5 Tips on getting more self confidence as a Pilates teacher
Getting that self confidence as a Pilates teacher is a struggle as a new Pilates teacher as you enter your Pilates teaching world. That self confidence can still be an issue as a more experienced Pilates teacher as you run into different issues with clients, new work environments, client personalities and so many more moments over your Pilates teaching career.
The moments in your teaching that shake that ground under you as if an earthquake has just hit can send your brain off into a spin and suddenly you are consumed with that basket of confidence shaker moments.
*Questioning the Pilates exercise you picked for the client and asking you why? What is the point?
*Seeing a look in the clients eyes or face that the question of do they like me enters your mind.
*The client is coming to you from a different teacher and you worry they are comparing you to the other teacher and maybe they think you aren’t as good.
*They give you that blank look or look of uninterested the full session.
The key take away for all of these “self confidence” shakers for the Pilates teacher is do they like me or do they think I am doing a good job? That is really what is going through your mind in all these moments.
For the client it really is they are just lost, feeling a bit unsure and wanting to feel confident as well. They are worried just as the Pilates teacher is about doing a good job. They don’t want to fail either.
Here are some tips to use and remember as you navigate those sessions with clients as these shakers happen in your confidence in your Pilates teaching.
Take the focus to the client- Give them a job or something to focus on in the work. Tell them what that “job” is. Whatever you are wanting in that session for them narrow it down to one thing such as the hand grip activation or push of the legs. No matter what they are doing use that as their “job” for example with the hand grip whenever they are holding the roll bar, push bar, or foot bar remind them to wrap their fingers and grip tightly or push of legs- push that foot bar away as far as you can, push into the straps, etc. This gives them something and an opportunity to feel what they should be doing, why, etc. For the client, this gives them a feeling of success, something they know they can do!
Don’t ask questions- Don’t ask how something feels or if are they ok. Be in control and if they are uncomfortable they will let you know. Tell them what they are doing, what you want them to do in terms of the movement pushing away, pulling straps, etc. This gives them safety and that you as their Pilates teacher know what you are doing. They then feel confident in going forward knowing you are confident. Asking if they are ok puts doubt into their head.
Turn it back to the client- That client that questions you needs to feel you are the teacher and the guide. That you are in control and are seeing them. So, at this moment turn that question around back at them. If they questions “What is the point of this? “why am I doing this?” or “where should I be feeling this?” turn it back to them. Remember you are their teacher and guide but just like us working at teaching they have to do the work as the Pilates practitioner. Give them a simple answer such as “ this is giving you the ability to ...” or “ you should be feeling this everywhere, full body here!”
Take a hard look at your schedule - If looking at your schedule and you have clients that you dread, that make your stomach hurt or fill you with anxiety maybe do some hard choices here. Sit them down and have a discussion ask them why are they in Pilates, what are their goals, and what they feel is missing. If the issues that seem to affect you are still there then maybe it is time for them to see another Pilates teacher. The bottom line is you want to have a long and happy career. Having clients that are sapping your energy, and making you unhappy is not the way to do that. The client will also continue Pilates if they are with a teacher who helps them in their goals and speaks to their needs.
Make them smile- We all have those clients that just have that non-expression or seem to be grimacing and unhappy as they work. Instead of worrying “what are they thinking” give them a smile. Say something like “ smile! this is fun! “ or “ what is that grimace about? you are doing great! “ put a positive into their mind and the air. Or give them something fun in the workout that will make them feel challenged and happy. Sometimes people don’t even realize they are grimacing or having that serious, blank face. Give them permission to know this is fun, time to enjoy.
Take a look at each of these self-confidence shakers and pick one that speaks to you for this week. Ask yourself what is in your way here in making this an issue. Take one step toward changing its this week.