Instructor Spotlight
Instructor Spotlight: Koren James
“It’s really important to maintain strength and mobility as you get older”
STUDIO PILATES COURSES COMPLETED
Matwork Course
Reformer Course
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE STUDIO PILATES COURSE TO COMPLETE?
After being away from teaching Pilates for 5 years (nursing), I had lost confidence in what I knew and how to do it. Studio Pilates gave me a teaching formula to pass on to my students that made it easy for both of us, also loved the anatomy and palpations that enabled me and my students to verify that we were on the right track – where can you feel you’re working… where should you be working?
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN USING YOUR PILATES SKILLS SINCE COMPLETING YOUR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING?
I have opened a small studio in a small rural coastal town (Agnes Water), I take 4 people in group sessions and couples and one on one and work 3 days a week so I can enjoy this beautiful area.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A PILATES INSTRUCTOR?
Getting older and all the health issues that come with that.
HOW HAS COVID-19 CHANGED HOW YOU INSTRUCT?
We are not really affected by COVID in this town except for having to check in and increased sanitation.
WHAT IS ONE HEALTH OR FITNESS RELATED ITEM THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Reformer
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL PILATES OR EXERCISE PHILOSOPHY?
It’s really important to maintain strength and mobility as you get older, most of my clients are 50+ so teaching body awareness is very important too.
WHAT SONG OR PLAYLIST IS KEEPING YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS MOTIVATED RIGHT NOW?
Meaghan Trainor and Ed Sheeran
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EXERCISE TO INSTRUCT RIGHT NOW AND WHY?
Side Splits and their variations with Scooter and Scooter Lunges [from the Reformer Course] because most people have such tight hip flexes and weak glutes that everyone benefits.
HOW DO YOU PRIORITISE OR FIND TIME FOR YOUR OWN PILATES PRACTICE?
I’m not building an empire, I work when I want to work – there’s plenty of time… it’s a priority for me.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST TIP YOU COULD GIVE ANOTHER PILATES INSTRUCTOR?
Relax and have fun in class, but don’t pretend you know something if you don’t, work within your scope of quals. Refer to Allied Health/medical office for guidance but research, research, research, and know what you’re dealing with – and learn from other more experienced teachers, you can learn something from everyone.