Classical Mat Graduate – Jodie Fast
Jodie Fast, owner of Reform and Glow, recently graduated from our Classical Mat Course. We wanted to share her story and how Exhale has changed how she teaches and guides clients in her studio.
I have always loved Pilates, and whilst I trained and worked as a professional dancer and also Personal Trainer, movement, technique and helping others feel stronger in their bodies has always been at the heart of what I love to do. I feel that this naturally led me to open my own studio and now I get to share that with hundreds of people every week.
What made you choose Exhale’s Classical Mat course over other options out there?
I chose Exhale because of its outstanding reputation, both as a training school and for the quality of its instructors. I was retraining in Mat Pilates and, having never fully immersed myself in the classical system before, it was really important to find an educator that focused solely on classical Pilates and taught it as closely as possible to the way Joseph Pilates originally intended.
What did you expect going in, and how was it different than you thought?
I expected to gain a deeper understanding of the original classical system and to leave with more knowledge of the exercises and their purpose. While I definitely got that, what surprised me most was how much it improved my teaching as a whole. It wasn’t just about learning the repertoire, it completely changed the way I observe movement, communicate with clients, and structure my classes. I came away feeling like a much more confident, knowledgeable and effective instructor, which was something I hadn’t anticipated.
How would you describe the level of detail and rigour to someone who’s never done a teacher training before?
The level of detail is incredible. Every exercise is broken down so you don’t just learn what to teach, but the why behind it, who it’s appropriate for, and how to adapt it to suit different bodies. The course is definitely thorough and challenges you, but you’re supported every step of the way. It gives you a real understanding of the method, which builds confidence and prepares you to teach with purpose rather than just following a sequence.
Which exercise or concept took the most work to master — and how did the teaching get you there?
Open leg rocker was definitely one that took the most work for me to master. It’s an exercise that requires a lot of control, balance and understanding of the movement. Continuing to take classes online after completing the training really helped me refine my own practice, and then teaching it to clients gave me an even deeper understanding of how to break the movement down, offer different regressions/progressions and help people build confidence steadily.
How has the training changed the way you move, teach, or see Pilates day to day?
The training has completely changed the way I see and teach Pilates. I now have a much deeper understanding of the purpose behind every exercise, how each movement connects, and why the order of the system is so important. It has made me much more intentional in my teaching, focusing on quality of movement rather than simply getting through a routine. It has also changed the way I move myself, I have a greater appreciation for the fundamentals and the power of doing the basics really well. Every class I teach now is influenced by what I learned on the course, and I know both my clients and I have benefited from it.
Describe the course in three words.
Challenging, supportive and inspiring.
What’s the first thing you’d tell a friend who’s thinking about signing up?
Get ready to work hard, but also enjoy the journey. The course challenges you in the best possible way, pushing you to grow, learn and develop a much deeper understanding of Pilates. It will change the way you move, teach and appreciate the method as a whole.
What are you doing now with your qualification?
I’m now introducing Mat Pilates to my studio and I’m really excited to share the classical system with my clients. Having gained such a deeper understanding of the method, I’m looking forward to bringing that knowledge into my teaching and helping others experience the benefits of Pilates in the way it was originally intended.
What would you say to someone on the fence about applying?
Do it! You will gain so much more than just another qualification. The depth of knowledge, understanding and confidence you develop throughout the course is invaluable, and it will completely transform the way you approach Pilates and teaching. It is challenging, but you are supported every step of the way by the team at Exhale, and the investment in yourself, your practice and your clients is absolutely worth it.
Inspired by Jodie’s story? Find out more about Exhale’s Classical Mat Teacher Training and take the first step towards a career you’ll love. Book a discovery call here
