Top Tips for Teaching Mixed Ability Classes: Navigating health conditions and specific needs
As teachers, we often face a variety of challenges in our classes, especially when it comes to managing different health conditions. A recent Harmonise graduate reached out to me, feeling overwhelmed by the range of conditions in a mixed ability class she was covering. One student had back issues, another had osteoporosis, and another was in her third trimester of pregnancy.
This is one of the hardest challenges to navigate as a teacher, so here are my top tips for handling diverse needs in your classes.
1. Know your limitations and respond with care
Being clear on what you’re trained and insured to teach is essential — for your students’ safety and your own confidence. When something falls outside your scope, handle it with sensitivity and professionalism.
For example, if you’re not trained in prenatal Pilates or Yoga, it’s unsafe and unethical to include someone past their first trimester. Gently explain that a pregnancy-specific class will better meet their needs. Do your research and have a local recommendation ready. Speak with sensitivity, focusing on their safety and wellbeing.
If you feel pressured to include them—by the student or the studio/club/gym—stay strong in your truth. You’re prioritising safety and the best interests of both parties, which is the right thing to do. Even if you are qualified, referring on can still be the best choice in mixed group classes.
You can pre-empt issues like this by suggesting/ensuring that the class listing states it’s not suitable for pregnancy beyond 12 weeks. Or, if you’re covering a class, ask in advance if any pregnant students attend, let them know if you’re not qualified.
2. Ask if they’ve been referred by a health professional
I have found that many students, especially in Pilates, are attending on the advice of a physiotherapist or GP. Often, Yoga or Pilates is recommended over more intense/high impact exercise.
If that’s the case, it can offer reassurance. You can then apply your usual approach with confidence: encourage them to listen to their body, stay within a pain-free range, and let you know if something doesn’t feel right so you can offer alternatives. Check in during class and keep reminding everyone that rest is always an option.
Signpost to a more suitable class after the session
Following on from the point above, if a student isn’t connecting with your guidance or seems out of their depth, gently suggest a more appropriate class at the end. It’s key to frame this as supportive, not critical.
For example: “Well done today! How did you find the class? That’s great, I’m so pleased. You know, we also run a [beginners/back care/slow and mindful/chair/somatic] class — I think it could really support you and might feel more suited.”
This often opens up an honest, helpful conversation. Many students will already have felt it wasn’t quite the right fit, and will appreciate your professional care.
4. Suggest a 1:1 session
If you feel suitably trained to be able to give them the individual support that would benefit them, a 1:1 can make a big difference. Teaching the basics of Pilates or Yoga in a focused setting can transform how someone experiences a group class.
You can also explore adaptations that suit their needs, empowering them to feel more confident and able to modify safely when back in group classes. This is the true art of listening to one’s body and so crucial to any mind body movement practice.
5. Plan with safety in mind when health conditions are mentioned
Unless you need to refer a student on, you can still run a safe, inclusive class if you have a lesson plan prepared that will keep students as safe as possible if someone mentions back or health conditions.
For example, for back issues, stick to neutral spine positions, functional ranges, gentle extensions, open twists, and avoid loaded or unsupported flexion. You can still offer a strong, effective class with accessible options. Think: mountain pose, accessible standing balances (like Warrior 3), 4-point kneeling, planks, press-ups, side planks, side bends, side leg work, cobra variations, sphinx, breaststroke preps, shoulder bridge (neutral), supported shoulder stand, and other prep-based moves.
Avoid full versions of postures and continue to offer choices, layers, and plenty of rest invitations.
Keep a catalogue of your CPD
As well as attending accredited workshops and courses, your continuing professional development (CPD) can include watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, reading books, and teaching or attending classes. Ongoing learning boosts your confidence, helps tailor classes to students’ needs helping build trust, and can protect you if ever a claim is made against you.
Balancing safety with meeting student expectations can be tricky. Whilst movement is generally beneficial for most health conditions and ailments, it’s important to show due diligence. Always refer students to specialists when needed and signpost them to the most appropriate classes.
If you are interested in working with more specialist populations, then our Older adults & Back-care CPD is a fantastic 4-day course covering a multitude of common health conditions and is jam packed with chair, wall and prop modifications that will help you think on your feet in all classes. These concepts are also covered in our 200hr Yoga & Pilates Level 3 Teacher Training Courses, ensuring that graduates are equipped to offer accessible and inclusive classes and know how to plan accordingly – and that they develop the skills to recognise when and why it’s best to refer on.
Article by: Clare Francis
