Renee Hambly aka Pocket Rocket Pilates joined Nathan in the studio this week to discuss how she overcame the initial fear of teaching group reformer Pilates through resilience and repeated exposure. Renee's decision to choose discomfort and embrace uncertainty has led her on an exciting teaching odyssey, starting in Newcastle, taking on the Sunny Coast and now facilitating workshops around the world.
Before entering the Pilates industry, Renee was a junior ice skating athlete when she suffered a significant back injury that threatened her athletic future. Pilates became a critical part of her rehabilitation and recovery process, helping her rebuild strength, confidence, and movement capacity. Following her recovery, Renee went on to represent Australia.
Renee openly shares the fears and challenges she experienced transitioning into group reformer instruction, and how she overcame teaching anxiety through repetition, resilience, and continuing to teach despite feeling nervous. Through the equivalent of exposure therapy, confidence was built by repeatedly stepping into uncomfortable situations and learning through experience.
This honest and inspiring conversation highlights that confidence is not something instructors are born with — it is built through consistent action and the willingness to keep showing up.
Renee also shares how she progressed from being a full-time instructor, to an instructor mentor, and now an international workshop facilitator — demonstrating how personal growth and self-belief can create incredible career opportunities within the Pilates industry.
This is a must-listen episode for new and experienced reformer instructors alike.
