Emerging Instructor in Focus: Janet Fearnley

Emerging Instructor in Focus

Instructor Name: Janet Fearnley
Studio(s) you study or work at: Gateway Osteopathy and Pilates, Pilates @ Synergy Massage and Wellness, Carolyn Diaz Moveõ, Emerald Pilates
Location: Eltham, Croydon, Warrandyte, Emerald (VIC)
Instructor training: Tensegrity Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction
PAA Level: Professional Instructor Level 1

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

Although I had came across Pilates when dancing as a teen, then in gyms as a young adult, I didn’t really embrace it until I had a back injury in my late 30s.
The significant benefits of Pilates as a means of injury rehabilitation became clear and I am so thankful to this day for the opportunity to use Pilates methodology alongside physiotherapy treatment for recovery.

What did you eat for breakfast?

Um… Leftover Oreo cheese cake! Yummmmm.
Just kidding, but it was tempting.
Avocado on sourdough! Also Yum!

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

I was so nervous. Its hard to describe it in one word. But if I had to, that one word would be “surprising”. The clients were amazing!

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

It is the catalyst for me having changed careers, so in the long run I guess that is positive. In other ways it has been difficult, but everyone has their own version of that.

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

The training start was delayed and then a bit crammed in for the face to face sessions, then the teaching hours took longer to complete, so the whole training was longer than initially predicted. Thankfully, the Tensegrity training course was very understanding and accommodating and we all needed to be flexible and adapt to he situation that was out of everyone’s control. The option to complete some teaching hours online was great and although there is nothing like face-to-face teaching, I learnt a lot in that time. Not only that but the quality of the training was excellent, I’m very grateful for what I have learned along the way and for the most generous of teachers I have been fortunate to learn from.

What was the most unexpected part of your training?

Breathing… like its amazing!

Also, the most incredible and valuable supportive relationships formed among my student cohort.

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

Hmmm, the PAA is very good and other than that its hard to pinpoint one website as I consult a broad range of resources.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

“Trust what you know”

As a student and new teacher it’s hard to believe that you will ever know enough, in fact there will always be so much more to learn. But learning to trust what I know has definitely helped my teaching so far. All the while staying open-minded to have what I think I know to be challenged.

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Cup of tea, perhaps a Sunday sleep in…with a cup of tea.

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

I heard about the PAA through my training course and became a member in early 2022.

Do you have a motto?

Have fun, life is too short not to.

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

For me, its making it simple. I love the intricate details… and that much information is a lot for clients to take in all at once. I’ve really had to work on being concise with my delivery and I constantly assess where the client is at and how much to ask of them in each session.

How do you use PAA?

The resources are great and easy to access. For example, if you need to understand how to approach a client with a specific pathology, say a knee replacement, the information is practical and all there. I also really appreciate that the insurance option has been developed especially for our profession.

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

I don’t know…yet

What do you appreciate most about your body?

It’s ability to heal itself.

The book you’re currently reading?

Grace Tame, the ninth life of a diamond miner, a memoir by Grace Tame.

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