Instructor in Focus: Peta Titter

Instructor Name: Peta Titter

Studio(s) you work at: 3 Degrees Pilates Studio

Location: Hobart CBD

Instructor training: Aligned for Life Diploma and PilatesITC Advanced Diploma

PAA level: Principal

Questions

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

One of my nursing colleagues was training to become a Pilates Instructor and she needed a body to practice on. I volunteered and loved it. I was working as an intensive care flight retrieval nurse and was starting to burn out. I needed a new focus and Pilates teacher training was the answer. My initial plan was to leave nursing completely but the further I got into my training I found myself wanting more information about women’s health, so I trained as a continence nurse simultaneously.

What did you eat for breakfast?

Coffee, without it I’m non-functional.

In one word, describe your first Pilates experience?

Enlightening.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Being able to merge my background in continence and women’s health with my Pilates. It has allowed me to start a not for profit organisation, Women’s Health Education Network (WHEN) which focuses on safe exercise and movement for women of all ages.

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

The prehab guys (https://theprehabguys.com) Although it’s not officially Pilates, many of their exercises are Pilates based and with a bit of creativity can be transferred onto most equipment.

The best advice you’ve ever had?

In a month’s time, will the thing that is bothering you really matter?

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Wine

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

10 years, I joined straight after I finished my training. It had been promoted via National Pilates Training.

Do you have a motto?

“If in doubt refer on“ There are so many amazing practitioners with a wealth of knowledge that our clients can gain from, referring on makes your practice stronger.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

Making sure that I stay focused on my original philosophy and not allowing external influences to alter my vision.

How do you use PAA?

The PAA is vital for qualified instructors to join as it gives us the ability to work towards the common goal of promoting and improving our profession. That’s their strength and why I have remained a member so that we can unite to work towards creating a governing body.

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

Jelena Petrovic the founder and director of SmartBody Pilates in Amsterdam the first comprehensive studio in the Netherlands. She was my first qualified instructor and an amazing role model. I still refer back to her teaching. Whenever we return home I still have lessons with her.

What do you appreciate most about your body?

My mind, it allows me to keep a check on how my body is traveling.

The book you’re currently reading?

Pain and Prejudice by Gabrielle Jackson. It’s part memoir and in it, Jackson uses her own experience of endometriosis to explore how social taboos and medical ignorance keep women sick and suffering.