In Pilates teaching, there's an essential skill that often goes beyond demonstrating the movements, it's the ability to observe, assess, and correct. When teaching in-person, this responsibility is heightened, and the approach must be distinctly different from a Zoom session. On Zoom, teachers often find themselves demonstrating movements throughout the class, simply because it’s harder to observe all clients closely on screen. Yet, in the physical studio, teachers should aim to spend as much time as possible walking around, engaging with clients, and providing hands-on guidance. Here’s why this approach is so crucial and how to master the art of observation in Pilates.
Observation as a Skill
Observation is not just about keeping an eye on your clients; it's about reading their body language, spotting subtle misalignments, and understanding how each individual’s body responds to movement. By moving around the room, you can see the angles and positions from different perspectives, allowing you to notice things you might miss if you stayed in one spot. The energy changes when clients know they’re being observed from all angles, they become more mindful of their alignment and work with greater intention.
Building Confidence Through Less Demonstration
When you first start teaching a class, particularly a beginners' class, it’s natural to demonstrate a lot. You’re helping clients familiarise themselves with the movements, names, and purpose of each exercise. However, once they’re comfortable, it’s vital to shift away from constant demonstration. As clients learn the names and purposes of movements, your role evolves from leading to guiding. This transition helps build their confidence, as they start feeling responsible for their own practice rather than relying solely on you.
The Importance of Moving Around the Room
Moving around not only enhances your ability to correct and cue but also makes a powerful statement to your clients. By walking around, your presence is felt throughout the room, and your voice has a broader reach. Clients don’t feel like they’re performing solely for you; instead, they feel supported and empowered. Your movement signifies that you’re attentive to each individual’s form and progress, encouraging them to stay focused and attentive.
Correcting and Cueing for Independence
As Pilates teachers, one of our ultimate goals is to nurture clients' independence in movement. Once clients are familiar with the movements and have a basic understanding of their own body mechanics, it’s time to provide correction through subtle adjustments rather than full demonstrations. Cueing them to adjust shoulder alignment, engage the centre, or stabilise the hips fosters their ability to self-correct. This creates a collaborative learning environment where clients actively listen to cues and refine their own practice.
Tips for Maximising Observation and Correction in a Pilates Class
Develop Your Verbal Cueing Skills: Use clear and concise language to cue alignment and engagement. For example, instead of saying, “Lift your leg,” try “Feel your centre engage as you lift through the length of the leg.” This promotes mindful movement without your needing to demonstrate each action.
Use Touch with Permission: A light touch can provide guidance without over-correcting. By gently tapping a client’s shoulder or hip, you can help them find alignment. Always ensure they’re comfortable with physical adjustments before implementing this approach.
Balance Demonstration and Observation: If there’s a particularly complex movement, start with a brief demonstration, then let clients attempt it on their own while you observe. This reinforces learning by allowing them to experience the movement rather than mimic it.
Observe from Different Angles: Don’t stay in one spot when observing the class. Each body moves differently, and sometimes, what looks aligned from the front may show a different story from the side. Move around the room to catch all perspectives.
Empower Through Education: Teaching clients to understand the purpose behind each movement can lead to better form. When clients know why they’re doing an exercise and how it benefits them, they’re more likely to focus on their alignment and control, reducing the need for hands-on correction.
Encourage Self-Awareness: As they progress, prompt clients to check in with themselves. Asking questions like, “How does your body feel in this position?” or “Do you notice any tension as you move?” helps them tune into their body and adjust as needed.
Vary Your Position and Proximity: There’s power in shifting your position from time to time. Standing close to a client who needs additional guidance and then stepping back to observe the whole class keeps everyone engaged, knowing they have your full attention.
Walking the Floor: Building a Dynamic Presence
When you’re moving around the room, your presence becomes dynamic, and your voice carries with intention. Clients can feel that you’re there to support them, not only by correcting their form but by instilling in them the confidence to move with purpose. As Pilates teachers, staying rooted in one spot limits our ability to truly support clients in their growth. A mobile presence allows us to be fully involved with every client, creating a studio environment where they feel seen, understood, and guided towards self-awareness and control.
Remember, as teachers, we’re not only there to instruct but to inspire. By cultivating the skill of observation and resisting the urge to demonstrate every movement, we create an atmosphere of empowerment, helping clients progress in a way that’s grounded in personal insight and independence. After all, Pilates is a practice built on the principles of control, awareness, and breath, and these principles should be as present in our teaching style as they are in each movement our clients perform.
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