Pilates Encyclopedia

23/08/2024

Quick question for you — when was the last time you asked your private clients what they’re hoping to get out of Pilates?

I mean, literally asked them.

Knowing their goals can make all the difference in how you guide them through their sessions.

Imagine this: Your client walks in wanting to lose weight and get a good sweat going. But you’re focused on improving their breathing.

See the disconnect?

It’s so important to align your teaching with what your client truly wants. Otherwise, they might walk away feeling unfulfilled — or worse, not come back.

Now, I always make it a point to ask clients about their goals right from the start. Even if I’m just subbing for another instructor.

It helps me tailor the session to meet their expectations and keeps them motivated and coming back for more.

To dive deeper into this topic, I’ve put together a short video for you.

In it, I share some tips on how to ask the right questions and ensure that you’re on the same page as your clients.

Trust me, this can completely transform your sessions!

Watch the video at the link below and let me know what you think! 👇
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ktZG0XMUAOc

23/08/2024

Unlock the Pilates Encyclopedia today to get instant access to our comprehensive Pilates exercise library, class planning tools, and teaching tips to help you master your teaching craft.

20/08/2024

Have you ever noticed how every Pilates exercise seems to flow into the next, like pieces of a puzzle coming together?

That’s the beauty of Pilates — it’s all about connecting the dots!

When you deepen your understanding of Pilates, you start to see how each movement fits into the bigger picture of your practice.

Each exercise isn’t just a step in a routine; it’s a purposeful part of a larger journey towards strength, balance, and flexibility.

As you guide your clients through their sessions, recognizing these connections allows you to teach with greater intention — making each class more impactful and rewarding.

One of the ways we help you connect the dots inside the Pilates Encyclopedia membership is through our focus on movement skills.

We organize exercises by movement skills (such as hip flexion) and categorize them into four distinct phases: Prep, Mobility, Control, and Strength. This approach allows you to create smart progressions tailored to your clients’ needs.

For instance, if a client struggles with hip flexor cramps during exercises like Double Leg Stretch (which is a strength exercise), you’ll learn to identify the appropriate phase they need to work on before progressing to strength exercises. This “meet them where they are” approach ensures a more effective and supportive path to improvement.

Swipe through the images to see an example of the 4 phases when applied to Hip Flexion:
✨ Phase 1- Prep: Glute Massage

✨ Phase 2 - Mobilize: Glute Stretch

✨ Phase 3 - Control: Footwork

✨ Phase 4 - Strength: Table Top

I’ll be sharing more ways to connect the dots next week, so stay tuned!

Ready to take your teaching to the next level?

Join us in Pilates Encyclopedia, where we dive deep into the “why” behind each movement and help you master the art of connecting the dots in your practice.

Let’s make every movement count! 💪

Click the link below to join Pilates Encyclopedia today. 👇

https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/join

15/08/2024

Think of it this way: Pilates instructors are like skilled craftsmen or contractors. They must have the right tools to tackle various tasks. A carpenter without a hammer can't drive in a single nail, and a painter without a paintbrush can't add color to a canvas.
Similarly, for Pilates instructors, specific apparatuses are the tools that allow them to cater to different client needs. Continue reading this blog post at:

Unlock the full potential of Pilates by become a comprehensively certified Pilates Instructor. Be prepared for the any client or class.

13/08/2024

Struggling with teaching Pilates to clients with injuries?

It’s a challenge many Pilates instructors face, but with the right approach, you can turn uncertainty into confidence.

I once got hit with a game-changing question from a physical therapist: “Are you working AROUND the problem or ON the problem?” 🤔💡

This question flipped my perspective and could do the same for you!

Here’s how to transform your approach:

🔍 Know What to Avoid: Start by diving deep into which exercises or movements are off-limits for specific injuries. Knowing these contraindications helps you keep your clients safe and avoid potentially making things worse.

🤝 Partner Up with Experts: If your client is working with another professional, get their permission to connect with them. This can give you crucial insights that help you customize their sessions perfectly.

💪 Focus on What They CAN Do: Don’t stop at identifying what to avoid; zero in on exercises that can support (or even boost) recovery. With a Pilates Encyclopedia membership, you’ll have access to tailored exercises that keep your clients on track.

Ready to boost your confidence and expertise? Check out the full article for powerful strategies and tips! 👇

https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/blog/confidence-for-teaching-pilates

11/08/2024

It’s not your job to fix or heal your clients. Your job is to help them learn to move their bodies in ways that support their health and wellness goals. Continue reading for 5 simple ways you can support clients with pathologies.

Worried about whether you have what it takes to be a Pilates teacher? Here’s the real deal about whether you need to be a Physical Therapist to teach Pilates!

09/08/2024

How do you warm-up before you hike? Joine me for this warm-up on the foam roller.

Here is my personal Pilates routine to warm up for hiking. I spend between 10 to 30 minutes preparing my body with a few myofascial release exercises and str...

09/08/2024

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a client needs a quick adjustment, and you’re scrambling for the right cue? 😰

It can be super challenging . . . especially when you’re not entirely sure how each movement impacts their body.

But here’s a little secret: the more you understand the science behind the movements, the better you can adapt your cues.

When you really dive into how the body responds to different movements, you stop relying on guesswork and start making powerful, informed adjustments on the spot.

It’s a game-changer for both your confidence and your clients' results.

That’s exactly why I created Pilates Encyclopedia — to offer you a deeper, richer understanding of Pilates and movement.

I wanted to create a resource where you could not only enhance your skills but also feel more connected to what you’re teaching and why it matters.

This isn’t just about adding another tool to your kit; it’s about getting to the heart of how every single exercise influences the body, so you can make those on-the-spot adjustments like a pro.

Whether you’re just starting out, focusing on Mat work, exploring Reformer exercises, or looking for a comprehensive toolkit to elevate your entire studio, we’ve got a membership tier that fits your needs and helps you serve your clients with confidence and clarity. 💪

Our membership covers everything from foundational exercises and cueing tips to advanced teaching techniques and even studio management (if that’s the lane you’ve chosen).

Join us for as little as $15 a month, and get access to resources that will support you at every stage of your Pilates journey.

Let’s move past the frustration and step into a place where you truly understand how to guide your clients effectively and confidently.

Explore Pilates Encyclopedia at the link below 👇

https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/join

I’m excited to see how you’ll grow and how your clients will thrive!

06/08/2024

“Is Pilates like Yoga?”

This is a question Pilates instructors often hear from friends, family, and potential clients.

With yoga’s popularity soaring over the past decade, it's no wonder there’s some confusion.

Mat-based Pilates and yoga both involve low-impact bodyweight exercises, making them look quite similar at first glance.

Add to that the rise of hybrid classes like Yogilates, and it's easy to see why the lines might seem blurred.

Check out this article I wrote that clears things up and highlights the key differences between Pilates and Yoga. 👇

https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/blog/is-pilates-like-yoga

03/08/2024

Struggling to fill your Pilates classes?
It can be challenging to make a bigger impact AND boost your hourly rate without significantly increasing your prices. The good news? There’s a solution that allows you to achieve both goals.
For a limited time, I’m offering 50% off the “Fill Your Classes” masterclass designed specifically to help you tackle this issue. This special offer is available only until Sunday, August 4. I can’t wait for you to see the difference this can make!
Use the coupon code FULLCLASSESNOW at checkout to claim your discount.

02/08/2024

01/08/2024

In Memory of Jay Grimes
Thank you to jay grimes for his profound wisdom and guidance in the method. His teachings were a gift to so many.
"For me personally, and I bet for many others, he was the person who inspired me to switch to an open studio/open gym model, and I'll be forever grateful for that. It changed my life." - Mara Sievers

"[Joe] wanted you independent in the studio, so you could be independent out of the studio." -Jay Grimes

26/07/2024

With Pilates growing in popularity, we’ve seen not only the amount of Pilates studios and virtual classes increasing but also the Pilates method taking on different forms. In this post, I’ll try to define Pilates by taking a quick look at its history and influences as well as juxtaposing it with other fitness modalities.

With Pilates growing in popularity, we’ve seen the Pilates method taking on different forms. In this post, I’ll try to define Pilates by taking a quick look at its history and influences as well as juxtaposing it with other fitness modalities.

25/07/2024

PE has helped me big time with confidence.
Having every single known exercise available to refer to and learn about in depth has helped me learn to see and feel more in my own body, as well as my clients.

Even if I am familiar with a particular exercise, I like to check in with Mara’s videos and explanations as I find them clear, and simple, free of flowery or vague language.

19/07/2024

Virtual Meet Up Starting Soon. Join us by registering today at

Where Pilates teachers gather to connect with and support each other. Find inspiration, avoid burnout, rekindle the joy for sharing our beloved Pilates method.

17/07/2024

Pilates Teacher Meet Ups Cultivating Community, One Meet Up at a Time. Join us this Friday, July 19, 2024 at 4pm ET . Register now at https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/meet-ups

12/07/2024

Learn more about what's inside the membership at: https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/join

05/07/2024

Next Virtual Meet Up: Friday, July 19, 2024 at 4pm ET
Save the date at:

Where Pilates teachers gather to connect with and support each other. Find inspiration, avoid burnout, rekindle the joy for sharing our beloved Pilates method.

28/06/2024

Imagine you've never taken a Pilates class yet are intrigued by social media reels highlighting what seems to be a kickass workout. Continue Reading by clicking below.

The secret weapon for studio owners isn't just about what your studio has to offer; it's about how clearly and effectively you let your customers know about it.

21/06/2024

Quickly consult our library of recommended exercises for every imaginable pathology.

14/06/2024

Pilates Exercises with Props
Get ideas for when and how to use props with my lists of dozens of exercises with 9 different props. Download our free guide to take your Pilates class planning to the next level.

Props add variety to your classes and workouts, but even more importantly, they give your student feedback about their position in space which improves proprioception and body awareness and will make them better movers altogether.

12/06/2024

Meet Member of the Month: Karin Painter
I am so grateful to the PE platform. It has given me a deeper understanding of movement patterns, benefits of the movements and the ability to synthesize all of the new learning that I was experiencing. Learn more about Karin at https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/success-stories

11/06/2024

Pilates Teacher Training Programs
Let's chat about why the current state of Pilates TT might not be all sunshine and rainbows . . . and what you can do to navigate it like a pro.

If you’ve been thinking about diving into a Pilates teacher training (TT) program, you might want to pull up a chair because we’ve got some real talk to share. Let's chat about why the current state of Pilates TT might not be all sunshine and rainbows.

07/06/2024

Teach Safe and Effective Classes That Your Students Will Love

31/05/2024

Studio Spotlight | in Portland, Maine
I find it very interesting to visit different studios and experience firsthand the wide variety of styles in the Pilates realm. Continue reading at:

I find it very interesting to visit different studios and experience firsthand the wide variety of styles in the Pilates realm.

24/05/2024

Fine-Tune Your Practice and Improve Your Teaching Skills.
Learn more at: https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/join

19/05/2024

Meet the Member of the Month!
During the pandemic in 2020, I did Pilates Career Coaching with Mara and it transformed the way I run my Pilates business. It’s hands down the best investment I’ve made in my Pilates career. Learn more about Nadia at https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/success-stories

17/05/2024

Get Ideas For Your Next Class
Feeling uninspired? Get an idea for your next class that you can use immediately at https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/what-should-I-be-teaching-today

10/05/2024

Are You Struggling to Teach Challenging, Safe, and Individualized Pilates Classes Each Week? You are not alone. Learn more about the Pilates Encyclopedia at https://www.pilatesencyclopedia.com/join