Transform your Pilates teaching through the power of effective cueing. As movement educators, our words shape our clients’ experience and understanding of their bodies.

Have you ever wondered how your words impact your clients’ movement? Sometimes, what seems perfectly clear to us isn’t what our clients are hearing or, more importantly, feeling.

The way we guide our students through exercises is a skill called cueing. As a Pilates teacher, the language and tone you use can make a big difference. It can either unlock a new level of awareness or it can hinder their progress. At Polestar Pilates, we want to help you understand the science behind effective cueing. Think of it as storytelling through movement, guiding your clients to discover their own way of moving, rather than creating dependence on you.

Understanding the Impact of Language

Effective Pilates cueing is not just about telling your clients what to do. It’s about guiding them to discover how to move efficiently. Some traditional approaches focus heavily on isolated muscle contractions, such as “tighten your core”. However, this type of instruction can sometimes be counterproductive. Over-cueing can interfere with your client’s natural movement patterns and their internal feedback system. Instead, try using neutral language.

As Pilates teachers, our aim is to empower our clients to continue their practice beyond the studio. When a client is ready, less is more. Rather than over-cueing, allow the client to explore their bodies and discover their internal locus of control. You can create a more powerful experience for them by encouraging self-awareness. Help your clients to tune into their bodies. Ask them, “How does that feel?” or “Where do you feel the most effort?”.

Practical Cueing Strategies

It is important to choose your words carefully. Use clear and concise language to convey your message effectively. Instead of “be careful,” try “lengthen the hip flexor with control”. The aim is to help them understand the movement. It is important to consider individual needs and goals. A highly active client may need different cues than a client new to Pilates. The same cue may not work for two different clients, because everyone is different, with their own unique goals, physical needs, and previous experiences. Your role as a teacher is to build a rich repertoire of cues and to be ready to adapt your approach. In other words, tailor the cues to the individual.

Sometimes, asking a question can be more effective than giving a directive. Encourage your clients to reflect on their experience and become more aware of their own movement patterns. Use encouraging language to motivate them. When clients feel successful, they will be more likely to continue on their Pilates journey. It’s about creating a movement experience that resonates with each individual. The goal is to guide your clients to discover how to move better. Think of yourself as a movement coach. You are helping them find their own way of moving. It is not about creating dependency.

Refining Your Cueing Skills

Effective cueing is a skill that develops with time and experience. Try your cues on yourself before using them with a client. Do you feel the intended movement? This helps you refine your language. Review your sessions and make notes on your cues. What cues worked well? What could you improve? Record your classes or sessions and watch them back. Is your language clear, effective and inspiring?

In summary, cueing is a skill, it is not a talent. Effective cueing involves a variety of skills from communication, observation and adapting to the client in front of you. Remember, you are a guide, not a dictator, in the client’s movement journey. Your goal is to help them discover their own ability to move better.

Polestar Pilates Teacher Training program is the perfect next step if you’re ready to take your Pilates teaching to the next level. You will learn to connect with your clients and offer them truly valuable movement guidance. You will develop a deeper understanding of movement and how to guide your clients towards their goals. You’ll also join a global community of like-minded individuals, including movement enthusiasts and physical therapists. You will learn to work with different populations and various needs including chronic pain.

Take your teaching to the next level, and start your journey towards better movement, and improved client outcomes today with one of our popular courses. CLICK HERE to find out more!