Introduction
In Pilates teaching, communication is one of the most powerful tools we have. The way we speak to clients shapes how they move, how they understand their bodies, and how confidently they progress through their practice.
Two terms that are often used interchangeably are “cues” and “corrections.” While they are closely related, they serve different purposes in the learning process. Understanding the difference can significantly improve teaching quality, client experience, and movement outcomes.
What are cues in Pilates teaching?
Cues are the instructions and guiding language a teacher uses to help a client understand a movement before or during execution. They are proactive, educational, and often preventative.
Good cues help clients:
- Understand what to do
- Find the correct movement pattern
- Connect with breath and alignment
- Develop body awareness
Cues can be verbal, visual, or tactile. They often set the foundation for how a movement is performed.
For example:
Instead of saying “don’t arch your back,” a cue might be “lengthen your spine as you reach forward.” This directs attention toward the desired action rather than the mistake.
Effective cues simplify complex movement and make it accessible.
What are corrections in Pilates teaching?
Corrections are used after movement has already begun or when a pattern has been established that needs adjustment. They are reactive and often more specific.
Corrections help clients:
- Recognize misalignment or compensation
- Adjust movement patterns in real time
- Improve control and precision
- Refine technique
For example:
If a client is gripping through the shoulders during an exercise, a correction might be “soften your shoulders away from your ears.”
Corrections are important, but when overused, they can interrupt flow or make clients overly self-conscious.
The key difference
The main difference between cues and corrections is timing and intention.
Cues guide movement before or during execution to support understanding.
Corrections refine movement after it has already occurred.
A strong Pilates teacher knows how to balance both. Too many corrections can overwhelm clients. Too few cues can leave them confused. The goal is to create clarity, not dependency.
Why this matters in Pilates teaching
When teachers refine their use of cues and corrections, several things happen:
- Clients move with more independence
- Sessions flow more smoothly
- Learning becomes more intuitive
- Clients feel more successful in their practice
Ultimately, great teaching is not about constantly fixing movement. It is about guiding clients toward awareness so they can begin to self-correct over time.
Building better communication as a teacher
Improving your cueing and correction skills takes time and reflection. Some helpful questions to consider after teaching:
- Did my cues prepare the client well enough before movement?
- Was my correction necessary or could a better cue have prevented it?
- Am I saying too much or too little?
- Is the client learning to feel the movement?
The more intentional your language becomes, the more effective your teaching will be.
Final thoughts
Cues and corrections are not opposites. They work together to shape understanding, build confidence, and support progression in Pilates practice. When used thoughtfully, they help clients move beyond simply performing exercises and toward truly embodying the work.
Great Pilates teaching is not about perfection. It is about communication, awareness, and clarity in movement.
Ready to deepen your understanding of Pilates teaching, cueing, and movement education?
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Anita Horry
is a 2nd Generation Pilates Master Teacher, founder of the Anita Horry Academy, and an internationally respected educator, mentor, and business coach for Pilates professionals.
A fully certified Classical Pilates teacher, Anita holds a degree in accountancy and began her career in the corporate world before transitioning fully into the world of movement and wellness. Her teaching has been profoundly shaped by the mentorship of industry legends Lolita San Miguel and Bob Liekens, whose wisdom continues to influence her work.
Anita Horry is an international speaker and educator, recognized for her dedication to elevating Pilates standards worldwide. She serves as a juror for the Pilates Method Alliance’s International Teacher Training Accreditation Program (ITTAP), supporting the global standardization of excellence in Pilates education.
Anita is also a judge for the 2025 Pilates Journal Awards in Los Angeles and has presented at international events such as the Pilates Journal in California, USA.
Through the Anita Horry Academy, she offers a comprehensive Pilates teacher training program, hands-on mentorship, and business coaching for instructors ready to build purpose-driven, sustainable careers. Known for her evidence-based, heart-centered approach, Anita helps teachers move beyond memorization to truly understand the method as a complete system.
Based between Malta and Spain, Anita travels internationally to teach, speak, and mentor. With a deep commitment to quality, community, and integrity, she continues to inspire and elevate a new generation of Pilates leaders around the world.
