Pilates Clients vs Students

I'm just thinking out in the open here, and I know this might not be the most popular post...and could be a bit controversial. So be it.

I've recently been working with people in different movement modalities, like yoga and taekwondo. And I can't help but think about how common it is to hear the word STUDENT instead of CLIENT.

I hear "client" over 95% of the time as a Pilates Teacher and I rarely, if ever, hear the word student. Why?? Seriously, why??

I understand that we are paying for instruction and we are paying for a service, but aren't we all students in every movement practice we participate in?

Even teachers are students, aren't they? I believe so. I'm constantly learning and consider myself a lifetime learner. I consider myself a student.

I'm just wondering why Pilates has decided to use the word client instead of student.

• Is it because we find the work to be more directive and corrective?

• Is it because we find ourselves thinking that Pilates was PT before PT was a thing? (that seems a bit arrogant)

• Is it because we think we are holding ourselves to some higher standard of movement?

• Is it because we mix mat and equipment into our sessions?

• Is it because the scheduling app calls our students "clients"?

  • If so, we should toss that out right now.

• Is it because the cost of training is so high? **it isn't higher than being a PT!

• Is it because we take notes and design programs for the individuals?

• Is it because it's written that way in the National guidelines?
  

I'm sure scope of practice and ethics should overlap between yoga or taekwondo or Pilates or any other movement practice.

• Improve movement

• Do no harm

• Ask permission to touch

• Ensure proper health clearance

• Teach to the needs of the student

Aren't we all teaching people to move in specific ways to support the goal of the practice and to help them move better in life?

I know I use the word "client" a lot, but recently I've been shifting my mindset over to using "student" more often. It sounds right to me and it feels right to me.

I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms because we could easily talk about the words Instructor vs Teacher vs Trainer. Or Student vs Trainee.

I just think we need to be more open to using the word "student" in Pilates like they do in other movement practices.

The word "STUDENT"

• Implies a relationship with the movement practice.

• Implies a relationship with the teacher.

• Implies a bond between people (other students and/or teacher).

• Implies an intention.

• Implies a shared agreement.

• Implies there will be questions!!

To my fellow, life long learners, may you always find the courage to ask good questions no matter who your teacher is. If you have an amazing teacher (like I always have), they'll thoughtfully think about your question and learn right along side you!

Here's a picture of one of my students teaching me in front of other students during our FREE WORKSHOP.

I couldn't be more proud of Kellee on her journey to become a Pilates teacher!