What does being a Pilates Instructor entail?

Written on the 1st of June 2010 by Tanya Winter

Do you have what it takes to be a Pilates Instructor???

• Do you love being around people and having fun?
• Do you love helping people to feel better?
• Do you have what it takes to motivate and inspire people?
• Do you have a passion for health and fitness?
• Are you an active person who hates being stuck on a computer or behind a desk all day?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, read on… a career in Pilates may be just what you are looking for.

The health and fitness industry is a multi-billion industry which is predicted to be the biggest growth industry over the next decade.
Pilates is a great industry to be involved in – it is fun, inspiring and most of all rewarding – both emotionally in terms of the huge job satisfaction that you gain from helping people, and also financially in securing your future.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I work/what types of jobs could I have?
Pilates Instructors can work in a number of settings, and work both part time of full time, making it a great career choice for people in all situations:

Once you have completed your Matwork course you can:
• Instruct Matwork Classes or small group/private sessions in gyms, Pilates Studios or Physio practices
• Set up your own Matwork business and take classes in parks/halls or at home

Once you have completed your Reformer/equipment courses you can:
• Work in a Pilates Studio, Personal Training Studio or Physio practice using the equipment
• Work in a gym taking reformer classes
• Own your own Studio Pilates International Franchise

How much money does a Pilates Instructor earn?
This may vary greatly depending what you do, what your background is and where you work, but here is a general guide as to what you may expect to earn:
• A full time Pilates Instructor wage may start at $35 000 - 40 000 per annum, and greatly increase from there up to around $60 000+ per annum – this will vary greatly depending on where you work.
• For one-off Matwork classes, you can expect to earn anywhere from $35 to $70 per hour.
• If you run your own Matwork class business – you could earn up to $200+ per class.
• If you own a Studio Pilates International Franchise studio, your earning potential skyrockets – you can earn $100 000+ per annum.

What type of experience/background do I need to have?
People come in from all different backgrounds. Some are Physiotherapists, massage therapists, chirporactors, acupuncturists, fitness trainers, whilst others have no expereince in the health and fitness industry thus far but just love Pilates. We have courses to cater to all backgrounds. No prior experience or study is required – we teach you everything you need to know to be a great instructor, right through from the anatomy of the body, common injuries and posture, to the complete extensive repertoire of Pilates exercises and how to teach them in many different settings.

How long does the course take and how much does it cost?
How much of the training you wish to complete will determine how long the course takes and how much it costs. You may choose to start only with your Matwork certification and just teach matwork, or you may wish to really embrace a career in Pilates and complete the full equipment certification. The minimum cost is $1440, the maximum cost is $6060.

About Studio Pilates International Courses
The Studio Pilates International education system is the highest quality education in the industry. Our courses are designed by Pilates masters with a background in both physiotherapy and fitness, so you can feel confident you will have the knowledge to help your clients with any injuries and give them a workout as well. You can trust our friendly and experienced instructor trainers to help and guide you every step of the way though the learning process, giving you support and the confidence and qualifications to instruct Pilates at the conclusion of your course.

OUR AIM: To produce Pilates instructors of the highest calibre who have extensive knowledge of both Pilates and the body, and the ability to instruct clients in any situation, whether it be large fitness classes or small group/private sessions, in both the gym, studio and clinical settings.

OUR GUARANTEE: If you are not confident or ready to teach after your initial course, we will work with you until you are - once you have done a course with us, you can also sit in on that same course again for free as many times as you like.

For more information please visit the education section of our website