Starting Strong: 10 Creative Ways to Kick Off Your Pilates Class

Engaged and Inspiring: A Pilates teacher shares wisdom and guidance, connecting deeply with every student in her class

Ever find yourself hitting the play button on the same class introduction, day in, day out? If you’re nodding along, thinking, “Yep, that’s me—same old spiel every time,” then you’re in for a treat! It’s Technique Thursday, and today, we’re shaking things up.

Imagine the look of pleasant surprise on your clients' faces when you welcome them in a way that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot summer's day. After all, the beginning of your Pilates class is not just about making sure everyone’s in the right room. It's your golden opportunity to set the tone, capture interest, and maybe, just maybe, introduce a spark of intrigue about the wonders the session holds.

So, let’s dive into 10 fun, engaging, and downright delightful ways to kick off your class, ensuring everyone's not only in the right place but also in the right mindset to embark on their Pilates journey with you.

1. Welcome & Intentions

"Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our Pilates session. Before we begin, let's take a moment to set our intentions for today's class. Whether you're here to improve flexibility, strength, or simply to find a moment of peace in your busy day, remember that this time is for you."

2. Theme Introduction

"Today, we're focusing on the principle of 'control', one of the core elements of Pilates. We'll explore how to apply control in our movements to achieve more fluid and precise exercises. Let's keep this theme in mind as we move through our practice."

3. Body Awareness

"Let's start by taking a few deep breaths and bringing awareness to our bodies. Notice how you're feeling today—any areas of tightness or tension? Keep these observations in mind as we go through our exercises, listening to our bodies and making adjustments as needed."

4. Class Structure Overview

"As we dive into today's session, I'll guide you through a series of exercises focusing on core strength and alignment. We'll start with some warm-up movements, progress to our main series, and finish with a cool-down to ensure our bodies are well cared for."

5. Personal Connection

"I'm thrilled to see both new and familiar faces today! My goal is to support you in your Pilates journey, challenging you while ensuring you feel safe and confident in your practice. Please feel free to share any personal goals or concerns before we start."

6. Equipment Introduction

"In today's class, we'll be incorporating the magic circle into our routine. This piece of equipment is fantastic for adding resistance and enhancing our focus on precision and control. I'll demonstrate each exercise before we begin, so you're comfortable with the movements."

7. Inspirational Quote

"Let's begin with a thought: 'Change happens through movement, and movement heals.' This quote by Joseph Pilates reminds us of the transformative power of our practice. Keep this in mind as we move today, embracing the changes in our bodies and minds."

8. Mindfulness Moment

"Before we start, let's take a moment to ground ourselves. Close your eyes, focus on your breath, and allow any external worries to melt away. Today, let's be fully present on our mats. As we proceed with our exercises, I encourage you to maintain this sense of mindfulness, noticing how each movement feels in your body and how your breath supports your practice. Let this awareness enhance your experience, making today's class uniquely beneficial for both your body and mind. Now, with our intentions set and our focus sharp, let's begin our journey into today’s Pilates session."

9. Movement Riddle

"Let’s start today’s session with a bit of fun—a movement riddle! Can you guess which muscle we’re going to focus on today based on this clue? 'I’m at the core of every Pilates practice, stabilising your centre and supporting your spine.' Think about it as we warm up and I’ll reveal the answer as we dive into our main exercises. This is a playful way to get you thinking and engaged right from the start."

10. Pilates History Snippet

"Did you know? Joseph Pilates was inspired by yoga, gymnastics, and even ancient Greek and Roman fitness practices when he developed Pilates. Each class we take is part of a century-old tradition aiming to balance mind, body, and spirit. Today, as we practice, let's channel some of that ancient wisdom and strength into our movements and mindset."

Adding these two intros provides variety and depth to the ways you can engage your clients at the start of your class, making each session unique and memorable.