Teacher Training Journey: An Interview with Ashlyn
Ashlyn is a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, currently working though the Power Pilates Teacher Training program at P10
Tell me about your background with Pilates, when were you introduced, and why did it stick with you?
I was first introduced to Pilates in 2018. I was in school to be a Physical Therapy Assistant, and I ended up job shadowing at a spot in West Seattle that had a couple of Reformers. Some PTs there were also certified to teach Pilates, and they were really knowledgeable about the benefits of integrating Pilates movement with Physical Therapy exercise.
Later on while I was still in school I came across a job listing for front desk at Pilates on 10th, and it was a great option for me! I learned a lot about Pilates while working at the front desk, but I also had the opportunity to take a lot of classes — that’s when I started falling in love with how a regular Pilates practice made me feel in my body. The more I learn on both sides, the more I recognized the crossover in benefits of PT and Pilates.
How did you decide to do the Power Pilates teacher training program at P10?
I was around a lot working at the front desk and taking classes when I finished school and started to work with physical therapy clients. I loved what Pilates was doing for my own body, and I was excited to share that with my PT clients too.
At some point I knew that I wanted to do more formal Pilates training and be able to incorporate that knowledge into helping my PT clients who deal with persistent injuries. At this point I had left the desk to focus on my job at the clinic…but Kim had always joked with me about teaching — ”Ashlyn, just get certified already!” Eventually it just made too much sense to ignore, I signed up!
What about the classical Power Pilates method do you like? Did you think about training elsewhere?
I did consider my options, and a number of factors pointed me in the direction of P10’s program. Power Pilates is a widely recognized industry pioneer with a tried and true formula, and although I connect with contemporary teaching styles, I like how structured and specific the classical method is.
It’s especially valuable when you are learning to teach. The focus and repetition of the beginner system is key, and then you learn really detailed ways to modify (and why!) or transition from seated to standing, etc. As you gain experience you can start to add your own spin and customize for specific situations while maintaining a really strong foundational knowledge, and passing that on to whatever type of client is in front of you! .
It’s also worth noting that in the world of Pilates, classically trained instructors are in-demand. It’s a good certification to have from an opportunity standpoint.
What are some of the more challenging aspects of the training? How did you move through them?
The memorization is difficult, getting the exact order of the exercises with the correct amount of reps down takes a lot of concentration! In classical training there aren’t a lot of things that are open to interpretation…you want to have the right answer.
Paying attention to the rationale and the ‘why’ behind the right answers was really helpful in getting the information to stick for me. Anne Marie is great for diving into those explanations. And then it’s just constant exposure—seeing and hearing the sequences and cues over and over. Writing them down over and over. Practice, practice, practice! It’s how you build the muscle and the memory.
What has been the best part of your teacher training experience?
How supportive Anne Marie is! She's genuinely invested in her students' success. You can see it in her eyes and her smile when you get something, it's a knowing ‘YES!’ She's excited about it.
The other thing I appreciate about working with her is that she is actually open to questions. She is busy with a lot going on, but she will get back to me if I call or text. She’s got the kind of knowledge that spans beyond just the material too, she’s an expert on how to navigate the different Power Pilates paths successfully and can help troubleshoot scheduling challenges or advise on how to make sure your certifications don’t expire.
In what ways has the studio community / apprentice program influenced your training?
It’s been really great to have the support of the experienced instructors who work at the studio. They really welcome you in as a new trainee and when available are willing to go through questions / review class ideas and utilization of props etc.
In general the staff and clients are all super supportive and excited about my learning and teaching. It’s a pretty tight established client community, and we’re working in a shared space so we really get to know each other! Sometimes unprovoked I’ll have someone come up and give me feedback after overhearing one of my classes… like “Your rhythm is getting better and more concise!” I love that.
Kim offers a lot of studio benefits to teachers in training too— flexible use of the space and equipment to practice and observe is huge, and the studio helps facilitate a free community class taught by apprentices, so as a trainee you can sign up to practice teaching and log hours. If it weren't for all the practical studio support I imagine it would’ve been really hard for me to get the observation and practice training hours required to test out.
Where are you in your teaching journey? What is your availability for clients?
I am certified to teach clients beginner level mat and apparatus, and I am currently working towards testing out for the intermediate level systems. I’m working with clients in the studio on Monday evenings and Friday mornings right now! I have some Private session hours available and also get to teach a couple of great classes.
Monday evenings I teach a Reformer class for mobility that’s a more contemporary style class with a stretch focus. I really enjoy this one, the format feels really natural and familiar for me. It’s a little more free flowing, I break down the exercises more and incorporate some of the stretching I’m fond of using in my PT world.
*check with studio for current class schedule
What do you most hope clients walk away from a session with you feeling?
I want them to feel more connected and aware of their body. I want them to walk out more present, moving more intentionally. I hope to help them connect the dots, understand how much of our strength and our injury originate from the same places, and that a consistent and intentional movement practice can be the difference.
What resources do you visit to gain inspiration / motivation when you need it?
I am finally reading Return To Life Through Contrology— it took me some time to get around to it, but it’s been fantastic. I also follow @cirque_physio and @inspiraphysicaltherapy for a lot of great content.
What’s your favorite apparatus to teach / practice on?
Right now my favorite to teach is Reformer, I am feeling in my groove and comfortable getting a little more creative in my classes.
For practicing myself I’m liking the Cadillac. Recently Scott has be showing me some fun inversions that are super challenging but have felt really rewarding for me.
If you were a Pilates exercise which one would you be and why?
I think it’s gotta be Seal— it’s light-hearted, and most people I teach it to get little giggles, and I love that. There is some silliness to it, but there is also purpose. It’s an exercise that teaches being in control and relaxed.
What do you like to do for fun, outside of Pilates?!
Oh spending time with my dog, for sure. I have a Corgi named Gnocchi and I love to take her out hiking. I also enjoy game nights with friends, and going out dancing.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Ashlyn is a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant with specialized training in pelvic floor and shoulder pain-free PT. She has additional certifications in TheraPilates, Trauma Informed Care, and Person Centered Communication, and is a Heart Association Basic Life Support provider.