5 pilates/barre teacher green flags

Teaching is a little bit about you class plan, and a lot about how comfortable you are relating to others.

Your job isn't to know about pilates, it's to teach it to others in a way that they understand.

Whether you're a client, or a teacher... these are for you.

I'm a people person. 50% genetics and 50% skills I've learnt along the way. I've not always been the most outgoing person, but I was hell bent on doing certain things when I graduated school (move to England, become an Au Pair for a year etc) so a lot of what I've learnt doesn't come naturally to me, but was used as a means of survival.

1. The way they welcome people into the room each class, and how much effort they put into remembering your name and any injuries.

I don't want to hear anyone internally skip over this one because you're "not good with names". That's a poor excuse. Name recall isn't a genetic gift, its a skill you can practice. It takes intentionality and effort, but it adds a huge amount of value to your clients when they walk into class. They feel seen and cared about, and that's what will keep them coming back to you, instead of studio hopping every few weeks.

2. The way they frame an exercise and its goal.

Language and intentions are powerful. It's 2023... we're no longer encouraging clients to burn fat and loose weight, that's their own journey and not something that should be influenced by someone with only a Pilates Teaching Certification. Focus on what you know. Where should clients be feeling an exercises? (it might be more than one muscle group), and allow the goals to focus on building strength and mental focus. Not everyone wants a 'toned, lean and long' body. We just want to move with a teacher that it'd foscusing on how we look.

3. The language they use when adjusting clients in class.

If you teach with a mic, first things first... turn off your mic quickly while you're adjusting someone one on one. It kills all the vibes to have it announced across a big room what your client needs extra help with.

Use language that specific and relevant to the adjustment. Instead of simply telling them a client whose hip is dropping in a donkey kick to "lift their left hip" ... try asking them to "engage the left side of the abdominals a little more to allow for the lifted leg, and to align their hips" . Either one on one or to your whole class, take time to explain how they will feel a disproportionate of their weight in their left arm and thats how it should feel. The stronger you get, the quicker you can forget the little nuances of how it feels to be a total beginner.

4. Their presence in class, and their ability to gauge where everyone is at.

Clients > class plans. Don't be afraid to change your class plan for the sake of your class. It can feel daunting when you first start teaching... but by always having a few extra flows planned, you have the freedom to tailor the class in the moment to the energy and fitness levels of your group on the day. This should mean you spend most of your time off the mat or reformer. Your personal fitness levels are very rarely an accurate gauge of a whole class's. You do this professionally, they do it for fun.

5. They way they talk about themselves and others in class.

The last thing anyone needs is a teacher who spends too much time talking about themselves, whether that's personal or about the way their body is moving. You only have one body, so it's highly unlikely that you're going to represent an accurate cross section of the bodies in your class. Take the time to develop a vocabulary for explaining exercises without needing to demonstrate them. Use self deprecating humour when talking about yourself, and avoid making fun of anyone. These are the basics in being someone who others feel comfortable approaching and asking questions. Lastly, no one likes a guru. Don't teach from a pedestal, teach from beside the reformer aligned with your clients needs for that day.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHERS YOU'D ADD? I'D LOVE TO HEAR YOURS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.

As always... in my opinion,

Alexa x