Pilates Technique Thursday: The Secret of Speaking in Threes

Pilates teacher guiding a client with clear, concise three-step verbal cues for movement.

Here is a piece of advice that can instantly make you a more credible and effective Pilates teacher. Speak in threes. This is not a new idea. In fact, research and centuries of rhetoric show that grouping information into three parts makes it more memorable and more persuasive. You will find it in professional speeches, political messages, advertising slogans, and even in religious teachings. It works just as well in the Pilates studio.

Why It Works

Our brains respond well to patterns, and three is the sweet spot. One feels incomplete, two can feel like a comparison, but three gives a sense of rhythm, structure, and completeness. It is short enough to remember and long enough to make an impact.

How to Apply the Rule of Three in Pilates

You can use this technique with clients whether you are giving a quick correction, explaining an exercise, or motivating them in class.

1. Three Points in an Instruction

When cueing, focus on three key elements rather than listing every detail at once.

Example: “Lengthen the spine, soften the ribs, breathe into the back.”

2. Three Steps in a Sequence

Break a movement into three easy to follow stages.

Example: “Anchor the pelvis, extend the legs, reach through the toes.”

3. Three Benefits

When explaining why a movement matters, offer three specific outcomes.

Example: “This will strengthen your glutes, improve hip mobility, and help your walking posture.”

4. Three Sensations for Client Awareness

Invite clients to check in with three sensations during a movement to deepen their mind-body connection.Example: “Feel the weight in your sit bones, the length through your spine, and the softness in your shoulders.”

Beyond the Pilates Studio

Once you start noticing it, you will see the rule of three everywhere. In conversations with friends, in persuasive talks, in adverts, and even in the way stories are told. It is a universal communication tool, and when you use it in Pilates teaching, it helps clients understand, remember, and apply what you are saying.