Instructor in Focus – Melissa Anderson

Instructor Name: Melissa Anderson
Studio(s) you work at: Korpermotus Pilates
Location: Unley, Adelaide SA
Instructor training: Diploma of Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Instruction Method
PAA Level: Professional Instructor Level 2

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

My mother suggested I do it at 16 to help with dancing and I actually didn’t like it to start with! It wasn’t until I finished the dance course at AC Arts in Adelaide did I start to do it consistently, and eventually did a bit of research and realised I could study Pilates. I’ve always wanted to teach, so everything fell into place and I haven’t looked back since

What did you eat for breakfast?

Oats, yoghurt and fruit and a coffee

In one word, describe your first Pilates experience?

Meh (I know!)

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

I have actually valued the downtime. Yes, there have been moments that have been very stressful, and Adelaide has been very lucky, but I was able to take breaks with the lockdowns and have a moment.

How have you handled your Pilates teaching with COVID-19, any advice to other teachers?

Like most, we transferred over to online with the heavier lockdown periods, otherwise we did outdoor sessions that were a mix of Pilates and functional fitness. Clients mention how they sometimes miss the outdoor sessions!
My advice would be to lower your personal expectations in regards to teaching – it’s very hard to deliver what we can in the studio, and if you love what you do and you take pride in your teaching, then we all aspire to ensure the clients don’t go without. I struggled with this a lot, with changing the schedule and not being able to provide them with their exercise ‘home’. Suffice to say, they were just happy that we provided sessions and kept up the motivation by doing so.

What was the most unexpected part of your training?

That I thought my dancing background would have me sorted with movement – little did I know I had to work a hell of a lot harder!

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

Please don’t hate.. but Instagram. I love watching the use of the equipment in different ways and it keeps me on my toes when it comes to challenging the ‘norm’ or what has existed in the past with fitness in general. I promise they are reputable people I follow!

The best advice you’ve ever had:

I have 2 – ‘someone is in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime’ and ‘It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission’.

An indulgence you can’t life without?

Exercise and coconut rough.. addicted!

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

I heard about the PAA through the Polestar course; I had seen the branding earlier but didn’t connect with it until I immersed myself into the Pilates world. I have been a member since June 2016.

Do you have a motto?

You won’t know if you don’t try (thanks mum).

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

Accepting that what I’m offering doesn’t have to be sexy or fancy every time; my personal expectations can take over sometimes.

How do you use PAA?

For updates and of course the PAA conference.

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

Cliche yes, but Joe – I just wish I could observe his teaching, feel the energy in the room and eventually partake.
Someone from the now: Victoria Becka – I can never find a fault in her movements! So I’d just want to observe in a non-creepy Pilates way.

What do you appreciate most about your body?

That my dance background has given me so many skills that transfer into all things in life.

The book you’re currently reading

In Order To Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park

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