Passion for learning is what makes great Pilates teachers. The more we learn the thirstier we get for new information, deeper understanding and more specialized approach to teaching different populations of students.
Talking to Leah Stewart was a blast because she is definitely one of those awesome Pilates instructors.
Her personal prenatal journey has motivated her to specialize in pre/postnatal teaching and create her certification course. She is the author of Pilates for New Mothers DVD. She gladly shared some of her favorite Pilates moves for prenatal and postnatal clients as well as the overall focus of any prenatal workout.
Leah is a former BASI faculty member so I asked her to share her experience with BASI and offer some insider’s tips on what distinguishes BASI training from other Pilates schools (make sure to listen to her tips if you are considering a Bridge program or are just looking to start your Pilates training.)
She also holds several fitness-related certifications and offered valuable insights into how you can grow your Pilates expertise through pursuing training in other fields.
Leah Stewart
Leah Stewart is founder of LiveLife Pilates and the creator of LiveLife Pilates Pre and Post Natal DVD Series as well as LiveLife Pilates Pre- and Post-Natal Pilates Specialization Course for Pilates professionals. Leah has studied various forms of movement extensively throughout her life and holds a Masters in Human Movement, a BFA in Dance and is a BASI Pilates® Certified Pilates Teacher. Leah is a former Senior Faculty for BASI Pilates® and is a featured teacher on Pilates Anytime. Leah’s mission for LiveLife Pilates is to empower individuals through the practice of Pilates.
- PilatesBridge:How often do you personally practice Pilates?
Leah Stewart: I practice Pilates in some way, shape or form just about everyday. Some days it’s as simple as doing five minutes of Pelvic Curls and breathing, and some days it’s being able to get into my studio and do a full comprehensive session on the apparatus. It varies according to the time I have and how I’m feeling that day, and I love that Pilates can adapt to my needs every day. - PB: 3 of your favorite Pilates mat exercises.
LS: Roll Up, Pelvic Curl and Swimming - PB: 3 of your favorite Reformer exercises.
LS: Mermaid, Short Spine (who doesn’t love the Short Spine) and Arms Sitting Series - PB: Your favorite piece of Pilates apparatus.
LS: I’m afraid I can’t answer this one 😉 I feel that each piece has it’s own personality and energy, and depending on the day, my energy and my body, I choose the apparatus accordingly. I love them all! - PB: What’s your favorite equipment manufacturer?
LS: Balanced Body, for sure! Beautiful and sturdy. - PB: The worst Pilates cue you’ve ever heard.
LS: The worst cue I’ve ever heard is a bit too graphic to repeat. But it had to do with engaging the pelvic floor musculature. The cue was very distasteful, and although I understood the intention behind it there are definitely graceful and intelligent ways to cue pelvic floor activation. - PB: The main thing Pilates taught you over the years.
LS: Gratitude
Questions discussed in the interview
- What sets BASI apart from other Pilates teaching schools?
- How did your pregnancy change your teaching style and your focus of interests?
- Why is Pilates a perfect workout for pre/postnatal clients?
- What is the main focus of a prenatal workout?
- What are your favorite Pilates exercises for any prenatal and postnatal client?
- Is it important for Pilates instructors to search certifications/training in other fields? Are some of them more beneficial than others?
- What are your favorite resources (books, websites, DVDs etc) that would be helpful to other instructors?
- What is your personal definition of Pilates?