Ask about goals, experience, pregnancy, symptoms, diagnoses and relevant advice, then act within qualification and referral scope.
Define the purpose
Build a logical sequence
Protect timing
Never rush the close simply because the plan was overfilled.
Cue with scope
Review the real class
Reuse strong structures thoughtfully instead of rebuilding from zero.
Bodi Boutique resources
Explore Bodi Boutique instructor resources and the wider For Instructors hub.
Frequently asked questions
The practical conclusion
Ask about goals, experience, pregnancy, symptoms, diagnoses and relevant advice, then act within qualification and referral scope. Use the guidance above to make a measured choice and reassess when your circumstances change.
Ask only what you can use responsibly
Questions should help determine whether the planned service is suitable, whether an option is needed and whether referral is appropriate. Collecting detailed medical information without a clear process can create privacy and scope problems. Explain why information is requested and how the studio stores it.
A structured first conversation
- Goals: What would make the sessions useful or enjoyable?
- Experience: What movement, Pilates or equipment have they tried?
- Current symptoms: Is pain, dizziness, breathlessness or another symptom present now?
- Relevant history: Are there diagnoses, surgery, pregnancy or postpartum considerations?
- Professional advice: Has a healthcare professional placed limits or given guidance?
- Preferences: Are touch, certain positions, noise or group settings uncomfortable?
Respond to answers; do not simply collect them
If a client reports a concern outside your qualification, pause and refer rather than attempting to diagnose. If the information supports participation, document the agreed starting point and the options you will use. Consent is ongoing: a client can decline an exercise or update information later.
Red-flag examples
New chest pain, fainting, unexplained severe breathlessness, sudden neurological symptoms, acute injury or significant unexplained pain needs appropriate medical attention. This is not a complete diagnostic list; instructors should follow their organisation’s screening, emergency and referral procedures.
Review after the first session
Ask what felt clear, comfortable or unexpectedly difficult. Record only relevant professional notes and agree on the next progression. Revisit screening when health, pregnancy status, medication, symptoms or goals change.
Bodi Boutique’s For Instructors hub connects intake thinking with planning and class-management resources.
Frequently asked intake questions
Should an instructor ask for a diagnosis?
Ask only for information relevant to safe participation and scope. Do not diagnose or demand unnecessary clinical detail; refer when assessment is required.
How often should the form be updated?
Review it periodically and whenever health, symptoms, pregnancy status, medication or goals change. A signed old form does not replace an ongoing conversation.
Related Bodi Boutique guidance
About the author
Jazz Collier is the founder of Bodi Boutique and a fitness and beauty professional. She completed Certificate III qualifications in Fitness and Beauty in 2016 and has Pilates training through Online Fitness Education, Studio Pilates and Core Collab.
Research and further reading
Primary supporting guidance or related Bodi Boutique resource
