body and also a structural scoliosis. I tried Pilates, loved it and immediately wanted more. My feeling was that some of my clients might enjoy some Pilates in their life and they certainly do.

What did you eat for breakfast?

Same as every other day! Almond milk smoothie with vegan protein powder, ice and probiotics.

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

Oh dear it was a Zoom session where I had to practice teach a group of other teachers. The feedback my instructor gave me at the end was “it can only get better.” Harsh but true.

What was the most unexpected part of your training?

The lovely people I met along the way and the lack of competition. Pilates allows us all to work with the body that we have on the day so even the most experienced or accomplished fellow student may have been unable to do certain things because of injury and that is always totally fine.

Every one was very respectful and encouraging.

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

PITC offer continued access to their resources after graduating and I often check in with repertoire or concepts.

What’s your favourite Pilates podcast? Why do you recommend it?

I sometimes listen to the Pilates Elephants podcast when I’m driving because it encourages me as a small business owner to keep working on being successful. At times the host or guests say things that I don’t agree with and I enjoy talking back to them when I’m alone in my car.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

Better to try and fail than not try at all.

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Champagne.

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

I took on student membership when I was training with PITC.

Do you have a motto?

Smile.

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

I ended up doing a lot of travel to get through the course because I live in a regional area. At one stage I was teaching in the morning then driving for an hour to do a one hour Pilates session with a mentor then driving home again to teach at my studio. Three times a week. It was exhausting but I knew it was a temporary situation. My partner and my kids were very patient.

What would be your advice for new students?

Find a mentor or senior instructor who is willing to share their time and knowledge. I was very fortunate to have educators who are very generous with their understanding of the method and very patient with my two thousand questions.

How do you use PAA?

I enjoy the resources, the social media and the podcast.

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

Well the man himself of course! I would love to have been able to pick Mr Pilates brain but wouldn’t it have been fun to see what he was like in his downtime? Can you imagine hanging out in New York with an off duty Joe?

What do you appreciate most about your body?

That it’s still moving and mostly pain free.

The book you’re currently reading?

Desert Star by Michael Connelly. I’m a tragic Harry Bosch fan.

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Every month we highlight a PAA member who has recently begun their teaching journey as our Emerging Instructor in Focus. We’d love to hear your story, just answer a few questions and submit a photo of yourself (min. 600px wide) and/or a short video.

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