This week we had the pleasure of chatting with the very witty, very vivacious Laura Turner. Laura completely The Pilates Center, Boulder’s Advanced Teacher Training Program in Dubai before returning to her homeland, Scotland and opening “Turn Pilates” – the very first classical Pilates studio in Glasgow! Laura discovered Pilates after a back injury, experienced a few strange classes, then stumbled upon Club Stretch – a TPC Licenced Studio – where she fell in love with TPC and the classical Pilates method.
Hi Laura, how are you today?
Hi Amanda, I’m good thank you. I had this morning off, Wednesday mornings tend to be quiet in my studio and a lie in is greatly appreciated! I’m trying to be more mindful at the moment so I don’t get stressed with studio admin (and trying to find a house) so I downloaded a walking meditation and went for very long walk, a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
Where are you and what are you up to right now?
After 15 years away, I moved back to Scotland two years ago to set up my studio.
How did you find out about TPC?
I’m going to say by pure luck! Before I moved to Dubai I fell down some stairs and hurt my back. I was in a lot of pain, but it subsided in a few days. Over time, I kept having ‘episodes’ with my back, each time the pain lasted longer. By the time I moved to Dubai, the pain was like clockwork every quarter, and I was suffering Sciatica. I used to be an accountant, and one day, just before Xmas, my boss took me to his doctor. I had an MRI and it showed a herniated disc.
That was the start of Physio. I tried loads of physios until I found one I connected with. I also dabbled with mat Pilates classes, but found it really slow and boring.
At work, I was sitting at a desk for longer and longer hours and the pain was becoming chronic. I stopped running and was probably depressed. I couldn’t walk or stand for more than 10-15 minutes, and simple things like brushing my teeth, getting into the shower, cooking, putting washing on became more and more difficult.
I’d had enough, I felt like I couldn’t go on and I was only 33! I returned to Scotland and saw a surgeon who explained surgery would be very invasive, carried risks and that I’d have to do a lot of work to get strong afterwards.
I had reached the point where things REALLY had to change. My mindset changed, I worked with my physio, 2/3 times a week – I owe her a great deal – and I did my exercises twice a day no matter what. Within 6 months I was much better and much stronger.
Then my physio became poorly and said to try Pilates.
I did a class before finding Club Stretch, which was with balls and partners. I hated it! I had left the office to zone out and help my back; I didn’t want to do partner Pilates!
A colleague had a friend who was a Pilates Teacher at Club Stretch, a TPC Licenced Studio in Dubai, and so I went for a private.
My eyes were opened. This was Pilates like I’d never done before and I knew it would make me strong. I asked how I could do the training, even though I had no intention of teaching full time initially.
What was your reason for choosing to train with TPC?
I had never been 100% happy as an accountant and had been seeking another career for years so researched Pilates training in Dubai. I found a studio, printed out information and threw it in my bedside drawer – I never thought I’d actually be able to do the training because of my injury.
But after that lesson at Club Stretch, I became inspired and went looking for the info I’d printed and it turned out it was information about TPC’s Teacher Training at Club Stretch. It was a sign!
Why do you think TPC is the best option for people wanting to become Pilates teachers?
I believe the course Amy and Rachel have created is faultless. It’s so thorough. I remember my mentor telling me, ‘trust the method’ – I kinda knew what she meant, but now I really know. Since moving back to Scotland and finding out about other programs, I see how well I have been trained. It takes 12-18 months for the method to become fixed in your brain and body. You need this time and all the practical’s, examinations, case studies, symposiums and monitored hours for the method to be ingrained in you for life.
What was / is your favorite things about TPC’s teacher training program?
The comprehensive nature of TPC’s Program – Pilates is a linked system and you cannot learn the equipment piecemeal. Also, I love to learn and take notes so TPC’s handbooks are an awesome support that I’ll use forever.
I’ve found a beautiful similarity/quality in teachers from TPC too, a sense of cheerleading. I’ve noticed this doesn’t always exist in other Pilates teaching schools. There’s a really similar style of teaching that seems to have filtered down to all graduates and I think that’s an amazing accomplishment by Rachel and Amy.
I was very lucky to train in a Licensed Training Studio where I received great support from other trainees and the teachers, and the lectures were invaluable. Also, my Case Study became a great friend and it was amazing to see her body change over time.
Reflecting on my journey over the years, I really appreciate the diaries we were required to keep. We forget, sometimes, how far we’ve come and the diaries have been an important reminder for me.
What do you think your experience at TPC has given you most?
I think it’s been the most empowering thing I have ever done. First, I fixed myself with Pilates and now I’m pain free!
I’ve met the most wonderful people from all over the world – friends, support, mentors and teachers. I even met a Scottish lady at TPC in Boulder who helped me set up my own business!
And, I OWN MY OWN BUSINESS!! I do a job I love to do every day, I help people and those people thank me for changing their bodies and their lives. I still work really hard, but no one ever thanked me for doing a spreadsheet when I was an accountant! Teaching Pilates is so rewarding and I am so much happier.
What would you say to someone who is considering training with TPC?
DO IT! You’ll not find a Program so thorough and professional.