Pete Pallai is now a Pilates Master Instructor

Once upon a time, I would have never dreamed I’d become a Pilates instructor, let alone a Pilates Master instructor.

This summer (2022) I went to Balanced Body (the world’s largest and leading Pilates company) in Sacramento, California to take part in a course with an international group of very gifted Pilates instructors. It was intimidating, immersive and super intense. But it was also a revelation, enlightening and a game changer. Life changing in fact!

When I received my certificate and evaluation, I felt a real sense of achievement and validation. Like at no other time in my career. In fact, I felt like a little boy when I shared my evaluation and certificate with my father.

What’s the big deal?

I was in the mix of some of the best, under the scope and nowhere to hide. In my sessions, in my studio and in my practice, I am cocooned, no one is there to question or analyse what I do. Here, I was being observed, tested, and stretched (literally too) for 8 days straight.

My demonstration and presentation to 24 hugely talented peers and an exceptional educator, Nora St. John, was nerve-wracking but I had to step up.

I had to ‘know my stuff”, I had to command the room but more importantly, I had to be me. I had to deliver in my voice, my tone, and my way. It’s tempting to conform to what we believe are expectations of us or the way others teach and that we feel we must emulate. But you do need to find your own strength, voice, and style, the one that makes you individual and the one that will inspire others.

Now I can run Balanced Body courses for Movement Principles, Motr, Mat 1, 2 & 3 and Reformer too.

More importantly, I am in a position to teach, inspire and mentor a new generation of instructors. Assuming I do my job well, thoroughly, and conscientiously.

This is such a fulfilling position to be in and I pledge to be a very positive influence and guide in this role. Help others find their way in our practice and sector and to find their own voices and stride. I’ll always be mindful of the fear, insecurity, and self-questioning I felt in my initial training and in this course. Then I will look to nurture and help my students transcend those very same obstacles and fears.

It’s a responsibility I’ll take very seriously!