Aha Atlas Video Newsletter | Issue 17 | Inclusive Verbal Cueing (Free Edition)
September 2022
Inclusive Verbal Cueing
Welcome to the 17th issue of the Aha Atlas Newsletter! This month, we’re talking about inclusive verbal cueing. There are many things we can do to make the Pilates industry more inclusive. Let’s start with the language we use to teach class.
Learn about inclusive cueing and how it can inform your teaching. Then move through a mini class with Kai-Ting that uses a kitchen chair. Grow with us and figure out what to do when you’re trying to say the right thing and it comes out wrong. And finally, chill with instructor Rachel Piper, who is answering our 10 Questions this month.
Creating this issue was a humbling experience for us. We hope you’ll be inspired to learn more from the inclusivity educators listed toward the end of this email.
Try upgrading your subscription this month. With the Member Edition, you’ll get full access to videos and member perks (for this issue AND all past issues).
Learn
Let’s explore a teaching concept.
Join us for a convo on inclusive verbal cueing. You’ll learn what it is, why it’s important, and ways you can incorporate it in your own teaching for a better client experience.
Move
Move with us in this mini-class (10-20 minutes).
This mini class uses a dining chair. And there’s a little something for everyone: gooey spinal circles, hip and leg burning moves, and some fun(-ish 😜) planks. Grab your 🪑and join Kai-Ting.
Props: Your kitchen chair (no mat needed).
Grow
Boost your confidence and resilience with us.
Miscommunications happen. But you don't need to walk on eggshells! Instead we'll create stepping stones to resolve conflict, with our tips on what to do (and not to do) when your intent and impact don't align.
Chill
Come chill with us.
10 Questions
Meet Rachel Piper, from Size Diverse Pilates LLC. Rachel works in the biotechnology industry full time and teaches Pilates part time. She provides Pilates teacher training with a foundation built on accessibility and inclusivity through her Size Diverse Pilates Teacher Training Programs.
You can find her teaching Pilates in-studio at Rivercity Pilates in Iowa or virtually at OnlinePilatesClasses.com (classes & workshops). She also has a workshop on Size Diverse Pilates available through Fusion Pilates EDU for 3 CECs. (Forever access members can buy now using DIVERSE as the code, and the workshop will be available for all on 11/3/22.)
Rachel’s goal is to help bring Pilates into more people’s lives, and to help other teachers and studios make Pilates more accessible and inclusive to diverse clients. Follow her on Instagram @size_diverse_pilates.
We asked Rachel to answer some questions.
1. Favorite book or movie? So many good books out there! The Count of Monte Cristo, The Princess Bride, A Clockwork Orange, and The Red Tent are all at the top.
Movies – Star Wars. All of it, including animated, live action, and documentaries. I’m partial to the original trilogy, of course.
2. Last workout you did? Tower workout with the Magic Circle + Airplane Board, then I rolled out using massage balls
3. One thing you do for self-care. Pilates followed by coffee or chai
4. Teaser or Swan? Swan. All the time. Everywhere!
5. Dream place to visit? Castles - anywhere
6. One thing most people don’t know about you? I love architecture, and old cities and buildings
7. Mountain or sea? Mountain
8. Best piece of advice you’ve received? You aren’t for everybody and that’s okay, even better than okay. It means you can find and be with the people who really need you and who you really need. *paraphrasing
9. Celebrity crush? Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan)
10. Best thing to happen to you today? Big hug from my kiddo – always the best part of the day
Support
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To learn more about how you can make your Pilates teaching and business more inclusive, follow the inclusivity educators listed below.
Sonja Price Herbert (@thesonjarpriceherbert): Sonja offers anti-racism webinars and more via her website.
Rachel Piper (@size_diverse_pilates): Check out Rachel’s feature in our Chill Section this month, where she offers some teaching resources on accessibility and inclusivity.
Lizzy Diaz-Ortiz (@kitchennomad): Watch Lizzy’s inclusive cueing workshop on the Class Choreography platform.
Sharrman Maran (@sharrmanmaran): Watch Sharrman’s inclusivity workshop on the Class Choreography platform.
See you next month for our next issue! Until then, catch us on Instagram or TikTok.
xo Kai-Ting and Talese