Teaching Group Pilates Classes? Here’s a Cheat Sheet!

If you’re a group Pilates class teacher—or just starting to teach groups—this one’s for you!

Teaching group mat classes was a cornerstone of my career for over 15 years. I taught up to seven classes a week all over NYC and then LA. They were the lifeblood of my career and gave me:

↠ A fully booked private client schedule
↠ A supportive community that got me out of my home studio every day
↠ The best training for filming videos
↠ A free gym membership (always a perk!)
↠ An email list of real friends who filled my retreats, bought my DVDs, joined Pilatesology, and nurtured my soul

Getting started teaching group classes can be intimidating and new teachers often ask me how to fill an hourlong mat class when teaching classical Pilates.

That’s why I’m sharing the pre-class cheat sheet I wish I had when I started. Save it to your phone or make your own version so you’re never scrambling for ideas again!

How to Fill an Hour-Long Pilates Mat Class (Without Watering Down the Method):

1. Spice Up Classical with Smart Variations

Add variations that challenge or modify classical exercises, for example:
• Doing the Stomach Series backwards like in this video
• Adding Half Roll Downs before the Roll Up—tell your newbies to keep doing that version if needed
• Inserting the 10/10/10 exercise before Teaser (I do it in counts of 8 around the 8-minute mark here)

2. Build Toward a Peak Exercise

Break down a peak exercise on the mat like Snake Twist, and then build up to it with exercises that work it’s elements. Near the end of class, break down Snake Twist’s parts.

For example, during class bring focus to spinal flexion exercises like Spine Stretch Forward, twisting movements like Saw, and extension exercises like Swan. Then break down how to place your feet for Snake Twist, where your arms go, how to pike up into the start position, etc… Kim Reis does this brilliantly in her Intermediate to Advanced Progression

3. Add Moves From Equipment to the Mat

Don’t limit your mat class to just mat exercises. Sneak in equipment-style moves:
• The Rowing series with light hand weights
• Mountain Climber done on the floor or a wall by pulsing your back foot
• Knee Stretches with a towel to slide on
• Type ‘Reformer on the Mat’ into our search bar for ideas!

4. Start or End Upright

Standing sequences give your class structure and variety.
Try:
• Standing Magic Circle
• The Standing Arm Weight series
• The Wall exercises
• Standing marches…

5. Keep a Go-To List of Exercises

Have a running list of exercises you want to remember to teach.
Mine have all of the above plus:
• Boomerang
• Fan Kicks
• Kathy Grant-style Roll Ups variations

6. Get Creative by Combining Exercises

Try my Combo Platter mat for ideas!

Bonus Tip: Make Every Student Feel Seen

On the same page as your class idea list, write down the names of students who come to your group classes. Next to each name, jot down something personal or unique you notice about them—it’ll help you remember them and make your classes more meaningful.

Then, use their names during class to offer encouragement or compliments.
There’s nothing more powerful than hearing your name called out in a group. And I want that feeling for every student of Pilates. ✨