Pilates is not just an exercise; it’s a space for transformation. It’s where individuals come to connect their mind, body, and spirit. For many, it is a haven to escape the stresses of day-to-day life. Whether it’s a first-time client feeling vulnerable or a seasoned Pilates enthusiast seeking solace, the words we choose as instructors play a critical role in shaping their experience. But too often, that role is underestimated.

Language in Pilates instruction isn’t just about guiding movements. It has the power to heal or harm, to empower or alienate. It’s pivotal in building trust and creating a safe environment for clients to explore their strengths and vulnerabilities.

Why Words Matter in Pilates

Imagine taking a class where every instruction feels like a nurturing invitation into your own body. Now, contrast that with hearing a cue so jarring or inappropriate that it pulls you out of the moment, leaving you feeling uncomfortable or even ashamed. The latter scenario, unfortunately, is not uncommon, and it highlights the profound impact our words can have on clients' physical and emotional state.

When instructing in Pilates, our language holds a dual purpose. It’s about teaching precise movement patterns, of course. But it’s also about fostering a mental and emotional environment conducive to self-discovery. Words can guide clients into alignment and awareness, but they can also evoke unintended emotional responses if not chosen thoughtfully. For someone carrying trauma or navigating stress, the wrong words can resurface painful memories or create a sense of disconnection in their practice.

Trauma-Informed Teaching in the Pilates Space

Trauma-informed teaching is a concept that has gained traction in movement disciplines, and for good reason. While Pilates is inherently calming for the nervous system, it can also uncover emotional layers for clients. This is particularly true for people who are already seeking the practice as a means of healing or finding balance.

Trauma-informed teaching involves recognizing that clients may carry past experiences that influence how they respond to cues or certain environments. Cues involving fear, pain, or even overly forceful imagery can unintentionally stir feelings of discomfort or vulnerability. Understanding this requires compassion and an awareness of how deeply psychological responses can tie into physical movement.

For example, instead of a cue like “brace yourself as if you’re about to be punched in the stomach,” which can evoke a defensive response, trauma-informed teaching might use softer, more empowering language. A phrase as simple as “imagine a wide belt gently supporting you from behind” conveys the same physical concept without triggering a negative or fearful association.

The Responsibility of Language in Creating Safe Spaces

When clients step into a Pilates studio, they entrust instructors with their well-being—not just physically but emotionally too. For some, this might be one of the few spaces where they feel truly seen and cared for. That trust can be fragile, especially for clients with histories of trauma, low self-esteem, or those who are unfamiliar with the practice. This is where our responsibility as instructors becomes clear.

Using mindful and compassionate language does more than prevent harm; it fosters connection. Empathetic cues create an environment where clients can feel safe to explore their limits and find confidence in their abilities. This type of trust-building allows instructors to guide clients toward empowerment, helping them reconnect with themselves in a meaningful way.

Practical Tips for Positive Pilates Cueing

To elevate the client experience and create a compassionate environment, consider these practical approaches to cueing:

1. Be Precise Yet Gentle

Use language that encourages exploration, rather than demand compliance. For example:

• Instead of “tighten your core like you're bracing for impact,” try “imagine a gentle hug wrapping around your middle.”

2. Leverage Positive Imagery

Imagery can be a powerful tool, but it should evoke positive associations. Replace harsh or violent metaphors with nurturing, nature-inspired ones:

• Visualize the pelvic floor lifting like an elevator.
• Imagine a helium balloon expanding as you inhale and gently deflating as you exhale.

3. Focus on Body Awareness

Encourage clients to listen to their bodies using cues that invite curiosity:

• “Notice the weight evenly distributed across your feet.”
• “Feel your sits bones widen and come together as you move.”

4. Remember the Whole Person

Recognize that each cue impacts clients on multiple levels. Always frame your language to empower:

• “How does this movement feel for you today?” invites introspection and honors the client’s unique experience.

5. Avoid Emotional Triggers

Stay conscious of the fact that clients may bring emotional baggage into the session. Refrain from cues or imagery that could evoke fear or discomfort. Words like “knife,” “bracing for a punch,” or anything with violent connotations have no place in a Pilates studio.

Words That Bond, Not Break

Effective Pilates instruction isn’t just about delivering a great physical workout. It’s about creating an environment where clients feel safe, supported, and connected to their bodies. Words play a significant part in shaping that environment. Through thoughtful, compassionate communication, instructors have the opportunity to transform how clients view themselves—not just during a session, but beyond.

Every word spoken in a Pilates class travels further than the room it’s spoken in. It resonates in how clients carry themselves for the rest of the day, how they interact with others, and how they show up in their lives. Recognizing this ripple effect can elevate the way we teach and view our role as instructors.

Final Thoughts

When we speak as Pilates instructors, we aren’t just cueing movement. We’re shaping how clients feel about themselves. We’re guiding them toward strength, self-discovery, and joy in movement. The responsibility to choose language that is empowering, trauma-informed, and positive is one we must fully accept.

Words have the power to connect, to heal, and to elevate. Choose them wisely.