Become an Instructor
How Do You Become a Pilates Instructor?
So how do you become a Pilates instructor? At Studio Pilates International, we speak to thousands of people every year who are looking to become an instructor, but are confused by the process and are unsure what it takes. In this article we answer “how do you become a Pilates instructor?” so you have the information that you need to become certified and kick start your Pilates career!
1. WHO CAN BECOME A PILATES INSTRUCTOR?
Anyone! Essentially anyone can become a Pilates instructor regardless of background or previous experience. There are some courses out there where you need to be a Physiotherapist or Fitness Industry Professional to enrol, however this is not the case for a majority of courses. Most courses allow everyone to enrol regardless of background. If you are new to the health or fitness industry, just make sure that your Pilates training includes a comprehensive Anatomy component as having a solid understanding of the body is really important when it comes to working as an instructor.
2. ASK YOURSELF SOME QUESTIONS
If you are wondering whether or not you would make a great Pilates instructor, ask yourself –
Are you passionate about Pilates?
If you’re super passionate about Pilates, you’ll most likely make a great instructor because you will inspire your clients with your passion! Plus, who doesn’t want to make their passion their day job?
Do you enjoy helping people to live their best life?
As a Pilates instructor, you will be helping your clients achieve their goals every day. Some clients may want to lose weight, some may want to gain strength, or build muscle. But regardless of your clients’ goals, as an instructor, you’re there to get the best out of the class and motivate them to reach those goals.
Do you have the confidence or are you excited about developing the confidence to talk to clients and instruct a Pilates class?
Pilates instructors talk a lot! So you need to enjoy talking to people or be excited to develop the confidence to instruct a class!
3. RESEARCH DIFFERENT TRAINING PROVIDERS
Sound like you? Great! The next step is to begin researching different course options! There is a lot of information out there and unfortunately many Pilates providers tell people that their courses are the best. Some even use scare tactics and say that you won’t be able to get a job unless you do their specific course! So let’s get rid of the confusion and scare tactics and just talk facts. Essentially, to break it down for you, there are 3 main ways to become a Pilates instructor in Australia –
- A certificate training program,
- A certificate IV in Pilates
- A diploma or advanced diploma in Pilates
The great news is that all of these training options qualify you to instruct Pilates across Australia and in most countries around the world! So don’t worry!
In choosing the best course for you, it really just comes down to your budget, what content you want to learn in your Pilates training and in what format you want that study to take place. For example, some courses out there are run in a condensed format while others are conducted over a longer period of time and may require you to attend one weekend a month for 6-12 months.
4. GET FEEDBACK FROM PILATES INSTRUCTORS
Do you have a Pilates instructor that you absolutely love? Find out where they completed their training and what their experience was. At Studio Pilates International, not a week goes by that we don’t have students contact us because they have completed training with another provider and were disappointed by the experience or do not feel confident to instruct. So do your research, but also get actual feedback from anyone you know you has completed their instructor training.
5. COMPLETE YOUR TRAINING
Once you have decided which education provider you want to train through, begin your learning. If you are required to complete any pre-course study before the face to face training, make sure that you complete this in its entirety so that you can get the most out of your course. At the end of your training, you should feel ready and confident to instruct a class. You should also have the practical skills to modify exercise for any clients with injuries. If you don’t feel like this at the end of your training, we strongly recommend going back to your training provider and seeing how they can help you to develop these skills.
6. TAKE OUT INSURANCE AND APPLY FOR JOBS
Once you have completed your course and receive your certificate, you are then able to go out and obtain instructing insurance and apply for jobs. Your education provider should be able to give you the name of some companies that you can obtain your insurance through. Depending on your insurance provider, you may also need to complete a first aid certificate.
7. START TRANSFORMING LIVES
Then get out there are start transforming lives!