In working with overweight clients, the most important thing to keep in mind, in my humble opinion, is that they are as capable of the work as anyone else.  Putting them at ease, not making them feel weak or "different", and empowering them through keeping your expectations the same for them as for any other client, will help to keep them coming in for lessons, and not giving up.  This is not to say that modifications will not be necessary.  Certain positions, such as stomach massage, will be difficult for overweight clients to attain, but stomach massage is difficult for everyone, and that is what I stress when I introduce them to this "ungraceful" exercise series.  Allowing overweight clients to sit farther back from the end of the carriage, lowering the footbar, putting a supportive ball between their backs and the shoulder rests, all help to "get" this exercise.  Being creative and putting yourself in their place, walking a mile in their shoes, will help you to build your compassion and your empowering skills.  Think about how you would feel if you had extra weight on your body...certain matwork exercises would seem ungainly, and awkward.  Do your best to minimize awkwardness by being very concise in your cueing transitions into and out of exercises, as this is a time when awkwardness builds.  Getting on and off the reformer is another time when overweight people need to have cueing assistance.  "Popping" on and off will not happen.  Tell them exactly how to "mount" and "dismount" and any awkwardness can be blamed on your cueing "skills".  Keeping overweight clients moving from one exercise to the next is often difficult, as their stamina needs to be built, just like any other beginner.  Building in rests between exercises, but flowing through series work, will help.  Make sure you know the building blocks and modifications of all the exercises, found in your manual, as this will give you the confidence, and extra ammunition, you will need to coach this population.  These people need Pilates, and working with this population is very, very rewarding!

I'm one of those chubby clients! I started pilates after a spinal injury several years ago and fell in love with the way it makes me feel. I will work at it for a few days then quit for a couple of weeks then work at it then quit. There isn't a studio close to me so I do the mat work on my living room floor, to a DVD. I have been thinking alot about working up to a certification level, as a personal fitness goal and have made the decision that if I can be consistent for 3 months, I will take additional training, even if it means that I have to travel a bit.

My advice, don't underestimate the physical ability of your overweight clients. Although I have a little extra junk in the trunk, I walk 4-6 miles, 3-4 days a week, and stretch.  Applaud your overweight clients for showing up, being brave enough to be transparent, and obviously desiring to change their bodies. You can't change the awkwardness they may feel--that is something they have to come to terms with themselves.