Pilates Technique Thursday: Cueing with Clarity – Saying Less, Teaching More

Less talking, more teaching: clear cueing creates focused, embodied movement in Pilates sessions.

In Pilates sessions, cueing is one of the most important skills a teacher can develop. It’s what transforms a good class into a meaningful experience – helping clients connect movement with intention. But more words don’t always mean more clarity. In fact, as we grow as teachers, we learn that saying less often teaches more.

Teaching Pilates Beginners: More Guidance, More Voice

When working with beginners, especially in group mat or Reformer Pilates sessions, more cueing is often necessary. Clients need support finding their alignment, understanding breath patterns, and recognising how each movement should feel. At this stage, your voice is their map.

In these sessions, it’s important to guide with patience and structure. But even here, clarity is key. Don’t fall into the trap of giving too many instructions in one breath. Speak clearly. Pause. Give time for clients to process. Use your voice to pace the session and build their confidence.

As Pilates Clients Progress: Less Is More

With more experienced clients, particularly those attending regular apparatus or personal Pilates sessions, the approach shifts. These clients don’t need constant verbal traffic. What they need are power words – short, specific cues that cut straight to the point. Words like “lengthen,” “soften,” “anchor,” or “lift” speak volumes without explanation.

The beauty of these Pilates sessions is that the work becomes more internal. The client begins to feel their way through the movement rather than think their way through it. Your role is to guide, refine and sometimes, simply hold the space.

Cue to Educate, Not Dictate

Cueing should educate, not command. Think of your cue as an invitation:

• “Can you find a little more length in your spine?”

• “What happens if you soften your chest as you roll down?”

This opens space for exploration and self-discovery, which is what Pilates is truly about.

Teach the Pilates Movement, Then Observe

Let the client begin the movement. Watch. Then respond. Avoid cueing before you’ve seen what’s needed. Over-cueing at the start can interrupt the natural flow of the session. Once they’ve established the pattern, you can refine with a single power word or image.

Silence Is Golden

In both beginner and advanced Pilates sessions, don’t be afraid of silence. It gives the client a moment to listen to their own body. It shows trust. And it allows your next cue to have even greater impact.

Pilates Teachers: Final Thoughts

Whether you're teaching your first matwork class or guiding advanced clients through complex Reformer work, cueing is your art form. Use it with care. Start with clarity for beginners, and evolve into power words and intentional silence as your clients progress.Remember: say what you mean, mean what you say – and then say no more.