Pilates Thoughtful Tuesday: Setting People Up for Success with Positive Language

Clear instruction and positive intention help guide every Pilates movement toward mindful, confident practice.

In Pilates teaching, language matters as much as movement. The way we speak shapes how clients think, feel, and respond. Every cue has the power to either support success or accidentally invite failure.

When we use negative language, such as “don’t forget,” “don’t slouch,” or “don’t arch your back,” we are setting people up to do exactly what we’re asking them not to. The brain struggles to process negatives. It hears forget, slouch, arch—not the “don’t.” Psychologists call this ironic process theory. Tell someone “don’t think about chocolate,” and they immediately picture it. The same thing happens in your class when you say “don’t hold your breath.”

The solution is simple: use positive language. Tell the client what to do, not what not to do. This keeps focus clear, calm, and purposeful.

Examples of Positive Phrasing in Pilates Teaching

• “Remember to keep your spine long” instead of “Don’t arch your back.”

• “Keep your breath moving” instead of “Don’t hold your breath.”

• “Move with control” instead of “Don’t rush.”

• “Soften your shoulders” instead of “Don’t grip.”

• “Stay connected to your centre” instead of “Don’t lose your focus.”

Positive phrasing sets people up for success in the Pilates method. It gives their mind a clear direction, builds confidence, and removes the fear of getting it wrong. When a client hears a positive cue, their nervous system responds more effectively. They move towards the goal instead of away from a mistake.

As teachers, we’re not only guiding movement, we’re shaping mindset. Replacing negative language with positive instruction helps clients succeed and deepens their trust in their own progress.

Each cue is a choice. Use words that set people up for success, not failure. Train the body, guide the mind, and let every word move your clients closer to what you want them to achieve.