Well practiced teachers draw upon a number of tools in their teaching ‘toolbox’ in each class they take, using a combination of visual demonstration, tactile feedback and ‘hands on’ correction, and verbal cueing and instruction. Recently, we have been reflecting on the power of words and language. How can we use our words to our best ability, what power do they have, and how to refine our language to better serve and inspire our clients. 

 1. Using words for DIRECTION

At the most fundamental level, our verbal instructions give directional cues for each exercise. These should ideally be clear and easy to comprehend for all attending a group session, explaining what the exercise entails and which body part should be where (without these in our vocabulary, we would be in the dark!!) When training to become a movement teacher, learning a vocabulary of directional cues is the first building block toward helping clients.

Verbs at play might include: pull, press, lift, lower, stand, sit, kneel, lie.

2. Using words to add MEANING and INTENTION

We believe that using language to add meaning can transform the experience of a movement. This goes beyond simple instruction, with select words lending themselves to the nuance and depth of each exercise. ‘Meaning’ verbs may include: lengthen, release, yield, open, float, spiral, sink, scoop.

For example, when descending out of a shoulder bridge, we may describe this as a ‘releasing of the spine into the mat as each vertebra sinks into the floor’. This same movement performed with only simple, directional cues, ‘lie on your back and lift and lower the spine’, is missing that vital piece of rich information that makes a shoulder bridge, a shoulder bridge, the sequential spinal movement. Clearly, using words for MEANING can offer clarity and purpose to the movements.

3. Moving BEYOND WORDS…

Language is so much more than words! Using INTONATION, RHYTHM and VOLUME can add personality and flair to teaching. Do you recall having any teachers at school that had a monotonous voice? Do you remember anything they taught you?! Using the three tools above can be a powerful combination to deliver any of the below during a class:

• A supportive, gentle pace –  a quiet voice accompanied by soft MEANING words (ease, release, unfurl)
• A dynamic energy – varying vocal volume and intonation during a class to add interest, moments of crescendo accompanied by moments of mindfulness.
• A flowing rhythm – certain movements call for rhythm and pacing! Sharp, short words can add a faster paced rhythm, as can clicking fingers (The Hundreds comes to mind). Long delivery of words, savouring the syllables, can lend itself to a longer, fluid movement like a Roll Up or Cat Stretch. 

4. A final note on LANGUAGE for ENCOURAGEMENT and PRAISE

We are increasingly mindful of the language we use with clients and are always seeking to improve on our teaching skills. Our mission statement is clear, ‘to empower each and every client’. Empowering and inspiring language is an essential part of this. This is vitally important when we meet clients who are new to Pilates, or have suffered with chronic pain or a challenging injury, and can very often be nervous of movement. The language we use with one individual may be completely different to the next, so that we do our upmost to reinforce confidence and to give positive encouragement to any individual, at any age or ability.

Communication is a skill that can be constantly fine-tuned, refined and developed for all of us. Which is why we truly believe it’s worth spending the time on reflection, attending courses and classes for ourselves, to keep fine-tuning our teaching practice. Our words matter. As teachers, we will continue to do our best to use them wisely!

Our Classical Pilates 4-week course offers a unique introduction to the Classical Pilates repertoire, introducing you to the physical benefits and challenges of this whole body conditioning form of exercise. This course is ideal for those who are already active and enjoy regular exercise and/or sports and want to improve their performance, flexibility and total body strength.

To give you a sneak preview, here’s what to expect from our upcoming Classical Pilates courses…

1.Expect dynamic, challenging classes that work all areas of the body

Classical Pilates is a challenging workout for the whole of the body. The exercises challenge strength and stamina using the Pilates mat and body weight movements. This whole-body conditioning system was designed by Joseph Pilates to be a sequence of exercises that progress rhythmically from one to the other, to strengthen and condition the body. This also results in improved muscle tone and flexibility, improving overall muscle mass.

2. Expect to boost sports performance and prevent injury 

If you are a keen athlete or gym goer, Classical Pilates is a fantastic accompaniment to any training regime. By addressing muscular imbalances, improving strength and control of the core muscles and those surrounding the spine, Pilates increases your body’s resilience and can also promote faster, more effective workouts outside of your Pilates classes. Your coordination and balance will also be challenged- two skills vital for many sports. If you are a runner, our Pilates for Runners post may be right up your street.

3. Leave feeling energised (and with a greater sense of mental wellbeing)

Joseph Pilates, the inventor of the Pilates method, was a keen advocate of whole body awareness and vigorous exercise to improve circulation, digestion and to stimulate venous flow and healthy breathing cycles. Stimulating all parts of the body, from your fingers to your toes, is vital to retaining these benefits of the Pilates method. Our Classical Pilates classes use whole body movements that work to stimulate the muscular and the nervous system to leave you feeling mentally and physically energised.

Pilates is also the ultimate mind and body workout. Joseph Pilates believed firmly in the connection between the mind and the body-  and created his method along these lines. Each exercise requires focus and dedication. Classical Pilates classes allow you time to focus on you and your body- promoting stress relief and an improved sense of overall wellbeing. Many of our clients have commented on sleeping better after their classes!

4. Improve your posture and leave feeling taller 

Classical Pilates trains the deep, postural muscles surrounding the spine and the joints. This promotes optimum postural alignment and balances the body effectively to reduce the stresses placed upon it. Poor posture creates muscular imbalances that place stress upon the spine, upon other joints of the body and may lead to injury or aches and pains if not addressed. Elongation of the body is key to all the Classical Pilates exercises. This improves flexibility, alignment and corrects muscular imbalances so your body can move the way it was designed to.

Our Classical Pilates course will be running on Wednesday evenings from the 1st June. Spaces are limited to 12- we would hate you to miss out! Book your 1:1 postural and core assessment today or contact us for more information on how to reserve your space.  Click here to find out more about Classical Pilates.

‘I joined Liz’s Pilates class over 7 years ago looking to improve my core strength as I had been having issues with my lower back. My weekly fitness routine includes several sessions of spin and pump and much as I love a hot sweaty workout to loud music, I wouldn’t be without my weekly Pilates class!’ Claire