One of the most common questions I get from apprentice teachers is: “How do you see the body? How do you know what someone needs?”

This is a skill that comes from combining three elements:

Watching the movement itself – not just the position, but how someone moves through space
Observing the person’s energy – their effort, their focus, their engagement
Applying deep knowledge – anatomy, classical Pilates principles, and decades of experience

Here’s what I’ve learned after 30+ years of teaching: Weakness is only truly observed through movement. You can’t assess someone’s needs from a static position. You need to watch them move, see how their body responds to resistance, and notice the subtle compensations they make.

I use my instincts combined with my knowledge of Joseph Pilates’ work and human anatomy to guide people. Through movement, you can see exactly how much support someone needs, where their imbalances lie, and what their body is ready to achieve.

This is why private Pilates sessions with an experienced instructor are so valuable. In Sydney, many studios offer group classes led by recently certified instructors. But there’s no substitute for working with someone who has spent decades developing this “eye” for movement.

Experience the difference expert observation makes. Book a private assessment at Pilates M Studio.