SCOUT INSTRUCTORS SERIES - Anna
ANNA EAGAN
Age : 25
Star sign: Aquarius
How long have you been teaching Pilates? I started teaching Pilates in May last year!
How did you first get into Pilates? I first got into Pilates to help rehab some old injuries that kept flaring up. I've dislocated both of my knees roughly 15 times between the two and have torn 3 crucial ligaments in my ankle. I always used to play sports, but after my injuries, I couldn't afford to risk it. I didn't really love the gym I was at and wasn't consistent, so I tried Pilates with one of my friends. Almost immediately I fell in love with the practice! I noticed such a difference in my posture, strength, and mobility - which in turn, really helped manage my injuries (no more dislocations- yay!) I made the decision to take a 2-week immersive course to become an instructor- halfway through my course I put in my resignation at my current workplace so I had no other option but to dive head first into teaching; and I wouldn't regret it all!
What's your favourite Pilates pose? I think my favourite exercise is long & short spine. I really love the fact that it has a big emphasis on core strength, spinal articulation and mind-body connection to control the movement. There are so many ways you can change the intensity- one of my favorites is doing short spine in reverse!
What's your favourite thing about teaching at Scout Pilates? The community! I initially started working at Scout as one of our studio reps before I started teaching, so it's been great to get to see so many smiling faces coming in and getting to know everyone. All of our members are so cool! I love being able to have a chat with them, whether it’s about what they do, how their week's been, what gigs they went to... or just sharing photos of our pets.
Enough Pilates chat, what in your life gives you the most energy? It changes depending on the day. Sometimes it's spending time with friends, other times it's taking myself on a solo date - treating myself to breakfast, going to the beach with a book and turning my phone off. Or even just spending time with my RSPCA babies- Wally is staffy/doberman cross that thinks he's the size of a chihuahua, and my two cats, Fish & Chips. We always have a big cuddle in the morning before I have to get up for work.
Tell us your favourite place to eat in the inner west and what you order there? Hands down, Continental Deli on Australia Street! I went there with a group of friends once not knowing it existed, and now I will make any excuse to go there! I always get their house wine (chilled Sangiovese) and then it’s usually a charcuterie board & the steak tartare, or if it's a special occasion, I'll go with the banquet and let the chef decide. Everything is made in-house, they always have something new on the menu and the staff is so kind.
What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self? Keep on keeping on! And let people help you; you don't need to be strong all the time.
Last great book that you read? The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells. It's based in Louisiana, which is where I'm from, and it's just so beautiful how it depicts the depth of friendships.
If you could travel ANYWHERE tomorrow, where would you go? I'd probably go back to New Orleans to see my family since I haven't seen them since Covid started- I was one of the last international flights into Australia. Or Antarctica- I think it's so cool how it's only inhabited for half the year!
What goal are you hoping to achieve in 2023? I really want to further my study in the fitness world, while continuing to work on my new endeavour, @integrate.wellness.ae. I'd love to connect more with people who are interested in holistic wellbeing and work with people who are trying to navigate balancing their health and lifestyle.