Eve Fairbairn
Level 1 Member, ME Pilates & Trinity Pilates, Hampton VIC,
Instructor Name: Eve Fairbairn
Studio(s) you work at: ME Pilates & Trinity Pilates
Location: Hampton, Victoria
Instructor training: Authentic Pilates Education International & Peak Pilates
PAA Level: Full membership level 1
What originally motivated you to try Pilates and then go on to train as an instructor?
I was introduced to Pilates as a child in my dance classes. When I moved to Melbourne, my Pilates instructors suggested that I should become an instructor. I guess they saw something in me that I had not discovered yet. It was the best suggestion that I ever received and I am so glad I decided to give it a go. I never looked back.
What did you eat for breakfast?
Homemade green smoothie
In one word, describe your first Pilates experience?
Hundred
What impact has the recent COVID-19 virus had on your world?
Well it feels like it all happened so quickly within a day notice we had to homeschool and work from home. Suddenly we were all home and had to stay put. I welcomed the first lockdown, it allowed me to slow down and reassess things. It also meant that we got to spend lots of family time which was great. I had to cancel our planned trip to Canada in December to visit my family, have a white Christmas with the kids and our ski trip. I decided to focus on the positive over 2020 and made the most of what I could. I utilised the time to do as much personal development as I could. I also started operating under my own business and I now have a mini studio at home. Lots of good things happened in 2020 and I am very grateful for it as it was definitely not the case for all.
How have you handled your Pilates teaching with COVID-19, any advice to other teachers?
I quickly moved everything to virtual and adjusted as I went along. I was very lucky the majority of my clients were happy to go online and we supported each other over the period. It became a virtual community and it gave us all something to look forward to. It was quite incredible. Don’t fear, give it a go! When we over analyse things we often manage to talk ourselves out of something or create obstacles that are often not as big I we visualise them in our mind. Always move forward.
What’s the best thing about your job?
My amazing clients, the trust they have in me and all the incredible people I have met both clients and colleagues. Teaching Pilates has my back, even if I am having a bad day, once I immerse myself in teaching my day is immediately improving. I also really like that my work involves movement.
Your ‘go to’ website for all things Pilates (other than PAA)?
The best advice you’ve ever had?
Be brave, don’t worry about what the others are doing, follow your heart and be true to yourself.
An indulgence you can’t live without?
Pure Canadian Maple Syrup (preferably from Quebec), it’s the best
How long have you been a member of PAA and how did you hear about PAA?
2 years
Do you have a motto?
Where my heart is
What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
Accepting rejection, that sometimes a client might just drop out. It isn’t because I have done anything wrong, learning not to take it personally and also not to take on others problems. Creating my personal/professional boundaries.
How do you use PAA?
To have access to industry updates, articles, webinar or workshops. I am also a new committee member.
Who is your Pilates idol or would love to meet, and why?
I would not call anyone my idol but I have Pilates personalities that I admire for different reasons.
I am lucky I met them all, some in person and some via Zoom. In no specific order and to name just a few, Benjamin Degenhardt, Sandy Shimoda, Gloria Gasperi, Miguel Silva, Chris Robinson, and Jay Grimes (there are more). I also really admire Juliana Lopez Casares who started The Pilates Link. She has done such an amazing job at bringing the international Pilates community together and managed to organise workshops and sessions with incredible instructors making it accessible to all.
What do you appreciate most about your body?
Its ability to move.
The book you’re currently reading?
I always have at least 2 books on the go and usually one in French and one in English. However, I am currently reading 2 in English at the moment.
All the light we cannot see by Anthony Doerr
Love all around, The Romana Kryzanowska Biography by Cathy Strack
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