23/08/2026
HI all👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻
I was just giving a talk in regard to teaching Pilates.
There were questions regarding the subject of Pilates, difference between classical and co temporary Pilates, what we do as teachers, why we do it, the benefits of it and what some instructors cover, when teaching.
There appears to be some surprise when it's mentioned that most are trained in Physiology, yes we do know those things also and being a qualified group exercise instructor of 28 years as well, we are also trained in Physiology for that too, having trained in Free Style Caroline's Power Pilates, Aqua, Fitness and Life Fitness Yoga, Swiss Ball, Power Pilates, Strength, and Body conditioning, etc which all cover a renewal of what we know on all aspects of the above.
WHAT DO MOST PILATES INSTRUCTORS STUDY:
Pilates instructors study human anatomy, physiology, and the core movement principles of the Pilates method. Their education covers exercise sequencing, postural analysis, and how to modify movements for different fitness levels or physical limitations.
Core Subjects and Training Focus
Anatomy and Physiology:
Learning how skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems function during movement.
Pilates Principles:
Mastering breath, centering, concentration, control, precision, and flow.
Repertoire and Mechanics:
Studying pre-Pilates, mat work, and advanced exercises.
Apparatus Training:
Learning specialized equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda chair.
Client Assessment:
Performing postural evaluations and health screenings.
Instructional Skills:
Practicing verbal and tactile cueing, class design, and safety. Core Subjects and Training FocusAnatomy and Physiology: Learning how skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems function during movement.
Pilates Principles:
Mastering breath, centering, concentration, control, precision, and flow.
Repertoire and Mechanics:
Studying pre-Pilates, mat work, and advanced exercises.
Apparatus Training: Learning specialized equipment like the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda chair.Client Assessment:
Performing postural evaluations and health screenings.Instructional Skills: Practicing verbal and tactile cueing, class design, and safety.
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What do GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTORS study:
Group exercise instructors study human anatomy, exercise science, class design, and motivational techniques to safely and effectively lead people.
Core Study Topics
Anatomy and Physiology:
How muscles, bones, and the heart respond to physical activity.
Exercise Science & Kinesiology: Proper body movement, alignment, and mechanics.
Health and Safety:
Risk management, injury prevention, and emergency care.Session Planning: Creating balanced routines with warm-ups, peaks, and cool-downs.Music and Choreography: Timing movements to beats for rhythm-based classes.Communication Skills: Cueing moves clearly and motivating diverse groups.
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However, it is most important in having a reasonable awareness of the fitness levels of those in front of you, modifications always where possible are a must do, with correct posture and form being essential, again where possible.
It is so important to help make sure that your classes grasp what and why you may be doing things and what purpose those thingss may help serve!
For me Pilates is a education, a hopeful understanding you can pass to those in front of you, so they can take that knowledge out of class with them and apply to their daily lives.
For example times when they are gardening, swimming, walking, driving, doing general housework, working in an office, or at home, maybe sitting in their car, or on their sofa at home!
How you can so easily incorporate Pilates principles into your everyday.
How you can condition your core and help strengthen your back just sitting on a chair, or in your car, or while sitting or standing in a queue!
For me it's more than just demonstrating some movements, giving instructions and class is over.
It's not about the same routines for months and months.
I have always believed that Pilates, amongst everything else I have taught, felt like the best form of helping people to understand their own bodies.
I have loved every type of class I have taught as a freestyle group exercise teacher.🤗
I have always taught about the importance of core strength in all of my classes, long before I studied Pilates!
The concept was not knew to me!
If we know how are muscles work how the mechanics of our bodies work and how they feel, then we are hopefully better placed to know when they are not working right, maybe internally as well as externally!
Hopefully It is easier to express and explain to GP's or especially in medical situations, if or when necessary!
For me now and always and right from the get go, Pilates for my classes had to be functional, it had to serve their daily lives and what they do, of course you always have to be aware of the fitness levels and a ilities in your class.
As my classes will tell you
If it doesn't feel right you modify or don't do it and I am there to watch!
Always need to try and be aware as much as one can be, about those returning from injury or illness and of course if they are very knew to it all, it's important to try and cater for their needs as much as possible!
As a teacher, it is important to me, to be able to help someone both physically and mentally if possible, its a wonderful gift for me to hopefully pass to my classes.
Maybe gift isn't the right word, but I do believe that for me Pilates is an education, it's not just a class.
Take care in whatever you do.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.xx🫂❤️
