How to Become a Pilates Instructor
Last Updated on 29 August, 2022
If you’ve been looking into how to become a Pilates instructor, this is the article for you! Whether you want to work at your local Pilates studio or start your own business, follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way.
Ready to get started?
1. Do Your Research
Before you jump in and start teaching, the first step in learning how to become a Pilates instructor is to make a plan. Do your research to see what’s required for you to reach your goal and then work backward to include all the steps you need to reach that objective. What certifications do you need? Where do you want to teach? Is there a timeline you can plan for? Can you budget for that process? Are there any other accommodations you need to make?
Look into how long the process takes, how much it costs, and how best to tackle this new endeavor. Is there training near where you live? You could be looking at travel or a commute to complete the training necessary. As part of your research, thoroughly investigate the requirements, both academic and practical.
Find out the facts and make a plan before you begin the process so you can avoid any unnecessary surprises or obstacles along the way.
Strive to over-achieve
You’ll no doubt complete all the steps necessary to get officially qualified, but why stop at what’s required? Are there additional classes that interest you? Would you rather get a broader range of knowledge or become a specialist? This may not be part of your initial plan but knowing what that next phase of your training looks like will help you stay motivated and driven.
Look at what options are out there to over-achieve and surpass even your own initial goals! Set the bar high to become a Pilates instructor who’s always working to be at the top of your game.
Whether you’ll be applying for a position at a studio or opening up your own place, extra credit always looks impressive on a resume!
2. Get Certified
When considering how to become a Pilates instructor, certification is what comes to mind first. Let’s delve a little deeper into this premiere step. There are several styles of Pilates and different types of certification, so you’ll need to narrow it down before you officially get started.
Think about what you see yourself teaching. Is it a mat or comprehensive certification that you’re interested in? Would you prefer to lead group classes or manage one-on-ones?
And once you’re certified? Stay at the front of the pack by being diligent about re-certifying and including supplemental education as part of your growth as an instructor. Establish credibility in your field, stay current and show a commitment to excellence by making education part of your long-term plan.
3. Get Some Experience
It’s a great idea to gain some knowledge about how the industry works while learning how to become a Pilates instructor. Try a few shifts at reception to see what scheduling and client management is like. Shadow other instructors to get a sense of their approach. Take some classes too, to experience the client’s perspective in the classroom.
The more well-rounded your perspective, the more insightful and relatable an instructor you’ll be!
4. Start Teaching!
In your journey to learn how to become a Pilates instructor, this is the day you’ve been dreaming of! You still have some choices. Should you start by focusing on one-on-one sessions or is the group dynamic more your dream? Will you apply to a studio or make it on your own?
This can be a scary step because it’s a new adventure, but rest assured, you’re ready! You’ve gone through the process, mastered how to become a Pilates instructor, and now it’s time to put everything you’ve learned into action. Here are two things to keep in mind to get set up for success in your new field:
Build relationships
Great businesses and reputations are built on relationships. Right from day one, work on building a connection with your clients. Make eye contact in class, ask for feedback, and take an interest in your clients’ lives.
While learning how to become a Pilates instructor, you’ll come into contact with a broad range of clients. The important thing is to strive towards developing relationships to establish loyalty. Once you reach friend status, you’ll have earned a loyal client for life!
Design your programs
You don’t want clients to get bored and you want to stay inspired, so start off by putting together a program, and be sure to include a few variations. If you’re prepared, when it’s time to switch it up, you won’t have the stress of reinventing the wheel each time.
You could change the props, adjust the moves, or create classes for a specific demographic to continue to keep things fresh!
5. Market Yourself
You’ve learned how to become a Pilates instructor, now it’s time to spread the word and fill those time slots! How do you let the world know about you and start signing people up? From word of mouth to social media, here are a few ways to attract attention and gain a loyal clientele:
Word of mouth
Word of mouth is still the most reliable type of marketing! Think about how highly you view a friend’s recommendation. This type of promotion ups your street cred while filling your classes at the same time!
How do you get people talking about your business? How about offering a “bring-a-buddy” promotion? This way you’ll double your attendance while increasing your revenue and reaching a whole new market.
Encourage your clients to tell their friends, families, and co-workers about what a great Pilates instructor you are! Could you offer a referral bonus to your loyal clients by rewarding them when they refer you online or to a friend? This might be just the encouragement they need to sing your praises!
As part of your word of mouth strategy, get people talking about your social media presence too! Put up signs in your studio encouraging people to like and follow your pages. Use word of mouth to grow your business and your social media following at the same time!
Social media
Social media is rapidly becoming a marketer’s tool of choice! It’s a great way to reach a large group of people at once while engaging with a captive audience. It’s also a fantastic way to capitalize on your journey to become a Pilates instructor.
Not social media savvy? No sweat! Facebook is the place to start—with easy templets and user-friendly tools, you’ll soon reach expert status! Start with a business page, so you can max out on everything Facebook has to offer for businesses.
After you’re set-up, start posting content you think your audience will like. It doesn’t matter if you’re posting to a small group at first, keep your content interesting and consistent. Be sure to reply to each comment, answer each question and stay active within your community.
Grow your social media status by reaching out to your clients, industry professionals and anyone else that might help you build your community. Stay engaged by commenting on other people’s posts, sharing relevant content and making new friends. Once you’re staying active on social media, you’ll quickly develop a following that relies on your presence and content.
Not sure about the rest of the platforms? Tackle Instagram next with short videos and beautiful imagery. Promote your next social media endeavor on your last one and go from there. With these simple steps, you’ll be using your social media accounts to grow your business and fill your classes in no time!
6. Get the Tools You Need
While you’ve been mastering how to become a Pilates instructor, you may not have considered all the factors that can help make you a success!
Consider investing in software that can help you manage your business, stay on track, and attract new clients. Here’s where we can help!
At WellnessLiving, our all-in-one business management software is respected by wellness businesses worldwide. We offer staff and client apps to make life easier for your clients and your team. We can also automate your marketing, help with payroll, and make scheduling a snap.
Have we convinced you yet? As part of learning how to become a Pilates instructor, don’t overlook incorporating the tools you need to succeed!
Get Started Now
There’s no better time than now to start working on your dreams because believe us when we say you’re never going to “feel” ready. So, take the first step! And then another! And oh, look at you, you’re on your way to becoming a Pilates instructor.
