At the end of February, I had once again, the privilege of participating in a seminar with my mentor, Inelia Garcia. My journey with Inelia began in 2021 when I started training with her online, and in 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to work as her interpreter for workshops in the U.S. Over the course of four years, I have not only learned from her expertise but also witnessed firsthand the depth of her dedication to Contrology. This seminar was another powerful reminder of the principles that shape exceptional Pilates teaching. Here are my biggest takeaways, expanded with deeper reflections and insights into their real-world application.
1. Your Studio Reflects Your Mindset
A Pilates studio is more than just a physical space—it is a reflection of the teacher’s discipline, organization, and respect for the work. Cleanliness, order, and safety in the studio directly translate into how we conduct ourselves and approach our practice. If our environment is cluttered or disorganized, it often mirrors a lack of focus or inconsistency in our teaching.
I have come to realize that a well-maintained space fosters a sense of clarity, both physically and mentally. Clients pick up on this. Walking into a studio that is neat, welcoming, and structured creates a sense of trust and professionalism. If we are disciplined in how we care for our space, we will be disciplined in our approach to teaching and movement.
2. Many Teach Exercises, But Few Truly Live Contrology
The difference between teaching Pilates and living Contrology is vast. Many instructors today focus on cueing exercises without fully embracing the philosophy behind them. Joseph Pilates did not create a set of exercises; he created a movement system designed to enhance overall well-being. True practitioners do not just teach the movements—they embody them in their daily lives.
Inelia’s seminar reinforced how important it is to teach with integrity. Contrology is not about isolated moments of exercise but about an entire way of moving, breathing, and existing. As teachers, we must ask ourselves: Are we just going through the motions, or are we instilling the principles of Pilates in every aspect of our lives?
3. Quality Over Quantity: Teaching Within Your Limits
There is a misconception that great Pilates instructors should be able to teach seven or eight sessions a day without exhaustion. But the truth is, teaching is a deeply energetic exchange, and burnout can negatively impact the quality of instruction. Inelia emphasized that if teaching too many sessions drains us, it is okay to cut back in order to maintain our energy and offer our best.
Clients deserve 100% of our attention, focus, and energy. If we stretch ourselves too thin, we may be physically present but mentally disengaged. By adjusting our schedules to align with our personal limits, we create a more fulfilling and effective teaching experience for both ourselves and our clients.
4. Never Stop Asking, Learning, and Experimenting
Pilates is an evolving practice. No matter how much experience we gain, there is always more to learn. Inelia emphasized the importance of continuous questioning, exploration, and curiosity. The best instructors remain students at heart.
This means engaging in ongoing education, exploring different perspectives, and being open to refining techniques. Experimenting with movement, understanding biomechanics, and integrating new scientific discoveries into our practice ensures that we stay relevant and effective as teachers. The moment we stop learning, we stop growing.
5. See Your Clients as Whole Human Beings
A Pilates teacher’s role is not just to instruct but to support clients as whole individuals. Every person who walks into a studio carries their own emotions, challenges, and aspirations. Some come for physical rehabilitation, others for mental clarity, and some for a deeper connection with their bodies.
By acknowledging our clients as complex human beings with unique needs, we can tailor our approach to their individual journeys. This means being empathetic, listening carefully, and adapting exercises to meet them where they are. A session should not feel like a robotic sequence of exercises but a personalized experience that fosters growth and confidence.
6. There is No Competition for Those Who Give Their Best
The fitness industry often fosters an environment of competition—who has more clients, who teaches the best workshops, who is recognized as the best instructor. But true mastery lies in focusing on one’s own path.
Inelia’s seminar reinforced the idea that when we commit to excellence, competition becomes irrelevant. If we consistently give our best and teach with authenticity, our work will speak for itself. Success is not about being better than someone else; it is about being the best version of ourselves as teachers and practitioners.
7. A Great Teacher Must Be Smart, Insightful, Patient, Curious, and Kind
Teaching Pilates requires more than technical knowledge. The best instructors possess a combination of intelligence, insight, patience, curiosity, and kindness.
Intelligence allows a teacher to understand the intricacies of movement and biomechanics.
Insight enables them to recognize what each client truly needs.
Patience ensures they guide clients at their own pace without frustration.
Curiosity drives them to keep learning and improving.
Kindness creates a safe and encouraging learning environment.
If an instructor lacks these qualities, they may struggle to inspire or connect with their clients. Teaching Pilates is not just about knowledge—it is about human connection and the ability to empower others.
8. Teach Only What You Fully Understand
Pilates is a complex system, and each exercise has a specific purpose. One of the most critical takeaways from the seminar was the importance of fully understanding an exercise before teaching it. Teaching something without complete comprehension can lead to ineffective training or even injury.
If we do not have a deep grasp of an exercise’s mechanics, we should take the time to learn it before introducing it to clients. There is no harm in admitting that we need more study; the harm lies in teaching something we do not fully understand.
9. Respect the Aging Process
Aging is a reality that everyone will experience, including our clients and ourselves. As Pilates instructors, we must be mindful of the changes that occur in the body over time.
Rather than resisting aging, we should embrace it and adapt our teaching accordingly. Pilates should be a lifelong practice that evolves with a person’s needs, providing strength, mobility, and resilience through every stage of life.
10. Teaching Pilates is a Lifelong Commitment to Growth
Teaching Pilates is not just a career—it is a continuous journey of self-improvement. The more we evolve, the better we can serve our clients. Growth comes from dedication, self-reflection, and a willingness to adapt.
As instructors, our role is to inspire transformation, not just in movement but in mindset. The deeper our understanding of Pilates, the more effectively we can guide others toward their own growth.
Final insights
This seminar was a powerful reminder that Pilates is not just a method—it’s a way of thinking, moving, and living. I left feeling reenergized and more committed than ever to deepening my practice and elevating my teaching. The lessons I took away from this experience will continue to shape my approach in the studio and beyond.
Have you had any experiences that reshaped your approach to Pilates? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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