The Instructor Becomes a Student Again

Hello Lovely People,

I have some exciting news to share with everyone (ok, some of you already know my secret.)  This weekend, I started another Pilates certification program with Real Pilates.  Since I'm already a certified instructor, what I'm doing is known as a Bridge Program.  This course will take place over the next 30 weeks and I'm both inspired and exhausted by the journey ahead of me.

You might be thinking, "Where will you find the time for this?" or "But Samone, you already know so much.  Why are you doing this?"  And these are really good questions.  To answer the first question, I'm really not sure.  But I feel it'll all come together as it needs to.  To answer why I'm doing this, I think there's always more to learn.  The Pilates method has been in my body since 2001 and I've been teaching since 2012.  During the last 5 years, I have continued to take Pilates classes/sessions from instructors I admire, workshops in special conditions & injuries and learned on the fly with my valued clients.  I think my clients appreciate when I have recently completed a workshop or learned a new technique.  These little nuggets of information inspire me to work differently and deeper. 

It's 10:30pm on Sunday and I've been at the studio since Friday afternoon going back to the basics and learning the beginner system all over again.  My mind is mush.  I am reassured that I have a really strong start.  Core Pilates, NYC has given me a robust foundation.  But I am also relearning certain exercises in a new way.  My "hands on" is getting more "in your business"  And I'm learning the way our elder, Romana, taught the exercises.  It's challenging to change my script.  

I'm already inspired to bring some new techniques to my classes and sessions.  For my long time faithful clients, we'll start to incorporate some of these changes and hopefully you'll see/feel the difference.  We'll continue to learn & grow together.  As I've always believed, Pilates is a system.  Pilates is a process.  Pilates is a practice.  

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Hands On Pilates, NYC!  Anniversaries always inspire reflection on the time before and planning for the future.  So let’s take stock together.

• As a business, Hands On Pilates, NYC has grown!  I’ve added more hours to the schedule.  New clients have joined the fold and friends from long ago have reconnected with their practice.  Some of my clients have overcome injuries and others have mastered more advanced exercises (hello Tendon Stretch!)  Wherever we start on any given day, we try to feel better by the end of the session.  And that’s really all I ever ask or expect from my clients.  Bring yourself to me on good days, bad days and everything in between.  Pilates always helps you feel better, physically and emotionally.

• In my personal Pilates practice, I’ve continued to take weekly sessions/classes with the instructors who inspire me.  I’m also making a commitment to other forms of exercise.  What?  Not just Pilates?  That’s right.  I’ve found another challenge.  Rowing is my new exercise du jour.  I take at least one rowing class a week.  Believe it or not, it follows all six Pilates principals: Breath, Concentration, Centering, Flow, Precision & Control.  Plus, it wipes me out.  I sleep like a log after class.  Let me know if you’re interested in adding this to your health regimen and I’ll give you all the details.

• Looking ahead for both the business and my personal practice, I have some exciting news to share.  Along with the other practitioners at Oasis Healing Arts, I’ll be hosting a client appreciation day this spring. We’ll be providing complimentary services and serving wine & nibbles.  Guests are welcome!   Details will follow soon.  Be on the lookout for an email in the next few weeks.

• Also, I intend to increase my continuing education.  It’ll be an intense 7 month program.  Think of a masters degree in Pilates!  I’m very excited to enter this new chapter of learning. As clients, you’ll certainly see & feel the difference as I increase my knowledge. It’ll be an adventure for all of us.  Again, more details to follow. 

• I’m adding home sessions to my list of available services.  These sessions are for those of you who are postnatal or recovering from injury.  Please ask me if this is something you’re interested in. 

As I’ve often said, I am so grateful to all of you for entrusting me with your fitness journey.  I look forward to each of your sessions every week and hope we can continue to grow together.  My clients become my friends and friends become like family.  Thank you for your trust and support.

Cheers to moving forward & up!

Best in health,

Samone

Happy New Year!

I awoke today in Sydney Australia, to find it's the last day of 2016.  

So many changes have happened in the last year.  Some events have left me feeling angry, uncertain and concerned.  But when I reflect on my personal path, relationships that have been born or reinforced and professional accomplishments, I can't help but feel truly grateful.  Not only did I survive 2016 (knock on wood for the next 16 hours) but I really thrived.  

YOU have been a part of my journey this past year.  Your presence in my daily/weekly/monthly life has enriched me and given me confidence to move towards the next day/week/month.  Every client I meet becomes a teacher to me in some way.  And I consider you all dear friends.  I can't thank you enough for being with me this past year.  

Maybe you're making some plans for 2017.  I know I'll be writing down some intentions for personal, professional and physical growth.  Let us make health and wellness part of our daily commitments.  We must keep stretching our minds and bodies past our limits so we can journey into 2017 together.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017!
Love,
Samone