Four Types of Cueing

Cueing is a learned communication skill. In practical terms, it is about using communication devices to help a client move through an exercise with specific intention.

Effective Pilates Instructors hone cueing skills throughout their career, and constantly challenge their repertoire according to experience, trial and error, and intuition.

While there is no one “right” way to cue: the aim of the game is to be well-versed in the different types of cuing, to be accessible to and provide effective instruction for all clients.

What are the four main types of cues, and how can they work for clients with differing learning styles? Pilates Elder and BASI Pilates Founder, Rael Isacowitz, MA, explores this in an article for IDEA Health and Fitness Association.

1. Demonstrative Cues.

Visual learners respond best to demonstration: this means Instructors must always be adept at executing an accurate example of an exercise or movement.

Here we see the importance of knowing the work in your own body! You must further your own practice to “stay connected with the movements physically, mentally and viscerally.”

2. Explanatory Cues.

Auditory learners engage most effectively with explanatory cues: articulate a movement using words. Types of verbal explanations include:

• Analytical cues: often science based, these verbal cues are broken down against an objective and delivered with clarity, in logical progression.
• Figurative cues: relies on imagery to help the client make sense of a movement or exercise. Imagery is a powerful tool that acts like a communication short cut, simplifying an otherwise complex concept and making it more accessible for clients. Rael says that for figurative cues to be effective, they must closely align with the concept: broad or general imagery can be confusing and counterproductive.

3. "Do Then" Cues.

Clients who learn through experience want to launch into the exercise straight away. In this case, it is often most helpful to allow the client to experience the work before offering direction or correction. “Step back and let the process “happen.”” Then follow with reason, says Rael.

4. Touch Cues.

Tactile learners prefer touch prompts from the Instructor to make sense of a movement or exercise. Rael says touch cues are the most valuable of all methods in Pilates: however, it should be applied with care to avoid misinterpretations. Not all clients will be comfortable with touch cues. Always be professional, deliberate and confident.

“Ultimately, the effectiveness of your cuing will determine the effectiveness of your teaching. No one is just a visual learner or just a tactile learner. In the best-case scenario, you will be well versed and competent in all modes of cuing and able to combine them in subtle ways for the best effect.” - Rael.

It is only with practice that you gain confidence, and become skilful at selecting the right cueing tool for the task and client before you. Of course, the best way to learn is to teach!

If you’re looking for some support in refining your teaching skills, register for a Teaching Clinic! Simply go to your State or Territory’s Course page and jump to Course Dates.