Much of the world has opened up and some clients have elected to go back to their home studios. But there’s a good percentage of people who still feel more comfortable breaking a sweat at home. That sounds like an opportunity to us! Even if you’ve been offering online classes for some time, it’s still good to revisit the basics so you can keep clients coming back for more.
The most effective Pilates teachers know that their client experience is more than the sum of its parts. This is especially critical when moving from an in-person format to online. You can’t simply do what you did offline and expect it to work online. People need a whole constellation of things that aren’t included in “here’s a sequence of moves to do.”
Here’s a look at a few of the essential ingredients necessary to empower clients, no matter the format:
Community: Learn clients’ names. Ask about injuries or concerns, remember what they tell you, and follow up on them in class. Be yourself, engage, and take pride in your classes.
Socializing: Getting to know your clients. Part of being a great teacher is understanding and caring for those you work with.
Routine: We know a regular healthy routine will build our happiness and health over time and that rather than experiencing health issues later in life, we could instead be feeling strong, fit, and healthy. As an instructor, you can provide a foundation for regular movement. That’s nothing to take lightly!
Accountability: Similar to routine, you as an instructor can offer a safe space for clients to set goals and look to you for some motivation and authority. They might need someone to check in on their progress — and help them correct course as needed.
Encouragement: Pilates can be physically and mentally grueling. However, an instructor’s demeanor can help or hinder a student’s progress. Giving praise and offering correction when needed can help them in their Pilates journey.
Challenge: This is when balance is in order. If the class is too advanced, your students might get injured or burned out. If it’s perceived as too easy, they might not come back. This is when knowing your clientele comes into the picture. The class should be appropriately challenging according to the age, experience and fitness level.
Goal Attainment: Again, clients look to you as the expert and want your guidance on how to translate their goals into action.
Bottom line? Clients look to you for more than physical instruction. If you find you’re weak in one or several of these areas it might be worth putting in the time to up your game.
