Reformer Teaching Practice Logbook (Option A)

Date: 2026-06-06

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Halo

Client name / initials: MRS

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: The goal of this session was to help the client improve lower-body strength, stability, and movement control while developing greater awareness of alignment and posture. I aimed to encourage correct technique by focusing on core engagement, neutral pelvic alignment, and proper knee tracking throughout each exercise. The session also sought to improve balance, coordination, ankle mobility, and confidence in functional movements such as walking and running, while promoting safe and efficient movement patterns.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The session began with a warm-up to prepare the body, increase circulation, and activate the core and lower body. The main workout included double leg press with arch, heels and toes, tendon stretch, walking, running, and single leg press, using appropriate spring settings to provide the correct level of support and resistance for each exercise. Throughout the session, I emphasised safety by ensuring correct equipment setup, maintaining neutral alignment, controlled movements, proper breathing, and smooth transitions between exercises. The session finished with a cool down to reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility, and allow the body to recover.

What I noticed about my teaching: During the session, I found that clear, simple cues such as "engage your core," "keep your pelvis neutral," and "track your knees over your second toes" were the most effective in helping the client maintain good alignment and control. Some of my longer or more detailed cues were less effective, and I realised that keeping instructions brief allowed the client to respond more confidently. The client responded well to positive feedback and verbal corrections, making noticeable improvements in movement quality throughout the session. I maintained a strong focus on safety by checking spring settings, ensuring correct body positioning, encouraging controlled movements, and reminding the client to use their breath to support each exercise.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would give shorter, more precise cues and allow the client more time to process each instruction before moving on. This would help improve their confidence, understanding, and overall movement quality, particularly during the more challenging single leg exercises. One thing I would keep is my focus on safety and alignment throughout the session. Regularly checking spring settings, reinforcing correct technique, and encouraging controlled, mindful movement helped create a safe and supportive learning environment while promoting good movement habits.

Client signature / initials confirming session: J

Date: 2026-06-07

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: halo

Client name / initials: mrs

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: The goal of this session was to improve upper-body strength, core stability, and postural alignment while encouraging smooth, controlled movement. I aimed to help the client develop better shoulder mobility, spinal stability, and coordination between breath and movement. Throughout the session, the focus was on maintaining correct technique, engaging the core before initiating movement, and promoting efficient, pain-free movement patterns with good posture and body awareness.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The session began with a warm-up to prepare the body by increasing circulation, activating the core, and encouraging good posture and shoulder mobility. The main workout included bicep curl, ½ roll back, chest expansion, open book, offering, hug, chest press, and salute, using appropriate spring settings to provide the correct level of support and resistance for each exercise. Throughout the session, I emphasised safety by checking the spring settings, maintaining correct posture and alignment, encouraging controlled movements, coordinating breath with movement, and ensuring smooth, safe transitions between exercises. The session finished with a cool down to release tension, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation and recovery.

What I noticed about my teaching: During the session, I found that simple, clear cues such as "draw your shoulders away from your ears," "engage your core before moving," and "breathe out on the effort" were the most effective in helping the client maintain good posture and control. Some of my longer explanations were less effective, as the client responded better to short, focused instructions that they could apply immediately. The client responded well to positive reinforcement and gentle corrections, showing improved movement quality and confidence as the session progressed. I maintained a strong focus on safety by checking the spring settings, monitoring posture and alignment, encouraging controlled, pain-free movement, and ensuring the client moved smoothly and safely throughout each exercise.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would spend more time reinforcing the starting position before introducing arm movements, ensuring the client had established good core engagement and shoulder alignment first. This would help reduce unnecessary tension in the neck and shoulders and improve overall movement quality. One thing I would keep is my emphasis on clear cueing, breathing, and controlled movement, as these helped the client maintain good technique, build confidence, and perform each exercise safely and effectively.

Client signature / initials confirming session: j

Date: 2026-06-13

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: halo

Client name / initials: MRS

Client level: beg

Session goals: For this session, I set out to support the client in improving core strength, postural alignment, and overall body awareness on the Reformer. I aimed to help them develop better control of movement through the carriage while maintaining stability in the pelvis and spine. Another goal was to improve lower body strength and coordination through exercises such as Footwork and Knee Stretches, while also enhancing flexibility through controlled stretching work. I also focused on building the client’s confidence with the equipment and ensuring they could move safely and efficiently between exercises. Overall, my goal was to deliver a balanced session that supported their fitness level while working towards improved strength, control, and mobility.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): In this session, I taught a structured Reformer class starting with breathing and Footwork as a warm-up, followed by Pelvic Curl to mobilise the spine. The main part included The Hundred, Knee Stretches, and Elephant to build core strength and control. I also included Long Box Pulling Straps for upper body strength. The class finished with Mermaid Stretch to improve flexibility and support recovery. The sequence was planned to flow smoothly from warm-up to cool-down.

What I noticed about my teaching: I noticed that I am becoming more confident with demonstrating exercises and giving basic cues, especially during familiar movements like Footwork and The Hundred. However, I also noticed that I sometimes need to improve the timing of my corrections so I do not interrupt the flow of the class. I found that my observation skills are improving, but I still need to be more consistent in watching all clients, not just one area of the room. Overall, I noticed positive progress in my teaching, but also clear areas where I can continue to develop my cueing, confidence, and class management.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would focus on improving my timing and clarity when giving corrections so that I do not disrupt the flow of the class. I would also aim to use more varied cueing, including more visual and tactile cues where appropriate, to support different learning styles. In addition, I would plan to position myself better in the room so I can observe all clients more evenly and give feedback sooner. Overall, I would feel more confident in slowing down my instruction, allowing clients more time to adjust, and reinforcing key teaching points throughout the session.

Client signature / initials confirming session: J

Date: 2026-06-14

Location: halo

Client name / initials: MRS

Client level: beg

Session goals: The goal of this session was to help the client improve core stability, postural control, and upper-body strength while developing better coordination between the trunk and arm movements. I aimed to encourage proper spinal alignment, controlled movement, and effective breathing throughout each exercise. The session focused on building body awareness, improving shoulder stability, and ensuring the client could move with precision, confidence, and good technique in a safe and controlled manner.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The session began with a warm-up focused on mobilising the spine, activating the core, and preparing the shoulders and upper body for movement. The main work included ½ rollback, bicep curl, oblique rollback, arm circles, hunching, kneeling arm raises, and kneeling arm circles, with appropriate spring settings used to support control, resistance, and correct execution of each exercise. Throughout the session, I emphasised safety by ensuring correct spring setup, maintaining neutral spinal alignment, encouraging controlled and pain-free movement, monitoring shoulder position, and reinforcing core engagement to support stability. The session finished with a cool down to reduce tension, restore alignment, and promote flexibility and recovery.

What I noticed about my teaching: During the session, cueing that focused on simplicity and internal awareness worked best, particularly phrases like “grow tall through your spine,” “draw ribs in,” and “move from your centre,” which helped the client improve alignment and control. Cues that were longer or too detailed tended to be less effective, as the client responded better to short, clear instructions they could apply immediately. The client responded positively to reassurance and corrective feedback, showing improved stability when reminded to reset posture and slow down. I maintained safety throughout by ensuring correct spring settings, monitoring spinal alignment, encouraging controlled and pain-free movement, and reinforcing shoulder and core engagement to prevent compensation and strain.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would focus more on simplifying my cues at the start of each exercise before adding progressions, as this would help the client establish better alignment and core engagement earlier. One thing I would keep is my emphasis on clear, concise cueing and consistent reminders to reset posture, as this supported the client’s ability to maintain control, improve awareness, and move more safely and effectively throughout the session.

Client signature / initials confirming session: j

Date: 2026-06-27

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: halo

Client name / initials: MRS

Client level: beg

Session goals: The goal of this session was to develop the client’s core stability, spinal control, and upper-body strength while improving coordination between arm movements and trunk engagement. I aimed to support better postural awareness, particularly maintaining a lifted spine and controlled rib position during both flexion and rotational exercises. The session also focused on improving movement precision, breath control, and overall exercise quality, ensuring the client could perform each movement with stability, confidence, and safe alignment.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The session began with a warm-up designed to mobilise the spine, activate the core, and prepare the shoulders for movement. The main work included C-curve, bicep curl, chest expansion, oblique rollback, kneeling bicep curl, hug, offering, chest press, salute, and circles, with appropriate spring settings used to provide suitable resistance and support for control and alignment. Throughout the session, I emphasised safety by checking equipment setup and spring tension, encouraging neutral spinal alignment, reinforcing core engagement, monitoring shoulder position, and ensuring all movements were performed slowly, with control and within a pain-free range. The session finished with a cool down to release tension, restore alignment, and support flexibility and recovery.

What I noticed about my teaching: During the session, cueing that was short, clear, and centre-focused worked most effectively, particularly phrases like “lift through your spine,” “draw your ribs in,” and “move from your core,” which helped the client maintain better alignment and control. Cues that were longer or more technical tended to be less effective, as the client responded better to simple instructions they could apply immediately during movement. The client responded well to consistent reminders and corrective feedback, showing improved stability when prompted to slow down and reset posture. I maintained safety throughout by ensuring correct spring settings, monitoring spinal alignment and shoulder position, reinforcing core engagement, and encouraging controlled, pain-free movement in all exercises.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would focus on giving the client slightly more time to fully set their alignment and core engagement before progressing into faster or more complex movements. This would help improve control and reduce compensations in the shoulders and spine. One thing I would keep is my consistent use of clear, simple cueing and regular posture reminders, as this supported better alignment, improved client awareness, and helped maintain safe and controlled movement throughout the session.

Client signature / initials confirming session: J

Date: 2026-06-28

Location: halo

Client name / initials: MRS

Client level: beginner

Session goals: The goal of this session was to develop the client’s full-body strength, core stability, and postural control through a series of challenging load-bearing and transitional exercises. I aimed to improve the client’s ability to maintain spinal length, shoulder stability, and controlled alignment under fatigue, while promoting efficient movement patterns. The session also focused on enhancing coordination, control, and endurance, ensuring the client could move safely and effectively while maintaining good technique throughout more demanding exercises.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The session began with a warm-up designed to mobilise the spine, activate the core, and prepare the shoulders and upper body for load-bearing movement. The main work included long stretch, elephant, oblique rollback, plank, and down stretch, with appropriate spring settings used to provide suitable resistance and support for control, alignment, and safe execution of each exercise. Throughout the session, I emphasised safety by ensuring correct equipment and spring setup, maintaining neutral spinal alignment, encouraging core engagement, monitoring shoulder stability, and promoting controlled, pain-free movement with smooth transitions between exercises. The session finished with a cool down to release tension, support flexibility, and aid recovery.

What I noticed about my teaching: During the session, my most effective cueing focused on simplicity and alignment, particularly phrases like “lengthen through your spine,” “draw your ribs in,” and “press away from the shoulders,” which helped the client maintain better control during load-bearing exercises. Cues that were more detailed or layered tended to be less effective, as the client responded better to short, direct instructions that could be applied immediately. The client responded positively to consistent reminders and verbal corrections, showing improved stability when prompted to slow down, reset posture, and reconnect to their core. I maintained safety throughout by ensuring correct spring settings, monitoring spinal alignment and shoulder positioning, reinforcing core engagement, and encouraging controlled, pain-free movement with smooth transitions between exercises.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would spend more time slowing the client down during the most demanding exercises, particularly long stretch and plank, to ensure they fully establish core engagement and shoulder stability before progressing. One thing I would keep is my consistent use of simple, clear cueing and reminders to reset alignment, as this helped the client maintain better control, improve awareness, and perform movements more safely and effectively throughout the session.

Client signature / initials confirming session: J

Date: 2026-07-29

Location: halo

Client name / initials: MRS

Client level: beginner

Session goals: The goal of this session was to develop lower-body strength, balance, and dynamic stability through functional, multi-directional movements. I aimed to improve the client’s ability to maintain proper alignment—particularly pelvic control, knee tracking, and core engagement—during both bilateral and single-leg exercises. The session also focused on enhancing coordination, control through different movement planes, and overall movement efficiency while ensuring safe technique and consistent postural awareness throughout more dynamic work.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The session began with a warm-up focused on activating the lower body, improving joint mobility, and preparing the client for dynamic movement. The main work included squat, skater, lunge, and scooter exercises, with appropriate spring settings used to provide suitable resistance, support, and challenge for balance and control. Throughout the session, I emphasised safety by ensuring correct equipment setup, maintaining neutral spinal alignment, encouraging core engagement, monitoring knee tracking and pelvic stability, and promoting controlled, pain-free movement during both bilateral and single-leg exercises. The session finished with a cool down to reduce muscle tension, support flexibility, and aid recovery.

What I noticed about my teaching: During the session, cueing that was clear, grounded, and action-based worked most effectively, particularly phrases like “press through your standing leg,” “keep your pelvis level,” and “track your knee over your toes,” which helped improve balance and control in single-leg movements. Cues that were more layered or given too quickly were less effective, as the client responded better to simple instructions that allowed them to focus on one correction at a time. The client responded well to verbal reminders and slowed movement, showing improved stability when encouraged to reduce speed and reset alignment. I maintained safety throughout by checking spring settings, reinforcing neutral spine and pelvic alignment, monitoring knee tracking, and ensuring all movements were performed with control and within a pain-free range.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would give the client slightly more time to stabilise their balance and alignment before progressing into faster or more complex single-leg movements, as this would likely improve control and reduce compensations. One thing I would keep is my consistent use of simple, clear cueing and reminders around knee tracking and core engagement, as this helped the client maintain better stability, awareness, and safe movement throughout the session.

Client signature / initials confirming session: J

Date: 2026-06-30

Location: halo

Client name / initials: MRS

Client level: beginner

Session goals: The goal of this session was to improve the client’s overall coordination, strength, and postural control through a mix of upper-body, lower-body, and rotational exercises. I aimed to develop better core engagement and stability, particularly during single-leg and directional movement patterns, while supporting efficient alignment of the spine, pelvis, and shoulders. The session also focused on enhancing movement control, breath awareness, and the ability to maintain good technique during more complex, multi-planar exercises.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The session began with a warm-up designed to mobilise the full body, activate the core, and prepare the client for coordinated upper and lower body work. The main work included side arm series, sword, T arms, single leg press, hold, internal/external rotation, double leg press, and zig-zag movements, with appropriate spring settings used to provide the correct balance of resistance, support, and challenge for stability and control. Throughout the session, I emphasised safety by ensuring correct equipment setup, maintaining neutral alignment through the spine and pelvis, monitoring shoulder and knee positioning, and encouraging controlled, pain-free movement with smooth transitions between exercises. The session finished with a cool down to reduce muscular tension, support flexibility, and promote recovery.

What I noticed about my teaching: During the session, cueing that focused on stability and direction worked most effectively, particularly phrases like “keep your pelvis level,” “move from your centre,” and “track your knee over your second toe,” which helped the client improve control during single-leg and directional movements. Cues that were more descriptive or delivered too quickly were less effective, as the client responded better to short, clear instructions that allowed time to adjust their position. The client responded positively to consistent verbal reminders and showed improved balance when encouraged to slow down and reduce the range of movement. I maintained safety throughout by checking spring settings, monitoring spinal and pelvic alignment, reinforcing core engagement, and ensuring movements were performed in a controlled, pain-free manner with attention to smooth transitions.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would give the client a bit more time to fully establish their balance and alignment before introducing quicker transitions and directional changes, as this would help improve stability and reduce compensations. One thing I would keep is my consistent use of clear, simple cueing around pelvic stability and knee tracking, as this helped the client maintain better control, improve awareness, and move more safely and effectively throughout the session.

Client signature / initials confirming session: J

Date: 2026-06-27

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Halo

Client name / initials: MRS

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: The goal of this session was to develop the client’s upper-body strength, spinal control, and core stability through a combination of pulling, arm work, and spinal articulation exercises. I aimed to improve the client’s ability to maintain alignment and rib control during both flexion, extension, and rotational movements, while enhancing coordination and movement fluidity. The session also focused on building awareness of the centre, improving posture under load, and ensuring safe, controlled transitions between different spinal positions.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The session began with a warm-up designed to mobilise the spine, activate the core, and prepare the client for upper-body strength and spinal articulation work. The main work included long box pulling, T arms, tricep work, swan prep, round back, flat back, tree, and twist, with appropriate spring settings used to provide suitable resistance and support for control, alignment, and safe execution of movement. Throughout the session, I emphasised safety by ensuring correct equipment setup, maintaining neutral spinal alignment, monitoring rib positioning and shoulder stability, encouraging core engagement, and promoting controlled, pain-free movement with smooth transitions between exercises. The session finished with a cool down to release tension, support spinal mobility, and aid recovery.

What I noticed about my teaching: During the session, cueing that focused on spinal length and centre engagement was most effective, particularly phrases like “grow tall through your spine,” “keep your ribs connected,” and “initiate from your centre,” which helped improve control during extension and rotational exercises. Cues that were more multi-step or delivered during movement transitions were less effective, as the client responded better to single, clear instructions that could be applied immediately. The client responded well to slowed pacing and consistent reminders, showing improved stability when encouraged to reduce range and focus on alignment. I maintained safety throughout by checking spring settings, monitoring spinal alignment and rib control, reinforcing shoulder stability, and ensuring all movements were performed in a controlled, pain-free range with attention to smooth transitions.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would slow down the progression into extension and rotation exercises, giving the client more time to establish rib control and spinal alignment before adding complexity. This would help reduce compensations and improve overall movement quality. One thing I would keep is my consistent focus on simple, clear cueing around spinal length and centre engagement, as this supported better control, improved awareness, and helped the client maintain safer, more effective movement throughout the session.

Client signature / initials confirming session: J

Date: 2026-06-28

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Halo

Client name / initials: MRS

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: The goal of this session was to develop the client’s lower-body strength, balance, and dynamic coordination through a combination of bilateral, single-leg, and multi-directional movements. I aimed to improve pelvic stability, knee tracking, and core engagement during both controlled and faster transitions, while enhancing overall movement control and efficiency. The session also focused on building confidence in single-leg work, improving coordination between upper and lower body, and maintaining safe, aligned movement under dynamic conditions.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The session began with a warm-up designed to activate the lower body, improve joint mobility, and prepare the client for dynamic strength and coordination work. The main work included squat, skater, lunge, scooter, abduction, adduction, single arm sword, single leg press, zig zag, and stomach massage, with appropriate spring settings used to provide suitable resistance, challenge balance, and support controlled movement. Throughout the session, I emphasised safety by ensuring correct equipment setup, maintaining neutral spinal and pelvic alignment, monitoring knee tracking and core engagement, and encouraging controlled, pain-free movement with smooth transitions between exercises. The session finished with a cool down to reduce muscle tension, support flexibility, and aid recovery.

What I noticed about my teaching: During the session, cueing that was simple, grounded, and action-focused worked most effectively, particularly phrases like “press through your standing leg,” “keep your pelvis level,” and “move from your centre,” which helped improve stability and control during single-leg and dynamic movements. Cues that were delivered too quickly or contained multiple instructions at once were less effective, as the client responded better to one clear focus at a time. The client responded well to slowed pacing and regular verbal reminders, showing improved balance and coordination when encouraged to reduce speed and reset alignment. I maintained safety throughout by checking spring settings, monitoring pelvic and knee alignment, reinforcing core engagement, and ensuring all movements were performed in a controlled, pain-free manner with smooth transitions between exercises.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If I were to teach this session again, I would give the client more time to fully stabilise their alignment before introducing faster or more complex transitions, as this would likely improve control and reduce compensatory movement. One thing I would keep is my use of simple, clear cueing focused on balance and centre engagement, as this consistently helped the client improve awareness, maintain better control, and move more safely throughout the session.