Is Your Instructor Really Helping You?
How to Know If You're Getting the Support You Deserve in Pilates Class
You've been going to Pilates for a while now. You show up, unroll your mat or hop on the reformer, follow the cues, and leave feeling like you’ve had a decent session. But here’s the real question: is your instructor actually helping you? Not the group. Not just the room. You.
In a busy group setting, it’s easy to feel like just another body in the room. But quality Pilates instruction goes far beyond leading a sequence of exercises. A great teacher helps you progress, adapt, and feel truly seen. So let’s break it down. When was the last time your instructor:
Corrected your form (with more than a passing “lengthen your spine”)?
Asked about your injuries or health conditions—and remembered them?
Gave you specific modifications when you mentioned discomfort or limitations?
If you're struggling to answer any of these, it may be time to pause and evaluate if your current class is serving you in the way it should.
What Great Instructors Actually Do
Great instructors teach the person, not the exercise. They understand that Pilates is a system that supports each body differently. Here are signs you’re in good hands:
1. They Observe You—Not Just the Clock
A strong teacher keeps an eye on you during class and adjusts based on what they see. It might be a verbal cue tailored to your posture or a hands-on correction (if welcomed). These micro-adjustments help you build better habits, faster.
2. They Ask Questions—And Listen
Checking in with “Any injuries?” at the start of class and moving on without response isn’t enough. A caring instructor takes the time to follow up, ask questions, and keep those limitations in mind throughout the class.
3. They Offer Modifications—Without Making You Feel Left Out
Good teachers know how to challenge the group while still catering to individuals. You should never feel embarrassed or confused about modifying an exercise—it should be presented as a smart option, not a “lesser” one.
4. They Teach for Progress
Rather than simply guiding you through choreography, a great teacher will help you build strength, mobility, and confidence over time. They’ll remind you of what’s improving and where you can focus next. That’s real growth.
5. They Speak Your Language
We all learn differently—some of us are visual, others are verbal, kinesthetic, or auditory learners. The best teachers adapt their cues to suit you. Maybe you need to see it, hear it, or feel it. A great instructor pays attention to how you respond and adjusts their communication to help you connect to the movement more deeply.
What to Look For in an Instructor
Certifications and experience that include anatomy, injury management, and hands-on training.
Clear, varied cueing styles—visual, tactile, verbal—so you’re not left guessing.
Consistent follow-up if you mention pain or a health concern.
A focus on form and function, not just flashy sequences.
They see you – on the tough days or the days you need more support and you feel more supported.
The Bottom Line
Pilates is more than a workout—it’s a practice. And like any practice, having the right guide makes all the difference. So if your instructor hasn’t corrected you in months, doesn’t know your name, or overlooks your injury, it might be time to explore a new studio or teacher.
You deserve an instructor who’s invested in your practice. Someone who helps you feel supported, seen, and continually progressing. Pilates is personal. Your instruction should be too.
