Building confidence as a Pilates teacher takes more than certifications and memorized cueing. Many Pilates instructors, both new and experienced, struggle with fear of teaching, self-doubt, cueing overwhelm, and the belief that they must be perfect before they are “ready.”
In this interview with Heidi Coles you will learn what actually helps Pilates teachers grow into confident, effective instructors. You’ll learn how to trust your knowledge, simplify your teaching approach, and stop letting fear hold you back from working with clients.
🎙 Guest Educator: Heidi Coles, a Balanced Body educator and presenter, shares practical insights from years of teaching and mentoring instructors. Her core belief: asking better questions leads to better teachers.
Key topics covered:
- What makes an effective Pilates instructor
- How to become a confident Pilates teacher
- Overcoming imposter syndrome in Pilates instruction
- Building teaching confidence after Pilates certification
- Pilates cueing strategies for new teachers
- Fear of teaching Pilates clients
Meet the Expert
Heidi Coles
With a background in Dance, Acrobatics, and Aerial Arts, movement has been a huge part of Heidi’s life. She holds a Degree in Dance from California State University, Long Beach and received her Comprehensive Pilates Certification under her college professor and first mentor, Karen Clippinger, through BASI in 2010. She has since become a Pre & Postnatal Pilates Specialist as well as a Balanced Body Educator.
Heidi brings a tremendous amount of energy to her work which has led her to teach on numerous online platforms including the Balanced Body YouTube Channel, and Pocket Pilates app. She keeps a rigorous Pilates education schedule alongside Kelly Leonardi at Blue Moon Pilates, one of Balanced Body’s esteemed authorized training centers. Her primary goal is to help new teachers find their voice, find their confidence, and find their value without necessarily reinventing the wheel.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Heidi believes every person who walks through the studio door—whether a student teacher, or Pilates enthusiast—deserves the freedom to grow and to make mistakes. As Albert Einstein said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Heidi finds her greatest joy in watching clients gain confidence and seeing student teachers blossom into skilled, knowledgeable instructors. For her, there is nothing more gratifying than being part of someone’s learning journey.
Connect with Heidi Coles
Instagram: heidi.m.coles
Website: movewithheidicoles.com
Youtube: Free Pilates Workouts – Move with Heidi Cole