Meet Studio BE Pilates Instructor Alia Staples
Meet Studio BE Pilates instructor Alia Staples. Alia grew up in Doha, Qatar where she attended an American high school before moving back to the United States for college. She attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate degrees and The University of Central Florida for her MBA.
Alia moved back to Virginia this summer after living in Orlando, Florida with her husband for the past six years. Orlando was where Alia fell in love with Pilates and decided to become a Certified Authentic Pilates Instructor and pursue teaching as a permanent career. Alia enjoys all forms of exercise, has a 3.5 pound Chihuahua and loves to sing!
Studio BE: What are your strengths as a Pilates instructor?
Alia: I try my best to challenge my students and push them to try things outside of their comfort zone. I like to think that my clients leave feeling that they’ve done something different from their previous session and accomplished something new.
There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing a client have one of those “ah-ha” moments when they’ve finally figured out how an exercise should feel after months of practicing it. I believe one of my strengths is helping my students experience those moments by varying my explanations and approaches to teaching the method, whether it’s through integration of tactile feedback or the addition of a new visual cue or physical tool.
Studio BE: Describe how you view the teacher/student relationship and the role each plays in Pilates.
Alia: The teacher/student relationship is an interdependent relationship. Neither party can properly do their job without the full participation from the other. I learn the most from my clients who come in ready to focus and engage fully in their session.
Communication and feedback are important in the teacher/student relationship. Whether a student’s body is telling me something, or they tell me information verbally, being receptive to what’s happening in their bodies is an integral part of teaching effectively. As a student, it’s important to be fully engaged with your instructor to get the most out of your session.
Studio BE: Joseph Pilates described Pilates as the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Could you expand on the role the mind play in Pilates?
Alia: Simply put, Pilates begins with the mind. Anyone can jump on an elliptical, turn on a TV, and tune out during their obligatory 45 minutes of cardio. Pilates is different and requires more from its participants. Without total mental and spiritual focus, Pilates exercises can only be performed at a fraction of their effectiveness.
For example, the hallmark “scoop” of the naval to the spine in Pilates is a concept that may take a client new to Pilates several sessions to understand, because the mind has to learn how to send the correct signals to the powerhouse. Coordination of the mind, spirit and body is necessary due to the complex nature of Pilates movements.
Studio BE: Generally speaking, how many classes a week should students take to see consistent progress?
Alia: I think if you can do some form of Pilates three days a week, you will see consistent progress in your strength and visible changes to your body. This frequency is key because the Principles of Pilates, and types of exercises we ask clients to practice are often not intuitive movements. It is important to train the mind to properly execute the exercises with frequent practice, especially for the student new to Pilates. Remember, it doesn’t always have to be a Pilates class on apparatus; I believe mat work with no tools is actually the most challenging type of Pilates you can do.
Studio BE: Where did you receive your Pilates training, and why did you choose that style of training over the others?
Alia: I received my certification through The United States Pilates Association’s ® certification program: The New York Pilates Studio ® Teacher Certification Program. The program is the oldest comprehensive Instructor Training Program based on the original work of Joseph Pilates. It required over 700 hours of workshops, observation and practice. I guess I’m sort of a purist and was searching for a program that taught the Pilates Method as close to Joseph’s original vision as possible.
Studio BE: What else would you like our readers to know about you or Pilates?
Alia: I enjoy working with all types of clients at all levels. I believe Pilates is for everyone and whether you are a professional athlete or gently working your way back to activity after an injury, Pilates can help you! Feel free to email me at alia.staples@gmail.com with any questions you may have!
To schedule an appointment with Alia, call Studio BE at 703-222-0122 or via email at info@studiobepilates.com. Alia works Mondays and Tuesdays.
Google+
