Instructor Spotlight
Instructor Spotlight: Claire Bassos
“Be yourself and trust your knowledge.”
STUDIO PILATES COURSES COMPLETED
Matwork Course
Pilates for Pregnancy Course
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE STUDIO PILATES COURSE TO COMPLETE?
Pilates for Pregnancy Course as I could fully relate to the course after recently having a child.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN USING YOUR PILATES SKILLS SINCE COMPLETING YOUR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING?
Yes, qualified and was teaching in Brisbane for a little while at a gym, then got married and had a baby, oh and moved to the UK. I’ve now started running a Mums and Bubs post-natal Pilates class in Aberdeen. I think it’s really important to get mums out and exercising after having a baby, not only to support their body after pregnancy and birth but for their mental health, general well-being and meeting other new mums.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A PILATES INSTRUCTOR?
Overcoming my own self-doubt that I could do this role, I was good enough and attracting clients.
HOW HAS COVID-19 CHANGED HOW YOU INSTRUCT?
I wasn’t teaching during COVID, being in the UK it has been very strict, but we are now back to a new sense of norm. We have to teach with windows open and while not exercising we must wear a mask at all times in the room. I think people are just grateful to be out and seeing people after a hard 18 months of being in and out of lockdown.
WHAT IS THE ONE HEALTH OR FITNESS RELATED ITEM THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT RIGHT NOW?
Basic as it sounds, it’s my 2 litre water bottle, it has the time guidance on it to help/encourage you to drink all of your water. Since not being in the corporate world, I have been bad with not drinking my water but this has been helping me.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL PILATES OR EXERCISE PHILOSOPHY RIGHT NOW?
Making exercise part of your daily routine, make it enjoyable so that you want to do it.
WHAT SONG OR PLAYLIST IS KEEPING YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS MOTIVATED IN CLASS RIGHT NOW?
My classes are up tempo so we love, Never Going Home by Kungs.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXERCISE TO INSTRUCT RIGHT NOW AND WHY?
I love the Clam exercises as they work the Glutes so well and my clients can feel the after effects!
HOW DO YOU PRIORITISE OR FIND TIME FOR YOUR OWN PILATES PRACTICE?
My husband and I have a timetable around our daughter’s needs, I am a member of a gym and I go to the Pilates classes there. They are unaware I am a teacher so I can just enjoy the class like everyone else.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST TIP YOU COULD GIVE ANOTHER PILATES INSTRUCTOR?
Be yourself and trust your knowledge.