Hi, I'm new here, but I've dealt with this at my studio, too. I've had a few clients who were very heavy---in the 300+ pound range. I welcome anyone who wants a healthy lifestyle to my studio, and want to share what I've learned so far.
First, clients who are heavy are aware of it so you don't have to tip-toe around the fact that they're big. Not to say that you have to continually point it out, but stepping around the fact just makes it awkward. I wouldn't pretend to ignore a client's pregnancy or injury or any other need for modification, and it's the same in this case. Second, though is something I was intially surprised about: weight does not necessarily become a factor for what exercises someone can do. True, some overweight clients have trouble with the roll-up or the roll-over, but many actually do just fine with it. And I've had many very slim women in my studio who had trouble finding their abdominals. I've often found that overweight clients are extremely flexible, especially in the lumbar area of the spine. You just have to work with the individual, not the weight/height/injury, etc.
One video that I found very helpful in crafting modifications is "Ya Don't Gotta Be a Size 2 To Do Pilates." It's inspiring and has great tips and ideas. I highly recommend it, and I've used to to help me develop routines for overweight clients. There was a very inspiring story about weightloss in a recent issue of PilatesStyle magazine, too. I've also found that many overweight clients prefer one-on-one coaching as opposed to a class setting, which helps in getting to know them and helping them with their fitness journey even more.
I think Pilates is a great way for people to get into a lifestyle change to help lose weight. It really requires a change to the entire way of thinking, and Pilates fosters that with the concepts of mind-body connection and awareness. But I think fitness professionals sometimes make the mistake of telling someone they need to make a lifestyle change and then leave it at that. I think that's like telling someone they must learn French in order to continue living, without giving them so much as a translation dictionary.
We have a monthly Wellness Series at my studio that focuses on things relating to all aspects of health and a whole body/mind/spirit approach to health and happiness. It helps foster the concept of slowly making lifestyle changes in a supportive way that also brings more people to the studio.
Best wishes to you and your client!
