Observing posture and hands-on assists for Pilates teachers

Tuesday 5th November 2024, 2pm-5pm

PILATES CPD

Discover the art of hands-on assists, ethical touch, and the strategic use of props to enhance your Pilates teaching.

This is a unique opportunity to boost your confidence, refine your skills, connect with your your students in a meaningful way and stand out in your field. Dive deep into understanding the ethical considerations, gain insights into the right moments for touch, and learn effective communication techniques. Through practical exercises, feedback sessions, and a detailed manual, you’ll leave equipped with the tools and confidence to start incorporating these new skills and techniques right away.

“Absolutely fabulous! I always enjoy the way you teach, explain and describe things so that it is clear in my mind. Thank you!”

CPD Workshop feedback, June 2022

We will cover:

Ethics, Consent, and Safety:
– Understand the ethical considerations around the use of touch in Pilates teaching.
– Learn how to gain consent from students before offering hands-on assists.
– Understand safety considerations related to touch and hands-on assists.

When to use hands-on assists and how to communicate
– Understand the purpose and intention behind using touch in a Pilates class.
– Recognise situations when touch might not be the best approach.
– Learn to identify appropriate moments and techniques for utilising props as an alternative to hands-on assists.
– Understand the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication when assisting with touch.
– Emphasise the role of observation, grounding, breath, and feedback during assists.

Types of touch:
– Distinguish between touch for relaxation/massage, touch to assist alignment/increase ease, and touch to guide someone deeper into a pose.

Anatomy & Nervous System
– Review anatomy, core engagement, alignment principles, use of breath and posture analysis.
– Learn how to incorporate this knowledge when using touch in assisting Pilates exercises.
– Explore the relationship between the nervous system and hands-on assists. Where is your gauge set?
– Understand the appropriate level of pressure and touch sensitivity based on individual student needs.

Practise and Confidence building:
– Engage in practical exercises, giving and receiving assists, with feedback to enhance confidence.
– Understand personal limits and boundaries when offering hands-on assists.
– Receive a detailed manual with images and explanations of a multitude of assists
– Leave the workshop with the confidence to start using hands-on-assists straight away


About your tutor

Clare Francis has over 23 years industry experience and has always been ‘hands on’ in her approach! She is Stott trained, qualified in sports, deep tissue and remedial massage with LSSM, completed a 10-day moving fascia embodied anatomy course in 2018 and is an experienced Pilates and yoga teacher. She has been successfully delivering teacher trainings for 8 years and is a qualified adult tutor and assessor. Clare is looking forward to bringing together all of her knowledge and teaching experience with the intention of delivering a workshop that informs, inspires and grows your confidence in observing and offering hands on assists, props and guidance where appropriate… read more.

Pre-requisites: Recognised Pilates teaching qualification such as L3 YMCA, Stott, Body Control etc and some teaching experience. It would be ideal to be teaching in some capacity so you can start incorporating what you learn straight away, although this is not essential.

Certification: You will receive a Harmonise Training Academy CPD certificate of attendance for 3 CPD hours.

When? Tuesday 5th November 2024, 2pm-5pm

Where? at Revitalise, Brighton & Hove

Who? This workshop is aimed at Pilates teachers.

Investment: (inc. VAT)
£65 SUPER Early Bird
£75 Early Bird
£85 full price

SUPER Early Bird discount available until 5th September. Use coupon code PILATESASSIST20 at checkout.
Early Bird discount available until 8th October. Use coupon code PILATESASSIST10 at checkout.

Equipment Required: Pilates mat (available to borrow or bring your own).

Got questions? Contact clare@harmonisetrainingacademy.com