By Darien Gold
Recently, my sister asked me what type of student was the most rewarding to teach. I didn’t even have to think about it — a professional athlete or a professional dancer, highly physically conditioned and very motivated.
When she probed a little deeper though, I realized something quite profound. Actually, it wasn’t the talent of a body I was attracted to; it was the talent of a mind. I recalled a former client who was not an athlete or a dancer. She was a professional writer who basically sat on her butt all day which caused her to have constant back aches. Shaped like an apple, she practically rolled into my studio.
From the very first exercise she attempted, her overall weakness and lack of abdominal strength were obvious, and I wondered if she’d stick around long enough for me to help her. But she did. I underestimated her commitment to changing her life, and she made such progress that her backaches completely disappeared, her waistline narrowed and her enjoyment of working out was evident. She made me think of Mr. Pilates’ quote, “Physical fitness is the first requisite to happiness.” I loved teaching her because she was present, smart and willing to try anything I asked. However, because she was body illiterate, I had to be very clear about my choice of words and readjusted my language and terminology.
Advice on Working with New Clients with Little Body Awareness
For those who love to teach, as I do, a new client with little body awareness presents a different type of cueing challenge.
- Corrections normally given to students who practice regularly will mean very little to novices, especially those who may be overweight and cannot feel various actions in their bodies. With my writer-client, I had to find a new way to describe exercises I wanted her to try.
- At the beginning of a student’s Pilates journey, using relatable vocabulary is imperative. Simply put, you want to create a successful experience for the newcomer and show your concern by continually checking in with what the student may or may not be feeling. When you do this, you’ll discover you’re learning new skills as well.
- Inquisitive newbies have chosen you because they’ve heard what a great instructor you are or read about you in a magazine or saw you teach online. They’re coming to you, just as my client came to me, because they want to change their bodies and make their lives better. They’ll be expecting an individual program designed to help them with their fitness level, improve their posture, and develop an overall state of well-being.
- A word of caution: try to resist being the center of their lessons, even as your clients shower you with appreciation for the expertise you’re providing. Consider the adage, “Be more interested than interesting,” and let your students know they have your undivided attention. There’s nothing more depressing than a distracted teacher or a teacher who talks about him or herself during a student’s lesson.
- The more interest you show in a student, the more he or she will open up to you. Because every student presents a unique set of movement patterns, the challenge is figuring out the how’s and why’s of that particular body. This intimate process can provide the reasons for those faulty movement patterns such as childhood injuries, past emotional trauma or other harmful experiences.
So, I’m grateful to my sister for asking about my client preference because it made me realize that all along my favorite students have been open, curious and hard-working; it really didn’t matter their size, shape or body literacy. If you’re in it for the long haul, it pays to re-evaluate who you think are as a Pilates mentor and what you think you have to offer those who come to learn. In fact, some of them may even become your superstars.
Darien’s forty-year journey from the gymnastics mat to the Pilates mat is the featured story, Voice of Pilates, and found in the section, Masters of the Method, Powerhouse. You can also listen to Darien’s live weekly radio show, “All Things Pilates” on KPCA.FM and local radio, 103.3FM or her bi-monthly podcast, ALL THINGS PILATES on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn from some of the top Pilates experts as well as lesser-known experts — all who are making an impact on our fascinating industry.
To contact Darien, she can be reached at https://www.dariengold.com
a thoughtful piece. if she teaches as well as she writes, her students are very fortunate.
Dear Darien, A wonderful article I enjoyed reading. It brought up something I hadn’t thought of quite this way.
I was certified as a personal trainer a few years before Pilates was more than just a buzzword occasionally heard mentioned in the fitness facilities I frequented. Mind you, this was the mid 1990’s when strength training and high impact aerobics was the main attraction. I serviced a diverse range of clients as a personal trainer, but it never seemed the healthy fit population sort out fitness professionals as coaches. I often thought “where were the athletes or gymnasts looking to enhance their performance?” As my lifestyle revolved around fitness and healthy alternatives, it was unsuspecting of me to believe fitness and health were equivalent. I would find out some time later, this was even furthest from the truth than I could ever have imagined. Instead of writing programs to up the ante of robust clients, I was referencing a multitude of fitness guideline recommendations for a host of my medically disadvantaged clients. My new objective…meet the fitness challenges of the medically disabled.
It is so obvious when there is a reluctance in someone’ participation especially when the suggestion to incorporate a physical fitness program comes from an outside source, more specifically the MD. Apparently, this influx of referrals resulting from medical providers requesting their patients begin a fitness/wellness program, overwhelmed my scheduler for the next year. Difficult but gratifying work, to engage as a fitness coach and motivator in an individual’s health challenge. Most clients were very receptive and willing, until this next one…
This year following proved to be my most formidable year. This was the year I encountered the one client that would present my greatest challenge. It was the year of my personal plight with a life-threatening illness, a prospect of recovery and ultimately finding Pilates.
Left with little more than a fighting spirit, and a weakened one at that, the treatment had taken its toll on my physical being, leaving me with little reserve. I knew the traditional fitness regiments that restored strength to weakened muscles weren’t even an option, as atrophy had taken effect resulting from extreme weight loss. Therefore, strength training programs were not recommended in such a frail state. Now faced with what to do, I started to research the possibilities and find answers to the following questions:
1. What could strengthen my muscles but not require the excessive loads with external weights?
2. What would still contract my muscles but do so eccentrically allowing for slow and controlled movements?
3. What will help me concentrate and focus on rebuilding my mind and body collectively? “Think Well, Think Strong…I Am Well, I Am Strong.”
It was soon after I began my search, I found Pilates. The rest is my history. Over 20 years later, certified Pilates teacher and cancer survivor with my strength and health to verify it.
So, what type of client/student is the most rewarding, for me personally? I was my first Pilates client and going forward I have had plenty those, just like me. Then I would have to agree with you. It is wonderful teaching Pilates to those that love the method and are athletes, gymnasts or dancers. I have to say, I watch them in awe with the grace they exhibit in what Pilates brings out as natural in their movement. However, my connection with Pilates, draws me personally toward the impaired and weakened ones as well. Finding the way to bring well-being back into an individual’s life through the appropriate movement and witnessing the small accomplishments while encouraging them along the way, is what makes teaching Pilates so special for me too.
I can really related to what Darien has to say. I have students who have been with me since 1985.
These are the people who listen, hear and learn as we grow through the years together.
I would like to add that the individuals I most dislike teaching are the ones who think they know more, decide which exercises they prefer to skip and wont let me delve into maybe what and why they don’t want to learn.
Wow, Peggy, it is amazing that you have clients who’ve been with you since 1985.
And thank you for sharing your tips about the clients you do not like to teach. I completely agree with you 🙂
see the above reply from me, Peggy Levine