Pilates Thoughtful Tuesday: The Energy We Bring into the Room

Calm, present, and ready—your energy sets the tone for every Pilates session.

As Pilates teachers, we spend a great deal of time observing our clients. We look at their posture, their breathing, their level of engagement, and even their energy. But how often do we take a moment to check in with our own energy before we begin?

Before a class or private session, we might run through the exercises, the focus for the day, or who is attending. But there is something else just as important to prepare: ourselves. The tone of the session is often set before the first movement begins by the way we walk into the room.

Think about it. Have you ever walked into a class feeling rushed, flustered, or preoccupied? Chances are, that energy translated into the way you taught. Your body language may have been tighter, your tone sharper, your cues less fluid. Without meaning to, you passed that mood on to the room.

On the flip side, when you walk in calm, present, and open, your clients can feel that too. They mirror it, they settle. It creates a safe space where movement can be explored with ease and trust.

So how do we manage our energy as teachers?

1. Start Pilates with a Self Check In

Before each session, take a quiet moment to ask yourself

• How am I feeling today?

• Am I carrying anything emotionally or physically that might influence how I teach?

• What do I need to do to feel grounded right now?

Even 60 seconds of breathwork or grounding your feet to the floor can shift your presence completely.

2. Body Language Matters

Stand tall, breathe deeply, and make eye contact. A warm smile goes further than you think. If we want clients to feel embodied and present, we must model it ourselves. Think of yourself as the anchor in the room.

3. Tone and Pace of Speech

Is your voice rushed or relaxed? Clear or distracted? The way we speak carries weight. Try softening your tone and slowing your speech especially at the start of the class. It sets the rhythm and helps clients transition from the outside world to the Pilates world.

4. Let Go Before You Begin

Not every day will feel perfect and that is okay. The goal is not to be a robot, but to become aware of your state and take responsibility for the atmosphere you create. Even acknowledging that you feel off, and choosing to reset, can shift everything.

5. Reflect Afterwards

After class, take a moment to reflect. What energy did you bring in, and what energy did you leave behind? Was there a shift? Did your mood influence your clients for better or worse? This awareness builds emotional intelligence and improves your teaching over time.

Teaching Pilates is not just about cueing movements. It is about leading a room. And to lead well, we must be aware of what we carry into the space because our energy is just as much a teaching tool as our words or hands on adjustments.

Next time you prepare for a class, do not just check your lesson plan. Check yourself. Your presence is powerful. Use it wisely.