Instructor Spotlight: Ben Stott
Scott is a Pilates instructor at Psycle and Power PIlates UK
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your Pilates background.
My name is Ben, I live in London where I work at two studios teaching group classes and I run teacher training programs and CPD workshops all over the UK. I started my Pilates journey in 2016 and have since worked with a variety of studios/company’s. I asked my best mate how they would describe me and they said “Brave and inspired.” And before you ask, no I didn’t pay them to say that!
2. How did you discover Pilates?
By doing it myself. I couldn’t find anything that I enjoyed that would make my body stronger and in the long term healthier, someone recommended Pilates and I’ve never looked back. For me the concentration and connection to how and why you are moving your body allowed the practice to become my therapy both physically and mentally.
3. How do you keep learning?
I think it’s important to keep exploring, go to different studios, different teachers, different styles of classes, learn from all the excellent peers we have in this industry. Also I put the time in, I spend hours and hours practicing myself, playing with repertoire. I started working with Korin Nolan in 2019 and she has been a huge influence on me.
4. The best advice you were ever given as a teacher?
Not everyone is going to connect with your work and THAT IS OK! You will find your tribe, keep doing what makes you passionate about the practice.
5. Is there something you try and instil in each of your clients?
Commitment, consistency and JOY!
6. The best Pilates course you ever did was?
I loved my Active IQ Level 3 in Education and Training course, I know we all feel as Pilates instructors like educators but this course really advanced that part of my skill set.
7. What’s your favourite piece of equipment to use with clients in studio and why?
Don’t make me choose! A parent mustn’t have favourites!!! OK, I’ll say reformer, it wins for me as there are many variables that make a class truly inclusive, but I think the reformer is universally the most successful at that.
8. How do you stay motivated?
My clients keep me motivated. Their journey never ends, what they need, what they must improve on. The better they get the better I have to be.
9. What makes you laugh the most?
The people I love, my husband, my friends, my family. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by silly, glorious people.
10. What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
Taking my dog for an adventure, a long walk somewhere that we can enjoy the outside and just explore.
11. How many pairs of grip socks do you own? ? Do you love or hate a stretch band?
I own…hold on I’m going to count them….I own 64 pairs of grip socks. I’m gonna speak to a therapist about it! I love a stretch band, I don't use them very often to be honest.
12. Does your family ‘really know’ what’s involved in your job?
They haven’t a clue, they think I’m either a yoga teacher or they think I’m secretly an MI5 agent. I’ve told them my actual job is harder than either of those things!!!