Peak Pilates Master Trainer Clare Dunphy discusses when and how to use a variation in order to add an element of change to an exercise to keep your student on their toes. Only when a student has attained a fair degree of mastery of the original movement should changes be incorporated. It is important to know that different exercises will lend themselves to particular variations. A variation may include the use of a prop, such as a power circle, mini body bar or small ball.