The #1 Thing That Transformed My Pilates Teaching
Every Pilates instructor has that moment—the shift that changes everything about how they teach. For me, it wasn’t mastering a complex cue or learning a new exercise. It was something much simpler, yet incredibly powerful.
The Game-Changing Realisation
Early in my teaching career, I was focused on getting everything "right"—the perfect cues, flawless programming, and making sure clients moved exactly as I envisioned. But over time, I realised that the most effective instructors aren’t the ones who deliver the most technical cues. They’re the ones who create an experience—one that clients enjoy, connect with, and want to return to.
That’s when I made the biggest shift in my teaching: I stopped obsessing over my own performance and started focusing on the client’s experience.
How This Shift Changed Everything
Instead of worrying about whether I was delivering the “perfect” class, I started asking myself:
How does this feel for the client in their body?
Are they engaged, focused, and enjoying the movement?
What’s their energy like today, and how can I meet them where they are?
By shifting my focus away from myself and towards the client, everything fell into place—my cueing became clearer, my confidence grew, and my classes felt effortless yet impactful.
The Mistake Many Instructors Make
New instructors (and even experienced ones) often fall into the trap of over-teaching—giving too many cues, trying to “fix” every little detail, and focusing too much on how they sound rather than how the client is responding.
Here’s the truth: Clients don’t remember your perfect cueing. They remember how you made them feel in class.
Practical Tips to Apply This in Your Teaching
Observe First, Cue Second – Watch how your clients are moving before jumping in with instructions. Not every movement needs correcting. In fact, that is complete overkill, learn to let go of what's not THAT important.
Use Fewer Words – Instead of over-explaining, give a simple, clear cue and let the client explore the movement.
Create an Experience – Think about your class from the client’s perspective. Is it enjoyable? Do they feel successful?
Read the Room – Adjust your tone, pacing, and energy to match the vibe of the class.
Remember: It’s Not About You – Clients come to class for their movement journey, not to hear an instructor deliver a rehearsed script.
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