Cues To Use: 7 Tips Pilates Teachers Can Use To Program Classes That Flow
I love Pilates. We all do. If you are actually reading this, you love Pilates.
But we have ALL been in a class, at some point, that felt like it was never going to end.
Most of the time, when the teacher announces the final exercise, the class looks up at the clock in shock. “An hour? Already? No…”
Yes.
And for me, you know what makes it go fast? Flow.
You don’t have time to look at the clock, or think about all of life’s stressors outside the studio, when you are constantly moving.
That’s why, when you aren’t constantly moving, or you are waiting for instructions or set-ups… the class can feel like it’s taking FOREVER.
As Pilates teachers, we have been there at some point in our Pilates teaching careers: You’re in front of a Pilates class or client with no plan. Doh!
And it is not necessarily because you are unprepared.
Maybe you spent all weekend choreographing a jump board class, but instead of the usual class of athletes, newbies arrive complaining of ankle injuries. (“****. Scratch that plan.“)
Maybe you and your private Pilates client agreed their next session would be dedicated to deep diving on some specific aspect of their form, but they arrive distracted and unable to focus.
Maybe you are just hungover and are 100% focused on staying upright… no judgment.
But here’s the thing: The client paid to be there, and we have to deliver every time.
So what do you do?
Here are some of my favorite tips for maintaining flow in a Pilates class, no matter what unexpected circumstances are thrown at you.
HAVE A LOOSE PLAN, AND PLAN TO DEVIATE FROM IT
It’s always nice to come prepared, but we all know the saying, “Make a plan and God laughs.”
One of the hardest things for new teachers is when they come fully prepared, but the plan goes to sh*t. Panic ensues.
But it doesn’t have to.
Keep it loose. Consider options. Have a back-up. Learn to go with the flow and give yourself a break. Remember, you know more than the class.
START WITH THE CLASSICAL ORDER
Classical Pilates teachers have a big advantage here because Joseph Pilates left a very specific order to his exercises. We have a built-in road map. There’s still plenty of room for creativity and variety, but it does give us direction.
CHOOSE A THEME
You can make the same exercises very different by choosing a theme to focus on.
Maybe you find the breath pattern in each exercise. Joseph Pilates said, “Above all else, learn to breathe correctly.” A class focused on fully and completely inhaling and exhaling with the movements, maybe even switching up when you inhale and exhale, could be very challenging and beneficial to a class of all levels.
If you have a class that is simply not focused that day, and just wants to laugh and talk, why not just go with it? Make “play” your theme, and invite the class to explore the exercises in new ways.
One rep of every exercise, on repeat, can be fun and challenging.
If the class asks for “glutes” but you already have a program in mind, use the program, but change the way you cue to help them find the “back body” in each exercise.
Find the stability of each exercise. Make the focus of each exercise the body part that is not moving.
Get creative. Have fun. The options are endless.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSITIONS
Transitions in Pilates are almost as important as the exercises. (We even made a shirt about this…)
Piecing together exercises with a stop and start makes the class feel choppy and slow. Before you know it, everyone is looking at their watches, yawning… no bueno.
Use transitions to keep people moving, but also to maintain flow in your program. Make the entire class one continuous exercise.
Read: “Let It Flow: Why Flow Is The Secret Sauce Of Pilates.”
PICK UP WHERE YOU LEFT OFF
Think about the stopping point of the last exercise. Which exercise starts where the last one left off, or close to it?
For instance, if they are lying supine, have them do side-lying exercises next, and then they can easily move into kneeling exercises.
BALANCE THE PLANES OF MOTION
Try balancing flexion-based exercises with extension-based exercises. So let’s say you just finished Grasshopper on the Ladder Barrel. A Ballet Stretch - hamstring stretch series might feel nice.
LET THE SPRINGS BE YOUR GUIDE
When it is time to change springs and move to the next grouping, position in a way that keeps the flow going.
If they are standing on the side of the Wunda Chair after having changed to light springs, why not have them go right into a One Arm Push Down? Or you can have them turn around and sit for a Mermaid.
What are some of your favorite tips for keeping the flow in class? Comment below!