Instructor Spotlight: Sarah Cooper

We speak with Pilates Instructor Sarah Cooper about her Pilates career to date.

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

I am Sarah! I am 26 and have always grown up in Sydney. I teach in some of my favourite studios in Sydney including BodyLove, Total Tone, Peaches and Body By Berner, all of which I am lucky enough to have made amazing friends there. I have been teaching for almost five years now and while I have done both my pilates and reformer certifications I’m very much a dedicated mat girly. When I am not teaching I am also a clinical nutritionist and recipe developer so I’m either seeing clients or doing some yummy, healthy cooking in the kitchen!

2.     How did you discover Pilates?

I discovered pilates when I was about 14 years on old YouTube on a channel that I am sure some people would be familiar with called blogilates. She would do fun pilates song challenges and I fell in love with them and would do them in my living room and with my friends. I did this for a few years and then started going to Lean Bean Fitness in Bondi when I was about 18. It was where I first started doing proper pilates classes which then inspired me to get my certification!

3. How do you keep learning?

I feel like my inspiration comes when constantly going to a variety of classes! Of course, I have my favourite instructors who I feel are similar to me in their style, but I try and get to different studios as every place has its own vibe and I feel like cueing and flows are hard to change up if you are only experiencing the same things all the time. Of course, Instagram helps but I feel like doing it in your own body in a class is more helpful. I also love using some online platforms like Alo moves and TF studio. Of course, all the girls I work with inspire me every day especially the girls at Total Tone in Sydney’s Eastern Beaches who I used to work with and now own this amazing studio!

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

The best advice I got was to accept that not everyone will like you and that is ok! Instead of trying to make everyone like your classes, figure out your own style and you will attract people who are after that class. There is a reason why there are so many styles, varieties and instructors because everyone has a certain way they want to move that is not always reflective of you as a teacher but more from the client in how they want to move!

I think also being curious about learning and always being open to feedback and growth is also important. Once you stop being curious you lose the motivation to be creative and there is always room to improve! Constantly being aware of how you can integrate creativity through movements, flows, cues, language and music can make the biggest difference to a class and your clients!

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

I think focusing on moving to feel good, to push, feel stronger and amazed in what they can do rather than focusing on aesthetics is key for me. I really try not to cue or make comments around how it will make you look but to show them that movement has so many other amazing benefits for the body and the mind.


6. The best Pilates course you ever did was…

Body Love Academy in Sydney, Australia! As one of the first studios I ever worked for, owner Ali Handley and Pilates Educator Sophie Moschos are an absolute WEALTH of knowledge! I learn from them every day and their courses are seriously incredible I could not recommend them more.

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

I love the pilates ball!! I just feel like you can do so much with it, especially so many core variations and side lying oblique work that burns so much but are so good for you! It is so easy to flow with and also is an easy prop to travel with, I always take it on holidays!

8. How do you stay motivated?

I think finding habits that are sustainable is so important and for me, exercise is like brushing my teeth. I do it every day without thinking about it because it is just part of my life and routine. For me, it helps clear my mind and anxiety SO much so is such an important part of looking after my mental health. I also love a challenge and love feeling myself improve and get stronger! Going to classes and running or working out with friends also helps me stay motivated.

 9. What makes you laugh the most?

My friends!! Their spirit, energy and hilarious comments never fail to put a smile on my face.

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

Going to class, an ocean swim and a coffee with the dog!

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

Haha as a mat girl probably not enough!! I might own two to three pairs, were you expecting more? And I loveee a band! You can't go wrong. It provides a deeper burn but also offers a good deep stretch too.

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

More or less. I have dragged them to a few classes and got them to do some classes on holidays so I think they have a bit of an idea. Who knows what they think though? Maybe a good dinner conversation starter for tonight.

Sarah works for BodyLove, Total Tone, Peaches and Body By Berner in Sydney, Australia and can be found here.