Can You Actually Explain What You Do? Why Pilates Instructors Must Have a Definition Off-Pat
"How would you describe Pilates to someone who has never heard of it?"
I’ve posed this question to dozens, perhaps hundreds of
instructors-in-training, and even fully qualified teachers. And what follows is
often the same:
·
A pause....
·
A scramble for words....
·
An apologetic half-smile....
And then… a well-intentioned ramble about stretching,
breathing, strengthening, or “core work”.
All fine topics, of course, but in the real world, this is the exact moment a potential client or curious listener quietly checks out.
The truth is if a Pilates instructor can’t clearly explain
what they do, how can they expect others to value it?
Not Just Semantics—It’s Professional Identity
Let’s flip the scenario. Imagine a doctor, a quantity
surveyor, a PE teacher or a nurse being asked the same thing.
“What do you do?”
Their responses are instant:
Clear. Purposeful. Confident.
·
“I’m a GP. I diagnose and treat patients.”
·
“I plan and manage construction costs.”
·
“I teach students how to develop physical skills
and play sports.”
·
“I care for people recovering from illness or
surgery.”
So why is it that many Pilates professionals hesitate,
waffle, or apologise? Could it be, dare I say, that many instructors aren’t
entirely sure what they do?
Let’s Be Honest: It’s a Gap in the Training: The ability to
articulate a message clearly isn’t always emphasised in Pilates education
programmes. We teach spinal mechanics, cueing techniques, spring settings, and
protocols: but we seldom teach instructors how to communicate their craft.
But in a conversation, at a social event, or when a new
client walks through your studio doors, you're not being tested on how well you
can demonstrate Leg Circles, you’re being tested on whether you can inspire
confidence, clarity and curiosity.
The Case for a Pithy Pilates Definition
You don’t need a 10-minute monologue or an academic
treatise. What you do need is a clear, confident sentence; a go-to, off-pat
answer.
Here’s one I like because it is elegant, digestible and honest.
“Pilates is a whole-body movement method that builds
strength, control, and flexibility by focusing on alignment, breath, and
precision. It uses both the mat and specialised equipment and accessories to
improve how people move in daily life.”
Could you expand it? Of course. But only if the listener
asks. I can help with that, too.
Context Is Everything – Tailoring Your Answer
Pilates isn't a one-size-fits-all discipline. The beauty of
the method is how broadly it applies: so it makes sense your description
adapts, too.
To a client who’s never exercised?
“It’s gentle but effective—it helps you move better and feel
stronger, at your own pace.”
To a physiotherapist?
“It restores functional movement through controlled,
breath-based exercise—great for post-rehab and chronic conditions.”
To a sporty friend?
“It sharpens your movement, builds balanced strength, and
improves your performance.”
To an older adult?
“It’s safe and joint-friendly—great for staying mobile, strong, and steady.”
Confidence Is Contagious
Clients are drawn to people who believe in what they do. If
your eyes light up when describing Pilates, their ears will stay open.
So here’s your challenge: rehearse your answer. Tweak it. Own it. Make sure that the next time someone asks, “What is Pilates?” you don’t
just answer…You impress.
Want to Practise This? At Mbodies We’ve Built a Lesson Just for You
As part of our
Pilates CPD offering we have a module called Essential Pilates Instructor
Knowledge - it is not purely for
students training to be instructors it is full of the information that you
should know but probably do not and in addition to a number of other essential
areas like Pilates History, knowing your elders, politics in Pilates, Ethics of
being a Pilates teacher etc. we’ve
included a dedicated lesson on this very topic; complete with examples,
roleplay prompts, and a study sheet to help you master your message.
Why have we done this ?
Simply because the work of a Pilates instructor doesn’t begin when the
client lies down; it begins the moment they ask what you do.
Author: Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant
Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998. He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners. With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency. His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew. As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD. Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices:
Pilates Business Specialist Consultant
Phone: +44 (0)1993 883449
Whatsapp text +44(0)7301052846
20 Nash Lane, Freeland, Witney, Oxon, OX29 8HS, UK
Web: https://www.pilates-consultant.co.uk/ (Pilates Consultancy, Apparatus sales and hire)
Email: chris@pilatesconsultant.co.uk
Web: https//www.mbodiesacademy.co.uk/ (Instructor training)
Email: chris@mbodiesacademy.co.uk
Web: https://mbodies.thinkific.com/ (Online Training Portal)
Comments
Post a Comment