The Secret to Better Pilates Classes (Hint: It’s Not Just About the Words)

We’ve all been there. You’re standing in front of a client, explaining an exercise, and suddenly, the words just don’t come out right. Maybe you call a foot a hand or fumble over your instructions. You smile through it, but inside, the self-doubt creeps in:

• Did I say that clearly?
• Am I saying too much?
• Do I sound like a broken record?
• Wait… did I just say “inhale through your elbows”?

And yet, despite the awkwardness, your client smiles, nods, and performs the exercise perfectly. What just happened?

Clear communication is a cornerstone of being a good Pilates instructor, but there’s a crucial factor that often gets overlooked: communication goes beyond the words themselves!

The Science of Communication: It’s Not Just What You Say

Albert Mehrabian’s famous research on communication highlights that:

• 7% of your message comes from the actual words themselves.
• 38% comes from your tone of voice.
• 55% comes from body language.

As Pilates instructors, this means how you communicate often matters far more than what you say.

Imagine taking a Pilates class where the instructor delivers a technically perfect cue, but their voice is monotone and they stay seated at the front of the room, barely engaging with you. Would you feel motivated? Probably not!

Now, picture a different experience: the instructor walks in (or logs on to Zoom) with a radiant smile and genuine enthusiasm. They explain the exercises with a voice that adapts to the rhythm of the movement, rising and falling to match each breath and movement.

But it’s not just their words that resonate. Their body becomes an extension of their voice. They walk around the room, observing and making corrections, letting what they see in the moment guide their next cue. As they mirror the movements they’re teaching, their body infuses clarity and energy into every word, making the cues more impactful and engaging.

Which class would you rather take?

Suddenly, the exercise doesn’t seem so daunting anymore, right? As the client, you feel engaged, motivated, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

This is the power of communication beyond just focusing on your words. When you utilize your entire presence as the instructor – voice, body language, and genuine connection – it creates a dynamic experience that keeps clients coming back for more. 

Why Your Presence Matters More Than Perfect Words

The best instructors know that delivering an engaging, effective and unforgettable Pilates class goes beyond perfect cueing. It’s about the energy and connection you bring to the space.

Here’s what you can do to elevate your communication, connect with your clients, and keep them coming back:

1. Let Your Voice Reflect Your Passion

Your tone of voice can make all the difference. Speak with enthusiasm, vary your pitch, and match the rhythm of your voice to the movement. A monotone delivery—even with perfect instructions—won’t inspire your clients.

2. Use Your Body as a Teaching Tool

Your body language can reinforce your words and provide visual clarity. Walk around the room, use gestures to demonstrate key movements, and let your energy guide your clients. Movement is your language—let it show!

3. Connect with Your Clients on a Human Level

It’s okay to make mistakes! Clients find it endearing when you accidentally mix up words or laugh at a funny mistake. (I once combined “shift” and “sit” back into… well, “shit” back. My client and I laughed about it for weeks!) A genuine laugh shared over a minor slip-up will create a stronger bond with your client. It shows you’re human and approachable, which builds trust and rapport.

4. Focus on Creating a Safe and Supportive Space

More than flawless cueing, clients value an environment where they feel supported and free to explore movement. Encourage questions, celebrate progress, and create a space where clients feel comfortable making mistakes and joking along the way.

Perfect Isn’t the Goal—Connection Is

At the end of the day, Pilates is about more than just movement. It’s about helping people connect with their bodies in a way that feels empowering, accessible, and fun.

The best classes don’t come from technically perfect cues; they come from instructors who show up authentically, create a warm atmosphere, and genuinely care about their clients’ experience.

So, the next time you mix up “arms” and “legs” or fumble over your words, take a deep breath. Laugh it off, connect with your client, and remember: your energy, passion, and connection will always matter more than perfection.

What type of teacher do you learn best from?
An instructor who is technically perfect but feels robotic, with cues that sound like they’re on autopilot? Or one whose explanations may not always be flawless, but who creates a warm, encouraging environment where you feel free to explore movement without judgment?