Pilates Class Structure and Exercise Cues for Instructors

What's the teaching priority of this class?

Intentional flow, proximal initiation, minimal transitions, full-body integration.

How do I cue setups efficiently?

Name exercise → side/direction → prop/spring → start moving → refine.

What do I do during transitions?

Preview what's next before the exercise ends.

What is the opening intention cue?

We'll move with control, focus on how movement starts from the center, and build heat gradually.

What is the key focus for Chair Mountain Climbers?

Pelvis steady, glute lifts pedal, opposite waist wraps in.

What is the regression for Mountain Climbers?

Smaller range, slower tempo, less pedal height.

What is the key focus for Chair Step-Ups?

Stand from hip, knee tracks over toes, equal weight through foot.

What is the teaching cue for Step-Ups?

Let the hip stand you up; control the return.

What is the purpose of Oriented Stretch?

Active stretch, breath-driven length, not passive hanging.

How do I sequence the chair series?

One full side (climber → step-up → stretch), then switch sides.

What is the key concept for Carriage Bridge?

Articulate spine, create space between vertebrae, ribs heavy.

What is the lower body focus for Carriage Lunge?

Initiate from hip, pelvis quiet, inner thighs lightly scissor.

What is the band curl cue?

Arms follow legs; legs drive the movement.

What is the safety cue for Planks?

Long line crown to heels, shoulder blades wide.

What is the key concept for Chest Expansion?

Movement from mid-back, collarbones wide, no squeezing blades.

What is the focus for Carriage Jumps?

Absorb landing, control return, align chest over pelvis.

What is the cue for Tricep Extensions?

Elbows bend without shoulder collapse, triceps lengthen down back.

What is the key concept for Sideline Legs?

Femur moves in quiet pelvis, length before lift.

What is the main cue for Bar Push-Up?

Chest wide, core lifts, elbows bend without winging.

What is the key focus for Bar Squats?

Hips crease first, pelvis quiet, inner thighs support toe peel.

What is the end-of-class stretch intention?

Brief, active, purposeful—length without losing tone.