update on prev. post

*Read at your own risk... childish content follows... Please don't think less of me...

It happened... within the first 10 min. of class someone let one slip. It has happened at least once in each gym I have taught at. I still remember the first time; the radio was broken so there was no background music, they were in position for their first roll backward in the "rolling like a ball" series, I cued them to start, and the silence was broken. No one said a word. I heard a few light snickers (Jamie) but no one said a thing. I prayed for someone to say something... excuse me? oops? sorry? Just a little gas to get me back up? Anything! But alas, it went unspoken... "okay, moving on, let's try our leg series, that's pretty safe"... and I was left to hide the "Oh my gosh, did you hear that?!?!" until the class ended and I could confide in a friend (again... Jamie) discussing the different options and angles we could take if it ever happened again... OK, you're right, we laughed, we laughed and made the noise again and again. But come on, it was pretty funny the first time. Little did I know, this is part of the job description of a pilates instructor: Certifications? Check. Experience? Check. References? Check. Knowing how to keep a straight face when someone rips one in your class? Check.

Pilates is a unique atmosphere, there is no loud music, no loud counting, and no loud stepping or cycles to cover it. And as an instructor, it's a hard situation to be in; you don't want to laugh of course, you are mic'd up and there are mirrors surrounding you. The slightest smile or giggle would be seen and heard for sure. But do you ignore it? Do you try to change the ever so obvious subject? Do you make a joke? Tell everyone it happens all the time? Most of the time I have just kept on going, talking about the move we are doing or, stop and move onto another skill for fear of more... interruptions! This time though, the lady actually said "sorry", and "excuse me". That's better than nothing I guess! If it were me though (please, never be me... please!) I think I would have to address the situation; say sorry, make a little funny, and probably refer to it the rest of class! So take it from a seasoned "keeper of a straight face"; if you are ever in a pilates class and happen to let one slip, don't ignore it. Happily take responsibility for your flatulence, everyone can tell it's you anyway!