3 Books That Helped Me To Become Better Pilates Instructor

No, I Am Not Talking About The Conventional Pilates Books

If you are after some book suggestions on the topic of Reformer Pilates, Exercise Science, Anatomy or Joseph Pilates you can skip this one! These three books I am about to introduce are not Pilates books but mindfulness, self-improvement and “find your purpose” type of reads.

Why? Because I believe that confident, happy and thriving reformer pilates instructors can deliver great classes. I believe that if you read these three books you can get closer to mastering the art of teaching movement to your clients as a more understanding, empathic, present and patient reformer pilates teacher.

Get ready to witness spiritualism and science collide!

1. Aware – The Science And Practice Of Presence By Daniel J. Siegel

My Reformer Pilates Teacher Trainees gifted this book to me and I am forever grateful. I had told them I am into meditation but this book hit home more than they will ever know. It instantly became one of the top 10 books I have ever read in my life.

I got hooked to this book because it explains how and why mediation practice actually works and expands our minds. Siegel uses macro and micro level physics as a foundation to describe how our human body, brain and mind work. So fascinating and eye-opening! Some things surely just went over the top of my head. This book did not just challenge my English language skills but my way of understanding the science of the mind and how to improve it.

We are so used to working on our physique but for some reason we forget to do the same for our minds. Physical education is more important than ever for such a sedentary and digital device centered world. However training the mind and teaching ways to improve mental health should be just as high on the to do list if not higher.

The pages of this book are revolving around three main topics; focused attention, open awareness and kind intention. These three skills can be applied to any occupation but come handy especially for us reformer pilates teachers whose success at work depends on how we choose to connect, act, react, respond and communicate with our clients.

Get this book into your hands! I promise you have taken the first step towards more focused and expanded mind!

2. Think Like A Monk – Jay Shetty

We all know Jay! You could not have missed his podcast, book, instagram account or inspirational live events could you? Well I bet that at least you have heard of him! I have followed Jay Shetty for a couple of years and loved his book Think Like A Monk. He shares positivity and love all around and seems humble, genuine, relatable and kind. As a bonus Think Like A Monk is way easier to read than Aware!

In this heartwarming book Shetty shares his wisdom about the power of positive attitude, gratitude and learning to know yourself. Perhaps it is not anything revolutionary. But he explains really well how to find your purpose and live your life with more clarity and happiness by using practical exercises and examples. I also love the fact that he shares his personal experience being a monk and what it taught him about life and relationships.

Teaching Pilates is about building and fostering relationships with your team, clients and other pilates instructors. This book helps you understand your strengths and how to use them to make a difference in your Pilates community!

3. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari – Robin Sharma

The third one is no different to the first two. It is a book about creating a vision and following your mission in life. A book about discipline and courage. Sharma takes you on a journey by telling a fictional story about a man who completely turned his life around to nourish relationships, develop joyful thoughts and to live fully.

Now you may think again “Excuse me does this book have anything to do with teaching Pilates?” My friend it does. Taking the time and having the courage to improve yourself as a person will make this (Pilates) world a better place. Being more cool, calm and collected reformer pilates instructor will help you push through the tough days and shine bright like a diamond in your teaching job.

I am going to read all these three books again. All these books will offer me great reminders how to make most out of the time we have been blessed with on this planet!