Pilates Teacher's Toolkit, The

The resource every Pilates teacher needs.

Pilates teachers employ a variety of skills in their daily practice, many of which are not explicitly included in training programs. The Pilates Teacher’s Toolkit explores these essential skills and creates growth opportunities for both your business and teaching repertoire.

Director of Drexel University’s Pilates studio and teacher training program, Jennifer Morley is uniquely situated to discuss the skills at the intersection of personal growth as a Pilates teacher and commercial advancement as a Pilates business owner. Designed as an interactive resource, this book is packed full of activities that will encourage reflection and assist in application. Featured in the book and also available for download online, these activities include journal prompts and meditations (to help you think about your practice in the abstract) as well as goal-oriented activities to encourage completion of tasks like updating the language on your website or creating a policy to address an issue in your studio. Additionally, explanations of five different types of cueing, and how to use them with clients, help you refresh your class instruction.

Split into three sections, the book takes you through different aspects of your toolkit. The first section guides you to think about the culture you want to create and helps you cultivate skills to align your values with your actions. Next, you’ll explore pedagogy—this is the why and how of your teaching! You will take time to think about your intended outcomes and develop actionable objectives and processes to better serve your clients. Business is the focus of the last section, exploring key components of running a successful business, including financial planning, marketing, and policy.

Whether you are training to become a Pilates teacher or have decades of experience under your belt, there’s something for you in this book. The Pilates Teacher’s Toolkit will reignite your passion for both Pilates and the community it creates.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with all print books.

Audience

Individuals teaching the Pilates Method or related mind–body modalities.

Part I. Personal and Studio Culture

Chapter 1. Laying the Foundation
Your Pilates History
Your Credentials
Your Lens
Your Leadership Style

Chapter 2. Aligning for Success
Your Principles
Your Values
Your Integrity
Your Mission and Vision

Chapter 3. Building Meaningful Connections
Your Stakeholders
Your Community Agreements
Your Commitment to Fostering Belonging

Chapter 4. Engaging With Pilates History
Eras and Influences
Webs of Impact
Historical Connections

Part II. Pedagogy and Practice

Chapter 5. Educating With Purpose
Being Present
Exploring Alignment Strategies
Designing Your Sessions
Understanding Your Domain

Chapter 6. Cueing
Goals of Cueing in Pilates
Who You Are Cueing
Learning Styles
Types of Cues

Chapter 7. Offering and Accepting Feedback
Feedback as a Tool for Growth
Types of Feedback
Other Factors Related to Communicating Feedback
Feedback Models
Fear of Feedback
Feedback Channels

Part III. Business
Chapter 8. Business Basics for Studio Success
Understanding Legal Business Structures
Understanding Financial Terminology
Creating a Profit and Loss Statement
Establishing Pricing and Markup

Chapter 9. Branding and Marketing
Branding
Marketing

Chapter 10. Policies and Procedures
Turning Guidelines Into Practice
Onboarding With Intention

Jennifer Morley is a leading voice in Pilates education, scholarship, and pedagogy. A recognized expert in the Pilates repertoire and its biomechanical foundations, she also brings critical insight into the cultural context of Pilates, its evolving identity, and its place within contemporary movement education.

She serves on the Education Committee of the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) and has served as a presenter for PMA Educates, where she aims to ignite inquiry and expand accessibility in the Pilates industry. Her continuing education workshops cover a wide range of topics, including focused anatomical work, movement variation and creative skill development, and inclusive and effective teaching strategies. She is an active member of a collaborative research team leading international efforts to articulate and preserve the integrity of the Pilates Method. The team conducted a global survey to gather practitioners’ perspectives on what defines Pilates and is now undertaking a comprehensive literature review to identify and analyze all existing research-based definitions.

Morley is a teaching professor at Drexel University, where she directs both the Pilates studio and its rigorous 450-hour teacher training program. Known for its layered structure and high standards, the program develops instructors with a deep understanding of movement mechanics, teaching clarity, and embodied presence. Trainees work through progressive mat, mixed-equipment, and reformer modules, with intensive weekends, weekly labs, and comprehensive evaluations—all grounded in a manual she authored to support the precision and depth of instruction.

Morley’s teaching is shaped by her background as a professional dancer, choreographer, and somatics educator. She is also the director and somatics coordinator of Drexel’s dance program, the only bachelor’s degree in dance with a focus on dance as a healing art. Whether in dance or Pilates, Morley fosters an approach to movement that values both expressive clarity and functional integration. Her mission is to celebrate life through embodied practice.

First trained under Romana Kryzanowska and later Karen Carlson, Morley’s work blends tradition with thoughtful innovation—bridging classical technique, modern science, and a commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed pedagogy. She holds select certifications in the Franklin Method and has been shaped by leading somatic educators such as S. Ama Wray and Martha Eddy. Morley has been featured in Dance Magazine and PilatesStyle magazine, and she regularly teaches master classes and presents at universities and conferences across the country.

Morley teaches with depth, rigor, and care—making her a trusted guide for anyone looking to understand Pilates as both a precise movement system and a living, evolving culture.