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How the UK Symposium fuels Pilates career growth: Insights from Merrithew® Instructors

Establishing a successful Pilates career requires continuous learning, networking and staying on top of the latest industry innovations. For many instructors, the Merrithew Mindful Movement Symposium has been a pivotal experience in propelling their careers forward. We spoke with one Lead Instructor Trainer and two Certified Instructors who will be at the upcoming UK Symposium. They shared their excitement for what’s ahead and how previous symposiums have contributed to their professional growth.

Event details:
Date: November 14-17, 2024
Location: YMCA, OneKX in London, UK
Program: Featuring courses and workshops taught by Master Instructor Trainers PJ O’Clair, Pablo Vera and Jen Dahl.
Consultation session: Join our Senior Manager of Education Programming and Master Instructor Trainer, Wayne Seeto, and our VP of Marketing, Meghan Gogan, for a one-on-one session. Get expert advice, ask questions and discover strategies to grow your career. Booking details will be shared with registered attendees in the weeks leading up to the Symposium.

Let’s uncover these instructors' insights, highlighting how the UK Symposium continues to shape Pilates professionals at the forefront of mindful movement.

Rob Izatt

Rob Izatt is a STOTT PILATES® Lead Instructor with over 35 years of experience in the fitness industry. His passion for teaching and inspiring clients has taken him across the globe, regularly teaching courses in South Korea, China and the UK. Rob recently expanded his impact by opening his own Pilates studio, Body in Sync.

How the UK Symposium fuels Pilates career growth

“I cherish the opportunity to reconnect with my colleagues and forge new relationships within the STOTT PILATES and broader Pilates community.”

Reflecting on his deep connection with Merrithew symposiums, Rob sees them as an essential event for Pilates and mind-body professionals and enthusiasts. Having only missed two symposiums, he believes they offer an unparalleled platform for education, inspiration and community building within the Pilates world.

When asked what inspired him to sign up for the UK Symposium this year, Rob emphasized his passion for staying ahead of industry trends. His commitment to educating his clients and showing them the benefits of Pilates drives his constant pursuit of knowledge.

According to Rob, what truly sets Merrithew symposiums apart is the ability to provide specialized workshops on current topics and foster meaningful connections within the Pilates community. “Attending several Total Barre® workshops, for example, has allowed me to teach those same sessions across Host Training Centres (HTCs),” he adds, highlighting the global impact and practical benefits these events offer.

Rob Izatt working with clients on the Reformer

For first-time attendees, Rob’s advice is both encouraging and insightful: “Be ready to forge new connections and maybe even lifelong friendships. Don’t hesitate to approach the presenters; they’ve walked the same path and are incredibly approachable and supportive.”

Rob highly recommends the STOTT PILATES Athletic Conditioning: Performance Enhancing Progressions and Sequences on the Reformer workshop to every Pilates enthusiast and professional.

Hilal Leigh

Hilal Leigh is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor with extensive experience in Pilates and fitness studios across the UK, specializing in Mat, Reformer and Barre classes. Committed to professional growth, she has continually expanded her skills through ongoing education, enhancing her ability to serve her clients effectively. She is the founder of JustStretch, a Pilates studio where she shares the joy of mindful movement.

Hilal Leigh on the Stability Ball

“The unique atmosphere and magical vibe of the symposium, which brings like-minded instructors together and features incredibly qualified presenters, set it apart from other events.”

With nearly a decade of experience, Hilal is full of praise for the symposiums. She shares, “Merrithew symposiums are truly special because they offer a wide variety of courses and workshops. Every instructor can find something that brings them closer to their goals, whether it's learning new skills or focusing on a specialty area.”

For Hilal, like many instructors, the primary reason to attend this year’s symposium is the opportunity to continue honing her skills and knowledge. She believes staying updated on trends and research is crucial as the fitness industry evolves. Thanks to previous Merrithew symposiums, she was able to expand her expertise across various Specialty Tracks, working more confidently with pre- and post-natal clients and helping rehabilitation clients more effectively.

When asked what she’s most excited about, Hilal mentions the new Professional Development (PD) program. “I cannot wait to immerse myself in the STOTT PILATES Optimization of the Shoulder Complex Professional Development Course. I wouldn’t be able to support my clients at the level I do now without the insights I’ve gained from previous symposiums. The connections I’ve made and the knowledge I’ve acquired have propelled my Pilates career forward.”

Hilal using Resistance Band on the Mat

When applying what she learns, her approach is strategic. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge packed into these few days, especially for new instructors. My advice is to implement what you’ve learned gradually. I incorporate small bits of new techniques into my classes, and over time, they become a natural part of my teaching.”

Hilal also has key advice for participants: “Embrace the magical environment! Connect with other instructors, exchange ideas and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Even if the information feels overwhelming, trust that it will soon integrate into your practice and elevate your teaching.” She also suggests bringing a journal to capture valuable insights and takeaways.

The sessions she wishes every student would attend are the Total Barre® Endurance with Props 2 and STOTT PILATES Prenatal Pilates on the Split-Pedal Stability Chair workshops.

Colleen Brummer

Colleen Brummer is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor and the founder of ENERGY Pilates in the Cayman Islands with the mission to create a supportive environment where individuals can revitalize their bodies and minds through Pilates. With over 25 years of experience, Colleen is committed to continuous learning, regularly attending Merrithew symposiums and participating in workshops each year to master techniques in Matwork, apparatus and beyond.

Colleen Brummer assisting client on the Reformer

“Unlike many fitness events that focus broadly on trends, Merrithew symposiums are unique because they stay dedicated to the precision and depth of the Pilates method.”

Colleen is thrilled about the upcoming UK Symposium as she can’t wait to explore the latest advancements in Pilates, especially those that push boundaries while staying true to its core principles. With several Merrithew symposiums under her belt, she knows firsthand how these events consistently bring forward-thinking innovations and techniques that raise her expertise and greatly benefit her clients.

When asked how she plans to implement her newfound knowledge, Colleen explains, "I’m looking forward to refining my teaching approach, incorporating more nuanced cues and advanced movement patterns into both mat and apparatus work. I am excited to apply these insights to help post-rehab clients rebuild strength, improve mobility and address specific limitations."

Recalling her professional journey, Colleen credits the Merrithew Fascial Movement Foundation Course she took at a past symposium as a turning point in her career. "It was a mind-blowing experience that changed the way I understand the body, especially in relation to movement and Pilates. This holistic approach, focusing on connective tissues and fascia health, has been key to enhancing my post-rehab clients’ recovery."

Colleen instructing students on the Reformer

Her advice to fellow symposium attendees? “Engage in conversations, share experiences and learn from others. The enthusiasm at these events is contagious and connecting with Pilates professionals from all over the world sparks fresh ideas and approaches. Don’t hesitate to ask questions — the Merrithew Instructor Trainers are some of the best! Immerse yourself fully in the experience and embrace the unique sense of community.”

Colleen thinks the STOTT PILATES Programming Protocols for Breast Cancer Rehab Professional Development Course is a must-attend for every Pilates and mind-body enthusiast.

As highlighted by these instructors, Merrithew symposiums foster a vibrant and supportive community that inspires personal and professional growth. Whether you're a seasoned instructor or just starting your journey, the symposium is a space where new ideas flourish, valuable connections are made and attendees leave empowered to redefine their careers and improve the well-being of their clients. Don’t miss this chance to be part of this event that continues to shape the future of mindful movement. For registration details and to view our full schedule, click here.

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