Every great instructor had a first class. Here's how to make yours one to remember (for all the right reasons!)

There's a particular kind of nervous energy that comes with teaching your very first class. The butterflies, the self-doubt, the rehearsing your cues in the shower at 6am. It's completely normal, and means you care. But caring doesn't have to mean spiralling. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can walk through that studio door feeling ready even excited to instruct your very first Pilates class!

Here's what some of our experienced instructors wish they'd known before their first class.

Preparation

Write your class plan down and keep it close to you. There is absolutely no shame in having a physical reference nearby. Slip it under your mat on the floor, or prop it by your water bottle if you're teaching reformer. You may not glance at it once, but knowing it's there can be very calming. Think of it as your safety net: hopefully you won't need it, but you'll be glad it's there.

Teach What You’ve Tried

Try every exercise yourself before you teach it. This isn't just about knowing the movement, it's about knowing how it feels. When you've been in the position yourself, your cues become more effective. You'll notice where the tension sits, where clients might struggle, and what actually helps. Your body knowledge is one of your greatest teaching tools so don't skip this step!

Class Planning

Plan more than you need, while also staying flexible. Your first class will go one of two ways. You might fly through it because nerves have put you on fast-forward, in which case those backup exercises become your best friends to pad out the class. Or you may have packed in too much in your enthusiasm, and find yourself needing to skip a few. Either way, here's the liberating truth: your clients have no idea what your plan was. They're not following along with a checklist. So whatever happens, just roll with it. Having regressions and general injury modifications planned is also essential, so you are prepared for anything clients may throw at you!

Mindset

You only get one first class so please let yourself enjoy it. It sounds simple, but it's easy to lose sight of in the pressure of the moment. Resist the urge to walk in aiming to be perfect. Instead, walk in aiming to be present. You've done the training, you know the theory, this is the part where you get to actually do it. Give yourself permission to enjoy the experience rather than just endure it.

Basics

Sort the small stuff before you start. Use the bathroom before your class begins (you'd be surprised how easy this is to forget when you're caught up in setup and nerves). Fill your water bottle. Have a snack. These tiny things matter more than they sound: you'll be talking, cueing, and moving for the full duration, and taking care of your body is part of taking care of your class.

Remember This

The most seasoned instructor in the room was once exactly where you are now with their script under the mat, heart in their throat, hoping they'd remember the order of their warm-up.

Preparation gets you to the door. Presence gets you through it. You've earned your place in that studio. Trust your training, breathe, and instruct.

Your clients aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for someone who knows their stuff and genuinely wants to help them move better. That's already you!

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