Emerging Instructor in Focus: Piaera Lauritz

Emerging Instructor in Focus

Instructor Name: Piaera Lauritz
Studio(s) you study or work at: Aligned for Life, Das Studios, North Carlton Osteopathy, Anytime Fitness
Location: Melbourne
Instructor training: National Pilates Training
PAA Level: Group Instructor (Mat)

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

I repeatedly encountered Pilates at various points during my training as a dancer – from childhood through to studying dance full-time at university. Now as a professional independent dancer, Pilates has helped me continually expand my awareness of my body and maintain my fitness for dance. The wonderful teachers I have been lucky enough to cross paths with are my motivation to be a Pilates teacher. They have helped me positively transform my relationship with my body, and I hope to be able to do the same for my clients.

What did you eat for breakfast?

Peanut butter and banana on toast 🙂

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

Shaky!

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

As a person who dedicates their life to movement, COVID-19 and the Melbourne lockdowns over 2020-21 have been deeply destabilising. But they also led me to adopt an adorable cat, spend more time in my garden, deepen my Pilates practice, and gain a much greater appreciation for being able to train in a studio with other people.

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

The pandemic has emphasised for me that Pilates is a very versatile and self-sufficient exercise method – all you need is enough space to lie a mat down. For this reason I have quite enjoyed teaching Pilates over Zoom (when everyone’s internet is stable, my sound works, and I can see my clients!).

What was the most unexpected part of your training?

I wasn’t expecting to learn that Joseph Pilates thought people needed to straighten their spines into a flat line – ouch.

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

I love the variety of teachers and classes available on Pilates Anytime.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

My Pilates mentor recently said to me “Go slowly, even when you go fast. Go spaciously.” and that has resonated a lot for me during recent busy periods.

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Hot cross buns…

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

Since February this year. I heard of PAA through my training course, National Pilates Training.

Do you have a motto?

Not really, but I do like the phrase “work smarter, not harder.”

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

Getting your words out the way you want them to, and trying not to say too much.

How do you use PAA?

As a relatively new PAA member, I am yet to engage with many of the professional development opportunities on offer, but look forward to doing so soon!

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

Joseph’s wife, Clara, sounds pretty cool. I understand that she had a strong influence on the Pilates method being an adaptable practice that can be adjusted for different peoples’ bodies and needs. This, to me, is what makes Pilates so universally valuable.

What do you appreciate most about your body?

That, like all bodies, it is a continually moving, continually changing, endless source of information.

The book you’re currently reading?

The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk

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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).

We look forward to getting to know more about our PAA community!