Pilates Instructors, get ready! The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Annual Meeting (#PMA2016) is happening October 27-30 in Phoenix, Arizona. I am both excited and honored to participate at the PMA again. In the past two years, I have presented my Pilates business workshops “Teaching Your Vision” and “Never a Dull Moment”. This year I am teaching not one, but two mat classes!

Why am I excited? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Pilates instructors give so much that we need to leave time for our own practice too. And not just teaching yourself, but taking from someone else. I know the pressure is on – teaching teachers is the challenge of challenges – both on and off the mat, but I’m ready for the challenge of firing up your core and igniting your inspirational teaching spark!

Now the only question is: Will you be joining me this fall in Phoenix?

If you are a Pilates Instructor, the PMA is for you, no matter where you live and teach. They have no bias against one teaching lineage or another. They simply care about bringing all  Pilates instructors together to learn from one another, network, and get our Pilates souls fed.

The PMA started its journey in 2001 just after “the lawsuits” settled. Their goal? To create a community. In 2005 they added the Certification exam. Now, they are both a professional organization and a certifying agency. The PMA works hard to bring awareness of Pilates to the entire world, including children. They are a not-for-profit organization and they have big dreams. Their efforts benefit all Pilates Instructors. Read more about their goals.

I feel that we Pilates Instructors should unite and work together to uphold the education and teachings of Joseph Pilates, which is why I believe going to this community gathering each year is important. Yes, it benefits both you and me, but ultimately it lays the foundation for the future Pilates instructors out there and creates awareness of our passion and our industry.

If you have never been to the annual PMA gathering, then clear October 27-30 on your calendar. If you’re free (and I don’t mean not teaching, I mean not traveling anywhere else), then snag your spot and join me and hundreds (yes, hundreds) of Pilates Instructors from around the world for workshops, classes, and so much more. You do not have to be a member to go.

The first time I went to the PMA Annual Meeting, I had no idea what to expect. I was both nervous and excited. I arrived a day early so I could take the PMA exam. Passing that exam meant I would be a Certified Pilates Instructor. Although I had been teaching since 2008, I still wanted (and needed) this exam to be legally certified. I had been studying for months and, luckily for me, I only had to drive about 30 miles for the conference that year. I wanted to soak up every minute of it, so I even booked a hotel room and took myself on a Pilates stay-cation.

After my exam, I headed over to the conference to register and pick up all my goodies. The Exhibit Hall was putting up all its final touches. I was in a Pilates lover’s heaven. I mean, imagine walking into one large space filled with everything Pilates. I was definitely going to do some shopping! Spoiler alert: I walked out of there with a Gratz Wunda Chair for my tiny apartment.

I picked up my badge, my schedule, and book, and have to say it felt like the best “first day of school” moment ever! I felt like I had finally arrived as a Pilates Instructor. I met instructors I had only read about online, in books, and, of course, a couple of Pilates Elders: Lolita San Miguel and Mary Bowen.

I went to every class and workshop I could get into. This was where I met Amy Taylor Alpers (here’s a link to her blog) and knew I must study with her more. It’s also the year that I first heard about Pilates Anytime. It had just launched and I was hooked.

I’ve never forgotten my first PMA Annual Meeting. Every year when I return, I think back to being that newbie Pilates Instructor. Now, several years later, I get excited when counting down the days to the conference. It’s where I get to see many of my Pilates friends each year and connect with people who do what I love to do each and every day. I get to learn from those who have been teaching for decades, meet people who practiced Pilates with Joseph and Clara, and have a great time while doing it.

If you have any questions about going to the PMA Annual Meeting, taking the exam, or becoming a Pilates Method Alliance member, just shoot me an email. I’ll be happy to answer your questions. If you are going, then be sure to mark my business and mat classes on your calendar in Sharpie! I promise it’s going to challenge your body and you’ll love it. Let me know you’ll be there, so I can be sure to meet you in person! See you in Phoenix, Pilates professionals! #PMA2016

xx~LL