Pilates Technique Thursday: What’s the Purpose of This Movement?

Pilates class focusing on controlled leg lifts to build pelvic stability and spinal awareness.

It’s easy, especially when planning group sessions, to fall into the trap of choosing movements based on what feels familiar, flows nicely, or just fills the time. But as Pilates teachers, we’re not there to entertain, we’re there to educate, to challenge, and most of all, to be intentional. That’s why one of the most powerful questions we can ask ourselves when programming is:

“What’s the purpose of this movement?”

🎯 Movement with Intention Not Just Repetition

Every exercise in the Pilates method serves a function. Whether it’s mobilisation, stabilisation, strengthening, coordination, or breathing, there should be a clear why behind what you’re teaching.

For exampleSupine Neutral: Is it about finding spinal placement, engaging the centre, or establishing breath awareness? Are you layering in progressions for a client who needs more challenge or offering it as a reset point?Shoulder Bridge: Is your goal to articulate the spine, activate glutes, or challenge pelvic stability? Are you modifying it to suit that focus?Side Kicks: Are you using them for hip mobility, oblique engagement, or balance and control? Is your cueing matching that aim?

🧩 Avoiding the “Just Because” Sequence

Sometimes we teach exercises because they’re expected. But that’s when clients start going through the motions and so do we. When you ask yourself the purpose of each movement it keeps your teaching sharp and your sessions meaningful.

Instead of planning a session like

1. Preparation

2. Roll up

3. Spine stretch

4. Open leg rocker

5. Swan

Try planning like this

1. Preparation – Breath awareness and pelvic placement (Supine Neutral)

2. Flexion focus – Segmental spinal control (Roll up)

3. Postural reset – Opening thoracic space (Spine stretch)

4. Balance and coordination – Controlled rolling (Open leg rocker)

5. Extension and shoulder mobility – Active back chain (Swan)

Same movements but with a clear progression and purpose.

🧠 Teaching Tip: Share the Purpose with Your Clients

Your clients benefit from understanding the why too. Even a simple sentence like“We’re doing this to open your chest after a long day at a desk.”“This will help support your spine when lifting or walking.”“This prepares your body for the bigger movement we’re heading toward.”

These small comments turn movement into education. And when clients know the purpose they engage more fully.

✨ Final Thought

The Pilates method is not about ticking off exercises from a list. It’s a journey of awareness, change, and empowerment. So next time you plan your session or cue a movement on the spot pause and ask yourself

“What’s the purpose of this?”

Your answer might just transform your teaching.