We Pilates instructors are skilled educators and motivators, who inspire people to engage in healthy lifestyle choices. We want all of our classes and sessions to flow from one movement to the next, and make everyone feel better and more energized by the end.

So what do we Pilates teachers do when new clients only take1 quick initial private session and then they think they are ready for group classes?  What do we do when people jump into the “wrong” class? How do we manage and handle our group classes without having ourselves and our clients getting frustrated or hurt?

In a perfect world all people new to Pilates would take many, many private sessions and/or semi-private sessions before even considering group classes, however we all know that doesn’t always happen!  Instead we might get a class (like I had last week) wherein there was one person who had never done Pilates before, one client who had been taking for over 5 years, one recovering from a shoulder injury and two with serious disc and back pain! Now what? (It was only 9am and too early to have wine.)

Below I have come up with 5 things that you might want to try and use to help you teach a better group class with such a mix as I faced, and hopefully not get as frustrated. You and your clients should be able to enjoy the journey, work hard and have fun!

1. How are your bodies today?

It’s nice to ask before class even though we are probably familiar with our “regular” clients bodies. This gives everyone including anyone new an opportunity to speak up. This also gives our regulars a chance to let us know if they overdid it with the grandkids on the weekend, played too much tennis or didn’t get enough sleep. It also gives you a heads up on how you might have to modify or vary certain exercises for the safety of your clients.
Modifications are very important in group classes. Even though the group will probably be doing the same thing at the same time we instructors can offer modifications to different clients based on their bodies and needs. If we see a client struggling, we can break down the movement even more for them. When we do this, we keep the class challenging for the different levels, but not overwhelming for those who can’t. Our clients should feel challenged but not overwhelmed. It also helps bridge the gap between you and your clients. It creates a feeling of attentiveness and professionalism, like you know what the heck you’re talking about and that you care!

2. Compliment vs. Correction!

When teaching a group of people at different levels, there is going to also be different levels of emotion and personalities. The best approach is to overall aim for balance. Get to know your clients and read their reactions to determine if you should turn it up or tone it down each time you work with them. Be ready to quickly swap a correction for a compliment or the other way around.

We all want our clients to feel motivated and inspired to do the exercises properly and not to be embarrassed if they cannot seem to get it right. If you notice a client is just straight up stinking at Stomach Massage, but is rocking at Climb a Tree, you could say something like this: “Your Climb a Tree is awesome and your hamstrings have gotten so much longer! Now lets work on making that Stomach Massage just as fabulous!” Not only did you prevent your client from receiving the worst Stomach Massage form in the world award, you created an even deeper rapport thus strengthening your relationship.

3. Breathe and Get a “Pilates Check In”!

Our clients work so hard and sometimes when we give them a challenge their form and alignment are horrific and make us want to gasp out loud or roll our eyes. One thing we offer at our studios is a “Pilates Check In” once a month. Any of our clients that take group classes are offered one discounted private per month where they don’t have to get locked into a package or worry about an expiration date. This way they can schedule a private session where we can work with them and their bodies on exactly what they need.

It has been very beneficial because not only does it help them get used to the new moves and “language” of Pilates, but they have started to realize how nice it is to get 100% of the instructors time and not just 25% or less. A lot of “groupies” have even started buying small packs of privates and fitting them in more than once a month!

4. Remember your first time!

It’s very easy for us to forget what it’s like from the student’s or client’s point of view, which is why I highly recommend working with a trainer even if you are a trainer, and/or taking classes on a regular basis. Not only does this help you understand your clients experience, it also keeps you on your game, physically.
Taking class and sessions is sometimes a great reminder of what it takes to create an exceptional experience for our clients. It has brought me back into my client’s perspective, and helped me feel what they feel, see what they see, and hear what they hear.

5. Me Time!

You’re a successful Pilates teacher working full time and making a living off of doing what you love! So what’s the problem? One word: BURNOUT! I’ve been there, and I’ve seen it in my team. Sometimes we forget about our own bodies and ourselves. In order to keep teaching and be the best teachers we can be, we need to learn to take care of our own bodies and brains so we can take care of our clients.

So make yourself a priority! Make your “me time” as important as the pediatrician’s visit, the conference call, and your meeting with the contractor. Treat it just like any other appointment. For your mental, physical, and psychological well-being, you sometimes just need to stop. It’s important to regularly take time to pay attention to you. It was only after taking more “me time” I “came back to myself” and started loving my life and job again and didn’t get as frustrated while at the studios and while teaching group classes!

If you are a Pilates professional reading this, I hope this serves you well and gives you some food for thought so that your next class is an exceptional experience. It’s easy to forget that not everyone loves exercising. In fact, most clients are intimidated to be in a class, so lighten the mood, add your personality and maybe a little humor to make a comforting and welcoming atmosphere. Working out and teaching is supposed to be fun!

 

Chealsea’s Bio

Chelsea Streifeneder is the proud owner of Body Be Well Pilates in Red Hook and Catskill NY, located in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Chelsea is a Pilates Sports Center Faculty member and hosts and teaches the Pilates Sports Center Teacher Training Program at her studios. She continues her Pilates studies and related movement therapies monthly in continuing education workshops and courses. Last yearChelsea completed Alycea Ungaro’s Synthesis Mentoring Program where she was able to deepen her commitment to her Pilates teachings and business. Chelsea is a Pilates Method Alliance(r) Certified Pilates Teacher and holds a B.A. in Writing and Dance from Bard College. Chelsea became a Pilates believer by experiencing it transform her own body. Being able to move free of pain, with ease and confidence changed her life. This transformation fueled her desire to learn and share this method with others. Chelsea’s approach to teaching is practical, hands on, extremely detailed, incredibly hearted, and accompanied with a bit of humor to keep it light! She inspires her clients to take what they learn in their sessions and apply it to their every day lives. In addition to teaching Pilates, Chelsea is an accomplished writer, providing articles and information for websites, newspapers, magazines and exercise enthusiasts. She has a monthly article in Healthy Lifestyles and has also been published onwww.pilatespal.com! She also writes bi-weekly for ActiveWear USA’s international online magazine. She has created workshops for Pilates professionals and continues to design and teach Pilates programs! You can contact Chelsea at chelsea@bodybewellpilates.com.