Today I got full confirmation of my membership to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). Registration to REPS is voluntary, but it carries with it a recognition of my qualifications and my commitment to continuing professional development. REP fitness professionals are expected to continue to learn about their discipline including peripheral aspects, such as nutrition, healthy living, etc.

I am planning to continue my professional development by looking at training on Pilates equipment, pre- and post- natal exercising and working with older adults.

Tonight after their second Pilates Focus for you session at home, a couple of clients I'm working with asked "How long will it take to feel the difference?"

This is what the man who developed the principles and techniques of Pilates had to say on the matter:

"In ten sessions, you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you'll have a whole new body." -- Joseph H. Pilates

It does take a few sessions to grasp the techniques and principles of Pilates. Getting the breath, core engagement, alignment, focus, control, co-ordination  and flow all working at the same time requires practice, but it's not really all that difficult and it really pays off.

A few tips for practising some of the different principles outside of a session:

• Practise engaging your core muscles (the 'corset' or 'belt' muscle Transversus Abdominis and the Pelvic Floor muscles) anywhere you are! For example, as you wait for the train or cue at the supermarket: think about gently contracting the core muscles every time you breathe out
• Think about moving with the breath when performing daily actions, for example you can think about breathing out as you open a door, and breathing in as you close it
• Try to keep your body in alignment throughout the day, especially if you spend all day sitting in front of a computer. Try to check regularly: what's happening with your shoulders? your chin? your lower back? Visualise a string pulling you from the crown of your head towards the ceiling and placing your chin on a shelf

Once the technique is mastered you will quickly see an improvement in your performance of the exercises and you will start seeing noticeable changes in your body including an improved posture and more definition around your waist.

Having practised Pilates for a number of years I decided to take the plunge and train as a Pilates Instructor. I am very excited to be teaching clients on a one to one basis and also to be teaching group sessions at a couple of gyms. This blog will be my teaching and learning journal as I develop my teaching practice.