As Pilates instructors, we want to give our clients our very best. We aim to provide them with creative, supportive, and challenging classes that keep them motivated and inspired. But how do you do that? How do we continue to grow and evolve as instructors?

Here are some tips that I’ve found helpful on my journey as a Pilates instructor:

1. Keep learning

Once you’re qualified as a Pilates instructor, there is still more to learn and discover. I recommend completing further training and attending workshops on topics you’re interested in. I’ve been very fortunate at PPF to receive in-house training in Barre, Jump-board, and Reformer Stretch. This means I can teach a variety of classes, which has been very fulfilling and has helped me grow as an instructor.

I’ve also attended workshops with allied health professionals on a range of topics, including pre- and post-natal Pilates, hypermobility, prolapse, and post-hysterectomy care. These workshops have helped me better understand my clients’ experiences and have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to assist clients with different abilities and injuries.

2. Stay inspired

There are so many Pilates resources out there, especially online. While I don’t blindly follow everything I see on social media, many instructors are happy to share their ideas and experiences. If you see something that looks fun online, try it. See if it works for you, consider if it will work for your clients, and try incorporating it into one of your classes. 

There are also many community groups on Facebook that you can join. I’m a member of a few, and they are great places to learn from others and ask questions. PPF also has a Facebook group for Pilates instructors where we share our favourite exercises, post different flows, and answer questions (link to FB group?).

3. Attend other instructors’ classes

We can learn a lot from each other, so it’s a good idea to attend other instructors’ classes. It’s an opportunity to learn new exercises, flows, and different ways to cue exercises. I do this weekly and have gained a lot of knowledge from my fellow instructors. I have learnt different ways to instruct my classes, including verbal and tactile cues. Many times, I’ve had an “aha moment” in another instructor’s class when they’ve used an effective cue I hadn’t thought of before, and it resonates with me. I then use it in my own classes and see how much it benefits my clients.

4. Continue your own practice

By keeping up your own practice, you will know how an exercise feels, and this is invaluable to your instructing. I never teach an exercise I haven’t done myself because I need to understand how it feels for my clients and whether it will work within the class I’ve planned.

I know it’s not always easy to get to a class, but there are affordable online classes you can do at home. My go-to is PPF’s online studio because it always has new content, but there are many options out there. Find some you like and make time for your own practice.

5. Take time to program your classes

I’ve always been a planner. I write lists, plan emails before I write them, and even wrote out an extensive plan for this blog. I just love planning things! My classes are no exception. My process is quite simple. I usually start by identifying the focus for the class. Maybe it’s a prop like the circle, working on mobility, or having a seamless flow where clients don’t have to change their springs. Once I’ve identified the focus, I sit on my mat or reformer and go through different exercises to see how they work together. The class builds from there. I write it down and take it into the studio when I teach. I feel more confident walking into class knowing I’ve got something to refer to. Because I’ve planned it and done it myself, I’m able to instruct more clearly, and my clients can feel confident that I know what I’m doing.

Planning your classes also means you don’t have to think on your feet as much, and you can be more creative. There have been times when I’ve had to cover a class last minute and didn’t have anything prepared. At those times, I go back to the fundamentals, and there is nothing wrong with the fundamentals. However, being able to add a new exercise or flow to your plan is a great way to challenge your clients and yourself. Every time you teach something new, you’re adding to your repertoire as an instructor.

6. Don’t take on too much

We’ve all been there—saying “yes” to every class offered to us, especially when we are starting out. But it’s important to set boundaries for yourself so you don’t burn out. Avoid taking on so many classes that you lose the love of programming. Make sure you have time to attend classes yourself. Remember, you need downtime away from work and Pilates to recharge and keep your passion for Pilates alive.

7. Be open to feedback

At the end of each of my classes, I always invite clients to provide feedback because I want to know what did or didn’t work for them. While this can be daunting, it’s helpful. Any feedback I receive informs my future classes and has helped me develop a great rapport with my clients. It’s also wonderful if you can work at a studio where management takes the time to provide you with regular feedback.

8. View your clients as your teachers

I was a teacher before I was a Pilates instructor, and when I first started, I would sometimes get frustrated when my students wouldn’t understand me. But it wasn’t their fault. People learn and process information in different ways, so it’s up to you as an instructor to accommodate that. Learn from your clients. If they don’t understand something you’ve said, think of another way to say it. If half the class is doing something different to what you cued, think about how you could have explained it more clearly. Since adopting this way of thinking, I’ve come up with some creative, albeit sometimes strange, ways to cue my classes.

9. Be patient with yourself

   Finally, your learning will never end. The longer you instruct, the more you will learn and grow. So be patient with yourself and stay open to new ideas and information.

Ready to deepen your practice and inspire others? Join our Pilates Instructor Training today and embark on a transformative journey to become a certified instructor! Or, if you're looking to enhance your well-being, come experience the benefits of Pilates at one of our studios in Brisbane or Online.

Interested in more tips and insights for Pilates instructors? Check out How to Become a Pilates Instructor in Brisbane: Your Ultimate Guide and 7 Reasons to Become a Pilates Instructor for valuable resources and expert advice to elevate your teaching skills.

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