Teaching All Levels Pilates Group Classes can be challenging – no doubt about it.
But if you prepare properly, it can be a rewarding opportunity that can boost your confidence, experience and clientele.
Teaching All Levels Pilates Classes is about thinking quickly and being able to pivot your programming to adapt for every client.
Because there are always going to be clients who have different abilities, limitations and Pilates experience in the classes you teach – no matter how specific your group class descriptions and levels.
And while most Pilates education programs will give you the tools to teach group classes, it won’t be until you’re up front teaching and seeing the variety of movement ability in your Pilates class that you’ll want to prioritize programming prep.
Because it’ll make it soooo much easier to teach. And a no-brainer for your clients to keep signing up each week.
Here are 3 key strategies to building (and keeping) your successful Mixed Level Pilates classes
1. Set High Level Goals
We talk a lot about setting goals in the studio because it keeps our clients workouts focused and intentional.
When you’re training a mixed level Pilates Group Class setting a high level goal is a great way to design your workouts. And letting your participants know what that goal is at the beginning of class will keep them engaged and excited about the progressions.
A great way to set goals within a class is to choose either an exercise goal or a self-awareness goal and then design your Pilates class to work towards achieving it.
Here’s a quick outline of what both might look like:
Exercise Based:
- Pick an exercise at a higher level on either the Mat or Apparatus.
- Quick reminder! It’s not about achieving this exercise in a single class but working towards it over several classes (which is aways a great way to entice clients to return!)
- Figure out what programming strategies are needed to do that exercise well (what does that exercise require? upper body strength? hip mobility? spinal extension?)
- Make a list of the Pilates exercises that complement those strategies.
- Include appropriate supplementary exercises to add workout variety and accessibility and still focus on the goal.
Self Awareness Based:
- Pick one general area that everybody needs to improve. For example;
- Stronger posterior shoulder girdle muscles to help with neck and head placement OR
- Strengthen the feet and ankles to improve dexterity for balance and proprioception
And then following the same list above, include target exercises and cues into your workout so that your clients can build their awareness around it.
2. Structure your workout to align with your goal.
Now that you’ve selected a high level goal to focus on, decide how you want to begin your workout – especially if there are new clients in the class.
For example, if you’ve chosen a postural issue, then it might make sense to begin the class with standing exercises that get your participants focusing on the key area.
Or if you have more new clients to the class than regulars, consider a position like supine, sitting or 4 point kneeling where foundational Pilates principles can be learned and reviewed.
From there, group 3-4 exercises that can be done in that starting position before moving into other positions on the equipment or mat (standing, sitting, kneeling, lying supine, side lying or prone).
Always end your Pilates Group Class in a position that emphasizes your workout goal; for example, perhaps an upright movement like the Reformer Side Splits or Cadillac Arm Springs Standing. Or, if your focus was on engaging a better breath connection, perhaps finishing prone with deep breathing before moving into a supportive supine pose.
A workout structure that moves participants through key positions is a great way to keep your class organized and the workout flow top of mind.
Quick programming tips:
- In each position select exercises that can regress/progress so you can quickly access them based on your clients experience levels.
- Use both Pilates and supplementary (non-Pilates) exercises to inform, strengthen and move your clients.
- In each position, remind your class of the high level goal that you’re focusing on with exercises to reinforce the connections you want them to make.
3. Strategy: We can all use a little improvement.
Regardless of a client’s Pilates experience, everyone (and that includes instructors!) always benefits from a reminder, modification, correction or informative tip.
To keep your All Levels Pilate Group Class engaged, inclusive and moving, it’s better to teach the entire class a cue or correction rather than focus on the individual for whom it’s meant.
Because chances are, there are others that will also connect with your corrections and cues. And the added bonuses of this approach are:
- No one feels uncomfortable or frustrated by being single out
- It allows participants to have more independence and autonomy in their workout.
- It strengthens both listening and self awareness skills so clients can apply what they’re learning into their movement.
Teaching Pilates to more than one person at a time is hard. Period. It doesn’t matter whether you’re teaching 2 people or a group of 20.
By taking the time to prepare and organize your workouts, you’ll stay in control of the session and look forward to each class on your schedule!