How I Plan (and Don’t Plan) My Pilates Week

VFJ Pilates | Quick Reads

People sometimes ask how I plan my Pilates week… and the honest answer is, it depends. There is structure, just not always a spreadsheet.

Set Structure Without Set Scripts

My dance lessons follow a clear syllabus. I track progress, keep notes, and make sure we are where we need to be for exams, especially when we hit that tricky final dance. I do not write out each class in advance, but I check what we did last week, where we are up to, and whether we need to repeat or move forward.

It is all planned, just not days ahead.

Classes That Flex With the Week

With Pilates, it is a little freer. I tend to base each session on what we have done, or not done, recently and what feels right — intervals, equipment, or a focus on legs or arms. I have plenty of go-to exercises, routines, and mini sequences I build from. Sometimes I ask what people want to work on or if there are any sore spots to avoid. And if they moan, and groan about working hard, I usually take it as a good sign (even if they claim otherwise).

For my bespoke classes, it depends who turns up and what they can do. I often use my ideas for my main class — simplified and gentler — before ramping it up for the next class. What works (or doesn’t) there sometimes shapes what I teach after.

Planning Where It Counts

My 1-2-1 sessions are more structured. I’ve usually had a consultation and done plenty of research. I write programmes when needed and keep detailed notes so we can tweak things each time, making sure progress happens at the right pace.

I used to plan every single class and write it all down, but I’ve learned my regulars prefer something more familiar, they don't need something drastically different each week. They like knowing what is coming, and it helps them build strength over time. Sometimes I pick a core exercise and stick with it all term, just to let them see how far they have come.

Finding Space for My Own Movement

As for my own movement, that fits in around everything else (when it happens at all). I do a lot of walking and talking in class, but that is not really a workout.  It is more pacing and cueing than actually doing the exercises myself. Sometimes I manage a few stretches at the end of a session or a gym session during the day when the kids are at school. But truthfully, like many of my clients, I am still trying to figure out where it fits best.

Planning does happen, just not always on paper. Sometimes it’s in the notes, sometimes in the moment, and often in my head while travelling to class. It works, even if it’s not colour-coded.

Wishing you variety, flexibility, and a routine that bends without breaking,

Victoria xx

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Sources:

www.vfjpilates.co.uk