Instructor in Focus: Ben Rashleigh

Instructor Name: Benjamin Rashleigh
Studio(s) you work at: Aligned for Life
Location: Melbourne
Instructor training: Advanced Diploma of the Pilates Method (PITC)
PAA level: Level 1 Trainer

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

I used to be a chef and being hunched over a bench for up to 70 hours a week really played havoc with my body to the point where I had to wear a back brace. Once getting into Pilates that all went away and I was definitely the converted. So I decided to make it a career and give to others what it has given me.

What did you eat for breakfast?

I’m a Vegemite kid, so wholegrain toast and Vegemite.

In one word, describe your first Pilates experience?

Nourishing.

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

Being able to be at home with my partner and dog more than I ever have has been an amazing impact, regardless how crazy the lockdown period has been with constant pivots with work. The silver lining much out weighs the cloud.

How have you handle your pilates teaching with the COVID-19, any advise to other teachers.

The Monday we closed my regular 6 hours of sessions we’re all converted over to online sessions. So I didn’t really have much time to think how this was going to look or work for that matter, but decided to jump in and let the skills I have learnt over the years do the talking, which I have followed doing since the closure. My advice for others would be value yourself more than most of us do. We are a well educated bunch of instructors and that will take us far, regardless of what tools we have to get our job done our most important asset is our skill base. “Whether you drink from a glass or through a straw, you can still quench your thirst.”

What’s the best thing about your job?

Being able to help and educate others to getting the most out of their bodies.

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

https://scholar.google.com (i know this is not Pilates specific but a great resource for conditions and exercise prescription research and peer reviewed papers) definitely my go to.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

If unsure… stand still and the answer will usually come to you.

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Lolly snakes…. Zero self-control.

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

This will be my eighth year. I heard about PAA through National Pilates Training where I did my training.

Do you have a motto?

Act neither timidly nor rashly (its actually the family moto of the old English family crest).

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

Stopping.

How do you use PAA?

Information resource.

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

I’d would have loved to have met Clara Pilates… I feel like she would have had some incredible stories about Joe that no one else would have known.

What do you appreciate most about your body?

Its resilience.

The book you’re currently reading?

I’m actually mildly dyslexic so reading is tough. But I am looking at A bone of Fact by David Walsh and Pilates wise Centered by Madeline Black.