Pilates Exchange

The Hardest Class to Teach: Mixed-Level Pilates Classes

• Hannah Teutscher • Season 6 • Episode 1

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Almost every Pilates teacher has experienced it.

One client is stepping onto a Reformer for the very first time. Another has been practising Pilates for years. Someone has chronic back pain. Someone else is an athlete looking for a challenge.

How do you teach all of them in the same class?

In this episode of The Pilates Exchange, Hannah and Christian explore one of the most common questions they receive from teachers: how to confidently teach mixed-level Pilates classes without feeling like you have to create a different workout for every person in the room.

They discuss why great teaching isn't about knowing hundreds of exercises, but about understanding movement, communication, observation, and motor learning. You'll learn practical strategies for designing classes where every client can succeed, regardless of experience level.

In this episode, we discuss:

  •  why mixed-level classes are the reality of teaching Pilates 
  •  the biggest mistake new teachers make 
  •  why every client doesn't need a different exercise 
  •  how to create different challenges using the same movement 
  •  the importance of teaching skills instead of choreography 
  •  managing your attention without trying to fix everyone 
  •  why silence can be one of your most powerful teaching tools 
  •  how to create meaningful progression without simply making exercises harder 

Whether you're a newly certified instructor or an experienced teacher looking to refine your coaching, this episode will help you think differently about class planning and what it really means to teach.

At Performance Fit Pilates in Nürnberg, we teach clients with different backgrounds, abilities and levels of experience across Pilates Mat, Reformer and equipment classes. Our approach to mixed-level teaching isn't simply about giving everyone a harder or easier exercise. We focus on thoughtful programming, adaptable teaching and helping each person find an appropriate challenge within the class.

About The Pilates Exchange

The Pilates Exchange is hosted by Hannah Teutscher, founder of Performance Fit Pilates, a Pilates and movement studio in Nürnberg, Germany offering Pilates Mat, Reformer and equipment classes, Barre, Yoga and personal training. Hannah is a comprehensively trained Pilates educator and former professional ballet dancer.

The podcast explores Pilates, movement science, teaching and the business of movement through conversations that challenge assumptions and bring more depth to the way we move and teach.


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