Following her recent presentations at WAFIC 2013, Group Exercise, Mind Body & Aqua Network took some time out to catch up with ‘Mumu’ Morwitzer to discover how this Pilates and movement specialist is living her dream.
Where do you live and work?
Margaret River, WA
What are your qualifications?
- Certificate IV in Matwork Contemporary Pilates & Teaching Methodology
- Diploma in Matwork & Reformer Contemporary Pilates & Teaching Methodology
- Diploma of Contemporary Dance, Laban Centre London
- Physical Theatre Teacher and Choreographer, Ecole d‘ Humanite Switzerland
- Wu Tao Instructor.
What is your main role in the fitness industry?
I am senior lecturer and manager of Art of Motion training in movement®, conducting contemporary Pilates teacher training and Continuous Education Courses. I’m also the director and proprietor of Art of Motion Movement Studio in Margaret River.
How did you get into this industry and how did you arrive at where you are today in your career?
Growing up in the Swiss Alps I enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, hiking, dancing and white water kayaking. In 1999 I began my professional dance training in ballet, contemporary dance, Pilates, choreography and anatomy for dancers at the Laban Centre, London. It was here that I discovered my love for Pilates, a passion for educating others and preventing injuries in movement-linked professions.
My passion to deepen my understanding of movement and the body brought me to Art of Motion training in movement®. Art of Motion’s approach to body reading, holistic and functional lesson planning, as well as the emphasis on looking at each client as an individual, was a refreshing and inspiring turning point. It made so much sense to me that I joined the Art of Motion education and assessor team in 2009, then began lecturing courses and presenting at fitness conventions, including WAFIC.
I have been running my own Contemporary Pilates Studio in Margaret River since 2009. In January this year, I became the senior lecturer and manager for Art of Motion training in movement® Australia.
What skills are needed in your roles?
In addition to the specific technical know-how pertaining to anatomy, biomechanics and kinesiology, for both of my roles I believe the key requirements are the ability to be inspiring and having the discipline, commitment and passion to stay up-to-date with education and developments in the field. It is also vital to truly believe in what you have to share – and I couldn’t believe more passionately in Contemporary Pilates. Evolving with up-to-date research and based on many proven and well renowned modalities of modern science, it is truly worthy of its ‘contemporary’ title.
What are the best and worst aspects of your job?
There is really no bad aspect of my job – I really am living my dream! You can find me teaching and lecturing internationally in Switzerland and Bali, as well as in Margaret River and the Perth region – travelling is in my nature and my career enables me to keep doing it!
Teaching and sharing what I believe in, and making a difference in people’s and trainers’ attitude towards their posture and wellbeing, are the most rewarding aspects of my roles!
What has been your greatest career highlight?
Having the opportunity to share what has had the biggest effect on my wellbeing, teaching and lecturing – Contemporary Pilates. In our courses we uphold and respect the fundamental principles of the original Pilates method while considering our clients’ unique wants and needs.
What’s your main focus now and what are your goals for the future?
My aim is to share the great benefits of Contemporary Pilates! The aim of Contemporary Pilates is to create functional movement, combining corrective training and modern scientific research with a fun, engaging, educational atmosphere.
What words of wisdom sum up your fitness/life philosophy?
Be inspired, never stop learning about your profession and keep expanding your movement/ fitness horizon. We are never too old or too young to learn more about the body and the brain!
