I started teaching in 2014.
Before I was even fully certified, I volunteered to be thrown right into the chaos of group classes. I was so new to teaching that I kept things very simple.
I leaned on familiar exercises and repeated similar sequences. Sometimes I’d just change the order and call it a new class.
And that phase mattered. It helped me build confidence. It gave me something to hold onto while I figured out how to teach—not just know Pilates.
Over time, I started thinking less about what comes next…and more about why it comes next.
The focus became:
- the theme of the class
- the purpose behind each movement
- the connections from one exercise to the next
I layered more. I added variety. But I always came back to the Pilates principles—because that’s what makes the difference between a Pilates session and a gym workout.
And now, after years of teaching (and thousands of classes later), here’s what I come back to again and again when it comes to class planning:
1. Build a Class Around a Clear Purpose
Before you write anything down, decide:
What is this class about?
Not in terms of body parts… but in terms of experience.
Is it about:
- finding stability in the pelvis?
- creating space in the spine?
- improving rhythm and flow?
- helping clients feel more connected after a long day?
That purpose becomes your anchor.
It’s what keeps your class from feeling random—even if the exercises are familiar.
2. Plans Are Helpful—But They’re Not the Point
I’m a big believer in class plans.
(In fact, I’ve created structured class plans across Levels 1–3 inside Saran Pilates—because I know how helpful that guidance can be, especially when you’re building your confidence or refining your teaching.)
But here’s the key:
A plan should support you—not limit you.
Use it as a framework. Then stay open.
- If your class needs more time somewhere → take it
- If something isn’t clicking → shift your approach
- If the energy feels off → adjust the pace
The best classes aren’t the ones that follow the plan perfectly…
they’re the ones that respond to what’s actually happening in the room.
3. Watch the Teaching, Not Just the Plan
If you’re working from written plans, don’t stop there.
Watch how the class is actually taught.
Because that’s where the real learning is.
Notice:
- where the instructor slows down
- how transitions are handled
- what gets repeated (and why)
- how the cueing evolves
That’s how you start to understand the thread of a class—not just the structure.
4. Let Your Cueing Do the Heavy Lifting
Two instructors can teach the exact same sequence…and it can feel completely different.
The difference is in the cueing.
Instead of just telling clients what to do, guide them into what to feel.
Help them:
- find alignment
- avoid compensations
- understand the purpose of the movement
That’s what turns a class into a learning experience—not just a workout.
5. Don’t Rush to the Next Exercise
It’s easy to feel like you need to keep things moving.
But often, the most impactful teaching happens when you stay.
Stay long enough for:
- awareness to click
- connection to build
- the body to actually respond
If your class looks like they need more time in something… they probably do.
And that’s not a mistake in your plan.
That’s good teaching.
6. Give Yourself Room to Improvise
Even with a solid plan, leave space for flexibility.
Some days your class will need:
- more grounding
- more challenge
- more repetition
- or simply… a slower pace
Trust that.
You’re not there to execute a plan perfectly.
You’re there to guide a group of humans through movement—and that’s always going to be dynamic.
Bringing It Together
Class planning evolves as you evolve.
You might start with repetition and structure (like I did).
Then grow into layering, intention, and flow.
Both are part of the process.
So yes—write your plans. Use them. Refine them.
And if having something to follow feels helpful, I’ve created class plans across Levels 1–3 inside Saran Pilates that you can reference and teach alongside. 👉 Check them out right here.
But always come back to this:
It’s not about delivering the plan.
It’s about delivering the experience.
That’s what your clients will remember.
Gabrielle Saran
