When a Client Says "My Old Teacher Did It Differently": Advice for Pilates Teachers

"I have a client — lovely woman, been doing Pilates for years at another studio — who corrects me constantly. Mid-cue, she'll say 'my old teacher did it differently' or 'I don't think that's right.' It's gotten to the point where I dread her sessions. I don't want to lose her as a client but I also don't know how much more I can take. Help!"

— Undermined in the Underarm

Dear Undermined in the Underarm,

The "my old teacher" client. You are not alone, and you are not failing.

Let's start with a little compassion for her. She loved her old teacher. She trusted that teacher. And then, for whatever reason, that relationship ended and here she is — starting over with someone new. What looks like criticism is very often grief and a nervousness about this new relationship.

That said — you are the teacher. Your space, your session, your method. And allowing a client to undermine your authority does not serve either of you.

Here's what I want you to do. The next time she says "my old teacher did it differently," pause. Smile. And say something like: "I love that you have that experience to draw from — there are many beautiful approaches to this work. Here's the intention behind what I'm asking you to do..." and then explain it. Not defensively. Confidently. Like someone who knows exactly why they're cueing what they're cueing. Because you do.

Nine times out of ten, clients who push back just want to feel heard and respected. Once she knows you're not threatened by her history — that you're actually interested in it — she'll stop waving it like a flag.

And if she doesn't? Then you have a different conversation. Kindly, professionally, and clearly. You can absolutely say: "I want our sessions to be productive for you, and I find it hard to teach effectively when my direction is questioned mid-movement. Can we agree to try it my way during the session and debrief at the end?"

You deserve to teach in an environment where you can do your best work. So does she.

Jessica