Turn-Ons: This was such a fun opportunity to introduce local teens to Classical Pilates as a possible career opportunity within the Spa industry. And one of my favorite experiences to date since moving here.
Turn-Offs: Only the realization that fitness isn't a part of their lives already. But that was merely a disappointment, not a turn-off.
Rate My Date:
- Not My Type
- 1 Night Stand
- Crush
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Happily Ever After
Eleven Spa Campers from TCI Hospitality Adventure filed into the studio overlooking the same lush mangroves that continue to take my breath away, even after ten months of teaching here in Turks & Caicos. They, on the other hand, didn't seem to notice the picturesque view, the refreshing cross breeze flowing through the open sliding glass doors, or the perfectly designed environment for cultivating a mind-body connection. Teenagers! Already jaded by life growing up in paradise. What they weren't expecting, though, was a have-no-mercy Pilates workout that would awaken their apathetic little attitudes and open their minds to the possibility of a Spa career specializing in fitness. Oh, they were gonna remember Pilates!
The local teens, ages fifteen to eighteen plopped down on the Pilates mats investigating the Magic Circles with nonchalant curiosity as I tried to hide my smirk. 'Cause they still had no idea what it was gonna feel like "scoop their powerhouse" for a thirty minute introduction into The Method. "So, who here likes to workout?" I asked enthusiastically, trying to set the tone for the class. Two kids raised their hands tentatively and I knew I was in for a challenge. So I pulled out Mr. Pilates book "Return to Life Through Contrology" and read the quote "Physical fitness is the first requisite to happiness." When I asked what Mr. Pilates possibly meant and why that statement was true, I was surprised to get some really thoughtful answers. Aha! Had I started to capture their attention? But, no one seemed inspired as I briefly explained why I love to teach and why I chose the service industry as a career. What I was feeling in the room was a general consensus of "Get on with it, lady!"
"The first exercise is called The Hundred. Why do you think it's called The Hundred?" I watched a look of dread spread across one kid's face as he moaned "whatever it is, I bet we have to do it one hundred times", which was followed by a collective moan. I laughed with my most vindictive laugh and set them up for the exercise. But I was actually shocked to watch them fight for each long inhale and each long exhale as they vigorously pumped their arms and scooped their powerhouses in and up. And then we all collapsed into laughter when I finally told them to hug their knees into their chests and rest - for a second. That's when I knew this was gonna be fun! I loved watching their competitive spirits take on the mental and physical challenge of Pilates. Not one kid gave up; not even when I introduced them to the Magic Circle.
Did I convert anybody? Did anyone leave with big dreams of becoming a Pilates instructor when they grow up? Nope, I don't think so. But I hope they'll always remember that one time in Spa Camp, when a woman who looks just like them, introduced them to a mind-body exercise system at a five-star resort on a private resort island. And I hope they'll always remember that their own possibilities are limitless, too.
