Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic
dancingdaughter
New Member
USA
17 Posts Posted – 10/14/2003 : 20:30:49 Show Profile Email Poster Reply with Quote
I have been asked to teach a mat class and it will be my first time. I don’t know why…I feel comfortable teaching a group reformer class, but a little intimidated with the mat. Anywho…is there a good or great sequence anyone has found that works well for an hour mat class. I will have access to stability balls and magic circles. Thanks
D. Daughter
tfloyd
Administrator
USA
130 Posts Posted – 10/15/2003 : 08:37:07 Show Profile Email Poster Reply with Quote
D. Daughter,
There’s too many unknown variables to give a straight answer. Will you be teaching in a fitness center or a Pilates studio? Do you expect the people to already know the exercises? Will everyone be on the beginner level or intermediate? Or will it be a mixed group with both beginners and more advanced practitioners?
If most are beginners, I believe you should begin with fundamentals: correct breathing, finding neutral pelvis, stabilization, etc. Make sure everyone understands that these are necessary preliminaries, and that when people grasp the fundamentals, the workout will become more rigorous.
Stability balls are great for teaching people how to curl the pelvis.
After fundamentals have been covered (as applicable), simply go through the mat exercises in order, omitting the ones not appropriate for the level of the class. Your own teaching style, and a little experience, will determine how you teach. Beginners generally need to see every exercise demonstrated. More advanced people don’t need the demonstration (as that slows the flow), but rely on verbal instructions and corrections. Sometimes I will demo while giving verbal instruction; in other words, I will simply do the workout myself at real time, while verbally instructing. That way, people who need to see a demo can watch, while others simply do the work without missing a beat. Of course, I need to be on the lookout for someone struggling who needs individual attention. If that happens, my demo stops, and I get up and give personal assistance, while trying as best as possible to keep the flow going for everyone.
Good luck with your class!
Tom
Go to Top of Page
dancingdaughter
New Member
USA
17 Posts Posted – 10/15/2003 : 20:43:15 Show Profile Email Poster Reply with Quote
Thanks so much for the guidance. I’ll have to teach the first class to find out all those «unknowns» I’ll let you know how it goes.
D. Daughter