I've always taught mat classes in a 60 min format but after the new year soon will be teaching 2 back to back classes in a 45 minute format instead (potentially the schedule could allow for 50 min) . Any thoughts/comments, suggestions? I feel like there's so much I want to fit in and I'm so used to 60 min. Comments, thoughts, appreciated. Thank you!

Great question! I'll try to guide people in to help you get some answers by posting it on FB.

//www.facebook.com/PilatesAnytime

Quality versus quantity. Focus on the value of each movement and your students will not miss the extra 15 minutes. They will be so deeply connected, making true and profound change in 45 minutes as they progress. Show them how those 45 minutes can translate to movement out in the world and they will be doing "Pilates" all day long.

Very well said Ashleigh! Love it! Any tips on what specifically Maria should include?

Coming from someone who is notorious for going OVER time-wise, what I have found works in a shorter time is to be sure to complete some full sequence.  Everyone likes feeling that something was completed.  I.e. Stating at the beginning of class that today we will do the full side kick series, the whole arm weight series, or the whole magic circle arm series.  Some series that generally takes about 15 minutes to fully complete. I like to follow the classical order, so I make sure we do a condensed intermediate flow for the rest of class. (see alisa wyatt's 30minute class on pilatesAnytime for great example).  Good luck!

Maria- I guest teach each year at Rancho La Puerta where the classes are only 45 minutes; my first visit there was a good lesson in how to include the critical components I wanted to teach and convey in a condensed time period. Ever since I've discovered that you the time frame is not as essential as the way we instructors mold that time. I recommend examining the concepts and principles you want to address (many training programs identify this for you) -- this is how I structure my classes so that regardless of the time, I always hit these aspects and I feel satisfied that I'm offering a full body workout.

Thank you so much for the feedback - I really appreciate the comments. I'm blown away w/this fantastic Pilates community and feel so fortunate to be be a part of it :) Happy New Year!