I will often have people like this assume a quadriped (kneeling on all fours) position. Then I ask them to release their abdonimals and allow them to hang to the floor. Then I request them to pick them up again, by pulling the navel in-and-up.

Visuals can really help. For example, on the inhale the client could imagine trying to zip up a high-waisted pair of tight jeans(no Britney Spears hip huggers here), and to "button-up" the jeans they will have to expel all the air!

That question is really coming from a different perspective than the more holistic pilates approach to movement training. While we need to get our muscles to "fire" in order to develop, I would ask the question differently: How do I help my client develop proprioception, the body awareness required to recognize and identify engaging muscles?

That can be challenging with non-athletes, especially concerning the abdominals since so many clients are critical and embarrassed by their less-than-perfect midsection. And I think the tips given so far are good ones. But I'd like to weigh-in with the idea that it is a process. I have learned it takes time, patience and assurance in spades. And proof. Time is required to teach the proper execution so I know the desired muscle groups ARE engaging even if the student doesn't yet recognize it. Patience I impart to the student, an understanding that long, strong abdominals are not built in a day. And simple assurance as training proceeds that, yes, they are getting stronger and flatter abdominals (or whatever the goal). Most importantly, the proof is in their improved ability to execute an exercise. Oddly, I usually have to regularly remind students of their progress, of the fact they were unable to execute a Roll Down, for example, when they first attempted it.

This process continuously repeats itself with not only muscular awareness but with all aspects of motor learning, the cycle becoming familiar, easier and quicker as the client advances.

I find you need to approach clients in different ways, some have much more body awareness than others and it's very important to use simple and comprehensive language to cue them.
The use of visuals (like zipping up tight jeans), the belly button to spine imagining a thin string pulling from behind or assuming table position and dropping the belly has worked for me before... but lately I've had excellent results with the roll-up prep (or half roll-down) and having them do the movement SLOWLY starting from a seated position and pulling the belly towards the spine as they roll down. I start by rolling back half way and staying there for 5 to 10 seconds and breathing. Also, as they roll half way down they are able to understand the importance of lateral breathing since their abdominal muscles will (should) be totally engaged.
This exercise is great when you come across athletes who don't have core strength, it really tests the strength in the deep abdominals and teaches control.
In more advanced leves I have them perform the bent knee roll up at different speeds: 5 counts, 10 counts and 20 counts, that really tests core strength!

Hi, I am currently thinking about becoming certified as a Pilates instructor. Is there any advise you can give me as far as salary? I am also wondering what is the best way to go about teaching, is it better to be employed by a gym, paid hourly, or be an independent contractor. I am not to familiar how the pay scale works. Any advise I would really appreciate it.

This is a big decision for me, as I am a single women who owns a home and would be quiting my corporate job to become certified and teach. Is this something that I can realistically turn into a business/ career?

Thanks so much,

Jennifer