Pilates Police

Over the past 2 years, I have come back into the social media world after getting off of it more 8 years ago.  To be truthful I was going through a very difficult time in my life back then, and even though I was 30 years old and the mother of 2 kids, I simply wasn't mature enough to handle it.  It's completely embarrassing to share this but one of the biggest things I struggled with was feeling left out.  Seeing posts of friends going to a lunch without me would make me feel like I wasn't cool enough to be invited.  Did I mention I was going through a tough time???  I would also find myself disliking (Okay hating) people who I very much liked in person because of a post they did.  I made the decision to get off social media and declared I'd NEVER do it again.

Fast forward to 2015.  One  of my friends kept sending me screenshots of cool Pilates posts from people she followed on Instagram.  She kept insisting that Instagram was different than other social media platforms and encouraged me to join, so I very reluctantly did so.  I immediately loved it!  I was blown-away when I saw well-respected instructors doing Pilates a bit differently (and sometimes not classically!). Their posts helped me feel the freedom and confidence to break the rules that were so ingrained in me from my training.  I timidly began to teach creative variations on the classical work and was amazed when the Pilates Police didn't storm through my studio door.  Is it crazy that a part of me honestly thought that could happen?  Watching very reputable instructors put themselves out there and take the risk of being judged by the haters of the Pilates world was so awesome.  I started to feel a new enthusiasm for my future as a Pilates instructor, and it was all because of Instagram.

I have been doing daily video posts for more than a year now.  I felt compelled to contribute to the community of Pilates instructors on Instagram who had inspired me and I'm so glad I did. My posts have also, and very unexpectedly, empowered me.  They've helped me to see myself in a much more positive way and hearing the kind words and grateful comments for a post I did makes me feel like I'm part of something that matters to people.  I've made great friends with Pilates instructors all over the world, and I message them with questions and support when I need it.  Posting on Instagram has honestly been life changing for me so I hope you'll join me!  You may be surprised what you'll get out of it.

6 thoughts on “Why I post Pilates videos on Instagram and you should too.

  1. Hi, I’m a Pilates instructor in the uk, I am 56 this year yikes! I have practised Pilates for many years, and because of my passion I am now an instructor of seven years. I have encountered along the way, instructors who are too set in their particular method, ie training body, and they religiously feel it is wrong to step outside. Who is to say who is why the body can’t do Something in a different way, we are all so very unique, what works for some might need more queuing for others. I think what I am trying to say and probably not very well, it’s purely the movement of are bodies and the euphoria it brings during and after. I continuously say to my clients just enjoy challenging your body in movement, yes you may be
    stiff or achy in a few days, celebrate that feeling, it means you are alive and working your body beyond its day to day movements. And Carrie, you are truly amazing, your intention to detail, your honesty in everything is inspirational. Life is far too short to be concerned what everyone is is doing in life. Thanks Carrie, Gillxx

  2. Hello I am a newly certified Pilates mat instructor teacher from 17 and I work full-time trying to transition into working solely on Pilates but I’m just having a difficult time of trying to understand how to display create online social media Pilates videos bits any useful beneficial comments that would help someone such as myself out? hello I am a newly certified Pilates mat instructor teacher from ‘17 and I work full-time trying to transition into working solely on Mat Pilates but I’m just having a difficult time of trying to understand how to display create online social media pilares mat videos bits. any useful beneficial comments that would help someone such as myself out ?

    1. Hi there! Being a full-time pilates instructor is not easy, it requires alot of time and dedication, but if you put in the hard work and effort is it extremely rewarding! I have greatly benefited from using YouTube and Instagram as a means to promote my online website, and share my knowledge of Pilates with others. There’s lots of tutorials online if you Google how to create video tutorials on YouTube and Instagram. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is once you get started! Hope this helps!

  3. Apparently the universe is telling me the same thing you’re saying. I think there is room for creativity and exploration without worrying about the “Pilates Police.” There are A LOT of armchair critics who would would never be so brave. I think it’s time for me to get out there despite potential naysayers. Thank you.

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