The Fitness Pilates Blog

Hernias in Fitness Pilates

We’re so close to Christmas, and I hope your classes are still going strong. If you’re running your candlelight sessions, I’m sure they’re going beautifully I have added a thread in the Fitness Pilates Facebook Group asking everyone posting a pic of you FP classes so do add yours.

CIMSPA Accreditation Update

We received some awesome news this week. After submitting all updated Fitness Pilates course materials — including policies, learning content, and delivery methods — we’ve been awarded Enhanced Provider status by CIMSPA.

This is the highest level of recognition and reflects our continued commitment to excellence and updating the course. It’s a long and intense process, but so worth it, and we’re so chuffed.

This Week’s Focus: Hernias in Fitness Pilates

Hernias are incredibly common — and something we see often in classes. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you need to know, plus teaching and communication tips for newer instructors, and great reminders for our experienced team.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue, usually in the abdominal wall.

How Does It Happen?

Hernias typically develop due to increased abdominal pressure. Common causes include:

Heavy lifting (especially with poor technique)
Chronic coughing or straining (e.g., constipation)
Obesity
Pregnancy
Previous abdominal surgery

How Common Is It?

Roughly 1 in 10 people will develop a hernia in their lifetime
Most common types:
- Inguinal (groin) – around 75% of cases
- Umbilical (belly button)
- Hiatal (upper stomach)
- Incisional (post-surgery)

Treatment Options

Watchful waiting for small, symptom-free cases
Lifestyle changes to reduce strain
Surgical repair (open or laparoscopic) — often a quick, day-case procedure

Fitness Pilates: Do’s and Don’ts for Clients with Hernia

Safe Modifications:

Emphasise posture, breathwork, and gentle core activation
Include pelvic tilts, glute bridges, and supported exercises
Use props for alignment and comfort
Encourage slow, controlled movements

Movements to Avoid:

Crunches, sit-ups, roll-ups
Heavy resistance or weights
Loaded twisting or rotation
Planks or push-ups (especially post-surgery)
Inversions or high-pressure positions

Instructor Note:

Always refer any client with a hernia or suspected hernia to a medical professional. Offer gentle modifications, avoid strain, and focus on functional, breath-led movement.

I wrote this blog last week and got some great feedback so adding it into the newsletter

How to Improve Your Communication Skills

Even if you’ve been teaching for years, refreshing your communication style can elevate your classes and help clients progress faster.

1. Speak with purpose, not volume

More talking doesn’t equal better teaching.

Say less, mean more
Pause to let clients feel, not just follow
Deliver one clear message per movement

Ask yourself: “If they remember one thing here, what should it be?”

2. Structure your language

Use this rhythm: Prepare → Cue → Observe → Refine
Example: “Set your pelvis… now move the legs… now add the arms.”

3. Use cues that connect

Avoid overcomplicated anatomy terms.

Blend scientific accuracy with real-world references
Use familiar imagery (e.g., “zipping up jeans” or “melting into the mat”)

4. Match your tone to the energy of the class

Your voice impacts the nervous system.

Calm and steady for breath-led work
Confident and energised for strength
Avoid monotone — vary pitch, pace, and pause

5. Give specific feedback

Instead of: “Good”, try:
“That was controlled — you kept your pelvis stable during leg movement.”

6. Correct with care

Focus cues on the movement, not the mistake
Use inclusive phrases like: “Let’s all try…”
Normalise corrections as part of the learning journey

7. Watch more, talk less

Step back and observe
Let your next cue respond to what you see
Clients feel seen, even without direct feedback

8. Ask better questions

Prompt body awareness with open-ended cues:

“Can you feel the difference?”
“Where do you notice the effort?”
“Does that feel stronger or more fluid?”

9. Use consistent language

Repetition builds understanding and trust
Avoid reinventing cues every week
Familiar phrases help clients feel confident

10. End with intention

Recap what they worked on
Offer a practical takeaway
A simple “thank you” goes a long way

Communication Mindset for Instructors:

Clear. Calm. Confident. Connected.

Final Courses this week to get trained in Reformer & Infrared

17th December Wednesday: Fitness Pilates Reformer – Online
18th December Thursday: Level 3 Reformer Group & 1-to-1 – Online(Reformer required)
18th December Thursday LIVE: Fitness Pilates HOT Infrared – C2GO Studio NG16 4HA

Have a fantastic week

Rachel x

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