
As Pilates teachers, one of the most valuable skills we can develop is the ability to analyse movement. When a client struggles with a movement, it is rarely just about strength or flexibility alone. More often than not, it comes down to restriction—whether in a specific joint, muscle, or connective tissue. Understanding what is truly happening with the movement is the first step to overcoming these challenges and creating progress for your client.
Start with Joint Action
The most logical place to begin analysing movement is at the joint level. Ask yourself:
What joint actions are involved in the movement?
Are those joints moving as freely as they should?
Could there be a restriction in the surrounding muscles or connective tissues that support that joint action?
Once you understand the joint action, you can start to piece together which muscles are responsible for creating that action. For example, in a roll-down movement, if the pelvis is not tilting freely, you may look at the hip flexors, abdominals, and even the lower back muscles to identify any restrictions or tension.
Consider the Role of Fascia
While we often focus on muscles, it is increasingly clear that fascia plays a significant role in movement. Fascia connects muscles and can restrict movement when it becomes tight, dehydrated, or adhered. When you analyse a movement, take a moment to consider how fascia might be influencing the range of motion or the quality of movement. For example, restrictions in the posterior fascial chain can limit flexion-based movements or make articulation feel sticky and uneven.
Break It Down into Manageable Elements
To truly address movement issues, breaking the movement down into smaller, manageable elements is key. For instance:
Identify the part of the movement where the client is getting stuck or losing alignment.
Work specifically on improving that “sticky” element.
By isolating the problematic section and addressing it with targeted exercises or stretches, you can create better motor patterns and reduce restrictions. Once the sticky element has been addressed, return to the full movement and observe the improvement.
Build Your Knowledge of Anatomy for Pilates
To be more advanced in Pilates, you must be more advanced in your understanding of anatomy and physiology. When you can look at a client and immediately recognise where tension, imbalance, or restriction is, you gain the ability to work in a logical and efficient way. This means going beyond surface-level understanding and constantly expanding your knowledge.
By doing so, you are not only improving your teaching skills but also offering a better service to your clients. Clients appreciate it when we can pinpoint why they are struggling and guide them step by step to success.
Work Smart, Not Fast
Finally, remember that tackling a movement challenge is a process. Trying to fix everything in one go can be overwhelming—for both you and your client. By working methodically and focusing on one element at a time, you will not only make the process more manageable but also create a stronger foundation for long-term success.
This approach also encourages your client to develop a deeper understanding of their own body. Pilates is a method, not just a workout, and our role as teachers is to guide our clients in learning and experiencing that method fully.
Bringing It All Together
Next time a client struggles with a movement, take a step back and analyse it systematically. Understand the joint action, identify muscle or fascial restrictions, and break the movement down into smaller pieces. With patience, knowledge, and a logical approach, you’ll not only help your client achieve success but also continue to refine your own skills as a Pilates teacher.
Remember, progress is not about perfection but about consistent, mindful improvement. That’s the true essence of the Pilates method.
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