Reformer Teaching Practice Logbook (Option A)

Date: 2026-06-07

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Solis, Cork

Client name / initials: Class Group

Client level: Mixed

Session goals: -Build Strength in arms, legs, glutes, core and upper body
-Engage core and learn to print spine on the carriage

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Warm Up- Footbar Work
Leg Press Heels, Leg Press Toes, Pilates V, Wide Leg Press, Walking and Running

Glute Sequence
Bridge, Marches, SL Bridge Pulses and Semi Circle

Standing Sequence
Lunge, Scooters, Squat & Skaters

Core
Arm Arcs, Hundred, Tricep Extension and Co Ordination

Standing Sequence on other side

Upper Body and Back Strength
Kneeling Bicep Curl, Kneeling Chest Expansion, Hug, Salute and Long Stretch

Cool Down- Feet in Straps, Open and Close, Heel Beats, Frogs and Leg Circles

What I noticed about my teaching: I think that my cues went well today. The students I had didn't have any contraindications so the class ran smoothly. I felt the cues came quite naturally to me from teaching mat pilates.
I made an error when teaching the High Kneeling Chest Expansion- I cued the wrong way of flipping the palms. I quickly noticed this from watching the client's discomfort and corrected myself.
2 of the 3 clients struggled to keep their spine heavy on the mat so I had to keep cueing this to get them to lower the spine.
I made some hands on adjustments for one client for bicep curls. She was struggling with the extension part of the movement so I directed her through and we eventually discovered her arms were short so I encourage her to grab the thick part of the strap instead.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I think I was a little bit under prepared content wise so I would prepare an extra sequence to have to hand rather than draw out the sequences I had too long. I think I would also add a bit more upper body work to the lower body sequences to distract the clients from the tension on the lower body.

Client signature / initials confirming session: KC SD & AOS

Date: 2026-06-24

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Solis, Cork

Client name / initials: TT

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: This was the clients first reformer class. The goal of the class was to get her accustomed to the reformer and do a strength based work out

What I taught (exercises & sequence): I began with a footbar sequence
Starting with heels on the bar, then toes on the bar, moving to Pilates v, running and walking.
Then we completed a bridge sequence with all springs on.
Next we changed to one red spring and completed a lower body sequence using lunges, skaters, side splits and squats
Then we completed a sitting/kneeling sequence facing the pulleys involving rows, curls and pulls
We ran the lunge sequence on the other side followed by a Kneeling sequence that was back and shoulder focused.
We finished with legs in straps

What I noticed about my teaching: As I teach this client Mat Pilates, I found my flow really easily- the client was used to my voice and cueing style and this worked really well. I felt a lot more confident now that I got the nerves of the initial class over me. I like the 1:1 as your cues could be a lot more intentional and specific.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I’d definitely keep the pace of the class, I kept the movements simple and did a lot of reps (12-14) for each exercise which was effective
I think I need a new cue for the supine tricep extension or a modification because my client struggled to get the initial shape and return to that position

Client signature / initials confirming session: TT

Date: 2026-06-24

Duration: 60

Location: Solis, Cork

Client name / initials: KC

Client level: Improver/Advanced

Session goals: The client has a lot of experience on the reformer so the goal for today was to build from last weeks session and add in small equipment to challenge the clients stability and strength

What I taught (exercises & sequence): I taught the same flow as the beginner class but added less springs for bridging, added an additional plank and side plank sequence with less springs and added more exercises into the legs in straps sequence such as Peter Pans and Heel beats.
I added weights to the lunging sequence and a curtsey lunge flow. I also added a ball between the knees for the ab sequence and added ball squeezes as a little distraction

What I noticed about my teaching: I think all of my cues went well besides my oblique planks. I forgot to get the client to bring the footbar back up. I surprised myself at how well I noticed poor form (e.g. tailbone lifting during springs in straps) and how to modify it. My confidence is growing and I can definitely see how to change each exercise to make it easier or more creative

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I think I would watch a few videos of plank flows/sequences as I find it difficult to build a lot of exercises in here without having to change position or springs

Client signature / initials confirming session: KC

Date: 2026-06-25

Duration: 1 hour

Location: Solis, Cork

Client name / initials: HH AF MG DOF SC SD KN

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: Get the beginner clients used to the reformer and build strength/stretch & challenging the improver clients

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Foot Work Series- Leg Press on Heels, Toes, Wide Leg Press, Pilates V & Single Leg Press
Bridge Sequence- Bridging, Semi Circle and SL Pulses
Short Box Lunge Sequence- Lunges, Scooter, Curtsey Lunges.
Seated arm sequence- Open and Close, Shoulder Press, T arms, Tricep Press, Tricep Dips, Step Ups and RDLS
Short Box Lunge Sequence on Other Side
Split Squat Sequence with Dumbbells- Split Squats, Squats & Skaters
Seated Sequence- Low Row, High Row, Bicep Curl and Hug
Feet in Straps to Finish- Lift and Lowers ,Frogs and Leg Circles

What I noticed about my teaching: My cueing worked really well for feet in straps- 5 out of the 7 in the group were doing Pilates for the first time and all completed the feet in straps sequence seamlessly so I think my cueing worked well here.
I think the curtsey lunges would've worked better with the box on the floor rather than the carriage as the clients would've had a bit more stability to test their range of motion.
I was surprised at how little modifications I needed to make and I think that is a testimony to how the flow was really focused on performing the basic moves well and more form focused which suited a mixed level group.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I would definitely keep the amount of exercises I performed and the times for which the clients performed them. I also think that the way the exercises flowed into each other and the minimal spring changes were effective. I think I would cut the curtsey lunges or else find a safer way to integrate them.

Client signature / initials confirming session: HH AF MG KN SD SC DOF

Date: 2026-06-25

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Solis, Cork

Client name / initials: EOF

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: Client is returning to exercise after sustaining a knee injury and was reccomended to try reformer pilates.
Client has strong upper body from gym

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Warm Up
Footwork – Heels — 1 Red, 1 Green and 1 Blue spring
Footwork – Toes — 1 Red, 1 Green and 1 Blue spring
Footwork – Running — 1 Red, 1 Green and 1 Blue spring
Pelvic Curl / Bridging — 1 Red, 1 Green and 1 Blue spring

Main Piece (30 minutes)
Frog in Straps — 1 Blue & 1 Green spring
Leg Circles in Straps — 1 Blue & 1 Green spring
Stomach Massage (Modified) — 1 Red Spring
Mermaid Series — 1 Red spring
Seated Row (Arms in Straps) — 1 Green spring
Chest Expansion ( Seated) — 1 Green spring
Lunge- 1 Red Spring
Standing Scooter (Modified Range) — 1 Red spring

Cool Down (5 minutes)
Mermaid Series — 1 Blue spring

What I noticed about my teaching: During this session, I noticed that my teaching cues were effective when focusing on alignment, breathing and controlled movement. The footwork warm-up allowed me to observe the client’s positioning and provide corrections around neutral pelvis, knee tracking, and even pressure through the feet. I also encouraged the client not to lock out his knees to ensure no further injury. During the main piece, cues around core engagement and slow, controlled movements worked well, especially during Frog in Straps and Leg Circles, where safety and control were important. I noticed I needed to be clearer when transitioning between exercises, particularly when moving into more complex movements like lunges and standing scooter. Safety moments included checking spring resistance, ensuring straps were secure, and modifying range of movement to maintain good form.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: One specific change I would make is to give more detailed preparation cues before each new exercise- especially for movements requiring balance or increased stability. For example, before Standing Scooter, I would spend more time explaining foot placement, posture, and where the client should feel the movement before starting. This would help the client feel more confident and reduce the need for corrections during the exercise. I would also aim to create smoother transitions by briefly explaining the purpose of each movement before moving on, helping the client stay focused and connected throughout the session.

Client signature / initials confirming session: EOF

Date: 2026-06-27

Duration: 60 minutes

Location: Halo, Killarney

Client name / initials: CLASS Group

Client level: Mixed

Session goals: The goal was to improve upper body strength through a Long Box Sequence

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Seated Spine Warm Up, Facing Footbar
Seated Chest Expansion
Seated Rotation

Pulling Straps
T Arms Prone
Tricep Extension
Breast Stroke Prep
Swan Prep
Knee Stretch Series- Round Back, Flat Back, Knees Off, Knee Stretch on Carriage

What I noticed about my teaching: During this session, the strongest cueing wins came from using simple, focused instructions paired with breath and alignment. For the Seated Spine Warm Up, Seated Chest Expansion and Seated Rotation...cues like “extend through the crown of the head, roll shoulders back and down” helped the client improve posture and move with more awareness. The clients responded well to imagery and cues that encouraged length rather than forcing range.

During Pulling Straps, T Arms Prone, and Tricep Extension, shoulder-focused cues such as “keep the shoulders away from the ears” and “reach long through the arms” helped the client avoid tension in the upper traps. The clients made adjustments easily when given one clear correction at a time.

Some cues fell flat when too much information was given at once, especially during Breast Stroke Prep and Swan Prep. Detailed instructions about the spine, arms and breath created some hesitation and confusion. Simplifying cues to one focus, such as lifting through the upper back or supporting the movement from the centre, allowed the group to move more naturally.

During the Knee Stretch Series, the class responded best to rhythm and control-based cues. Reminders to “move from the abs and to not use momentum” improved stability and carriage control.

Safety moments included monitoring spinal alignment, avoiding overuse of the neck and shoulders and maintaining control during prone work and knee stretches. Overall, the session showed that clear, concise cues and positive reinforcement helped the client move with more confidence and control.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: One thing I would do differently in this session is simplify my cueing earlier and allow the client more time to process each movement. At times, I gave too many corrections at once, which caused some hesitation during more complex exercises like Breast Stroke Prep and Swan Prep. Next time, I would prioritize one main focus per exercise, using fewer words and more intentional pauses. I would also spend more time observing the client’s natural movement patterns before adding corrections. This would help create a smoother experience and allow the client to build confidence while maintaining proper alignment and control.

Client signature / initials confirming session: HR NF MRS UG NC

Date: 2026-07-01

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Solis, Cork

Client name / initials: TT AMOD EB SK KC

Client level: Mixed Level

Session goals: Introduce Beginner Clients to the reformer, Improve strength and flexibility for improver clients

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Leg Press Heels, Leg Press Toes, Pilates V, Wide Leg Press, Walking Running

Bridge, Bridge with Marching, SL Bridge Pulse, Semi Circle

Lunge, Scooter, Adductors, Squat out, Skaters

Kneeling Bicep Curl, Hug, Salute & Rhomboid Opening

Arm Arcs, Tricep Extension, Hundreds and Co-ordination

Feet in Straps- Open and Close, Frogs, Lower and Lifts & Leg Circles

What I noticed about my teaching: My cueing went really well in this class, cueing to imagine you are holding a beach ball for the hug and make a diamond in front of your face for salute worked really well.
There was quite a gap between the mix of abilities in this class so I think I worked well at modifying exercises to make them easier or more challenging for the clients. For example, one girl needed lighter springs for feet in straps and one girl needed more of a challenge when completing the hundred so I invited her to bring her legs to 45 degrees

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I think I would change the flow, I did the lunge sequence from one straight in to the other and there was a lot of changing between walking around the reformer and changing the foot bar. I would run the kneeling sequence in the middle next time.

Client signature / initials confirming session: AMOD TT SK EB KC

Date: 2026-07-02

Duration: 60 minutes

Location: Solis Cork

Client name / initials: HH AH KN

Client level: Mixed Level

Session goals: Create exercises that suit a beginner with endometreosis, 1 improver and one advanced client.
All clients will improve flexibility and upper body strength

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Footbar Work- Double Leg Press Heels, Toes, Pilates V, Wide Double Leg Press, Running, Walking, SL Zig Zag
Bridge Series- Bridge, Bridge Marching, SL Bridge, Semi Circle
Lunge Sequence- Lunge, Scooter, Adduction, Squat Out, Skaters
Kneeling Sequence- Kneeling Bicep Curl, Hug, Salute, Rhomboid Opening
Lunge Sequence on Other Side
Ab Sequence Supine- Arm Arcs, Hundred, Tricep Extesion & Co ordination

What I noticed about my teaching: I think I did a good job a differentiating the lesson for all client types. I added small equipment and made spring changes based on the client level. For Example, one of the girls struggled to keep her tailbone on the carriage during legs in straps so I reduced her springs after cueing to keep spine heavy on the carriage and the client struggling to do so... she moved to less springs. One of the clients was mastering the Lunge Sequence so I gave her weights to make it more challenging. Another client found getting the elbows inline with the shoulders really challenging so I reduced her springs too. All my cues were received well. The only area I struggled was with the salute... there was a problem with one girls carriage so I tried to verbally cue it while I fixed it, even though I normally visually cue it too... the cue fell flat and I had to re explain it when I finished adjusting the platform extender.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I actually really liked the flow of this class and I think I would keep it the same. It was quite high tempo so I think the only thing I would change would be to remove a few of the exercises from the first sequence and maybe one more from each of the other sequences if I wanted to make it a lower tempo class.

Client signature / initials confirming session: HH KN AH

Date: 2026-07-06

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Solis, Cork

Client name / initials: TT AH

Client level: Improver

Session goals: Build clients strength and improve core stability using short box

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Footbar work- 1 green, 1 blue and 1 red- Double Leg Press Heels, Double Leg Press Toes, SL Press, SL Zig Zag, Wide Leg Press, Tendon Stretch, Walking, Running

Side Kneeling Sequence- 1 Red or 1 blue- Overhead Reach, Internal Rotation and Draw the Sword

Seated facing Pulleys- 1 red or 1 blue- Low Row, High Row, Bow and Arrow, Bicep Curls and Chest Expansion

Side Kneeling Sequence on other side

Short box Sequence Legs- 1 green- Squat, Lunge, Hinge and Twists

Short box sequence core- Flat Back, Over Head Reach and Twist (Feet under foot strap)

Short Box Sequence (Legs) on other side

Feet in Straps (1 green or 1 green and 1 blue)- Leg Circles, Frogs, Lower and Lift

What I noticed about my teaching: I think my cueing was good in this class. Particularly during the seated abs sequence. The bow and arrow image worked really well for the twisting.
I relied a lot less on my notes and knew the flow before starting my class which was really effective.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: If this was a mixed ability class I would provide different spring options for the beginner clients, however, I think the spring choices I provided were good for intermediate

Client signature / initials confirming session: TT AH

Date: 2026-07-06

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Solis, Cork

Client name / initials: ID CH KC OM GS HH AF CC

Client level: Mixed Level

Session goals: The goal is to improve Upper Body Strength and Core Stability. I am using the same class plan as the improver this morning but modifying it to cater for mixed ability and one client who is returning to exercise after knee surgery

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Footbar work- 1 green, 1 blue and 1 red- Double Leg Press Heels, Double Leg Press Toes, SL Press, SL Zig Zag, Wide Leg Press, Tendon Stretch, Walking, Running. (remove green spring and reduce expectation of range of motion for client with knee pain)

Side Kneeling Sequence- 1 Red or 1 blue- Overhead Reach, Internal Rotation and Draw the Sword (provide knee support or perform seated on Long Box)

Seated facing Pulleys- 1 red or 1 blue- Low Row, High Row, Bow and Arrow, Bicep Curls and Chest Expansion

Side Kneeling Sequence on other side

Short box Sequence Legs- 1 green or 1 red and blue- Squat, Lunge, Hinge and Twists

Short box sequence core 1 red and blue- Flat Back, Over Head Reach and Twist (Feet under foot strap)

Short Box Sequence (Legs) on other side

Feet in Straps (1 green or 1 green and 1 blue)- Leg Circles, Frogs, Lower and Lift

What I noticed about my teaching: I think I did a good job at implementing modifications for this class, even though there were lots of varying factors such as a knee injury and beginner clients. I used my class plan but also used the instincts I have built up over the course to modify the exercises to best fit the clients. I also made great use of tactile cueing and really saw the benefits of it- especially with draw the sword.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I think next time I would put less exercises in the seated sequence and instead focus on performing less exercises for more time under tension.

Client signature / initials confirming session: ID CH KC OM GS HH AF CC