Before hosting the class, there was a lot to do. My first task was locking down a location. Due to my impending move to LA, I had short of two weeks to plan everything. Because of the time limit, it was impossible to book what I initially had in mind, a hotel rooftop with city and ocean views. It would have been the perfect venue but then I had this idea pop into my mind. There is a local park in the middle of the common Miami, Brickell, Downtown area, called Margaret Pace Park. The park is dreamy, it’s everything I wanted from the initial venue idea, but in a park. It provides ethereal vibes, with an overwhelming sense of calmness that I wanted for my class.
Photo: Miami and Beaches
Margaret Pace Park is a beautiful outdoor park in Edgewater Miami facing the Biscayne Bay. I scoped out this park and made sure it was ideal and would truly fit my vision. If it wasn’t what I had imagined, I did not want it. Once I have an idea I run with it, and very few times do I change my vision. It was indeed close to what I had planned. I couldn’t believe how blessed I was with that location. It was one thing off the list.
Next on the list was finding sponsors for the class. I wanted to curate something that would inspire clients and also treat them. I reached out to companies and was able to get Topo Chico and a local liquid IV company to sponser my class. Unfortunately, last minute the IV person couldn’t make it, but luckily, Topo Chico had provided their services. They are amazing and they were able to get me enough product in time. Sponsors and venues need to be confirmed at least one month in advanced, so I was very grateful that they worked with the timing of my event.
Once the sponser was confirmed it was time to create an e-invite. I looked online and couldn’t find a template that called my attention so I decided to create my own. My vision for the e-invite was sharp, clean, and simple; basically all of the things that I like. I then created an event on Eventbrite and shared the link with friends and promoted it on my socials. This is the end result.
The event was almost booked out in just a few days, I couldn’t believe it! This always happens, people book and don’t always commit, so knowing that helped me to not be so nervous the day of the event. Once the logistics of the class were planned, it was time to start planning the class itself.
Something that really spoke to me while planning my class was to create it in a way that embodies who I am. The idea was to make it my own thing and tailor it to what I believe were the best movements for that event, personal practices, and a final moment of slowness. I wanted to show others what habits work for me and how it could help them. I set the intention for the class, which was “Meet yourself where you’re at”, then I sat in preparation and prayed about what I wanted to teach. See, pilates isn’t just about teaching people to move their bodies and nurture it, but rather, you can use the space to project intentionality and send a message.
Aside from the intention, other things that helped me tailor my class to who I am was the playlist and juice shots; I carefully curated both to bring the experience full circle. I sat and made a playlist based on the theme and on songs that make me feel good when I work out. I had fun with it and added mashups of songs that create a tempo to match the pace. It was fun, upbeat, and centered. Very empowering, and again, freeing, with a hint of sexy.
I bought bpa-free, reusable bottles to make the shots, and the recipe was based off of things I do myself at home on a daily basis. What better way to show others what works for me than to bring those elements to my class? I also made the playlist tailored to my teaching style and the vibes that went with my intention. You can find that playlist here.
The night before, I printed the labels for the shots and purchased the necessary ingredients. My best friend was so gracious to help me. I showed her how I make them and she made all of them for me while I went over the playlist and practiced. It was funny because it was my first time using a headset with such a loud speaker. Luckily, I got used to it quickly. I timed the music with my lesson plan, and to my surprise, it flowed together so well. Everything was lining up. Once the two were done I could finally see my vision coming to life. I was thrilled!
That night, between prepping and the nerves, I went to bed about five hours before I had to wake up. I woke up two hours before the time we had to leave and I went over my lesson a few times. Once we were ready, my best friend made us coffee and we were off!
My brother and a few friends helped set up. He got there early to test the drone and prepare. I was blessed enough to have a friend with a great drone and it captured the essence of the event well. To prepare, we set up the coolers with the Topo Chico, the shots, and tested the audio. Once everyone arrived we started the class.
While there were some technical difficulties with the headset, and my phone overheating at the end of the lesson, it went fantastic. Once I started, everything flowed. I couldn’t believe how natural everything came to me. Everyone taking the class was fairly new to pilates so I definitely kicked their butt. It was exciting.
During the class a couple of friends came to support. My friend Nat came with her baby in stroller and helped set up. She also brought her friend who had been wanting try pilates. Rachel, another of my friends, came by and cheered me on mid class with her dog. I was not expecting it, it was a nice surprise.
It was such a beautiful opportunity to be able to share my knowledge and show people how to move their bodies in ways that benefit them. One thing I’m so passionate about is helping others better themselves and be their healthiest self. Teaching something like pilates is monumental because you get to educate people on form and new ways to move. The smaller and more controlled the movement, the better it is, and I believe this is something people overlook. A common misconception when it comes to working out and movement is that bigger motions are better, but they’re not.
Another really great thing about teaching was seeing people get out of their comfort zone and try something new, as well as waking up early to come to a class. The class was on a Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m., in the hot sun. Granted that it was the weekend and everyone usually has a busy schedule after a long week of work, it was quite the accomplishment. Once we were out there it felt so great to move, the sun made the workout all the more challenging.
If you’ve ever wanted to try pilates, I encourage you to do so. Pilates is really something you can incorporate in your everyday workout, or weight training. It helps everyone, and it is not limited to women. I actually encourage men to try it. As a personal trainer, I incorporate movements into their workouts because it helps tone and lengthen. Mobility and flexibility are also other key factors to the practice; the two play a huge role in coordination. Coordination is essential, not only while training, but in your daily life.
Meet yourself where you’re at. Many times in life we wish we had more to be where we want to or to do what we want, but everything that you need is already inside of you. You have all of the necessary tools for “now”. As humans we think ahead to the future, but all you have is now. You have all that you need right now, use it. Don’t make excuses, get out of your comfort zone… try a pilates class!
XX,
Keren Nicole