Instructor in Focus: Simmone Cser-Pratzky

Instructor Name: Simmone Cser-Pratzky
Studio(s) you work at: Pilates 44 Studio (owner/manager)
Location: Bathurst NSW
Instructor training: Diploma of Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Instructor Method, Mentor & Educator in training with Polestar Education, Bachelor of Ex. & Sports Science CSU (currently studying).
PAA Level: Professional Level 1

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

Like many, Injury and pain management initiated the search for Pilates. The mechanics of the body has always fascinated me, mostly through breeding and training horses. Mechanics and muscles are same same be it horses or humans, that is in so far as teaching balance of muscle activation, movement, flexibility , a sense of symmetry, self carriage and lightness.

Teaching is a natural ability. I have always been at home teaching something to others, but it has to be something I am 110% passionate and driven about. It lights me up and I am a little bit A type personality – love to be the one in the driver seat.

What did you eat for breakfast?

Nothing simple like vegemite toast lol.
Brookfarm Porjji with

• Organic Pea Protein Powder
• Coconut Water
• Psyllium husk
• Raspberries
• Plain Greek yoghurt
• Pot of Earl Grey tea (in my Pilates Nerd thermos naturally)

In one word, describe your first Pilates experience?

Emotional

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

Have to say a positive one in so far as running a small business. I had a lot of reflection time and a lot of time to restructure the business to suit myself, I.e the hours I work, the days I work, the clients I wish to work with.

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

Biggest advice is to NOT undervalue yourself and your skills. Zoom DOES NOT = charge less or give it away for free. You’re still investing time in lesson plans, delivery, advertisement, organising class schedules, on top of paying for the platform. Value your skillset and trust your knowledge. Zoom is also a great place to polish up on verbal cueing – but also learning to say less. I loved it.

As above, it was easier to take a positive and find something to feed back into boosting my teaching skills.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Autonomy & self reliability for myself.

If you’re asking what’s something I have enjoyed as a teacher, then I would have to quote one of my lovely clients, who happens to be my old social studies teacher back in 1987-1988. She has been through a lot physically and has a lot going on physically – but each week she walks over to the Studio for her session (she is 75 years young). One day she said with great pride; “Simmone, since starting Pilates, I can now stand up to put my knickers on.” and I think that pretty much sums it up.

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

Gosh, I will be predictable and say Pilates Anytime – but I am a nerd, so its not for the lessons but for the workshops 🙂
Body Organics – love Carla’s teaching
Pilates Nerd

The best advice you’ve ever had?

Just do it (nothing to do with Nike).

An indulgence you can’t live without?

Earl Grey tea MUST be made in a pot. Tea bags are like drinking mud.

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

Would have been initially through PIA (Pilates Institute of Australasia) whom I did my initial certification with and then Polestar Pilates Education.

Do you have a motto?

Not really. But I do like reminding people that age is just a number. It doesn’t mean you have to stop doing stuff or learning stuff.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

Setting boundaries. When you own your own business it can be tempting to answer that email that comes in a 10.30pm. To deal with that I got a separate phone for the Studio and set business hours of Mon-Fri from 9am to 4pm.

How do you use PAA?

Integrity.

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

My mentor and friend Jo Bezzina. She has been an amazing inspiration and help on my journey. Jo put me forward for the Polestar Pilates Mentor & Education Training Program. We have fortnightly Zoom session at my Studio or home. Her time, knowledge, patience and caring has really had an impact on my qualities as a teacher.

What do you appreciate most about your body?

That at 49 years of age it just keeps going. Mind you its not pain free (I live with migraine) and work around that. But boy do I love it’s strength and get up and go. I was going to say my bum lol and people that know me would expect that from my sense of humour.

The book you’re currently reading?

Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden is always on my table

Atomic Habits by James Clear

A beautifully illustrated rendition of Black Beauty (the whole story) by Anna Sewell.

 

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