Instructor Spotlight: Sarah Watson

Sarah is a Pilates instructor at Total Fusion

1.     Tell us a little about yourself and your Pilates background

Hey, my name is Sarah Watson and I am Pilates instructor teaching out of Total Fusion Platinum (TFP) in Newstead. I have been teaching for 9 years now, teaching out of TFP since it first opened. I would say my friends would describe me as a very determined and a hard working person, but I also know how to have fun, which I think is important. 

2.     How did you discover Pilates?

I discovered Pilates from my mum. She was an instructor and I was curious about what Pilates was about, as I had never done it before and she seemed to enjoy it a lot. 

3. How do you keep learning?

I am constantly on different Pilates instructor pages, and different social media platforms, seeing what they are getting up to, and taking inspiration from flows that align with my style of teaching. I also get inspiration from different modalities of training, like Yoga and functional training. 

4.     The best advice you were ever given as a teacher…

To be your authentic self.

5.      Is there something you try and instil in each of your clients?

To just do what you can, it’s ok to take breaks and it’s ok if some days you come in and can’t do everything. The fact that they showed up, is going to get them further than staying at home. I want people to come in and feel like they accomplished something. It might be that they’re more comfortable doing planks on their knees - but they held a few seconds on their toes, and those small wins are what compound into real progress over time.

“I also love drawing inspiration from the amazing people I work with. Collaborating with peers - sharing ideas, exchanging perspectives, and learning from those with different areas of expertise - keeps me growing as both an instructor and a student of movement,” said Sarah.

6. The best Pilates course you ever did was…

I did my training through Studio Pilates 9 years ago, it wasn’t super extensive, but it gave me all the foundations I needed to build simple and effective classes which is still what I teach today. 

7. What’s your favourite piece of equipment to use with clients in studio and why?

I love using the Reformer, you get that balance of matwork and resistance all in one. 

8. How do you stay motivated?

I stick to my plan and not my mood.

9. What makes you laugh the most?

Dad jokes.

10. What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?

Going to the beach and just laying by the ocean.

11. How many pairs of grip socks do you own?

I think I have about 25 pairs… Mostly all Club Martyn!

12. Does your family ‘really know’ what’s involved in your job? 

I don’t think anyone really knows what’s truly involved, until they do it for themselves. They definitely know I need to give a lot of energy, both physically and mentally and that I also have many super early mornings ha-ha.