In a recent discussion in a social media group, a pilates teacher asked if there was an app capable of designing Pilates classes. It’s an intriguing question, especially given how class planning in Pilates goes far beyond plugging in a sequence of exercises. As Pilates teachers, we know that each class brings unique faces, bodies, and movement histories. This unpredictability makes rigidly pre-planned classes a challenge. Especially in a setting up a Pilates studio in London, where I might know names but not the bodies, adaptability is everything.
A well-structured class plan can provide a solid foundation, a framework from which to work. I often use a ‘skeleton’ approach with my Reformer Tower classes: starting with some preparatory movements, progressing to standing tower work, moving to flatbed exercises with the tower and push-through bar, and then transitioning to the Reformer. This outline gives a flow to the session, ensuring a balanced approach. But, inevitably, clients bring their individual needs to the forefront. Just recently, in a class of six, two clients had shoulder issues, which shifted my focus and challenged the planned resistance work. That’s something no app or pre-set structure can truly accommodate.
So, on this Technique Thursday, let’s consider what makes us different as Pilates teachers. We’re method teachers, which means we don’t just guide exercises; we teach the body in front of us. This approach is fundamental in training programs that aim to prepare teachers thoroughly. One of the pitfalls of short courses is the lack of time to cover these nuanced aspects of adapting to the client. While the course may teach you the exercises, the real learning often begins when you step into a class with a mix of bodies and movement challenges.
A pre-planned class is indeed valuable. It offers a guide, ensuring you have a balanced and structured session. But as all experienced teachers know, the real skill lies in the ability to adapt that skeleton framework on the spot. If you’re fortunate to have a regular group, you may get to know their quirks and movement needs, but many of us face the unknown each session, ready to think on our feet.
Ultimately, class planning in Pilates requires a mix of preparation and flexibility. An app may provide a base, but it’s our experience, intuition, and adaptability that make each class a true reflection of Pilates. So as you go into your next class, have your system, but be prepared to adjust. And remember, it’s the clients who teach us the most, guiding us to refine our skills, challenge our methods, and grow as teachers.
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