3 Essential Strategies
Here's the thing about being a world-class Pilates instructor— it’s all about communication! While many instructors focus on creating fancy exercises for their classes, one of the most essential yet often overlooked skills is the ability to effectively cue movements and provide constructive corrections.
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The way you communicate and cue your clients can significantly impact their experience and progress. However, many instructors find themselves struggling to deliver cues that resonate, often second-guessing their words. This can lead to frustration for both you as the instructor and the client.
My philosophy differs from traditional approaches: I believe that no cue is off-limits. Early in my career, I had a teacher who imposed strict guidelines on “acceptable” language, leaving me paralyzed with fear of saying the wrong thing. As I gained experience, I learned that everyone responds to cues differently—what works perfectly for one client may not resonate with another. When you approach cueing and teaching Pilates as an exploration rather than a script to memorize, you’ll truly be free to thrive.
In this guide, you’ll discover my top tips for effectively engaging your clients, fostering a deeper understanding of their movements, and creating a supportive environment for success. Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or just starting out, these strategies will help you cultivate clarity, connection, and confidence in your teaching.
Let’s dive in and unlock your client's potential in every session!
Cue with Confidence
01
THE TOP three WAYS to LEVEL-UP YOUR teaching
one thing at a time
It may sound simple, but over-cueing is a common pitfall for Pilates instructors—and it's easy to see why! As instructors, our minds race with everything we want to communicate to keep clients safe and ensure proper alignment. However, bombarding them with too many cues can lead to confusion.
By honing in on one clear point at a time, clients can streamline their focus, leading to a more effective and enjoyable practice. Clear cues reduce cognitive overload, allowing students to focus on the essential elements of each movement for optimal results and faster progress. This simplification helps them absorb information more effectively, ultimately enriching their overall experience.
Strategy
Do you remember what it was like when you first learned to drive? There was so much to keep track of—putting on your seatbelt, checking your mirrors, and making sure you didn’t accidentally put the car in 'drive' while backing out (I still do that sometimes because I get paranoid!). It felt overwhelming, like trying to juggle a dozen things at once!
But you don’t do everything simultaneously; you follow a specific order—turn on the car, buckle up, adjust the radio to your favorite station, check your mirrors to scan your surroundings, shift into Reverse, and then gently press the gas pedal. Each step builds on the last, allowing you to stay focused and confident. You simply can’t concentrate on everything at once; your brain needs time to process each action.
This same principle applies to cueing in Pilates. Just as driving requires taking things one step at a time, effective cueing helps clients navigate their movements without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of bombarding them with multiple instructions, layering your cues is much more effective for both you and your clients. This approach allows you to communicate clearly and directly, helping them get moving more quickly and confidently.
CUEING FORMULA
Hit play for an example:
1. Name of the exercise
2. Setup
3. Start position
4. Body movement
5. Breath Pattern
6. Muscular focus
7. Corrections
This formula helps you deliver clear, actionable instructions that are easy for your students to follow.
For instance, when cueing for Ab Prep, instead of saying, “Without pressing into the feet, exhale, contract the abdominals, lift the head and chest while balancing an imaginary glass of water on your abdomen, and look at your thighs to avoid straining your neck,” try: “Imagine you’re balancing a glass of water on your hips and exhale to lift your head and shoulders without spilling it.”
This layering formula may seem limiting at first, but it provides a solid framework to start from. Once you navigate steps 1-5, the subsequent cues can evolve into a fluid conversation with your client. It’s not about memorizing a script; you’ll always be observing and adjusting based on the individual in front of you. To reach that point, start with clear, step-by-step guidance to help clients move, then incorporate your observations and corrections as needed.
02
Have you ever felt the frustration of telling your client to straighten their leg, only to watch them make no changes? It’s a common experience that can leave you feeling like pulling your hair out and questioning whether they’re really paying attention or if your communication is effective.
When a cue doesn’t resonate, it often stems from the client’s lack of self-awareness rather than a flaw in your teaching. Many clients may not fully understand their movement patterns and spatial awareness, making even simple cues feel confusing. While it’s vital to keep clients moving and ensure they enjoy their workouts, being an effective instructor involves much more than simply directing them through exercises. It’s about fostering an environment where clients feel empowered to explore their movements and gain a deeper understanding of their bodies so that they can apply everything from their sessions into everyday life.
Instead of panicking when a cue doesn't resonate right away and rushing on to the next exercise, take a moment to ensure the correction is understood. Go against the infamous Rolling Stones song and 'Always get what you want'—don’t just say the correction; make it happen! Take the time to educate your clients about their bodies and prioritize building their mind-body awareness. Teach them to tune into their bodies and the sensations they experience during practice. Encourage them to ask questions and share their feelings; the more aware they become, the more they’ll connect with and feel their workouts. Always remember that you’re a teacher and a guide, not a taskmaster!
Strategy
Key Strategies for Enhancing Body Awareness
1. Diversify Your Cueing:
Keep in mind that not every cue will resonate with every client. Get creative in how you explain movements by using imagery, anatomical references, and adjusting your language to suit visual or tactile learners. For instance, if a client struggles with hip alignment, you could say, “Imagine your hips are headlights that need to shine straight ahead.” Alternatively, you might suggest, “Imagine you’re balancing a glass of water on your hips—don’t let it spill!” These imaginative cues not only make instructions more relatable but also help clients visualize the movements, enhancing their overall understanding and performance.
2. Incorporate Props:
Props can provide tactile feedback that enhances body awareness. For example, placing a small ball between a client’s knees during a bridge can help them feel proper alignment while offering a focal point.
3. Hands-on Guidance:
Hands-on feedback can greatly enhance a client's awareness of their body's positioning and help them identify any unwanted movements. When training clients in person, using your hands for guidance is effective. However, it’s equally important to empower clients to engage in their own sessions. Teach them to check their alignment using their own hands, promoting independence and reinforcing their understanding of the exercises. This practice not only boosts their confidence but also encourages them to take ownership of their progress, making their workouts more effective and fulfilling.
4. Develop Proprioception:
Encourage your clients to tune into how their bodies feel against the mat. This awareness is crucial for helping them recognize changes in alignment, as well as gripping and tension patterns. Encourage them to feel the pressure in areas like their hips, arms, head, and feet, and to notice spots where there’s less pressure or contact, as well as how the pressure may change throughout an exercise. By guiding them through this process and encouraging awareness of these sensations, your clients can recognize any imbalances and make the necessary adjustments—empowering them to take charge of their practice.
5. Eye Awareness:
Encourage clients to use their gaze to enhance awareness. One way to do this is to ask your client to focus on a specific point in the room and maintain that distance throughout the exercise. This helps anchor their focus and provides awareness of where they are in space, without solely relying on proprioception, which isn’t always reliable!
By embracing these strategies, you’ll empower your clients to develop a deeper understanding of their bodies and movements. This increased awareness transforms their practice, making them more self-sufficient and confident, ultimately leading to a richer experience in your sessions.
Hit play for an example:
03
foreshadow
Flow is one of the six fundamental principles of Pilates, and it carries immense significance! While it often refers to the seamless transitions between movements that create a smooth, continuous experience connecting breath, body, and mind, I believe it encompasses so much more.
Flow is not just about selecting exercises or transitioning smoothly from one position to the next; it’s also about the fluidity and clarity of your cues.
Take a moment to reflect: Are you delivering cues just as your clients finish their movements? Do you notice them holding positions for too long before transitioning to the next step? If so, incorporating foreshadowing techniques and staying one step ahead with your cues will transform your classes and enhance your clients' experiences!
strategy
Being a step ahead of your clients is crucial for maintaining the workout's momentum. I know that being an instructor requires juggling multiple tasks—your mind races to keep track of start positions, spring tensions, breath patterns, corrections, and more. However, preparing your clients for what’s to come will actually make your job easier!
Here are my favorite ways to foreshadow in my classes:
Prepare for the Next Exercise:
During a layered exercise series, get your clients ready for what’s coming next before they reach that point. Instead of waiting until they finish their last repetition, say, “You have two more reps, and then you’re going to hold.” This keeps them mentally engaged and helps them transition smoothly into the next phase.
Anticipate What Can Go Wrong:
Make corrections before clients have a chance to make mistakes, and cue them on what to focus on in their movements. For example, "Keep equal weight on both sides of your hips as you lift your right leg to tabletop."
By proactively addressing their needs and potential challenges, you create an environment where clients feel supported and focused. This approach reinforces their understanding of the movements and helps them connect more deeply with their practice, enhancing their overall experience. In Pilates, where every movement counts, your ability to cue effectively can transform a good session into a great one.
Hit play for an example:
Hit play for an example:
I'm Alyssa, and I'm here to help you level-up your teaching skills & build a profitable Pilates business so that you can work for yourself full-time without burning out.
In today’s competitive landscape, being an exceptional teacher is just one piece of the puzzle; you also need to excel as a business owner. Unfortunately, most teaching training programs don’t cover the essential skills required to thrive in both areas. That’s where I come in! I’m dedicated to bridging this gap, equipping you with the tools and knowledge to not only enhance your teaching abilities but also build a successful, sustainable Pilates business that aligns with your passions and goals.
I've been running my full-time Online Pilates Business for 2.5 years now and it's given me more freedom and happiness than I ever thought possible.
I've been able to...
Ditch the early morning, late night, 9 clients a day grind
Travel when I want and still work with clients all over the world
Launch additional revenue streams like online courses dedicated towards my expertise— hip-healing
Recover from 2 surgeries without stressing about needing to take time off.
All of this is possible for you, too! I promise you, you’re no different! By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can have a thriving and growing Pilates business.
Click HERE to book a FREE 1:1 mentorship consultation with me and receive personalized support for your business today!
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