Category: Client Programming

Pilates Teaching Tips: Should all Pilates workouts focus on perfect symmetry?

Do we always need to do the same number of reps on both sides? This is a common question that has been asked by instructors and students regularly over the years. And my answer has definitely changed as I’ve gained more experience working with different bodies. Regardless of how subtle a physical imbalance can be,…
Introductory Pilates sessions – what are we doing?

Knowing how to teach strong introductory sessions is a crucial part of every Pilates instructor’s toolbox. If we’re unable to communicate to new clients the value of starting a regular Pilates workout, then it’s going to be a hard go of building and retaining a clientele. For new instructors, trying to figure out what to…
Teaching Tips for Advanced Reformer Pilates Exercises

The Star is a simple movement (abduction and adduction of one arm) but it’s such a hard exercise to do and to do well. Below are 3 ways that we’re working to strengthen the key muscles, shift the focus and support the movement in order to succeed in this classical Pilates exercise: Strengthen – Mat…
Pilates Exercises to Teach Clients for Better Balance and Mobility

We’re back at the wall getting in some everyday lower body (and full body!) movement sequences that can help promote your endurance, leg and core strength and balance. We have 4 challenging series that you can add into your daily routine and have added some quick challenges with key points to focus on above each…
Pilates Exercise Sequences for Strong Shoulders and a Healthy Spine

Shoulder strength exercises can still be great, even if they are basic – check these ones out and let us know how it goes! Activation Exercise #1: Overhead Reaching. Using the wall for a reference and guide, focus on a gentle push as you do the movement. Think about an open palm and reaching right…
Pilates Teacher Training: Continuing Education that Makes Sense for You.

Most Pilates instructors will gravitate towards complementary training programs once they’ve established their client base. Often, you’ll find Pilates instructors who offer more than one movement modality while others will keep Pilates their primary offering but integrate key components of different movement disciplines into their clients’ workouts. Below are some different ways to approach continuing…
Pilates Teaching Tips: Understand Learning

If you’re new to Pilates, you might be realizing that there are a few things you didn’t know you could or couldn’t do. For example, there might be a balance sequence where you discover how easy it is to stand on one leg and do an overhead reach. But balance on the other leg? Forget…
Pilates Teaching Tools to Cue the Hip Joint in Movement

The hip joint is designed to provide stability while allowing for the mobility of our legs. Understanding its design and movement can provide us with everyday tools that can teach us how to properly access the joint and its powerful muscles. This can lead to functional movement, such as walking and going up stairs, that…