Movement moment

How simplifying your language and ditching the anatomy lecture can actually make you a better teacher.

If you’ve ever taken a Pilates class and heard a teacher say, “Zip up through your midline,” or “Stabilise your lumbar spine while engaging your transverse abdominis,” you’ve experienced the internal cue — a cue that directs your attention inward, toward muscles or body parts.

Now, here’s the kicker: research consistently shows that internal cueing (like “squeeze your glutes” or “activate your core”) can actually interfere with movement quality, especially when learning or refining skills. Instead, external cues — which direct the attention toward the effect of the movement — are more effective for motor learning, strength output, and coordination.

You’ve probably heard it a million times: “Just hit 10,000 steps a day, and you’re good to go!” But here’s the truth—while steps are great, they’re only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building a strong, resilient body.

In fact, relying solely on walking might mean you’re missing out on some key elements of physical health. The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines give us a much clearer picture of what our bodies really need to stay strong, mobile, and pain-free. What Do the Guidelines Say?