Let The Clients Speak! What Makes Great Reformer Pilates Class?

The Importance Of Asking Feedback

I have regularly asked my clients, students and colleagues feedback to understand what drives them come to reformer pilates classes week after week. I wanted to also suss out what I do right, what I could do better and what clients actually appreciate.I got fantastic answers from my colleagues and fellow pilates trainers too. This unofficial survey was conducted on instagram and face to face. However I do recommend an anonymous online survey to get the best and most honest responses. There are plenty of options available from creating your own surveys for free to more comprehensive surveys conducted by third party.

In order for you to be able to put the following pointers and clients feedback into perspective here is a quick but important side note. My style of teaching reformer pilates is very dynamic in nature. By this I mean that I combine elements of strength and conditioning training with traditional and not so traditional pilates moves. I love creating flows that link exercises together without unnecessary breaks.

My classes include exercises that challenge my clients balance, stability and coordination skills as well as strength by adding enough load. I ensure we target the main muscle groups and move in different planes of motion. We do not forget spinal health, fun and challenging flows around the reformer where time disappears nor some high intensity peaks that make you sweat and gasp for air (depending on class level and class description of course). There are always options to regress, progress, modify and change the set up and load to suit everyone’s needs.

What My Clients Said When I Popped This Question

Most of the feedback was in line with what I personally (biased) think makes a great group reformer pilates class. However I got some great insight about how different clients are yet still come to the same classes and or studio. This reinforces the importance of knowing our clients & their goals. As well as educating our clients on how the exercises we do work and affect their bodies. About what, why, when and how hard to push and when to take a step back.

What Makes a Great Dynamic Reformer Pilates Class

1. Great playlist! Loud enough music to help push through the tough parts and get into the exercise mode especially when the trainer is not talking. 
2. Trainers’ ability to adjust the exercise for every client according to their needs and so that they can work hard (Like the load – springs or props, exercise set up, the reformer machine and so forth) but also being able to control the whole room at the same time. 
3. Education and tips for motivation. “I love you hyping us up. And reinforcing where we may feel the burn and what muscles we are targeting/what is the purpose of the exercise.”
4. Great class is the one that makes you feel sore the next day and your legs are shaking when you walk are walking out
5. New moves and exercises on regular basis 
6. The upbeat, passionate and positive energy and vibes. Sense of belonging created by the instructor.
7. Motivation motivation motivation!
8. Clear and simple instructions
9. Well thought of sequences that are not boring as they are layered. Yet not too fancy as it makes the brain hurt and takes focus and energy from the actual workout in vain. Hard enough to make me go out of my comfort zone but modifications need to be offered so there are options to make it easier sometimes. Effective exercises selection and good flow that links exercises together – start stop start stop feels clunky and is a time waster!
10. Pre thought plan. I can tell if the trainer has not planned the class in advance and it does not make me want to go back!
11. Stage presence. Trainer who takes time to introduce themselves plus asks for injuries. And also ensures she knows if there are first timers in the group and makes them feel comfortable.
12. Advice for correct form and alignment both verbally and hands on is the thing for me!
13. Trainer who gets to know you is a pivotal part for me to be coming back week after week. Not pushing but encouraging and supporting each client in the room personally.
14. Challenges but achievement and feeling accomplished every time
15. Studio space: From interior to lights to fans and air con
16. Community and trainers commitment. Getting know other clients. Having fun together and learning from each other.
17. Trainers’ passion, help, generosity, support and guidance that changed my life. 
18. Making new friends 
19. Taking my injuries into account and helping me overcome them!
20. Great trainer is the one who calls you out on your BS. Pushes you to your limits, hands the heavier dumbbells. When you walk out you feel like you do not have to do another class in a row!

What I Think Makes A Great Reformer Pilates Class

In a great reformer pilates class the instructor can balance between delivering verbal and visual cues to clients and offering everyone in the room personalized assistance. The teacher can effortlessly deliver effective class plans by using clear verbal, visual and tactile cues but can jump in and give 1:1 as well as lead the entire group seamlessly. That is golden and definitely takes practice.

Then there need to be happy and upbeat vibes, fun tunes and endorphins running. Most of the time I want to be challenged. To learn new skills, challenge my balance and strength, get my heart rate up and break a sweat. I want to follow a trainer who is leading the room with confidence yet is approachable and humble. Someone who is smiling. The tones of the voice and the words used matter too and can either lift up the spirits or knock the vibe down. I thrive in a positive and upbeat environment where the space feels empowering, interactive, relaxed and comfortable. Where you can be you. No judgement! Where the questions and quick chats are accepted and encouraged!

An effective, well thought of class plan that is true to the class level and description. Simple enough to follow with some spice. Long enough timings to learn the movement and create overload to make it worth my while. Added challenges as an option to level up  or an encouraging cue how to modify an exercise or set up where needed to suit my fitness level, ability and mood on the day.

Client Experience In Group Reformer Pilates Class

Being seen, heard and valued is important to me. In short, feeling welcome. Belonging and being part of the group. I believe that creating a 10/10 heartfelt client experience will be the most important skill to master in the coming years. Who knows how much power AI (artificial intelligence) will gain in the future and how many jobs it will replace. Class plans and the common cues can be practiced, copied and repeated anywhere anytime by anyone.

I believe that creating human connection, setting values and being on a mission with passion and purpose is what sets us apart. And is the key to keep our jobs as Pilates Instructors. Your job is to help your clients to reach their health and fitness goals. AI can do that too and possibly better than you soon. But what you can do is to create a community who shares the same values and principles. A space where humans can feel all the feels and emotions together. AI does not have the privilege to these qualities. At least not yet.

Outstanding client experience and 1:1 time in group reformer pilates class setting could mean chats, support and guidance before, during and after class. Like for instance when someone needs a more supportive spring for their planking series. You go and change it by telling them you do a little cheeky adjustment so they get more out of the exercise . Or how you motivate a client to keep going by calling them by their name and letting them know you see their efforts! Personal attention and 1:1 can also be a chat about their progress after class. Come up with the game plan on how  to level up and tell them they are ready to try a more challenging class type or level. Alternatively it could be simply chatting away about their new cute puppy or summer holiday plans.

To Sum It Up – How To Become Unstoppable Reformer Pilates Instructor

1. Little details and efforts go a long way. Call your clients by their names, it never gets old. Help your client and change the springs for them or hand the props they need. Needless to mention – set up the foot bar ready for everyone. Clear the way on the floor for your client to step off the reformer and get started without an unnecessary break. It hits the spot every time.

2. Be yourself – none is you and that is your biggest asset. Be kind, caring and genuine. If you have passion towards teaching movement and Pilates it shows. It makes clients fall in love with you and your classes. They know that you are constantly putting the effort in, up skilling and doing your best to help them to reach their goals.

3. Fun tunes, challenges, supportive and motivating atmosphere! Make the time fly with a challenging and flowing class plan that is effective yet simple.

4. You understand that clients come in for different reasons and you see how valuable it is to get to know your clients why. Someone comes for endorphins and to push their physical and mental limits. Another one comes because they know it’s good for them even though doing Pilates or exercise is not their favorite thing. Some come for mental health benefits, focus and clarity. Many come to see their friends and reward themselves with coffee after. Others come because it’s a fun way to move their body in order to feel more flexible and mobile. And some purely come to enjoy good vibes. Last but not least, some come because of you and how you make them feel!