Philip Ward
This week we chat with trained actor and The Pilates Center, Boulder graduate Phil Ward. Phil, together with partner Elaine, owns The Pilates Quarter, a busy little studio minutes from the infamous Assembly Rooms in Bath.
Hi Phil, how are you today?
I’m a bit tired today as I was catching up with an old friend until late last night.
Where are you and what are you up to right now?
I’m sitting in my garden enjoying the evening, summer sun.
How did you find out about TPC?
My partner Elaine was introduced to TPC while working in London for a year. When she returned to New Zealand she was so inspired, she said, “We must do the training”.
What was your reason for choosing to train with TPC?
I was attracted by several things: the impact of TPC work on my body, which felt great and was extremely challenging and I had seen videos of Amy and Rachel on Pilates Anytime and enjoyed their way of working and speaking about Pilates. Also, I wanted a comprehensive training in classical Pilates that was highly respected.
Did you look at other schools?
No I was already a teacher through Polestar, but our friend Lucinda was running the UK course and encouraged me to do TPC’s Advanced Teacher Training Program.
What was it about TPC that made it stand out from the other Pilates training schools you looked at and why do you think TPC is the best option for people wanting to become Pilates teachers?
The 950 hours and comprehensive nature of TPC’s Advanced Teacher Training Program, which looked at training my body as well as requiring me to learn the work. I felt by the end I would definitely have earned my diploma!
What was / is your favourite things about TPC, Boulder’s teacher training program?
It was really challenging getting my body ready to do the advanced work – especially as I had no dance background. At the same time it was immensely satisfying when I could do things that previously felt impossible.
Also, the reading list isn’t just anatomy and Pilates books, there are books like Zen & The Art of Archery and The Inner Game of Tennis which have philosophical and psychological ideas. These books inspired me to approach my teaching and reflect on my teaching in a different way. I feel I work at a deeper level with my and my clients’ bodies and can get them to find great connections and lasting change since training with TPC.
What do you think your experience at TPC has given you most?
The training gave me many things: A business and vocation, a deep and ongoing way of living and using my body, and it brought me into contact with some great friends who I can bounce questions off and party with!
What would you say to someone who is considering training with TPC?
Go on, dive in!