Reformer Observation Logbook

Date of observation: 2026-07-05

Duration: 60

Class type: large group 10

Instructor name: Rachel

Studio / location: the studio image fitness swords

Class structure & exercise selection: I thought the class had a really clear structure and flowed naturally from start to finish. It began with breathing, alignment and footwork, which I felt was a great way to help everyone connect with their bodies before moving into exercises that required greater strength and control. The footwork series gradually warmed up the legs while reinforcing good alignment, core engagement and lower body stability.

From there, the class moved into seated box work, focusing on upper-body strength and shoulder stability before progressing into rowing exercises and core work on the box. I liked how each section seemed to build on the previous one, preparing the body for the next phase of the class. The abdominal work, knee stretches and planks gradually increased the intensity, while the bridging sequence introduced spinal articulation and posterior chain strength. Finishing with Mermaid stretches and Cat-Cow allowed everyone to slow down, release tension and leave the class feeling lengthened and relaxed.

One sequence that stood out to me was the progression from the Roll Back with Twist into the kneeling core work. It felt like a natural transition that focused on core control from different positions while keeping the class flowing smoothly. Overall, I felt the class was well balanced, with a good combination of strength, mobility, stability and flexibility.

Cueing style & teaching highlights: One thing that really stood out to me during this class was how consistent and clear the instructor’s cueing was. The majority of the teaching was delivered through verbal cues, with tactile corrections used when needed to help participants understand their alignment and make small adjustments to their movement. I found the cues easy to follow because they were simple, specific, and repeated throughout the class without becoming overwhelming.

The instructor regularly reminded participants to keep their shoulders away from their ears, engage their core, maintain good alignment, and focus on controlled movement rather than rushing through each exercise. I also noticed how often breath was incorporated into the cues, which helped create a calm pace and encouraged participants to move with more awareness.

I found the use of tactile corrections particularly helpful to observe. The instructor used touch in a respectful and supportive way to help bring awareness to areas such as shoulder positioning, posture, and spinal alignment. This showed me how effective tactile cueing can be when verbal instructions alone may not be enough for someone to understand the movement.

I also really liked the imagery used throughout the class. For example, the cue to imagine "hugging a big tree" during the Hug exercise helped create an understanding of the arms and posture. During bridging, the instruction to "peel the spine off the carriage one vertebra at a time" encouraged participants to focus on slow and controlled spinal articulation. These are cues I would like to remember and incorporate into my own teaching because they make the movement easier to understand for clients.

Class management & safety: I thought the class was managed very well. The instructor gave clear instructions before every spring change, so everyone had enough time to adjust their equipment without feeling rushed. The transitions between exercises were smooth, and the overall pace of the class felt calm and organised.

Safety was clearly a priority throughout the session. Before the bridging sequence, the instructor reminded everyone to lower the headrest, reinforcing an important safety point. During weight-bearing exercises such as Half Plank and Knee Stretch, there were regular reminders about wrist alignment, shoulder stability and maintaining a strong, supported spine. These small but consistent cues helped participants move safely while maintaining the flow of the class.

I also noticed that the instructor walked around the room to observe participants and offered individual corrections when needed. The feedback was given in a positive and encouraging way, which helped people improve their technique without drawing unnecessary attention to them. Watching this reminded me how important it is to observe everyone in the room and provide support where needed while still keeping the class moving.

One thing I would like to adopt in my own teaching is the instructor's calm and confident manner. Their communication was clear and reassuring, which created a positive learning environment where participants seemed comfortable. From being a participant in a class to an observer in a class I could see how much details goes into a class management plan.

My takeaways for teaching: This observation gave me several ideas that I hope to carry into my own teaching practice.

Firstly, I learned how important thoughtful sequencing is. Every exercise seemed to have a purpose and prepared the body for what came next, making the class feel balanced and progressive from beginning to end.

Secondly, I realised that simple, consistent cueing can be far more effective than giving too much information. Repeating key cues about alignment, breathing and core engagement helped reinforce good movement patterns throughout the class, and I could see how well participants responded to that consistency.

Finally, this observation reminded me that being a good instructor is about much more than demonstrating exercises. It's about creating a safe environment, observing each participant, giving clear and supportive feedback, and helping people move with confidence. Watching this class has given me a better understanding of the kind of instructor I would like to become, and it reinforced the importance of staying calm, clear and encouraging while always putting quality of movement first.

Date of observation: 2016-07-09

Duration: 60

Class type: 1:1

Instructor name: Marta

Studio / location: krakow poland

Class structure & exercise selection: I observed a private one-to-one Reformer Pilates session in a beautiful, calm studio space in Kraków, my sister in law had a session which i sat in on ( was also very thankful she thought the session in english for me). What immediately stood out to me was how personal the session felt. It did not feel like a teacher simply taking a client through exercises; it felt like a conversation between movement, body awareness, and trust.

The class began with a gentle warm-up to help the client connect with their breathing and body. Marta started with simple footwork on the Reformer, focusing on alignment, posture, and grounding through the feet. I really loved how she did not rush into the exercises but allowed the client time to arrive mentally and physically into the session.

The warm-up included breathing exercises, pelvic awareness, spinal articulation, and gentle mobility work. These movements prepared the client beautifully for the stronger work ahead. I noticed that every exercise had a purpose, and nothing felt added just to fill time.

The main section of the class included Reformer exercises such as footwork variations, bridging, leg straps, abdominal work, and controlled upper-body strengthening. Marta carefully selected exercises based on the client’s individual needs, constantly adapting the springs and movement range depending on how the client was feeling.

One sequence that really stood out to me was the transition from bridging into more challenging hip and core stability work. I loved watching how Marta built confidence step by step. She created a feeling of success for the client rather than making the exercises feel intimidating.

The session finished with a gentle cool-down including stretches, breathing, and movements to release tension. I appreciated that the ending was not rushed. It felt like Marta was giving the client time to notice the changes in their body and leave the session feeling calm and connected.

Cueing style & teaching highlights: The biggest thing I noticed about Marta’s teaching style was how calm, encouraging, and personal her cues were. Her voice was soft but confident, and she created an environment where the client felt safe to explore movement.

She used a beautiful mixture of verbal and visual cues. Some of the phrases that stood out to me were:
“Grow taller through the crown of your head.”
“Let your shoulders soften away from your ears.”
“Imagine your spine becoming longer with every breath.”
“Move with control, not with force.”

I really loved the imagery she used because it helped the client understand the feeling of the movement rather than just copying a shape.
Her cueing was very body-focused. Instead of constantly correcting what was “wrong,” she guided the client towards feeling the correct movement. This felt very supportive and empowering.
She also used gentle hands-on corrections when appropriate, always asking permission first. I found this really respectful and professional. It showed a high level of awareness and trust between teacher and client.

A teaching highlight for me was how Marta celebrated small improvements. When the client performed a movement with better control, she acknowledged it immediately. Her encouragement felt genuine, and I could see how it helped the client feel confident.

Class management & safety: Because this was a one-to-one session, Marta was able to give complete attention to the client. She managed the pace beautifully and never made the session feel rushed.

I noticed how carefully she handled transitions between exercises. Before changing springs or moving into a new position, she explained what was happening and why. This helped the client feel comfortable and confident using the equipment.
Her spring changes were very controlled, and she always checked that the client was positioned safely before beginning the next movement.
Individual corrections were handled with kindness. If something needed adjusting, Marta did not make the client feel like they had made a mistake. Instead, she offered suggestions in a positive way, for example:
“Let’s try bringing the ribs a little closer together and see how that feels.”

I really admired this approach because it kept the client motivated and open to learning.
One thing I would definitely adopt from this observation is the importance of creating a calm atmosphere.

My takeaways for teaching: This observation gave me many ideas that I would love to bring into my own teaching practice.
1. Teach the person, not just the movement
My biggest takeaway was seeing how much difference it makes when a teacher truly connects with the individual in front of them. Marta adapted every exercise to the client’s body, needs, and confidence level. I want my future teaching to feel just as personal and caring.

2. Use thoughtful, meaningful cues
I loved how Marta’s cues created a feeling rather than just giving instructions. Her imagery helped the client understand their body in a deeper way. I would love to develop my own language so my clients can connect more emotionally with movement.

3. Create confidence through kindness
The thing I admired most about Marta was her warmth. She made the client feel capable and supported. I learned that a great teacher is not only someone who knows the exercises but someone who makes people believe in themselves.

This observation was a beautiful experience for me as a teacher trainee. I left feeling inspired by how powerful one-to-one teaching can be. What touched me most was the relationship between Marta and her client. There was so much trust, patience, and respect throughout the session.

Date of observation: 2026-07-11

Duration: 60

Class type: large group 20

Instructor name: Anna

Studio / location: at studio warsaw

Class structure & exercise selection: I really enjoyed observing this class because from the very beginning I felt that the teacher created a calm and welcoming atmosphere. The class had a beautiful natural rhythm, and I noticed how carefully Anna guided the group through each stage without making anyone feel rushed.

The class began with a gentle warm-up focusing on breathing, connection, and awareness of the body. I loved that the first few minutes were not just about “getting moving” but about helping everyone arrive mentally into the session. Anna encouraged the clients to slow down, notice their posture, and connect with their breath before increasing the intensity.

The warm-up included exercises such as pelvic tilts, footwork on the reformer, spinal articulation, and gentle mobility work through the hips and shoulders. I particularly liked the way she used these simple movements to prepare the body rather than treating the warm-up as something to quickly get through.

The main section of the class built gradually into more challenging exercises. The exercises included:
Footwork variations on the reformer
Bridging sequences
Leg straps for hip stability and control
Side-lying work for glute and hip strength
Plank variations
Arm exercises using the straps
Full-body integration sequences

One sequence that really stood out to me was a reformer bridge series combined with arm movements. I loved how Anna encouraged the group to think about the whole body working together instead of focusing only on the movement of the arms or legs. It felt very connected and purposeful.

The class finished with a slower cool-down including stretching, breathing, and gentle spinal movements. I appreciated that she did not suddenly stop the class after the challenging exercises but created space for the clients to relax and leave feeling balanced.

Cueing style & teaching highlights: I really connected with the imagery she used. One cue that stayed with me was when she asked the class to “imagine the crown of your head reaching forward while your heels reach back.” I thought this was such a beautiful way of creating length without over-explaining anatomy.

I noticed that she used tactile corrections carefully and respectfully. Before adjusting someone, she always asked permission. Her corrections were gentle and supportive, and the clients seemed comfortable receiving feedback.

What I admired most was that her energy never changed, even when correcting multiple people. She stayed patient, warm, and encouraging throughout the whole session.

Class management & safety: Anna managed the group very smoothly. The transitions between exercises felt organised and calm. She explained spring changes clearly and gave the class enough time to adjust their equipment before moving on.
I noticed that she always checked the room before beginning a new exercise. She made sure everyone was ready, understood the setup, and felt comfortable before progressing.

During more challenging exercises, she walked around the room constantly. She was not standing in one place teaching from the front; she was present with the clients and observing their movement quality.
I really liked how she gave individual corrections while still keeping the whole class engaged. She would often give a general cue first, such as “check that your shoulders are relaxed,” which allowed everyone to self-correct before giving more specific feedback.

Safety was clearly very important to her. She reminded clients to choose control over range and never pushed anyone beyond what felt right for their body.
Something I would definitely adopt in my own teaching is her ability to create a feeling of trust. The clients seemed confident because they knew she was watching and supporting them.
One thing I would like to continue developing in my own teaching is finding the balance between giving enough information while allowing clients to experience the movement themselves. Anna did not overload the class with too many instructions, which allowed people to focus and connect with their bodies.

My takeaways for teaching: 1. Creating a personal connection with clients
One thing I noticed from observing this class was that the group size was quite large, which made individual attention more challenging. Although Anna managed the class very well, it made me realise that in my own teaching I would prefer to work with smaller class sizes. I feel this would allow me to connect more personally with each client, understand their individual needs, give more detailed corrections, and make everyone feel truly valued.

2. Being present
I really admired how Anna stayed aware of the whole room while still supporting individual clients. She was able to observe, correct, and encourage people while keeping the class flowing smoothly. This showed me that quality teaching is not only about knowing the exercises but also about being present and truly seeing the people in front of you. I want to develop this skill in my own teaching so every client feels supported and confident.

3. Creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere
The biggest lesson I took from this observation was the importance of the environment a teacher creates. Even with a larger class, Anna’s calm voice, positive energy, and encouraging approach made everyone feel safe and comfortable. I want my own classes to be a place where clients feel welcomed, motivated, and connected to their bodies. My goal is for people to leave feeling stronger physically, but also happier and more confident.

Date of observation: 2026-07-13

Duration: 40

Class type: online

Instructor name: Saran Pilates

Studio / location: youtube

Class structure & exercise selection: The class had a clear structure and followed a logical flow from warm-up, into the main workout, and finishing with a cool-down.
The class began with a warm-up using the reformer footwork. I thought this was a good choice because it allowed the clients to become familiar with the equipment, connect with their breath, and focus on alignment before moving into more challenging exercises.
The main section included a variety of full-body movements, including footwork, bridges, feet in straps, core exercises, and strengthening exercises using the reformer. I liked that the exercises built gradually and that there was a balance between strength, mobility, and control.
One sequence that stood out to me was the way the instructor moved from lower body exercises into core-focused work. The transitions felt purposeful, and the exercises connected well rather than feeling like separate movements put together.
I also liked that the class was suitable for different levels. The instructor did not make the exercises feel too complicated, which I think helps clients build confidence and focus on performing movements correctly.
The cool-down was included at the end, which I appreciated. It gave the clients time to slow down, stretch, and finish the class feeling complete.

Cueing style & teaching highlights: I thought the instructor’s cueing was one of the strongest parts of the class. Observing online made me realise how important verbal communication is because the instructor cannot rely on walking around the room or using physical corrections.

The instructor regularly reminded clients about:
Connecting movement with breath.
Keeping control throughout the exercise.
Maintaining good posture and alignment.
Relaxing the shoulders.
Creating length through the spine.

I liked that the cues were simple and not overwhelming. She allowed clients time to experience the movement rather than giving too many instructions at once.
The instructor used mainly verbal and visual cues. Her demonstrations were clear, which was especially important in an online setting. I noticed that showing the exercise before asking clients to complete it helped make the class easier to follow.
I also liked the use of imagery to help clients understand how the movement should feel, rather than only focusing on the physical action.

Class management & safety: I thought the instructor managed the online class well. She gave clear instructions before starting new exercises and explained the setup, which is especially important when clients are working without a teacher physically beside them.
I noticed that spring changes were explained clearly, which helped the class flow smoothly. This made me think about how important it is to give clients enough time to make adjustments safely before continuing.

The instructor also reminded clients to work within their own ability and focus on control rather than just trying to complete the exercise.
Observing online highlighted to me that safety has to be even more of a priority because the teacher cannot always see every detail of a client’s form.

My takeaways for teaching: 1. Clear communication is essential
This was the biggest thing I noticed from observing an online class. Without being physically in the room, the teacher’s words become even more important. I want to develop my ability to give simple, clear cues that help clients understand and feel the movement.

2. Preparation creates a better class experience
I noticed that a well-planned class makes everything flow more naturally. I would like to spend time thinking about the purpose behind each exercise and how each movement connects to the next.

3. Make clients feel supported and confident
I learned that teaching Pilates is not just about demonstrating exercises. It is about helping clients feel comfortable, capable, and connected to their bodies. I would like my own classes to feel welcoming and supportive, where people feel encouraged to challenge themselves while also respecting their own limits.

Overall, I found observing an online class a very valuable experience. It was different from watching a studio class because I had to focus more on the instructor’s communication and teaching style. It gave me a new appreciation for the skills needed to teach online and has helped me think about the type of teacher I would like to become.