Pilates has been one of the most popular exercises in the fitness industry for years. Joining a Pilates group is one of the most popular things to do in the gym industry. Are you passionate about Pilates and have a passion for teaching as well? If you’re thinking of creating a career out of passion and love, this article is for you!
Becoming an instructor is a worthwhile ride, and it’s achievable! However, if you’re currently lost and trying to find a path for a good learning experience, this article can lay out the path for you.
Table of Contents
Take Classes
You would have to enter plenty of classes as part of your Pilates Instructor Training. It’s recommended that you take several classes weekly for at least six months, depending on your schedule. Learning for an extended period allows you to become an expert with the basics, movement, and everything involved with Pilates.
It’s also great to understand how your body responds to pilates exercise. It gives you an alleyway to consider how the exercises would also respond to your students.
During this time, ensure that you take as many lessons as possible with a wide range of instructions. Remember that you’re learning to become a Pilates instructor. So, ensure that you observe how the instructors do their work. The following are some things you should look out for:
- What are their methods to relax the group members during the beginning of the class?
- Can they monitor all of the class members in a large class? If so, how do they do it?
- How do they make and keep the class motivated?
- How do they make the session flowing and upbeat?
- With newbies, how much attention and individualized instruction do they give?
It’s recommended that you keep a journal or notebook where you can write your learnings, observations, and responses to these questions. You may also write your overall impression of the instructor’s classes. Finally, ask yourself what you would do differently than all of the instructors you learned.
Decide What You Would Want To Teach
When teaching Pilates, a few distinctions have to be made. For example, if you’re thinking of running group classes in gyms, you would need to achieve a Mat Pilates certification – a requirement for mat instructors.
On the other hand, if you want to teach in a stand-alone Pilates studio, you must achieve a comprehensive certification. It permits these instructors to freely teach students in all Pilates forms, including mat, traditional, and other forms.
You have to decide what you would want to teach since there’s a difference in cost between the two types of certification programs. For example, you would find reputable mat pilates certification courses for less than $300. In contrast, the comprehensive program may cost you $3000.
If you’re planning to teach Pilates fitness for a full-time career, then you should consider opting for the comprehensive certification. However, you may be restricted to group fitness classes if you choose this as your full-time career. Ultimately, it depends on your preferences, budget, and what you want to teach.
Think About Your Certification Program
Now that you’ve decided what you want to teach, it’s time to start your certification process. Check out what training programs you want to enter first. You can find numerous programs online. The programs you’ll encounter will depend on your area. It’s recommended that you apply for a program near your area. If not, you can do it online or would have to travel for hours.
Thankfully, programs like Balanced Body Pilates offer certification programs for thousands of students from over 50 countries. It includes both comprehensive and mat training needs. The Power Pilates program also offers these two main scopes and more! It’s a New York-based training that offers classical pilates education.
Complete Your Course of Study
After selecting and paying for your course, ensure you challenge yourself to finish it with flying colors. Of course, take your time and avoid trying to rush it. If you’re a person who hates studying, you may need to exert effort in a Pilates program. This is where you now have to try challenging yourself since you can’t fake your way into getting that certification.
Set a time in your schedule where you would study and go back to the materials you’ve received in the program. Set a time where you would also imagine teaching students. Take practice tests, create fact cards, listen to audio lectures, and many more!
Look for Employment Opportunities
After getting your Pilates Instructor Certification, you’re now closer to better opportunities! Decide if you want to open your own studio, be a personal trainer, or start first in a gym. You can also enter a large Pilates studio where you can work alongside experienced trainers that can guide and mentor you.
Final Thoughts
If you are passionate about teaching Pilates, you already have the first requirement to become an instructor! With a passion for teaching and exercise, then with just willpower and by following the information above, you can go on your unique path to meet your goal!