While attending Pilates conferences demands time, travel, and financial investment, their impact can be transformative. Distinguished instructors Brooke Siler, Noam Gagnon, and Alexa Idama reveal why these experiences are invaluable to their growth and practice.
What motivates you to attend Pilates conferences, even though it means time away from your studio, clients, or family?
To be a great teacher, you must practice being a great student. Conferences are a great way to practice these skills.
Even when I’m a presenter at a conference I ask the host if I can participate in the workshops of the other presenters. I love learning and being a part of learning environments. The energy of camaraderie is unmatched and unrivaled.
-Brooke Siler
What motivates me to attend Pilates workshops and events—despite the time away from my studio, clients, or family—is the opportunity to learn from the highest caliber of teachers Joel brings in from around the world. The quality of education and depth of insight offered at these events is truly exceptional. It’s not just professional development; it’s an experience that continually reignites my passion for teaching and elevates the way I show up for my clients.
-Noam Gagnon
I love going to conferences because I usually get to learn from several different teachers. The information I get is very useful for both my personal practice and working with clients. It helps both my personal growth and business growth.
-Alexa Idama
How does connecting with other Pilates professionals at this event benefit you personally or professionally?
Connecting with like-minded teachers from around the world is incredibly inspiring, something that the daily routine doesn’t always offer. These interactions reignite my own passion for the work, and I always return to my studio with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and a deeper sense of purpose. My students notice the difference and are just as excited to experience the new insights I bring back with me.
-Noam Gagnon
If a fellow instructor hesitated to attend due to travel, lodging, or lost income, what would you tell them about why the experience was worth it?
My teacher Romana used to say, “if you don’t give back to yourself, you’ll have nothing left to give to your clients.”
Most Pilates teachers’ self-sacrifice by giving their all to others and very little to themselves. Conferences and workshops are a great opportunity to treat yourself while also moving out of your comfort zones and honing your skills.
-Brooke Siler
How does connecting with other Pilates professionals at this event benefit you personally or professionally?
Connecting with others in the Pilates industry at conferences is so important for networking, sharing ideas around the business of Pilates and creating a supportive community that I can reach out to with questions and issues I might be facing.
-Alexa Idama
Any additional comments that you would like to share?
In the world of mind-body-spirit, conferences offer you the renewal of spirit you might not even have known you needed!
-Brooke Siler
There’s absolutely nothing to lose—and everything to gain—by attending Joel’s Conference. I can’t wait to meet everyone, share, teach, and reconnect with this incredible community. It’s always an experience that fuels both heart and mind.
-Noam Gagnon
Conferences and continuing Ed are such an important part of being a Pilates teacher. The best teachers are forever students themselves.
-Alexa Idama
For Brooke, Noam, and Alexa, the learning, inspiration, and community make every conference worth it—see for yourself at the International Contrology Conference in Duluth, GA, November 7–9!
Balanced Body thoroughly believes that movement can change people’s lives. We are the leading resource for Pilates and mindful movement equipment, information and education for fitness centers, studios, rehabilitation facilities and home enthusiasts.
