I started going to Mat Pilates classes around two years ago to help with my Ehlers Danlos Hypermobility Syndrome (EDS-HT). After a few sessions I felt I needed more to understand how the exercises worked and to ensure I was performing them correctly so I decided the best way to do this was to train as an instructor, even if I only used it for myself. So, that’s what I decide to do, and this is a little bit about my journey so far…

Pilates is a really good form of exercise for those with EDS-HT as it helps to build strength, endurance and stability in joints and muscle groups that we have problems with – especially the shoulders/scapular region and the pelvis, hips, knees and ankles. We need to beware of hyperextending but this would be worse in Yoga, and we need to be even more careful in high-impact exercises (my knees definitely don’t cope well with those!)

I researched the various training options and felt I couldn’t really afford some of the courses available and as I was only doing it for personal reasons they didn’t really fit what I wanted to achieve, which was just a greater understanding of how it would benefit me, and to improve my technique beyond what could be achieved in a large group (maybe I should have just considered 1-1 classes!?).

I decided to train with HFE as they seemed a reputable company with good reviews, linked to some of the main professional UK organisations (REPs and YMCA), offered local training and were affordable.

The training was a mixed blend of online, books and face-to-face workshops. Being entirely new to training as a fitness instructor my training materials included level 2 and 3 Anatomy and Physiology, and level 2 principles of health and fitness, for which I would need to take exams, in addition to passing the Mat Pilates specific training.

Despite how much studying I have previously undertaken, in numerous subjects, the anatomy and physiology proved a lot to get my head around and it took a lot of hard work just to get a hang of the basics, there are so many muscles and joint groups and actions to get a grasp of, it’s really hard, especially when you are going to need to remember it all for the exams, it gives you an appreciation of how hard it must be for medical professionals who have to learn all this and much more!

I was originally due to attend my face-to-face training and exams in September 2017, but I had to postpone due to going into hospital for my hysterectomy and kidney removal that month. So, after time out for surgery and recovery I returned to my training and classes in January 2018, in preparation for my face-to-face training and exams to commence again March/April.

That three months went fast, as I also returned to work in January and set about publishing my first book. Before I knew it March arrived, and the first of my 3 full weekends (9-5 Saturday and Sunday) of training and exams. There were 6 of us in the class, a nice small group which made it easier for our tutors to provide some individual support.

The first weekend was very intense, we looked at what was required for us to complete the assessed written work and worked through the full range of the original 34 Pilates exercises, as well as postural assessments (which was fun) and what we would need to do for our practical assessments – which would involve teaching a full class to a minimum of six participants.

The next weekend was similarly tough as we continued practising our practical assessments, looked at working with small equipment, progressive exercise programmes for our case study and lesson planning. In my first time teaching to a group I felt very nervous and didn’t think I would be cut out for actually teaching Pilates to others. However, the feedback I received was great and when I had to do another session on the Sunday I was a lot more confident, and it showed.

In between each of the weekends the studying continued as we began to revise for the exams, and started working on lesson plans, and practical assessments. The final weekend started with the exams, followed by more practical work on corrections during exercises and further rehearsals of our practical assessments before being assessed on the on the Sunday. I wasn’t feeling confident about the exams, I couldn’t imagine how I would remember everything required to pass, and whilst still nervous, I now felt more confident about the practical assessment, having also practiced teaching a couple of sessions at home to friends and family. I also need to give credit to my own Pilates class instructor Nicola Carless at The Studio for my confidence and technique as I would often think ‘What would Nikki say?’ when I was trying to learn my lesson plan!

On the final Sunday each of us taught our class before getting our results and feedback at the end. We all passed the practical assessment. We now had to wait for the exam results and get on with submitting our worksheets/written assessments. I had really enjoyed all the training, and met some lovely people on those course. I would highly recommend the HFE training, I felt it was very thorough and comprehensive, with a great mix of online and face-to-face training with support tutors also available by phone and email if needed.

I went on holiday the day after the practical assessment, and when I got home the exam results were already in (quicker than expected). I had passed, which was a huge relief, I didn’t fancy having to resit them!

Since starting Pilates I have had fewer subluxations in my joints, less pain in general, and feel fitter, taller and less fatigued, so I would definitely recommend it to others with EDS-HT who need a gentle form of exercise that will help them build strength in their joints. I have been fortunate enough to try reformer Pilates too, but I need more money to afford more lessons there or consider training in that form haha. I have also found Pilates is helpful for mental health as it is a very mindful exercise and helps you to feel relaxed and let go of any bad/low moods… well exercise does release endorphins so it makes sense it would help here too really doesn’t it?

Now, I am just putting the finishing touches to my written assessments before I can start looking at setting up as an instructor. Yes, despite my original personal reasons for this training, I am actually going to teach Mat Pilates as I have had some people show an interest in classes. There will likely be more on those plans on my blog in future, but first I need to finish the qualification and get insured, one thing at a time! haha

Have you trained as a fitness instructor? What discipline(s) do you teach? Why did you get into fitness instruction? Would you recommend your training provider?