Rewind three years. My life was oh so very different than it is today. I was working as a pharmacist at home in Dublin. Although I loved my job, I was working crazy hours. I was overworked, exhausted, a little stressed, and it showed. I have always been fairly active with a reasonably good diet but at this time I didn’t feel good in my own body. This is when my Pilates journey began.
I had been hearing so much about this Pilates craze and I knew I had to give it a go. I had tried yoga before which wasn’t for me, so I have to say I was somewhat apprehensive. Then my job moved location within the city and low and behold there was a Pilates studio above the store. No more excuses now. I had to try it. After one class I was hooked. I would bounce out of the pharmacy each day, so excited to get on that reformer. I then started taking private one on one sessions with my teacher so I could really address and feel it in my own body. After a few short months my body began to change. As I said before, I had always been relatively fit, but this was different. I was strong. I felt leaner, almost longer. And this might sound funny but my mind was clearer. I felt lighter. And this is when my real personal journey with Pilates commenced.
I decided I needed a lifestyle change. I quit my job as a pharmacist and enrolled in a nine month Pilates teacher training program at home in Ireland. During my training I had heard about Page and Pilates Nosara through my own research and also from a fellow student that had been to Costa Rica and trained with Page. I emailed Pilates Nosara and was introduced to the lovely Phoebe, who at the time was finishing a Pilates internship. After a string of emails and phone calls between Page, Phoebe and myself, I was convinced and I knew Pilates Nosara was where I needed to be. Two weeks later bags packed, manuals in tow I was making my way to what was soon to be my new home, Nosara.
After meeting Page and having taken only one of her classes I knew that coming to Nosara was the best decision I had ever made. Page is such an amazing teacher, her knowledge is second to none and her energy and passion for what she does is truly infectious. The training at times was intense but I always knew that I was learning from the best and someday I too, would be the best teacher I could be. After I had completed my Balanced Body Mat teacher training an opportunity arose for me to take on an internship position with Page at Pilates Nosara. When Page asked me if I might be interested I didn’t even need to think about it. It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. A resounding YES!!!!
Fast forward one year. I have been living in beautiful Nosara and working under Page. As an intern, my responsibilities include all and any client relations, studio administration work as well as studio marketing. I also help Page with teacher trainings. All of this has been amazing and so rewarding as I have been able to experience first-hand what it actually takes to run a successful studio and business. In return, I receive class observation privileges where I am able observe not only Page but all the other highly experienced teachers at Pilates Nosara. I am also allowed to take part in all classes which is so important. As a teacher how can we ever be able to be at our best and teach our clients if we cannot do and feel it in our own bodies. The biggest reward for me is being able to teach classes at such an amazing studio alongside all of these super talented team of teachers.
At present, I am continuing to build up my personal practice, as well as my teaching and observation hours. I teach mat classes twice weekly in addition to four reformer/ chair classes. I regularly teach one to one privates with clients and since being here I have gained a wealth of experience. In the last few months alone I have been able to teach a variety of clients with different bodies from a gentleman recovering from a hip replacement to an active surfer with scoliosis and spondytheliosis.
In the world of Pilates, the teaching and learning never ends which is why I love my job so much. I am so excited to see what the future holds and to continue my journey here at Pilates Nosara. This place has truly changed my life and I am forever grateful to Page for her guidance, her support and her friendship. Thank you!