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June 8, 2008
Anarchist Pilates
"Christine Daae can sing it, sir."
Last Wednesday I walked into Pilates and there were a few of the usual students, but no teacher. I knew that our regular teacher, Bethanie, was on vacation, but there was supposed to be a sub. We waited and waited, but no sub appeared. Hmmm. What to do? We had all gone out of our way to show up for class. None of us wanted to waste our time or miss our workout.
"I think I know the routines well enough to teach," I said. My heart was pounding and I don't think I've been that nervous since, well maybe since the first time I met MR in person. But I figured, worst case, I do a terrible class and everyone hates me. Best case, we all get a workout and at least we don't waste our time.
"Now this will be anarchist Pilates," I said to the class as I moved my mat up to the front. If anybody wants to do an exercise, just call it out and we'll do it. And if you guys can demonstrate the moves better than I can, by all means, please do."
So we proceeded through our workout, and at the end of every set I'd ask if anyone wanted to call out the next exercise. We did all of our favorites, got a great workout, and had a lot of fun. I learned how hard it is to teach and count at the same time, and I worked out so hard (since I was trying to demonstrate perfect form) that I was sore for the first time in awhile. But it was awesome!
At the end of the class we saw one of the instructors who teaches the next class peeking confusedly through the class window. As she walked in, one of the other students said, "We don't need you anymore! We've figured it out ourselves and we're taking over!"
It was an empowering moment for all. :)
I immediately called MR, my two best friends, and my mother to report. Being a Pilates instructor is one of my long term goals, and it's such a different kind of thing than the work I normally do. A totally different sense of accomplishment. I was never a dancer, or an athlete, or particularly in shape except for a few years when I did a lot of weight lifting. I just love Pilates, and I'm so excited about learning more and perhaps eventually becoming a certified instructor.
Edward was impressed... he's taken Pilates before and says it's the hardest thing he's ever done. This coming from a guy who is in great shape and has been athletic all his life. I threatened to teach a class entitled Pilates for PARSNIP (that's the blog name for my union, not it's real name, as I hope is obvious.) He got a good laugh out of that. I am totally not kidding.
Today I'm off to take my first yoga class! There's an introduction to power yoga class at the yoga studio just a few blocks away from my house. It's amazing that I've never taken a yoga class, but I figure it's time to start. I'll report...
Posted by april at June 8, 2008 6:00 AM
Comments
:-) Go you!
(That tune is not going to go out of my head for *ages* now)
Posted by: Sara at June 8, 2008 2:57 PM
Serious congratulations, April. Teaching ain't easy, despite what the pundits say. You may be in for a surprise with Yoga, though. It looks easy but it's quite difficult and you'll definitely get a workout, although of a different kind. More anon - now, if I could just figure out how to access my e-mail from our hotel...... :-)
Posted by: Judith at June 9, 2008 4:11 AM