💡 Pilates Tip of the Month: Listen to Your Instructor
- caramay dinglasan
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
One of the most essential—yet sometimes overlooked—components of a successful Pilates practice is the ability to listen actively to your instructor. In Pilates, precision, alignment, and breathwork are key pillars. Your instructor provides verbal cues, physical adjustments, and corrections to ensure your movements are not only effective but also safe.
Whether you're new to Pilates or an experienced practitioner, learning how to tune in and respond to instruction can dramatically enhance your practice and help you get the most out of each session.
Why Listening Matters
Unlike some forms of exercise that rely on repetition or high speed, Pilates is about controlled movement and body awareness. It emphasizes quality over quantity. Instructors are trained to observe your posture, alignment, and technique and provide real-time feedback to help you refine your form. Listening carefully allows you to:
Avoid injury by learning correct technique
Maximize results through proper alignment and engagement
Build body awareness by understanding which muscles should be activated
Progress effectively by incorporating small adjustments that lead to big gains
According to a study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2020), participants who practiced Pilates with active instructor guidance showed greater improvements in posture, flexibility, and core strength compared to those in self-guided sessions.
Tips to Become a Better Listener in Class
Be Present: Leave distractions outside the studio. Clear your mind and focus entirely on your instructor’s voice and demonstrations.
Ask Questions: If you're unsure about a movement, don’t hesitate to ask. Pilates instructors welcome curiosity and clarity.
Mirror the Movement: Visually follow your instructor when verbal cues don’t click right away.
Tune into Feedback: Instructors often offer subtle cues like “soften your ribs” or “lengthen through the crown of your head.” These may sound abstract, but they hold the key to improving technique.
Embrace Corrections: Don’t view corrections as criticism—they’re opportunities to grow and refine your practice.
The Instructor–Student Partnership
At its core, Pilates is a collaborative journey between you and your instructor. They observe your body's unique movement patterns and tailor guidance to support your personal goals. Developing trust and open communication enhances your learning experience and ensures a more rewarding and sustainable practice.
Checkout our schedule of all levels of Pilates Classes
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