Amy Sasso

One of the questions I got recently on Instagram was: “What are your top 5 game-changing things to say during class?” I LOVED this question because great teaching is not just about exercise selection. It’s about communication. The words we choose as Pilates instructors can dramatically affect motor learning, confidence, client adherence, and even pain experiences. A lot of traditional cueing in the Pilates world is overly complicated, fear-based, or focused on “perfect” movement. But modern...

One of the biggest challenges Pilates instructors face when working with osteoporosis clients is this: “How do I keep the class challenging and interesting without relying on all the spinal flexion in traditional Pilates repertoire?” And honestly… you’re not alone. A huge amount of Pilates exercises involve spinal bending: roll ups, rolling like a ball, short spine, teaser variations, spine stretch, jackknife, and loaded flexion patterns in general. So if you’re trying to be cautious with...

One of the most common instructions in Pilates classes is to engage your core to protect your low back. This cue is repeated so often that many believe it is a key factor in preventing injury. But does activating the core actually reduce the risk of injury? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.