Instructor Spotlight
Instructor Spotlight: Ana Nikolic
“I have realised the profound impact instructors have in just a 45 minute period to really motivate and positively affect someone’s day.”
STUDIO PILATES COURSES COMPLETED
Platinum Instructing Course
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE STUDIO PILATES COURSE TO COMPLETE?
The Platinum Course was great! Every possible exercise and modification was workshopped and I was given hands on experience everyday during the face-to-face part, allowing me to build skills and confidence needed to instruct!
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN USING YOUR PILATES SKILLS SINCE COMPLETING YOUR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING?
I have been an instructor with Studio Pilates for 2.5 years, and a mentor for close to 2 years.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A PILATES INSTRUCTOR?
Aside from the pandemic, my greatest challenge as an instructor has been learning to non-contact instruct and adapt to this new way of teaching very quickly. It is sometimes difficult to quickly and concisely explain to clients a correction/modification/
alternate exercise.
HOW HAS COVID-19 CHANGED HOW YOU INSTRUCT?
COVID-19 has shown me the importance of positivity and enthusiasm in class as an instructor. With snap lockdowns constantly looming, and many people experiencing mental health challenges associated with lockdowns and the pandemic, I have realised the profound impact instructors have in just a 45 minute period to really motivate and positively affect someone’s day.
WHAT IS THE ONE HEALTH OR FITNESS RELATED ITEM THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT RIGHT NOW?
My booty band! Matwork Clam exercises has really gotten me through some tough lockdowns this year hehe.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL PILATES OR EXERCISE PHILOSOPHY?
My personal fitness philosophy is: Technique over intensity ALWAYS. Everyone is capable of achieving fitness goals, and when you focus on your technique rather than smashing high weights and getting injured, you would be so surprised with how much your body can achieve and even transform in a short period of time!
WHAT SONG OR PLAYLIST IS KEEPING YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS MOTIVATED IN CLASS RIGHT NOW?
The Spotify Cardio playlist really helps me get motivated for my workouts!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXERCISE TO INSTRUCT RIGHT NOW AND WHY?
Any exercise in the Back Rowing Series, particularly Chest Expansion! Right now with many of us stuck working/studying from home, so many people are experiencing neck and shoulder issues which these exercises do WONDERS for! A few seemingly small corrections can change the entire target area of the exercise and I really believe they are so effective and relevant at the moment.
HOW DO YOU PRIORITISE OR FIND TIME FOR YOUR OWN PILATES PRACTICE?
Just like anything, if something is important you need to schedule it in and COMMIT. Often time it’s difficult to convince myself to do that class after a long morning shift starting at 5am, or working an office job until 6pm, but laying my matching workout outfit on my bed and setting an alarm on my phone before the class forces me to stop what I’m doing and commit to making time for me and my own mental and physical well-being. The classes are tough but so worth it!
WHAT IS THE GREATEST TIP YOU COULD GIVE ANOTHER PILATES INSTRUCTOR?
The greatest tip I can give another instructor is to really understand why we do what we do, and have a genuine care for your clients! Clients can feel this and keep coming back to your classes because they trust you, and it makes your instructing so much more knowledgeable and motivational.