r/pilatesinstructors

Hi everyone! I completed reformer 1, reformer 2, movement principles, and anatomy with Balanced Body, and I feel quite comfortable with the repertoire itself. However, I was a little frustrated that I didn’t feel like we were really taught how to teach.

I know a lot of that comes with attending classes, observing instructors, student teaching hours, and simply gaining experience, but I’m wondering if there are any specific resources that helped you become a better instructor such as podcast episodes, online courses, workshops, YouTube channels, etc...

I’m especially interested in things like cueing, watching and correcting bodies, class pacing, transitions, teaching different levels, and class planning.

Would love any recommendations. Thanks!

Whether it’s a phrase you say or one you have heard in class.

I recently heard “fight for it” when I was in a class during one of the really challenging parts and I really liked that one. I also love the classic “yes you can”

I’d love to hear some phrases you use or have heard in your classes!

The examiner continuously interrupted and questioned me throughout the exam, creating unnecessary pressure and panic.
I was initially told I was going too fast, so I deliberately slowed down, but this made it difficult to complete the analysis within the limited 60-minute timeframe.
During palpation, the examiner repeatedly re-palpated areas I had already assessed instead of allowing me to complete my assessment independently.
When I was assessing the posterior view, she started palpating from the anterior view herself, which interfered with my process.
If my final postural finding was correct, I feel my method of palpation should not have been repeatedly questioned, especially when different methods can lead to the same correct finding.
For example:
If I identified the spine as flat or excessively curved, the important outcome should have been the correct finding.
If I identified an elevated shoulder and assessed the rotation appropriately, questioning why I did not palpate a specific landmark felt unnecessary.
I followed the assessment methods I was taught during the course.
The postural analysis took approximately 20–25 minutes, although I could have completed it in around 10–15 minutes without the repeated interruptions and rechecking.
During the stated focus, I began explaining the short and long muscles, as taught in the course.
I was stopped and told that the examiner did not want to hear so much anatomy.
This was confusing because anatomy is an important part of the course, and the stated focus specifically requires us to identify relevant muscle length/tension and areas of focus.
I feel I should have been allowed to demonstrate my anatomical knowledge rather than being questioned for using anatomical terminology.
I was also questioned about using different equipment/positions and whether I needed to use every variation of long box, short box, standing, sitting, supine, etc.
I could not find a requirement in the book stating that every exercise variation or every equipment position must be demonstrated during the practical.
The continuous questioning took away valuable time and significantly increased my nervousness.
During the principles section, I taught what was provided in the course material/sheet and what was demonstrated in the study material.
I was nevertheless questioned about why I taught certain movements, including cervical/head extension during spinal movement assessment.
My reasoning was that spinal movement assessment includes flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion, with appropriate head and cervical movement.
I followed what was taught in the course material and demonstrations.
During scapular and shoulder stability, I used anatomical terminology such as the glenohumeral and clavicular joints to explain shoulder movement and stability.
I was questioned about why I was using these anatomical terms and told that simpler instructions such as “widen your collarbones” or “don’t round your shoulders” would be enough.
I believe anatomical terminology is appropriate in an examination where anatomy is part of the course and is relevant to explaining movement and alignment.
During the exercises, I used spring settings based on the client’s individual strength, stability, height, and ability, as I had already explained before beginning.
I understood that repetitions should follow the Stott Pilates requirements, while spring resistance could be appropriately modified for the client.
I was questioned about not using the exact 2×2 spring setting for footwork.
My reasoning was based on the client’s height and leg length and ensuring that she could safely and comfortably position her feet on the footbar.
I prioritised the client’s stability and safety while making these modifications.
At one point, I made a mistake under pressure and placed the box on the carriage instead of the shoulder rests.
The client then struggled to place/control her feet in the straps.
I tried to correct the situation but was unable to immediately resolve the issue because of the extreme nervousness caused by the continuous questioning and pressure.
I asked the examiner for help because the client was struggling, but I was told to move on and that I had done what I needed to do.

I found this particularly concerning because the client’s immediate safety should take priority during a practical examination.
If a client is losing balance or struggling with equipment, I believe the examiner should assist or at least help stabilise the situation.
I was able to manage the situation eventually, but at that moment, the client’s safety was more important to me than the marks.
The examiner also commented that I had already taken a lot of time, although a significant portion of that time had been taken up by repeated questioning, interruptions, rechecking, and interference.
The overall environment made it extremely difficult to think clearly, recall information, and demonstrate what I had learned.
I felt mentally overwhelmed and nervous for a significant portion of the examination.
I accept that I may have made minor mistakes under pressure, but I believe the examination environment substantially contributed to them.
I did my best to keep the client safe, stable, and comfortable throughout the practical.
My main concern is not being questioned or corrected; it is the constant interruption, repeated rechecking, unnecessary questioning of methods, and lack of support when the client was struggling.
I believe an examiner should assess the candidate’s knowledge, clinical reasoning, technique, and ability to work safely with a client without unnecessarily creating panic or interfering with the assessment process.
I followed the course material, the methods taught in class, the relevant anatomy, and the Stott Pilates principles to the best of my ability.
I feel the examination did not provide a fair opportunity for me to demonstrate my actual knowledge and practical ability because of the environment created throughout the exam.

My only question is when you saw that there is some deviation. There is some problem with the poster. Why do you have to correct? You just have to observe me questions here and there is still okay because you want to know what I’m doing what my knowledge is, but the examiner was palpitating from the front. I am palpitating from the back. Is this even an exam? What do I do?

Another quick video for Instructors and curious students!

I truly truly believe learning how to properly execute a rounded bridge is not only quintessential pilates, but quite literally the foundational exercise for any and all spinal articulation exercises (rolling up/down, short/long spine, magician, cat, etc...). I also like to go over all of the common issues (gripping neck/traps, hamstring cramping, etc...) and how to cue out of them.

If you can teach a novice student how to connect their mind-body in a rounded bridge, you can do anything! Happy teaching

Hi all
I have few questions as a pilates instructor

1. spring settings can be light jn initial and or as per the strength for client ? Or should they always follow the manuals amd start with 3-4 spring settibgs making it heavier from start

2. Is it imp to use all the variations of repertoire in one session eg use of long box + short box + straps + moving n doing all the form of variations or is it fine to not do them all in one session

3. while choosing exercises is it imp and necessary to do all the motions of spine ? Be it flexion + extension + lateral flexion + rotation
   Or is it fine to choose a set of exercises involving flexion or extension and not all motions

4. when i choose the gearbar and carraige stopper settings its as per tge persons height in line with footbar so can i keep it all same if its 3 and 4 or should i keep changing it every now and then

5. stated focus anatomy is imp ? what muscles/muscle groups will be targeted

I have been teaching Pilates and Barre now for about a year and a half, it's a part time job (I have another job, and am also pursuing a masters degree). Currently, I am 6 weeks out from submitting my thesis for my MA program, my desk job is ramping up, and I am still teaching pilates. As it's been summer, the summer heat has been wiping me out, and I just feel totally burnt out. On top of that, I live across the globe from my family, and have been feeling incredibly homesick for the last month+.. Emotionally I feel more fragile than I have in a while, and physically I just feel spent. I don't even teach that many classes a week because teaching isn't my only form of income (I teach anywhere between 4-7 classes a week) but as someone who also struggles with waves of anxiety, I feel like recently I have just been so much more anxious about teaching. I feel like my morning classes are usually fine, because I just wake up and go, there isn't time to really get anxious. But my evening classes recently have been a real struggle for me. I feel like all day I'm counting down the time til I teach, and I am so nervous I'm going to be an anxious wreck as I teach.

I have experienced this now a LOT, and am usually always better off after the class, but I still seem to struggle beforehand with the anticipation of teaching. My studio is super down to earth, and the regulars I have are so kind and patient, that in the WORST CASE SCENARIO (i.e. I have a full blown anxiety attack teaching, or emotional outburst) they would likely be totally understanding... But I really dread that.

Does anyone have advice? Or experience with this? I am a dancer as well, so usually movement helps me get out of my head and into my body, but there's such a difference between just moving and giving a class...

Any and all suggestions, tips, etc. would be appreciate 🩵

Does anyone have a YouTube mat or sculpt contemporary Pilates workout that is actually hard?

I take a lot of in-person Pilates Sculpt/Burn and mat classes, and I’m trying to find something for days I can’t make it to the studio. I also strength train heavy at the gym and occasionally box, so I’m looking for something that actually feels challenging, not just “hard” in the title.

Everything labeled “advanced,” “intense,” or “killer” that I’ve tried on YouTube ends up feeling pretty mild.
I’m especially looking for lower body/glutes, abs, or sculpt-style classes with high reps, minimal downtime, and enough intensity that I’m actually fighting for my life a little by the end. Light weights, ankle weights, bands, props, all good.

Also very open to an app if there’s one that consistently has genuinely challenging classes.
Basically looking for the closest thing to a spicy boutique mat class at home. Any specific instructors, videos, or apps?

I was a bit annoyed but kind of relieved my regular classes were taken from me and they told me I don’t have to come in the next week, what is this burnout haha.

Unfortunately, it‘s not like a corporate job where they pay you out if they fire you.

Hello! I’m a Pilates instructor based in the Philippines, and I would like to ask my fellow Pilates instructors: How many classes do you usually teach per day? What is the maximum number of classes you teach per week? And how much do you earn from it?

I’m currently teaching 40 classes per week, but I feel like it might be too much for me. I’d like to know what would be a reasonable number of classes to consider before I discuss this with my employer. Thank you!

Edit: I teach mat and Reformer Pilates (private and group class)

I'm on my third day of training for Bodybar and I'm terrified for the test outs and such. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am confident that once I get the hang of it I'll be okay but right now it's seeming scary. I used to be the manager and also attend classes at a different franchise and of course I expected differences but it is supeeerrr different. Maybe I'm just getting in my own head? Idk. Tips/tricks/advice appreciated!

Gramercy Pilates
39 East 20th

I have only attended once and the class was decent! It’s a great location and classes don’t cost an arm and a leg but that’s because most of their instructors are still in training and are not being paid for their time. In fact, they are actually paying to teach your class. The more I learn about this studio the more questions I have. They claim to be a classical studio yet their graduates don’t seem to know the classical order and they don’t seem to understand it. All they need to do is accept they are a contemporary Pilates studio and label which of their classes are taught by instructors in training and many of my issues with them would be resolved. One of their main instructors claims to have experience as a dancer, which is untrue. I have also seen one of their lead instructors place a pregnant woman on their stomach. They claim to be a leader in training Pilates instructors but I continue to feel more strongly that they are misleading clients and students and upselling their experience and expertise.

Aesthetic: 3/10
Authenticity: 5/10
Difficulty: 5/10
Value: 5/10

*Please purchase directly from local studios as much as possible, apps such as MINDBODY and CLASSPASS take a cut from local studios already struggling to make ends meet

I am a newly certified instructor of Pilates. We learn a LOT in our 500 hours of training, but I am afraid of not supporting my special populations clients strongly enough.

For example if someone comes in with a herniated disk or a hip replacement or something else that is common….i fear I won’t recall the information to allow and provide proper modifications! Especially when I have a full room.

I’ve considered keeping a notebook of reminders or a list on my phone. Any thoughts?

I do feel with time this because second nature but I’m so scared of someone getting hurt.

I do a lot of work practicing at home on my own. I’m nervous for my upcoming training that I haven’t been doing “enough” classes myself to become a teacher. I mostly go here and there to in person classes vs adhere to a strict schedule.

It’s only the first course of many to be certified so I can def start going more, but honestly the cost is what’s stopping me more than anything. I originally wanted to get certified on the side of my full time job but I’m now recently unemployed. So I thought it was a great opportunity to focus on instructor training, however I’m a little scared of the additional expense going to classes now. What are your thoughts?

Hiii, I have been doing "pilates" for a few months and am very interested in taking the instructor course to get certified and start teaching. I have taken a few mat pilates classes and currently a member at BODYROK. After reading a horror stories about their training program I don't know if I even want to be a member there anymore hahah but anyway I want to start the training but have no idea where to start now. Any suggestions on reformer/mat pilates instructor certification in Georgia? Thank you so much!

I want to start a fitness class of my own but not ready to commit to my own lease/studio.

1. Would existing studios be open to renting their space out to when it’s unused?

2. How can I pitch my rental request to owners to increase my odds?

I am seeking advice on how to gain clientele for my home studio.

I have an in home studio, open for appointments for about three months now. I’ve gotten a couple of consistent clientele from sending out mailers hyper-locally (about 300 mailers to my 1 mile radius). I did go ahead and order a larger quantity which I plan to send out soon.

I have a booking site and google business page. I also have an Instagram I’ve tried to post weekly on (a little lost on what content to post, if anyone could guide me). I haven’t tried too much on tik tok.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Hey everyone! I’m currently working through my mat certification and could use a little perspective from those of you who have already made it to the other side.

I’m struggling a bit with what feels like major imposter syndrome (or just the sheer terror of not knowing enough). I find myself constantly diving down rabbit holes & supplementing my coursework with books, watching anatomy lectures, looking at educational resources on Pilates Anytime, Pilatesology, etc. and stress-studying contraindications, modifications, and every possible bodily condition under the sun.

My biggest fear is getting in-person, freezing up when a student presents with something unexpected, and completely embarrassing myself or appearing unknowledgeable. I look at master instructors and feel like I need the anatomical encyclopedia of a physical therapist just to safely teach a basic beginner class.

For those of you who have been teaching for a while:

• How did you quiet that voice telling you that you don't know enough yet?
• Where do you personally draw the line between safe, competent instructor and walking medical encyclopedia?
• When you first started teaching real bodies, how did you handle the moments of uncertainty?

Any advice, reality checks, or words of encouragement would be hugely appreciated!

Hey guys! I'm an entertainment industry expat interested in getting certified to teach group fitness classes - specifically pilates, strength/sculpt, hot yoga, etc...

I notice there are lot of recognizable studios out there that position their teacher training situations as a whole leg of their business. Corepower, Lagree and the like, charging thousands of dollars for their teacher training, running them multiple times a year, serving IG ads to susceptible targets lol. But then I know there are certain studios such as Solidcore that, while competitive, offer paid training for their proprietary certifications.

I know I can expect to invest at least a little bit into proper certifications and intend to obtain a CPT cert through NASM or something similar down the line, and save up for a 200HR yoga teach training as these seem to run 2K+ across the board - but in the meantime I was wondering if anybody can recommend any studios or places that will train without such a large investment as I'm just starting out and shifting from being unemployed for coming up on 2 years from the entertainment industry and looking for a new way to earn.

Also interested in getting my foot in the door working front desk at a studio that doesn't put you in the trenches with sales or facilities and could eventually lead to growth / certifications in the industry.

I love strength training, hot yoga and pilates (mat and reformer) and would just be so glad to have some more direction as to how to get on track to becoming an instructor without sinking thousands of dollars into it if I can avoid that. If not, I'd love to become employed at a fitness studio and save up (and potentially take advantage of a discount) for whatever certifications are most recommended. It seems like you can come at it from many different angles so I was hoping to hear advice from those who've done it, what would be the best way to go about it.

Can anyone recommend a list of studios or gyms I should look into if I wanted to become an instructor without much formal experience in this space? I am an ex-gymnast and a front-row regular at my favorite studios and have been told I would make a great teacher :-)

Thank you so much!

Hello 👋

I'm interested in enrolling in the BASI teacher training program this Fall.

I have a lot of reservations, because I work full-time and would like to know if teacher training is right for my schedule (and pockets). My question is about the 500 hours (observation, student teaching, self practice).

Can you ELI5 the process of obtaining hours?

How is it logged? What qualifies as an observation hour, student teaching hour, self practice hour? For example, if I taught mat pilates to my cat or my imaginary friend, does that qualify as student teaching? I'm obviously JOKING here, but my point is, what are the parameters?

Do all 500-hours have to come from BASI-certified instructor or, BASI studio? Can I observe a Club Pilates instructor? Can I self practice at home using whatever props and apparatus I have?

Also, what is the cost associated while getting the 500-hour?

Thank you in advance to this community 🙏