Are You a Pilates Low-baller?

In the midst of a final test-out recently a trainee on the cusp of her new career stated that she feels she "lowballs" her clients. "I don't think I push them hard enough - I struggle with how much I can ask of them.".

It struck a chord with me. 

It's a personal threshold we all have. An internal barometer for how much we can stand, in ourselves and in others. How many whines from your dog or cat gets you to respond quickly? How far along into a back ache will you stop all activity and take to your bed? How many Single Leg Stretches can you deliver past the point of your client's protests?

Ok - that last one was a trick question but it really is about recognizing your clients threshold and then taking them to the edge of it, or better, right past it.

In teaching my own clients I use a few guidelines. 

The first sign of effort (a grunt, a complaint, a wince) is my automatic signal for 2 - 5 more reps. If things are working - why stop? I want "train" not just move. So as long as there is effort (note that effort and pain are not the same), I'm good with it.

Another signal I rely on. Exhaling. I often say "Exhaling is a universal sign of effort." Watch when your clients purse their lips and begin to blow out air. This is a signal they are engaged in effort - not necessarily at threshold but definitely working towards it.

Finally, because I do not have a crystal ball and cannot read multiple minds at once in a group class, I have learned to trust the clients. I know, radical right? What I mean is that people will stop if they need to. Clients will self-select themselves out if they are past the point they can tolerate. And you know what - that's ok. Teach with good form, clear instruction, safe spotting and allow your client to find their practice. Romana always said "it's their workout". But if we never let them find it - what good are we?

Don't be a low-baller? (is that even how . you spell that?)

~Alycea