Home exercise programmes for clients: write ones they will do

Most progress in movement classes happens, or fails to happen, between sessions. A client who does a little at home moves faster than one who does everything in class and nothing outside it. But a long list of exercises on a handout is easy to ignore. A good home programme is short, clear, realistic and tied to what the client actually needs.

This is general teaching guidance, not clinical advice. Instructors should work within their qualifications, and clients with injuries or health conditions should follow the advice of their healthcare provider.

Principles

1. Keep it short. Three to five exercises is plenty.
2. Make it specific. Say what, how many and how often.
3. Fit their life. Ask what time and space they have.
4. Start easy. Success builds habit.
5. Explain why. Link each exercise to their goal.
6. Check understanding. Ask them to show you.
7. Review often. Update the programme every week or two.

What to include

Put the programme in writing, with a photo or short video if the client agrees.

A sample programme

Goal: a stronger, more comfortable back for desk work.

Three days this week, about 8 minutes.

1. Pelvic tilts: 8 slow repetitions. 2. Bridge: 8 repetitions, smaller if tired. 3. Bird-dog: 5 each side, slow. 4. Gentle spinal rock: 1 minute. 5. Notice your posture at your desk once an hour.

Stop if anything hurts, and tell me next time.

Set a realistic dose

Underprescribe rather than overprescribe. It is easier to add than to recover motivation.

Make it easy to follow

• Link it to a habit: "after brushing your teeth".
• Keep equipment simple.
• Offer a version that works in small spaces.
• Use plain language, not jargon.
• Provide a back-up: "On a bad day, just do the first two."

For habit-building ideas, see how to write home practice assignments students will do.

Safety

• Only prescribe exercises you are qualified to teach.
• Ask about pain, injury and medical advice.
• Tell clients to stop for sharp or worsening pain.
• Refer to a doctor or physiotherapist when needed.
• Avoid medical claims.

Follow up

Ask at the next session what happened. Praise effort, adjust the programme and notice patterns. Short check-ins between sessions help. See check-in messages for quiet students.

Track simply

A short log, with dates and a rating of how it felt, helps both of you. See tracking student progress in private lessons for ways to do this without extra admin.

For particular groups

Programmes for older clients should be especially gentle; see gentle movement for older adults. For a Pilates-based approach, see pilates mat class plan.

How Abhyava helps

Abhyava lets you send each client a weekly plan by private link, with hold timers and interval bells built in, and see whether they opened it before the next session.

Frequently asked questions

How many exercises should I give?

Three to five is a good range for most clients.

Should I give a programme in the first session?

Often yes, a very small one.

What if a client doesn't do it?

Ask why, reduce the demand, and adapt the plan to their routine.

Do I need to be a physiotherapist?

You should stay within your training. Refer clients with injuries or medical conditions to appropriate professionals.