1. Do It With or Without Props
Teach Pilates exercises on a mat or with equipment such as a fitness ball or band (also known as a stretch band). The band provides resistance, usually for building up strength in the legs or arms. Teach the chest lift, a variation on the abdominal crunch, on the mat or with a fitness ball for added sculpting of the upper abdominal muscles.
2. Get Focused for Better Form
Show your students how to fully concentrate on each movement of the body while doing an exercise. Acute awareness of the body and how to increase energy and flexibility ranks as the most important element of Pilates. Breathing also gets increased attention in Pilates, so teach your students to inhale from the back of the ribcage, and exhale from the abdominal muscles and pelvic muscles. Focus on specific breathing instructions along with each Pilates exercise, and identify the core of muscles in the abdominal areas, buttocks and hips as the anchor of energy in the body. Centering the body with these muscles for daily energy results in overall physical and mental prowess, so highlight this in every Pilates lesson. Unlike calisthenics, where repetition or strength alone is of primary importance, Pilates stresses exact technique and control of movement to prevent injury. Each movement also aims for a special purpose such as building up strength in the arms, so make it clear to students when beginning the exercise.
3. For the Young Set
When teaching children Pilates, keep the routines fun, and give the exercises interesting names, like Happy Hippo or Crazy Cat. This keeps kids happy and better apt to focus on the exercises without getting bored. Teach no more than 10 young students at a time for optimal results, and tailor routines to each child's personality and physical condition. Also, be spontaneous. Kids may give you an idea for a new exercise or teaching methods through their playful attitude.
4. Make It Legal
Many instructors are certified to teach Pilates as long as they have some training from an accredited Pilates institute. Yoga and Pilates are sometimes taught as a combination course. The Pilates method differs from yoga, however, via many subtle nuances such as the breathing technique, so many teachers without specific Pilates method training still label themselves as Pilates instructors. Contact the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) for information on how to become a fully authorized Pilates teacher. Pilates organizations like Peak Pilates follow the standards set forth by this organization.
