How To Stop Programming and Start Teaching

Update: 2024-08-21

Description

In this episode, I delve into the balance between programming, lesson planning, and the actual teaching of Pilates. Reflecting on my early days as a new instructor, I share some of the mistakes I made due to a lack of guidance and the overwhelming pressure to always create new content. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over time is the importance of saving time and avoiding burnout by teaching the same class multiple times. Repeating a class doesn’t mean it becomes stale—instead, it opens up opportunities to dive deeper into different aspects of the work.

Each time I teach the same class, I can focus on something new, whether it's refining the core Pilates principles, enhancing joint alignment, improving stability, or exploring the balance of push and pull. The use of props and other tools can also bring a fresh perspective to a repeated class, making it feel new and engaging for both the instructor and the clients.

As you listen, I encourage you to focus on how these principles can apply to your own teaching practice. Remember, teaching Pilates is about more than just creating new routines—it’s about guiding your clients through a journey of discovery and mastery. Repeating classes and focusing on different aspects each time can provide a richer, more meaningful experience for your clients and help you grow as an instructor. So, tune in and discover how to stop programming and start truly teaching.

Takeaways

Teaching the same Pilates class multiple times allows for deeper exploration and understanding of the exercises.
Instructors can focus on different aspects of the class each time, such as Pilates principles, joint alignment, stability, and push and pull.
Repetition is key in Pilates practice, and clients benefit from mastering the same exercises over time.
Instructors should prioritize the needs of their clients over their own desire for variety in repertoire.
Understanding the depth of the work and continuously learning as an instructor is essential for providing a better experience for clients.