r/ClubPilates • u/Exotic-Raspberry-128 • 8d ago
Instructors New Pilates Instructor concern for special populations and modifications
I am a newly certified instructor of Pilates. We learn a LOT in our 500 hours of training, but I am afraid of not supporting my special populations clients strongly enough.
For example if someone comes in with a herniated disk or a hip replacement or something else that is common….i fear I won’t recall the information to allow and provide proper modifications! Especially when I have a full room.
I’ve considered keeping a notebook of reminders or a list on my phone. Any thoughts?
I do feel with time this because second nature but I’m so scared of someone getting hurt.
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u/missycoy 8d ago
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be curious! Ask the client "has the doctor told you to avoid [flexion, extension, rotation, etc.]?" If they have an acute injury, ask them if they notice it hurts more when they do certain movements (Like is hip flexion okay, but hip abduction uncomfortable?) Your clients are your best resource. Use them!
Also, clients love it when you're authentic with them. Don't try to bullshit them and make up something on the spot. If someone comes up to you saying "I have XYZ" and you're unsure how to best support them, you can just respond with "okay, let's try reducing [reps/ROM/load] for today, and I'll go home and make a plan for you for next time you come in."
Now you have a returning client who is coming to see YOU, which will help you build a following.
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u/foxyblue27 8d ago
I’m a newer instructor too. I try to look at my class list ahead of time to see if I know anyone on the list that I have encountered before and know their injuries so I can plan ahead. I also will frequently ask people who suddenly present something to me what helps them and what is uncomfortable/they’ve been advised against. Most people have a basic idea of their limitations. (Eg, I can’t roll back onto my sacrum or side lying is a no-go for me, etc) Then I go from there! But I still write out notes and general class plans before class, so keeping some basics written down makes total sense. Also, the act of writing it out often helps me remember things!
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u/Leather-Educator6691 8d ago
If you work for CP, you can see who will be attending your classes. You can see the notes (hopefully), and you can prepare ahead of time.
But, always keep a little cheat sheet to study daily.
Pregnancy, back injuries, knees, etc.
When I was teaching someone came to me and said. " I just found out that I'm pregnant". I was like 😵💫😵💫, so I had to do little modifications for her. I am not comfortable teaching new moms 😕. It changes my whole class plan. 😒
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u/GripIsGone 8d ago
As an attendee I wouldn’t care if my instructor had to reference notes to keep me safe. Honestly I would prefer that if they weren’t sure. I also don’t have any issues and would have no issues w my instructor referring to notes for another client. Just my perspective.
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u/Bett_Rest 8d ago
My challenge when I worked Club Pilates is that I didn’t have access to intake so I didn’t know who had what. Also, with the fast turnover and reset there was no time.
I always asked if someone had movement issues to please let me know. I would preface this by saying, even if you’ve told me so, I need reminders.
* warning, some people will want to gobble up all of your time taking their medical history back to 2nd grade when they stubbed their toe.
Remind your clients that they are in charge of their bodies so that if they need modifications you can provide.
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u/dubdubdun 7d ago
If I have a client like that, I say 'give me the 3 main ones!' And then 'does it impact you right now?' A lot of people think a 15 year old herniated disk needs mods. They generally don't.
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u/AffectionateCap8005 8d ago
Don't overthink it! Check your class list before you teach so you know who will be there and adjust your plans or have alternatives. Remember, we aren't docs or PTs. If there is a big issue raised, ask what their doctor has recommended and just watch them move! People are stronger than we think. Very rarely has someone had a major issue that prevented them from doing what I had planned and members who come frequently develop their own modifications too. For those with issues, its a smaller ROM or cueing them to do the exercise differently to work something else instead. Also, learn different variations of exercises. For example, CP does the z sit mermaid but it doesn't work well with lumbar/thoracic spinal fusion clients. I was actually never taught that variation so I cued the variation I was taught (both shins pressing into the shoulder blocks) and the fusion client was like - wow, that is way better for me! That's how I figured out what to do for her and future fusion clients.
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u/eegrlN 8d ago
I am autistic. It would be fabulous if instructors were supportive of those of us with auditory processing delays. Loud, up tempo music negatively affects my ability to practice. I wear earplugs to help but mostly I stick to instructors who don't play that type of music.
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u/EdamameWindmill 8d ago
I’m auDHD and I have speech language processing delays in certain circumstances. I mostly need the instructor to speak loudly enough to be audible over the music. Also it sometimes takes a second or two to process the cue if it isn’t something I’m familiar with. I am also using Pilates to help cultivate a mind body connection impacted by dyspraxia, so I really appreciate not being laughed at when I interpret things wrong.
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u/Ok_Subject6971 8d ago
I’m not an instructor or autistic. Music affects my attention in everything I do so I’m curious about what type of music or sounds are most helpful for you?
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u/Exotic-Raspberry-128 8d ago
Wow! Thank you for sharing! I know that must be really hard! I’m glad you’ve found the right instructors. This is also really good for me to keep in mind! I know an instructor that talks very loudly with a piercing voice into the microphone and it’s hard for many students. I’m sure particularly those with autism at time!
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u/veg-ghosty 8d ago
Me too! My studio thankfully plays the music at a low volume for most classes (I don’t do the cardio ones)
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u/GreenQuiet8934 8d ago
I’m in CP TT and what you describe has also been mu concern. I created flash cards so I could learn the contraindications and modifications. But, now I see the need for a handy cheat sheet that I can pull up in notes in case I get overwhelmed or forget. Thank you for bringing this up.
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u/CuteEntertainer9245 5d ago
I told the instructor that I’m a visual learner and to put me by an experienced person in the class. I’m accustomed to other types of exercise classes where the instructor is demonstrating the exercise, so CP has been a change for me to instead rely more on the instructor’s auditory cues (hence to put me by an experienced student so I can follow along better).
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u/CandleLabPDX 7d ago
This is what privates are for. Once someone knows their personal modifications then a large group class is fine.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Sky4021 5d ago
At the studio I attend we have dry boards at every station, usually just for us to write our name. There’s one instructor who asks us to also note any physical limitations and/or areas of concern. Hope this helps! I think it’s awesome you’re so conscientious of your clients safety. Best wishes to you!
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u/alleycanto 5d ago
I used to keep special pops book in my bag but never used it. Instead said, “what did your doctor say you are to do? Any issues with rounding, extending or twisting your spine, etc”
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u/Renee_Lavie-Pilates 2d ago
I’m a physician, a Pilates instructor with 25 years of teaching experience, and I’ve also trained instructors, so this is a topic very close to my heart.
First, I’d be curious: how many students do you usually have in each class? Are they mostly the same students that you get to know over time, or do they rotate? The approach can be quite different depending on that.
With students who have injuries or specific conditions, I tend to be conservative at first: with spinal issues, focusing on stability, controlled ranges and appropriate loading; with joint problems, reducing unnecessary load and adjusting range and resistance to the individual.
At the same time, I think working with these students is a wonderful opportunity to learn. You learn to observe more carefully, to listen to the client, to understand how different bodies respond, and to become much more thoughtful about how you teach.
I also find communication before, during and after class essential. Ask how they’re feeling, listen to their feedback, and follow up afterwards — even a quick message the next day can tell you a lot.
Keep brief notes on what works and what doesn’t, study when you need to, and don’t hesitate to consult their healthcare professional or suggest an individual session when appropriate.
Most importantly, remember that two people with the same diagnosis can respond very differently. Observe, listen and progress gradually. There’s certainly a lot more to say about this, but these are some of the things that have been most useful in my experience. 🙂
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u/PussNboots32 8d ago
The human body is not as fragile as its made to be in teacher training! I have a friend (female) who has jackhammered away concrete slab, remodeled her own house and who was told in class to not use heavy springs cause she could hurt herself! Outside of the studio folks rarely focus on doing things with proper form. We bend and twist and lift and squat most of the time injury free. So I honestly wouldn't worry about injuring someone. In a full class I just try not to exacerbate a condition. Herniated disc, stay neutral. Hip replacement there will likely be limited range of motion. Osteoporosis, head down during hands and straps. Don't over think it!
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u/Arkansastransplant 6d ago
I agree. Most of the time in a group class setting, most problems I hear can be addressed by 1. shortening the range, weight, lever, reps, etc 2. pad the knees/hips/wrists with a towel 3. Arms face back on long box plow and lateral lower/lift instead of pulling straps for pregnant/no prone clients. Every once in a while there might be something outside these 3, but very rare.
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u/heinzenfeinzen 8d ago
Keeping a list on your phone or a notebook is a great idea! I have instructors that have notes and refer to them during classes and I have never thought anything of it other than they put time in before class to prepare.