Hi Cinza,
We haven't started classes yet. My boss asked me to give free private or semi-private sessions to any member that wanted one. I've done about 40 of those and the demand is tapering off. (Thank goodness. I'm worn out! And no pay for it, to boot!) From that group, I've had one person buy 6 more sessions at $12.50 per session. My boss set the price low because he doesn't like how "plain" I present the exercises. He won't charge more until I start jazzing it up. Some others have asked for classes to start. Most people liked it and thought it was a HUGE challenge despite years of working out. In addition, I've gone to 2 dance studios with one more scheduled tomorrow for demonstrations. Dancers have had much less trouble doing the moves than gym rats have.
There is one of those "mutated" certifications happening in about 3 weeks near us. Some of my friends at other gyms are going to it. My boss's goal was to be "first" in the area. I've let him know that others are about to have Pilates, but I can't light a fire under him. When he saw that HE was unable to do any of the moves, he isn't as excited about it as he once was.
I'm still not comfortable teaching it. To be honest, I don't really enjoy teaching it as much as I thought. It has helped my back immensely, though. I've had several pain-free days then I have to do a step class or something and I'm all messed up again.
I think it is going to make for a boring class. I emailed Natalie (my teacher) for help. She was out of town and sent me a short message through her boyfriend not to "dumb it down" for the gym crowd.
I ordered another Pilates video--my 7th. It's from Living Arts and it is dedicated to the magic circle (?). I like Ana Caban a lot. Her tapes seem less clinical than any of the others. Maybe that will add some variety with my individual clients, but I can't afford a $40 ring for a class full of people. And my boss won't. Now he's not even looking to get us any mats since he's lost his momentum on the project.
I don't really know where else to turn to for information. I'm wondering if I should go to one of those quickie lessons just to see how they present it. Then I could do the classes one way and do the private sessions more traditionally. I don't know what to do. I honestly feel like I've tried to do what he's asked me to do.
My remaining question . . . I haven't cashed any of his reimbursement checks where he paid me back for my expenses for this training. It totals about $650. If I cash them, I feel obligated to teach Pilates only for him for a reasonable length of time--maybe a year. If I give the checks back to him and essentially pay for all my own training, I don't feel I have that obligation. The money itself isn't the problem. I want to do what is truly right. But how much am I expected to do for a boss who doesn't give me any support?????