Reformer Teaching Practice Logbook (Option A)

Date: 2026-06-06

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: ED

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: I wanted to achieve teaching the footwork series and the feet in straps series effectively. I wanted to cue the exercises effectively and ensure the client had good alignment. The clients goal was to improve flexibility and alignment

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Warm up was footwork- double less press arches, heels, pilates v, walking running and the single leg press. The client started with 3 springs and this changed to 2 springs on the single leg exercises. Then I taught leg in straps, leg circles, open and close, swimming frog, heel bats and hamstring stretch. Th lesson finished with footwork.

What I noticed about my teaching: I was happy with how I cued the footwork. I clearly explained to the client how to put their feet in straps. At the beginning I felt nervous and spoke too quickly when cueing the moves. I ensured that the client got on and off the carriage correctly and used the correct spring tension.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: Next time I would remind the client to keep proper alignment when completing the footwork and feet in straps. I would provide more visual cues to help the client achieve this. I would also give tactile cues eg fix their feet to ensure they are hip distance apart.

Client signature / initials confirming session: ED

Date: 2026-06-07

Duration: 30 minutes

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: ED

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: I set the goal to effectively teach the supine arm series, feet in straps and the bridging series. I also wanted to become more confident as an instructor and give effective cues. The clients goal was to develop strength.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): footwork was the warm up then the client completed the bridging series (bridge, bridge with marching). Followed by the supine arm series (t arms, arm arcs, tricep press) and the client finished with feet in straps (circles, heel bats lift and lower).

What I noticed about my teaching: I was more confident teaching the footwork and feet in straps series and I effectively cued them. I also ensured that the client had good alignment I helped this by giving tactile cues. The client responded well to the cues and understood what exercise she was to do. I found the cueing "rolling up through the spine one vertebrate at a time a good cue for the bridging series".

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I was unsure of appropriate spring tension to use in the supine arm series and it took a few times to get this correct which affected the flow of the class. I also had to change the spring tension for the bridging series. I will be more aware in the future what spring tension is appropriate for the client. I will continue to give tactile cues.

Client signature / initials confirming session: ED

Date: 2026-06-13

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: ED

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: This lessons goals were strength and flexibility. I set the goal of becoming a more confident reformer pilates instructor and to practice teaching breathing in my classes.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): The warm up was footwork double leg/single leg press arches and toes, internal double leg press.
front rowing series (offering , hug, Chest press and salute.)
Long stretch series half plank and elephant.
Feet in strap series single leg stretch and circle and single leg circle.
The class finished with mermaid series ( mermaid and mermaid with counter stretch).

What I noticed about my teaching: I could effectively cue the footwork series. A cue that worked well was imagine there is a corset around your waist. I found it challenging to cue the mermaid series and I will need to work on this. I was effective in cueing the feet in straps series and I helped the client to safely put her feet in straps. I'm becoming more confident in my teaching.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I'd keep the footwork series and the cueing. I rushed the breathing with my client and I would slow down when telling the client to inhale and exhale.

Client signature / initials confirming session: ED

Date: 2026-06-14

Duration: 45 mins

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: MS

Client level: Improver

Session goals: The client wanted to become more confident on the reformer and wanted a strength class.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Warm-up
Breathing and pelvic tilts
Neutral spine awareness
Footwork (heels, toes, Pilates V)

Main Work
Bridging
bridging with marching
Hundreds
Arm arcs
low row
high row
Scooter
Standing lunges

Cool-down
Feet in straps (frogs, circles)
Single leg press

What I noticed about my teaching: My cueing for neutral spine and breathing have improved and the client responded well to the visual and tactile cues. I corrected the client when needed without interrupting the flow of the class. The client had poor alignment when completing the low and high roe so I reminded them to keep the shoulders away from the ears. I checked spring settings before every exercise.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I would reduce the number of verbal cues during some exercises to allow the client to move more naturally. I would keep my clear demonstrations, positive encouragement and emphasis on breathing, as these helped the client feel confident and maintain good technique throughout the session.

Client signature / initials confirming session: MS

Date: 2026-06-20

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: DOS

Client level: Improver

Session goals: Improve whole-body strength, coordination and balance. Reinforce correct breathing throughout the session.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Warm up
Footwork (Pilates V, arches, heels)
Running/walking

Main series
back rowing series
half roll back
bicep curl
alternating row
half roll back bicep curl.

standing leg series
adduction/adduction

Side arm series
overhead reach
internal rotation
draw a sword

Cool Down
Footwork- double leg press arches and toes

What I noticed about my teaching: My demonstrations helped the client understand each exercise before beginning. I corrected alignment when the knees began to roll inward during footwork.I ensured the client stepped on and off the reformer safely and that the correct springs were used.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: Next time I would use more tactile and imagery-based cues.I would also allow a little more time between exercises to explain transitions more clearly.

Client signature / initials confirming session: DOS

Date: 2026-06-20

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: DOS

Client level: Mixed

Session goals: To improve lower-body strength, and core endurance while encouraging correct alignment and controlled movement.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Warm-up

Pelvic tilts
Footwork (heels, toes, wide second position)

Main Work
Bridging series (bridge and bridge with marching)
Feet in straps (frog, leg circles, short arc)
Single-leg footwork
Lunge stretch
scooter
abduction
skater

Cool-down
Mermaid
Hamstring stretch

What I noticed about my teaching: I used clear, simple cues that helped the client maintain good posture and breathing throughout the session. I used a good cue for the scooter which was "imagine your back leg is kicking a scooter away". I offered modifications for the lunge and scooter which helped the client complete the exercises.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: Next time I would reduce the amount of leg exercises in the class as it was challenging for the client. I would keep the modifications for the lunge and scooter.

Client signature / initials confirming session: DOS

Date: 2026-06-21

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: AD

Client level: Mixed

Session goals: The goals of this lesson was to build the clients confidence of using the reformer along with developing strength.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Footwork (heels, toes, walking, running)

Main phase
The hundred
tricep press
arm circles
t arms

lunge
scooter
abduction/adduction

low row
high row
bicep curl

legs In straps (lift and lower)
open and close
leg circles.

What I noticed about my teaching: The cues for the supine arm work were good and the client had a good understanding of how to complete the exercises. The visual cues such as extend your arms out to a capital T and draw the arms back to your side were effective. I explained all about the carriage at the start of the lesson and ensured correct spring tension was used at all times.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I struggled to effectively teach the low and high row and really relied on showing the move. I would practice cueing this effectively. Id continue to use the visual cues.

Client signature / initials confirming session: AD

Date: 2026-06-22

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: AD

Client level: Beginner

Session goals: To deepen the clients knowledge of the reformer.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Warm up

Pelvic tilt
footwork (arches, toes, walking, running)

offering
hug
chest press

legs open and close
heal bats
leg circles

low row
high row
buck curl

Mermaid

What I noticed about my teaching: The class was suited to the beginner client. I used clear explanations which were given before each exercise. I demonstrated each movement on the reformer and i used simple, easy-to-follow cues to help the client. I explained the different parts of the reformer and how to safely use it. I used cues in the footwear saying keep feet hip distance apart.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I would spend more time checking the clients alignment before progressing to the next exercise. Explaining the parts of the reformer helped to develop the clients understanding of the reformer.

Client signature / initials confirming session: AD

Date: 2026-06-25

Duration: 40 minutes

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: DOS

Client level: Mixed

Session goals: A flexibility class with emphasis put on correct alignment.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): footwork (Toes, arches, heels, pilates V)
Single-leg footwork

Hundred
bridge
bridge with marching.

half plank
elephant

round back
flat back spine twist.

overhead reach
t-arms
draw a sword

cool down footwork arches.

What I noticed about my teaching: The tactile cues really helped the client with the alignment. For example fixing the clients feet when in legs in straps and the footwork. I also helped the client with the table top position. I reminded the client to breathe and explained when to exhale and inhale. I cued the elephant in a safe way and ensured the client had correct spring tension.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I would up the pace slightly as I spent too much time explaining some of the exercises which affected the flow of the class. The tactile cues were very effective in this lesson.

Client signature / initials confirming session: DOS

Date: 2026-06-28

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Halo Killarney

Client name / initials: AD

Client level: Mixed

Session goals: The goal of the class was to improve core strength and mobility.

What I taught (exercises & sequence): Breathing and neutral spine
Pelvic tilt
Footwork (toes, arches, heels, pilates V)

Bridging
Supine arm series (circles, t arms the hundred)
Legs in straps (frogs, open and close and leg circles)

Scooter
lunge

Elephant
down stretch

Mermaid

What I noticed about my teaching: The client responded well to cues such as “draw your ribs towards your hips" and "bellybutton to spine". I reminded the client to keep the carriage steady during the bridging and added extra springs for stability as there hamstring was cramping. I used tactile, verbal and visual cues. I reminded the client to move the carriage with control.

Reflection: what would I do differently?: I would continue with to use the alignment cues. I would offer more modifications for the client when completing the hundred exercise.

Client signature / initials confirming session: AD