This past weekend, I took my Advanced Cadillac, Chair & Barrels course with the absolutely amazing Adriana Rotella. Adriana is a lead instructor trainer from the Stott Pilates International Training Center in Toronto and it was such an honor to learn from her!
Day 1 was all about the Cadillac and it definitely isn’t called an advanced course for nothing! The exercises are considerably harder/more complicated than the essential and intermediate levels, but they are also sooo much fun. For some reason, I’ve never really liked the expression ” on point,” but on point is the only way I can think of to adequately describe Adrianna’s teachings. She is very, very knowledgeable and I learned a lot in those two short days!
Day 2 consisted of the Stability Chair & Barrels. And boy is the advanced chair repertoire hard! No idea how Adrianna did everything so gracefully beacause I either needed to up the resistance or get assistance from someone (sometimes both) to do quite a bit of the exercises. Actually I know why, it’s because she’s crazy amazing and has been practicing and teaching pilates for more than a decade.
The Barrels were no piece of cake either. The flat back series makes you work super hard, and I lose all sense of direction when I’m upside down so trying to imprint in handstand was nearly impossible at first.
Every time I take a Pilates course I fall in love with Pilates all over again and this time was no exception. I feel so much more in tune with my body and am excited to put all this new knowledge I’ve learned to use.
Now that I’ve completed the level 1 & level 2 courses, I need to start preparing for the exam, yikes! Not so confident with my knowledge of anatomy or teaching skills yet, but I’ve still got some months to go till my September test date. Fingers crossed.
Adriana says
Wow! Thanks for the amazing shout out Shawn! I love what I do because of incredible students like you who put their hearts into Pilates!! Xo
Shawn says
Thank you so much Adriana! Look forward to learning from you again!