This is the next in our series of Getting to Know Your Instructor.
Meet Laurie Schneider who joined our great team of instructors here at 
Live & Breathe Pilates in 2017.
When you were younger what did you want to be when you grew up?
I first wanted to be an artist but then I discovered dance and decided I wanted to be a professional dancer.
What inspired you to become a Pilates teacher?
I first encountered Pilates in my professional dance training. Within a week I could feel the difference to how I moved in my technique classes. I went from dreading class to really looking forward to it and not missing a single class. I was always interested in learning more about the body and Pilates seemed the most natural route for me. Funnily enough every year I become even more inspired as Pilates teacher and an eternal Pilates learner…there is so much to gain and understand in the practice it is truly wonderful.
What’s your favourite thing about teaching?
My favourite thing about teaching is difference you can make in your clients lives. Every single person I meet really makes me think wow, what wonderfully interesting, interesting bodies we have…never any two the same!
What’s your least favourite thing about teaching?
Oh I would have to say wearing workout wear/ leggings… very superficial I know!
What’s your favourite Pilates exercise? Why? 
There are so many to choose from but I would say it would have to be Bridging. I have a love hate relationship with this exercise. If done right it is a challenge but it just seems to awaken the spine and create breath and space allowing you to feel the back line of the body.
What Pilates exercise do you like the least? Why?
Swan… Well I am beginning to like it but I have a bit of a block with extension exercises. I feel brilliant after them but I really have to disassociate it from back bends etc that I would have done in my dance training. I didn’t have a very good back bend and I still carry that thought so I have to consciously connect in to how I am moving and to do it with ease without tensing up and pushing it too much.
Describe your teaching style in less than ten words. 
Considered, fluid, light hearted and empathetic.
What are your top tips for a client starting out with Pilates?
Listen to your teacher carefully, do not be afraid to ask questions and be patient with yourself as it takes time to understand the movement..sometimes the most beneficial work is happening to your body in the most imperceptible way.
What are your top tips for clients on progressing their Pilates practice?
I would recommend doing Pilates at least 3 times a week, take class with different instructors you will learn something new and a new way to approach a movement and apply the principles and cueing you hear in class to your everyday life in how you lie, stand, walk and run.
Who is someone who inspires you? Why?
I am very lucky to have many inspirational people in my life. Life at the best of times can be a challenge and seeing those you love and admire working through those challenges with great resilience and bravery is truly inspiring.
When you’re not teaching what do you like to do?
I love to be with my children doing regular family life things like helping with homework and chatting about school while I make dinner in the kitchen. Relaxing on the sofa with snuggling watching movies. When not in mom mode after teaching I love to take classes with other instructors, and imbibe yummy food and drinks with friends and family…all of the good things in life!
Tell us one thing we might not know about you.
If I could get away with it I would wear sparkly sequence dance costumes to teach in…I LOVE SPARKLE!
Laurie is available for one to ones as well as teaching regular group classes in our studio.