The role of the instructor is to be “the coach”. This means that the instructor will instruct you, the student, in the proper sequence and technique of the Pilates fitness Method, as well as any adjunct fitness techniques, which may assist the student in achieving their exercise goals. The instructor is to provide a level of Pilate’s exercises that are in line with the current fitness level of the student. The student’s fitness level is determined by the student’s ability to perform an exercise with proper form and full control of their body movement in performing the exercise. The instructor has the right the exclude any Pilates Method exercises if the instructor feels the exercise may cause potential harm to the student. The intention is that the student will be challenged and at the same time kept safe from injury as might occur by giving the student exercises beyond their ability to perform. The instructor is to maintain complete respect for the student at all times. The instructor is to encourage and support the student in achieving the students exercise goals. The instructor is to refer the student to a more senior instructor or to another Pilates Studio or a specific health professional should the instructor feel that they are not fully comfortable or qualified to be applying the Pilates Method to a student’s particular medical or physical condition. This is for the protection of the student and an attempt to provide the student with the maximum possible probability of success in achieving their exercise goals.

The role of the student is to receive instruction from the instructor in the Pilates Method of fitness, as well as any adjunct fitness techniques, which may assist the student in achieving their exercise goals. The student is the “Boss” of their body. The student is responsible for their body, because the instructor does not “feel” how an exercise given to the student is affecting the student’s body. The student has the responsibility to refuse any exercise suggested by the instructor or to stop a current exercise that the student feels is or may be causing harm to their body. Exercise is work but should not be painful. If the student is experiencing any discomfort or pain beyond muscle excursion than the student must stop the exercise and inform the instructor on how the exercise is affecting the student’s body. A dialog between the instructor and the student then begins which will determine whether and exercise should be modified, or omitted either temporarily until the student is stronger or entirely due to the nature of the discomfort in doing the exercise. The intention is that the student will be empowered to ask questions of the instructor on proper exercise technique, to create a body-mind connection and to take ownership of their body to successfully achieving their exercise goals.