I like to think of fun as a renewable resource because it's always in limitless supply. It is a frame of mind. If you ask some people if exercise is fun or if they think studying for an exam is fun, you will inevitably get different view points. As a Master Trainer, I serve as a mentor to our Teacher Trainers and I review the course evaluations from our students in order to find out what they have to say about their learning experience. I am always curious to discover the end result, which is ultimately the students’ overall experience. Our collective goal at Peak is to exceed our students’ expectations on every level. It’s a tall order, but for me it is also fun.
At the onset of developing the PPS Instructor Training program, Colleen, Zoey and I had a crystal clear vision of creating a unique Pilates educational experience that was compassionate, respectful of different learning styles, honored the stages of learning and most importantly, kept learning FUN. We built specific tools into the lesson plans to enable the trainer delivering the course to carry out our mission. From time to time, and lately a lot more often, we’ve received calls and letters from students which reminds us that the work we put into the PPS courses and the attention that we paid to our original intentions, has really made our program stand out. They share that the experience has not only made a difference in their lives, but also the lives of their clients. Their stories are gratifying to hear, and I both laugh and cry as victories, blunders and struggles are shared. I can always relate.
The Development Team at Peak Pilates constantly makes program improvements by paying close attention to feedback from our students as well as our trainers, which I believe is a testimony of Peak’s dedication to excellence. However, the commitment to excellence doesn’t end there.
What students in the courses don’t know is that what goes on behind the scenes to create an unforgettable learning experience. Great trainings don’t just happen and great trainers aren’t just born that way! Skills are cultivated, solutions are discovered, strengths are celebrated and built upon and areas of opportunity are made stronger with compassion and hard work. We take care to support our Teacher Trainer’s growth, improve their presenting and communication skills and give on-going mentoring, so that the Peak message continues to be unified and clear for our students all over the globe.
The pathway to become a Teacher Trainer is a long and on-going process. As a mentor, I am closely involved with trainer’s on-going development through video tape review of courses, regular communication via phone and email as well as annual meetings. Each trainer on the network has a designated coach, plus me or Zoey as their mentor. We all grow together and our message filters from the top at a corporate level down to the final experience of not only the teachers we educate through our courses, but to their clients as well. And so our Pilates family grows… now that’s what I call fun.
- Clare Dunphy, Peak Pilates Master Trainer