Top 10 Reasons to Become a Pilates Instructor

If you’re looking for reasons to start a career teaching Pilates, you’re probably already a passionate devotee of the practice. Why not turn it into a career or part-time job to supplement your income. Pilates instruction is rewarding, challenging, and fun. 

Can you really earn a living teaching Pilates? Find out more about what Pilates instructors earn here. 

The Best Reasons to Become a Pilates Teacher

You can probably come up with more, but these are ten of the most common reasons people turn to Pilates instruction for a career. You might just recognize yourself in these: 

1. You Want to Share Pilates with Everyone You Meet

An absolute must for becoming a Pilates instructor is being a practitioner. You should love the Pilates practice. These reasons alone are not enough to make a career change, though. Not everyone who does Pilates wants to or should teach. 

If you find yourself talking Pilates up to others, sharing how it positively impacted your life, and begging others to join you in a Pilates class, it might be time to consider signing up for a Pilates teacher training course. You should have a passion for the practice and for sharing its benefits. 

2. You’re in a Work Rut

Work is work, and it’s not always fun, but you shouldn’t feel stuck in it. Work can be enjoyable, meaningful, and challenging. If you feel bored at your job and like your skills and worth are not being realized, consider a career change. 

Fitness in general is more fun than many jobs. Creating workouts and leading classes require new skills and flexibility. Pilates instruction will challenge you physically and mentally. Teaching others requires creativity and problem solving. Every day is different. You can’t get bored doing it. 

3. You Enjoy Working with People

This is another must and another clue that teaching fitness of any type could be right for you. Instructors work with people every day. They are hands-on, encouraging, and motivating. It can be challenging to work with clients at times, but many find this an interesting challenge. 

If you find it rewarding to interact with and lead people, teaching is a good option. It allows you to engage when leading a group class or one-on-one session. There are also down times, when you plan workouts and do administrative tasks. It’s a good mix

4. You’re Looking for a More Meaningful Career

If your current work leaves you feeling unfulfilled or like you are not making any difference in the world, it could be time for a change. Pilates instruction is rewarding because it allows you to work with people and help them in meaningful ways. 

You don’t have to give up your full time gig. Pilates can be a more meaningful side hustle either permanently or as you build a full-time career from it. 

5. You’re Looking for a More Active Career

Maybe you like your job or find it meaningful enough but are tired of sitting at a desk hunched over a computer all day. Working as a Pilates teacher unchains you from the desk and provides an active career that is much healthier. 

If Pilates is the type of exercise and movement you enjoy most, becoming a certified Pilates instructor will deepen your own practice. Even if you don’t quit your day job, getting certified through a Pilates teacher training program and working with others will give you a chance to improve your own skills and fitness level. 

6. You Want a More Flexible Career

Pilates instruction, and fitness in general, is not usually a 9-to-5 job. There is a lot more flexibility in this career than in a typical office job. If you prefer variety and the flexibility of being able to schedule work around family and other obligations, being an independent instructor could work for you. 

7. You’re Looking for a Growth Career

Fitness in all its aspects is a growing industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fitness trainer and instructor jobs are growing by 19%, much faster than average job growth. (1) 

Pilates is a part of this growth that shows no signs of slowing. This is a career with many opportunities to earn and make a living. 

8. You’re a Personal Trainer Searching for Your Niche

If you are already in fitness but feel like just another trainer, it’s time to find your niche. Defining an area of specialty is a great way to get more out of your career. Training in a niche helps you market better to clients and expands your offerings so you can earn more. Pilates is an excellent form of exercise on its own and as a cross-training option for almost any fitness goal.

9. You Love Learning and Embrace Personal Growth

Whether or not you are already in fitness, training to become a Pilates teacher is a great way to keep learning and challenging your mind and body. As with other areas of fitness, there is always more to learn. You can’t hit a wall in this industry. You get to keep learning as the science evolves. 

10. You Want to Earn a Living Doing Something You Love

This is what it comes down to most people who turn to fitness and Pilates for a career. If you love it, if you want to share it with others, and if you want to earn money doing something you feel good about, follow your passion. 

Maybe yoga is more your speed? Here are the best reasons to consider becoming a yoga instructor. 

What Are Your Reasons to Become a Pilates Instructor?

Ultimately, this is a personal choice. To make a career move, you need to have your own reasons that motivate you. Before you get started, think about your goals and priorities for work and your life. Does teaching Pilates fit nicely with them? Is it practical too? Find your reasons to make this a career and don’t look back. 

Do I Need Pilates Certification? 

You’ve decided this is the right career move for you. Now what? Do you need a Pilates instructor certification? Technically, you do not need certification, but in practice you do. Pilates is not regulated, so licensing isn’t required. Most studios require employees to be certified. Even working independently, clients will be looking for certified instructors. 

Becoming certified is not as expensive or as time-consuming as you might think. It all depends on the program you choose. If you don’t have time in your current schedule for an in-person or retreat course, consider the online option. 

A good online certification course provides the same materials and instruction but in a format you can complete at your own pace. It could take you a couple of months or up to a year to get certified. It’s up to you. 

Once you have a certification, you can look for a job at a Pilates studio or a gym. You can also take the independent route and take on clients in your home or in rented gym space. This is a flexible career that allows you to shape it however you want, and that’s one of many great reasons to become a Pilates instructor. 

ISSA’s Pilates Instructor course is the perfect way to start your journey! Learn how to structure a Pilates session and workout plan that helps your clients meet their desired goals, no matter what their current fitness level.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022a, September 8). Fitness trainers and instructors : Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm