Spilling the Pilateas ☕What’s an Instructor’s Practice Really Like?

One of the questions I get asked most often is:

“What’s your own Pilates practice like?”

The honest answer? It’s probably not what most people expect.

As instructors, we aren’t always able to get in with our own teachers because we’re often teaching during the same hours they’re teaching. Add in my life outside the studio—training and riding Belle, running a business, raising a daughter, managing a household, caring for dogs, and yes, spending time with my husband—and finding time for my own practice can be challenging.

Most mornings start around 5:15 a.m. and begin with my horse. Over the years I’ve learned that if I don’t prioritize Belle and her needs first, the day has a way of filling itself up. Horses thrive on consistency, and honestly, so do most things in life.

After the barn, I head home, shower, and start teaching. On most days my first client is between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., and I often teach straight through until 12:30 or 1:30. By then, I usually need a break.

If I have the opportunity, that’s when I’ll sneak into my studio for my own practice. Some days it’s a full session. Some days it’s ten minutes. And some days, if I’m being honest, it doesn’t happen at all.

When I have a class or private lesson scheduled for myself, accountability is built in. Those sessions keep me inspired and remind me how valuable it is to be the student. But most of the time, it’s up to me to step off my own hamster wheel and make space for movement.

What does my practice look like when I do?

More often than not, I’m looking for consistency rather than intensity.

Of course there are days when I feel energized, focused, and ready to challenge myself. On those days you’ll find me working through the Advanced Reformer. Other days it’s Chair work, Cadillac work, or a quick Intermediate Reformer or Mat sequence.

My favorite pieces of equipment are probably the Cafillac, Ladder Barrel and the Arm Chair. If I only have ten minutes, that’s often where I’ll go—a little Mat work, some Ladder Barrel, and then it’s back to the rest of my day.

What I find interesting is that I’m really no different from anyone else. I can procrastinate my practice. I can convince myself other things are more important. Sometimes I’d rather sit down and read the book I can’t stop thinking about.

On those less motivated days, I simply get on the Reformer and start.

No expectations. No grand plan.

Just movement.

Usually once I begin, the breath and rhythm of the method take over. Before I know it, I’ve worked through my Intermediate Reformer, and if time allows, maybe I’ve moved on to the Cadillac to focus on something specific.

The truth is my practice isn’t neat or perfectly regimented.

It’s consistency.

It’s making space for the method more days than not.

Life is messy. Life is busy. And whether you’re an instructor, a rider, a parent, a business owner, or simply someone trying to fit movement into an already full day, there will always be reasons not to practice.

I’ve learned it’s more important to do something than nothing.

So I aim to show up 5–6 days a week and take what I can from the method that day.

And if you’re doing your homework, practicing between lessons, and making time for Pilates alongside everything else in your life, you’re doing great.

Just keep showing up and moving the method.

Because if you do, the method will keep you moving.