Instructor Spotlight
Instructor Spotlight: Cass Miquita
“I think the good thing is that there has been a shift of people’s mentality around exercise from purely aesthetics to a more health focus.”
STUDIO PILATES COURSES COMPLETED
Anatomy Course
Matwork Course
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE STUDIO PILATES COURSE TO COMPLETE?
Matwork – the remedial in-depth focus.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN USING YOUR PILATES SKILLS SINCE COMPLETING YOUR INSTRUCTORS TRAINING?
I’m a mobile Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor. I run my own business bringing exercise and mobility to people at their home or work. Not only during my sessions, but my clients have tailored pelvic floor and glute activation to do at home on non-training days – all via my app.
I also offer private exclusive Pilates sessions for those who want to exercise with those they know – important during these times. During lockdown it all goes virtual.
HOW HAS COVID-19 CHANGED HOW YOU INSTRUCT?
I think the good thing is that there has been a shift of people’s mentality around exercise from purely aesthetics to a more health focus. It’s great to see.
The only change that I find frustrating is the inability to individually correct on the same level with social distancing requirements. I work around this easily enough but it’s a little frustrating especially when restrictions are tight.
WHAT IS THE ONE HEALTH OR FITNESS RELATED ITEM THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT RIGHT NOW?
My water bottle and shoes. Never leave home without the water bottle. Ever.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL PILATES OR EXERCISE PHILOSOPHY?
Functional good movement and feeling good each day. My first goal for my clients and myself is to get through the normal daily live with minimal (if any) niggles or tightness. Then we build from there. Start small and achievable so can be consistent.
WHAT SONG OR PLAYLIST IS KEEPING YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS MOTIVATED IN CLASS RIGHT NOW?
I’m not doing classes as such but for myself I have a varied playlist. The song of the day varies for me – lately it’s been Vasoline by Stone Temple Pilots. But today – who knows? LOL
I love country music the most though – it relaxes me and keeps me grounded.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXERCISE TO INSTRUCT RIGHT NOW AND WHY?
Glute activation (or butt dance party trick as I tell my clients LOL).
It’s eye opening for people to realise how they have little connection to, and strength in, their glutes. And it’s funny and breaks the ice.
HOW DO YOU PRIORITISE OR FIND TIME FOR YOUR OWN PILATES PRACTICE?
I do pelvic floor and glute activation each morning with my dynamics. It takes 5 minutes and effective to maintain connection.
My core and glute exercises with training a few times a week are Pilates based. And to be honest I’m often not sure when the Pilates ends and the PT starts or vice versa LOL