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Pilates Unfiltered

With an emphasis of supporting Pilates Professionals in 2024, Jenna Zaffino presents episode topics that marry practical business advice with real-world applications for the Pilates profession. Hungry for insider conversations? Listen to past interview episodes that explore human-related topics in the Pilates profession.
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Now displaying: November, 2023
Nov 30, 2023

In this episode of Pilates Unfiltered, Jenna Zaffino explores the theme of "The Rupture & Repair" within the Pilates industry. She delves into the challenges of rebuilding trust and addressing ruptures that occur in professional relationships, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging implicit bias and creating psychological safety in the workplace. Jenna discusses the impact of leadership dynamics and the shift in focus within the Pilates profession, while also sharing personal struggles and experiences. Listeners can expect to gain insight into fostering positive team dynamics and problem-solving cultures, as well as reflections on the community and profession of Pilates.

 

Links: 

Jenna's Website - Special Programs

You're Doing A Great Job Book

Key Themes: 

  1. Power Dynamics: Recognizing "power over" versus "power with."
  2. Trust and Autonomy: Fostering a culture of respect. 
  3. Rupture and Repair: Addressing betrayal and rebuilding relationships.
  4. Conflict Resolution: Advocating for a progressive approach.
  5. Psychological Safety: Creating an environment for open communication.
  6. Leadership Challenges: Critiquing the current Pilates profession culture.
  7. Ethical Standards: Advocating for organizational guidance and support.

 

Timestamps: 

 

[00:00-02:30] Introduction: Jenna introduces the episode, discussing the theme of rupture and repair within the Pilates industry. She expresses gratitude for the listeners' support and stays loyal to the show over the past almost 10 years. 
 
[02:31-08:45] The Importance of Acknowledging Ruptures: Jenna discusses the challenge of repairing ruptures and addressing implicit bias in the Pilates profession. The need for psychological safety in the workplace and effective leadership is also highlighted. 
 
[08:46-13:20] Understanding Power Dynamics: The speaker talks about the concept of "power over" versus "power with" or "power to," and the challenges of forming new bonds of trust after a negative experience in the Pilates profession. The importance of creating an environment where employees feel safe to speak up is emphasized.
 
[13:21-18:50] The Impact of Betrayal and Rebuilding Trust: Jenna discusses the anxious attachment to the Pilates method and the leaders within the method, and how inadequacy can lead to a sense of betrayal and difficulty in forming new relationships and trust. The choices individuals make, such as opening small, intimate studios or resigning themselves to teaching in quiet spaces, are acknowledged.
 
[18:51-22:15] Critique of Pilates Culture: Jenna criticizes the ability for the Pilates profession to handle interpersonal ruptures and advocates for a more progressive approach to conflict resolution. She expresses dissatisfaction with the limited impact of one-liner statements in today's culture and advocates for taking concrete next steps toward improvement.
 
[22:16-26:45] Building a Positive Team Dynamic: Jenna shares personal struggles with trust and rebuilding relationships, emphasizing the importance of a problem-solving culture in creating engagement and loyalty in a community or work environment. The impact of corporate culture on navigating difficult situations is discussed, urging listeners to share their thoughts and expand the community.
 
[26:46-30:00] Conclusion and Self-Care: Jenna wraps up the episode by expressing appreciation for the audience and urging self-care and building strong bonds within immediate communities. She also promotes her book, "You're Doing a Great Job: The Movement Teacher's Guide to Fearless Teaching," available in print on Amazon and as a digital download on her website.
 
 

 

 

Nov 16, 2023

In this episode of JZ Unfiltered, we explore the concept of determining what is considered "good enough" in various contexts, such as business performance and teaching Pilates. Jenna delves into the importance of setting one's own Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and shares personal experiences with tech startups and developing Pilates classes.

As part of her continued Reddit Q&A, Jenna also provides step-by-step instructions for performing the side plank exercise and emphasizes the value of creative exploration. Listeners are reminded to stay focused, avoid comparison, and make adjustments based on analysis and feedback. Additionally, Jenna discusses her book for movement teachers and offers a variety of resources and discounts for upcoming Black Friday sale. 

 

Links: 

Black Friday Sale

You're Doing A Great Job Book

Link to Memberspace For Squarespace Websites

Visit the Pilates Subreddit

 

18:28 KPIs: Logical metrics for success, self-determined.

20:49 Identify what you're working on. Reflect as a consumer.

24:43 Squarespace and MemberSpace offer affordable website services.

27:36 Survey feedback informs adjustments for better experience.

32:24 Plan, focus, gather information, determine goals.

35:49 Be cautious of copying others' methods.

39:14 Side Plank is a lat exercise, not core.

43:04 Press, lift, hover hips, width of cheese. Keep alignment. Lower down.

45:09 Upside plank on knees with hip tilts.

50:18 Teaching formula: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP - make the exercises theirs.

51:34 Grateful for tuning in, be back soon.

Nov 9, 2023

In this "pearl-clutching" episode of Pilates Unfiltered, we dive into a range of intriguing topics related to Pilates and the challenges faced by instructors and practitioners alike. From the struggle to find online resources for body anatomy conditions to the influence of social media platforms on the duration of Pilates classes, we navigate through insightful conversations and expert recommendations. Join us as we explore the benefits of classical Pilates, discuss teaching methodologies, and tackle the question of whether classical instructors have it easier. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you discover valuable insights in this unfiltered exploration of the Pilates world!

Key Takeaways:

  1. Online resources for body osteporosis & bone health: Jenna recommends checking out Rebecca Rotstein with Buff Bones and Scoliopilates Other resources include Suzanne Martin and Sherri Betz. 
  2. Pilates Anytime Membership: A great membership site for specialized Pilates programming. Listeners can use a discount code ZAFFINO for 30 days free
  3. The challenge of shorter attention spans: The influence of platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram has led to shorter Pilates classes. However, effective workouts can still be achieved in 45 minutes.
  4. Catering to individuals with osteoporosis: Many Pilates instructors are cautious about catering to individuals with osteoporosis, but there are plenty of safe and effective exercises for people with osteoporosis.

Visit Jenna's Website

Order my book on Amazon

Visit the Pilates Subreddit

 

 

📚 Timestamped overview
 

[00:02:23] Feeling exhausted, wanted to give up.

[00:04:41] Empathy for healthcare workers, decompressing after work.

[00:09:00] Distractions hinder focus, coaching helps regain it.

[00:13:02] Completing stress cycles, nervous system, sleep, emotions, gut health, adrenal support, mindfulness, energy.

[00:17:02] Do classical Pilates instructors spend less time on class prep?

[00:18:56] Some classical aspects in Fletcher Pilates training.

[00:22:35] Effective teaching requires synthesis, meeting individual needs.

[00:27:49] Experiencing back support and balance with bolster.

[00:30:27] Destination not the goal, scenes along the way.

[00:35:24] Sinaki & Michelson Study

[00:36:32] Seeking gentle Pilates programs for osteoporosis spine.

[00:40:56] Study Results

[00:44:39] Prevent accidents, promote strength, improve posture.

[00:47:36] Flexibility in expectations, offering space and support. Teaching specialized classes for specific conditions. Understanding ground reaction force for safe exercises.

[00:51:26] Hard to expect understanding without obsession, resources available.

[00:54:00] Pilates Anytime: Get valuable information on a budget.

[00:55:45] email you questions to coachjz@jennazaffino.com

Nov 2, 2023

In this episode, we explore the challenges faced by students and instructors alike, and discuss valuable insights on creating a positive and empowering learning environment.  Thanks to the Pilates subreddit for encouraging me to answer some questions in the forum.  See the links below to join over 90k Pilates enthusiasts! 

Here are your three key takeaways:

1️⃣ Student Centered Learning: We discuss the power of embracing a student-centered approach in movement teaching. By actively listening to our students and adapting our methods to meet their unique needs, we can foster an environment that encourages growth and success.

2️⃣ Embracing Discomfort: We explore the idea that discomfort and anger can be catalysts for change and personal growth. In Pilates, challenging ourselves and pushing beyond our comfort zones can lead to incredible discoveries about our bodies and minds. Let's lean into those uncomfortable moments and uncover the reasons behind our movements.

3️⃣ Personalization and Progress: Speaker A highlights the importance of making Pilates our own and personalizing our practice. Whether it's modifying exercises, experimenting with non-traditional movement patterns, or using props, finding what works for us leads to a more satisfying and enjoyable Pilates experience. Plus, tracking our progress along the way helps us stay motivated and inspired.

 

Visit Jenna's Website

Order my book on Amazon

Time stamps:

[00:01:40] Self-published book about niche movement teaching.

[00:05:55] Disappointment, dental drill, fainting, coping strategies.

[00:07:59] Difficult conversations prompted me to set boundaries.

[00:11:21] Move with ease between emotions, adapt, self-regulate.

[00:16:03] Supporting nervous system, emotions, moods, gut, adrenals. Establishing self-care routines.

[00:18:56] Powerful conversation on impact of students.

[00:20:57] Struggling to breathe slowly during exercise.

[00:24:33] Benefit of breath control in class.

[00:26:47] Slowing down can help with motivation. Be compassionate, consider different perspectives.

[00:31:59] Unexpected subject-centered experiences can cause anxiety.

[00:35:52] Acknowledging discomfort and anger, embracing challenge.

[00:37:14] Challenged, angry, growth as teachers, questioning.

[00:41:38] Mister Big and Pilates don't understand each other.

[00:46:23] Engage in dialogue, make satisfying choices, have fun.

[00:47:32] Hope you enjoyed, more episodes coming soon.

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