Teaching Pilates Through Pregnancy and Postpartum: Building Confidence Through Education
As an instructor educator, I have worked with many aspiring and certified Pilates instructors who share one common fear: “the moment a pregnant client walks into their class, my heart elevates and I feel the need to throw out my entire class plan!”
If you read that statement and thought, *“Yup, that’s me!”* then this course is for you.
Or maybe you’re already comfortable working with pregnant and postpartum clients but want to deepen your understanding of the changes that occur during these stages of life and how you can better support this population. This course is for you, too!
Our Pre & Postnatal Pilates Instructor Training Course is designed to give instructors the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support clients throughout pregnancy and their postpartum journey.
Moving Beyond a One-Size-Fits-All Approach:
One of the most important things we emphasize throughout this training is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching pregnant and postpartum clients. Every pregnancy is different. Every postpartum recovery is different. What feels great for one client may not be appropriate or comfortable for another, and what works one week may need to be changed the next. Our goal is for instructors to leave this training feeling confident and well-equipped to make thoughtful decisions based on the individual in front of them.
Knowledge is power. The more we understand what is happening within the body during pregnancy and postpartum, the better we can recognize changes, offer appropriate options, and create an environment where clients feel supported and empowered in their movement.
Rather than memorizing a list of exercises to avoid, we want instructors to understand *why* certain movements may need to be modified and how to continue providing an effective, full-body Pilates experience.
Understanding Our Role as Pilates Instructors
An important part of working with this population is understanding our scope of practice. As Pilates instructors, we cannot diagnose medical conditions or provide medical treatment. However, we can educate ourselves on common symptoms and concerns, recognize when something may require additional attention, and know when to refer a client to a qualified healthcare professional. When a client shares specific medical concerns or complications related to their pregnancy, it’s important to confirm that they have been cleared for exercise by their healthcare provider.
We also discuss the value of working alongside other professionals, particularly pelvic floor physical therapists. These specialists can provide insight into what is happening internally, beyond what we can observe through movement alone. While a pelvic floor assessment isn’t necessary for every client to participate in Pilates, knowing when to recommend additional support can make a meaningful difference.
What Will You Learn During the Training?
Throughout the course, we take a deeper look at the changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum and how they influence the way we teach Pilates.
We begin by revisiting the Pilates Principles and exploring how they apply to pregnant and postpartum bodies. These principles remain incredibly valuable, but how we approach and cue them may look different as the body changes.
From there, we dive into anatomy and physiological changes, including postural adaptations, hormonal shifts, changes in breathing and circulation, and the physical changes that occur as pregnancy progresses.
We also explore trimester-specific considerations, contraindications, common concerns, and ways to support clients as their needs evolve.
Beyond understanding the body, we focus on the practical side of teaching. This includes:
– Cueing strategies specific to pregnant and postpartum clients.
– Offering thoughtful modifications and progressions.
– Supporting clients within group classes while maintaining an inclusive environment.
– Reviewing real-life client scenarios and creating appropriate class plans.
– Understanding when to modify, pause, or refer out.
Our in-person training also includes dedicated time with Dr. Casey Smith, a pelvic floor physical therapist, who brings valuable clinical insight into pelvic floor health and the changes experienced during pregnancy and postpartum.
Throughout the training, instructors have opportunities to ask questions, discuss scenarios, and connect what they are learning to their everyday teaching.
Teaching With Confidence, Not Fear
Ultimately, this training is about helping instructors move away from uncertainty and toward confidence.
Pregnancy and postpartum are times of significant change, but they don’t have to be intimidating for Pilates instructors. With a stronger understanding of the body, thoughtful cueing, and the ability to adapt movement to the individual, we can create a supportive experience for our clients.
Our hope is that the next time a pregnant or postpartum client walks into your class, instead of feeling nervous, you feel excited and prepared to support them. Great teaching isn’t about having one perfect exercise for everyone, it’s about understanding the person in front of you and knowing how to help them move with confidence.
Dive into our pre/postnatal training with code PPEARLYBIRD for 15% off before the end of 2026. Get started below: