Let’s be honest—class planning can sometimes feel like a full-time job.
Whether you’re teaching in person or online, having a clear, organised plan helps reduce stress, keeps your sessions on track, and creates a better experience for your students.
To make your life easier, I’ve created a free downloadable Pilates Class Plan Template that you can start using right away. But before you grab it, here are a few things I like to reflect on when planning my own classes.
Why a Pilates Class Plan Matters
A well-thought-out class plan helps you:
Stay on time
Hit all your teaching goals
Reduce prep anxiety
Feel more confident walking into the room
It’s also a great tool for reflecting after class and making tweaks for next time.
Teaching Planning Prompts
Use these prompts to guide your class creation process and bring more intentionality into your teaching.
1. Transitions
How can I guide students smoothly into this exercise from the one before it?
What language or imagery can I use to signal a shift without disrupting the energy?
Is there a natural breath or moment of pause that could anchor the transition?
2. Flow
Do these exercises build on each other logically and energetically?
Where might students need a moment of grounding, stretching, or stillness?
What tempo am I setting for the class—steady, energising, calm? Does it stay consistent?
3. Teaching Cues
What’s the one clear cue I want to emphasise in this movement?
Can I replace vague phrases (like “just go ahead and…”) with more specific, action-based language?
What cue will help students feel this exercise in their body, not just copy a shape?
4. Breath
Where do I want to intentionally cue the inhale and exhale?
Is there space in this exercise for a breath-based rhythm or timing?
Am I giving students (and myself) permission to breathe instead of rush?
5. Modifications
What’s a supportive variation that doesn’t feel like a “lesser” version?
How can I normalise options without over-explaining or interrupting flow?
Could I offer the modification before the full pose so everyone feels invited in?
6. Filler-Free Teaching
What phrases do I tend to repeat that don’t add value? (e.g., “just kind of,” “we’re gonna go ahead and…”)
What would it feel like to allow silence instead of filling every moment with words?
Can I trust the exercise—and the students—to do the teaching too?
Grab Your Free Pilates Class Plan Template
Want to use this template for your own classes?👉 Download the Free Class Plan Template
