r/pilates

one of the studios I teach at is a large 20 reformer studio (I know, I know, but it pays well and I do my best to be as thorough as possible with everyones form).

I have a ton of consistent regulars, which makes my life easy because I know their body habits and what to look out for. there is one regular though who is consistently out of sync with the rest of class. she’s older, overweight (stating this an objective challenge for herself in certain set ups, not as a moral failing), has severe arthritis, can’t be on her wrists or knees, and I could handle all of this easily if she would LISTEN TO ME but she doesn’t listen well and gets her lefts and rights confused. I had to talk to her recently about how she need to follow along with my set ups for exercises because she almost fell off of the reformer by not listening to me and I’m scared she’s going to get hurt. if this studio offered privates, I would suggest her to talk them, but it doesn’t and she throws off the class for me and other people are getting upset with her because I’ve had to stop class to keep her safe multiple times on pretty simple moves.

ive tried to tell her her alternative movements that are easier for her, but she doesn’t remember them and she’s a danger on the reformer.

what would you do in this scenario? I’m not allowed to ban her from classes, but I don’t think she’s safe. also this studio requires all classes to be ALL LEVELS so I can’t shepherd her to a beginner class because they’re all supposed to be all levels.

id love any and all advice regarding this liability who’s taking time away from everyone else.

Random question, but when squatting in the gym I’ve always been told “knee over toe”. The goal range of motion is to get those knees in line with your toes when squatting. However, I also do mat Pilates classes & lagree. Every. Single. Time. We’re in any form of a squat in these classes, with all instructors they always que “knees right in line with ankles”. After weight lifting and practicing deeper squats I find I really have to stare at myself in the mirror and stick my butt out, bend over much further, to get my knees to stay tracking with the ankles. What’s the difference and why?

I am looking for help with my teaser. Some days I can do 1 or 2 proper teasers, and some days I struggle to do more than a basic chest lift with extended legs engaged.
I spoke with an instructor at my studio, and she suggested that teaser uses the same muscles as “pike” on the chair.
I can (just barely) pike on the chair with one “2” spring, and feel it in my deep abdominal muscles and upper abdominals.
I suspect that teaser also uses more lower abdominal muscles and hip flexors than pike. Does that sound right?
Does anyone have advice for what muscles to strengthen and how?

Anyone care to share their timeline post surgery and back to their Pilates practice? I’ve been doing Pilates about 5 years now and I also lift weights. I’m having a reduction right around holiday time or the new year (with liposuction around armpits and side breast area) and am curious if it will require the full 6 weeks as recommended by my surgeon?