Pilate has been around for almost a century and has seen significant changes. It’s a common type of exercise nowadays, and it’s usually learned and done under the supervision and guidance of a Pilates instructor. Most of them are certified Pilates instructors who are familiar with hundreds of distinct Pilates exercises, techniques, and routines, each with its own set of benefits and purposes.
Some Pilates instructors work with small groups or individuals, adjusting programs as needed to meet the requirements and desires of their clients. They are frequently found at fitness and community centers, health clubs, gyms, and online platforms dedicated to health and exercise.
A person who wants to work as a Pilates instructor can get a voluntary certification to help them stand out to clients and future jobs like health clubs and fitness studios.
In this article, we have highlighted everything you need to know to become a certified Pilates instructor.
Who is a Pilate instructor?
A Pilates instructor instructs and coaches groups or individuals in the Pilates training program. A Pilate instructor teaches his or her students how to use Pilates to improve overall health, muscle tone and strength, and posture.
Pilates teachers are typically familiar with hundreds of various exercises and may teach them to a large group or adjust them to meet the needs of certain groups of students, such as senior citizens or pregnant women.
These instructors may also work with students who are recovering from injuries or who are dealing with long-term health issues.
Why become a pilate instructor?
Here are the reasons to become a Pilates instructor:
- You are passionate about Pilates
- You want to improve people’s lives
- The desire to improve your knowledge
- For fun-seeking
- Looking for flexibility
You are passionate about Pilates
Finding a profession that you enjoy is crucial, and if you already enjoy Pilates and look forward to each session, transferring to being a teacher could be the ideal choice for you. When you’re given the chance to share your knowledge and passion with others, it won’t even feel like work. And the best part is that you get paid to do it!
You want to improve people’s lives
You’ve probably already experienced the benefits of Pilates through your personal practice, and teaching allows you to share those benefits with others. It’s really rewarding to see people progress through their regular Pilates practice, whether it’s for general strength and flexibility or for more particular challenges like injury rehabilitation or pregnancy.
The desire to improve your knowledge
Even if you’ve been practicing advanced Pilates for years, there’s always more to learn, and teaching others is the finest way to develop your knowledge and technique. Even if you don’t plan to teach right away, taking a solid Pilates teacher training course will undoubtedly improve your own practice and provide you with additional abilities if you do decide to teach in the future.
For fun-seeking
Working as a Pilates instructor is a long cry from sitting at a computer all day. Instead, you’ll be doing something enjoyable and exciting that keeps you moving while also assisting others in getting the most out of their Pilate practice. You’ll be looking forward to coming to class just as much as they will as you get to know your regulars and see their progress week after week!
Looking for flexibility
If you’ve been stuck in a 9-to-5 job and want more freedom, becoming a Pilates instructor is ideal because it gives you more flexibility in terms of when you can teach courses. There are fewer limits, and you have greater flexibility over your schedule, whether you choose to work during business hours or prefer evenings and weekends. Teaching Pilates is a great option as a second job because of its flexibility.
How to get a Pilates Instructor Certification: A Step-by-step guide
It takes time, dedication, and money to become a Pilates instructor. That is, without a doubt, the case. Many people, I believe, make the mistake of lumping it in with general “group fitness.” Although group fitness teachers can be certified in one weekend, this is not the case with a legitimate Pilates certification.
Below is the detailed step-by-step guide to becoming a Pilates instructor:
- Define your objectives
- enroll in a Pilate class
- Decide on the certification you want
- Research and select a Pilates certification program
- Finish the certification process
- Ensure that you have liability insurance
- Certification and ongoing education for Pilates Method Alliance
#1. Define your objectives
Before you decide to pursue a career as a Pilate instructor, ask yourself the following questions to help you identify your goals for entering the field:
- Is it true that I adore teaching? Do I have an interest in body mechanics, anatomy, and exercise science?
- Do I enjoy giving speeches in front of huge audiences?
- Is it true that I am self-motivated?
- Is it okay if I give up job security in exchange for job flexibility? (You will be responsible for your own healthcare, benefits, and other expenses.)
#2. Get enrolled in a pilates class (mat or comprehensive certification)
Immerse yourself in courses to master the movements, gain a better understanding of your own body, and observe other Pilates instructors. Take as many as you can and practice them on a regular basis. Take classes from a number of instructors to figure out which style you prefer and what path you want to take. Inquire about your favorite teachers’ training and certification by asking a lot of questions.
#3. Decide on the certification you want
A mat certification qualifies you to instruct group mat classes, which are common in most gyms.
In addition to the mat, a full certification qualifies you to teach and train clients utilizing standard Pilates equipment (reformer, chair, trap table/Cadillac, etc.).
A thorough certification is the way to go, whether you want to teach full-time or train private clients. Making a life only on mat certification is quite difficult.
#4. Research and select a Pilates certification program
There are many wonderful programs out there; therefore, I propose that you inquire about your favorite teachers’ paths and recommendations. You should choose whether you like a classical or contemporary teaching style.
A reputable Pilates instructor certification program should include the following features:
- A total of 500 hours of training, practice, and student teaching have been completed (for comprehensive certification).
- The Pilates Method Alliance has given you its seal of approval.
- Modules that are spread out over several months (not just a weekend or two)
#5. Finish the certification process
A mat certification can take a few months to complete, while a comprehensive certification might take up to a year. Most programs are flexible, so you can fit them into your schedule and achieve your objectives.
Your program will require tests and the option to “test out” at the end, which will most likely include a written exam as well as a hands-on practical teaching assessment.
In an ideal world, you’d also locate a mentor to help you complete your certification and begin student teaching.
#6. Ensure that you have liability insurance
You will almost certainly be required to have your own liability insurance by most studios. These are available online from a variety of sources. You can now start looking for teaching opportunities and working with customers!
#7. Certification and ongoing education for Pilates Method Alliance
The Pilates Method Alliance is the Pilates industry’s governing body. Because this is an unregulated business, accreditation through the PMA is not required, but it is highly recommended.
It’s a good time to start studying and preparing for the PMA exam once you’ve had a chance to plunge into your teaching career and obtain some hands-on experience. More information is available here. You should also keep up with continuing education courses as time goes on.
The truth is that, as a Pilates instructor, you should never stop learning and progressing. It’s only the beginning of your education once your certification program is completed.
Best accredited pilates certification programs
Pilates instructors are not usually required to be certified by employers; many health clubs and studios give their own training.
The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) was founded in 2001 to help regulate and maintain safety and professionalism within the business, due to the complexity of the Pilates technique and its inherent potential for damage, particularly when machines are used.
Before taking the exam, prospective certified instructors must complete either 720 hours of Pilates employment or a 450-hour teacher training program, according to the PMA.
Top Best Pilate Instructor Certifications:
- Stott Pilates
- Power Pilates
- Peak Pilates
- Basi Pilates
- Balanced Body
- Polestar Pilates
- Fletcher Pilates
- Romana’s Pilates
Pilate instructor course
Balanced Body delivers a thorough curriculum about how the body operates and how Pilates may improve it by combining traditional and current Pilates methods.
Most Pilates instructor courses cover a broad range of Pilates approaches in order to have a full understanding of the discipline.
Here are some pilates instructors certifications available for you:
- Mat Instructor Training
- Reformer Instructor Training
- Mat And Reformer Instructor Training
- Comprehensive Instructor Training
How to prepare to take a Pilates certification course?
Building your passion and excitement for the subject is the greatest method to prepare for Pilates instructor training:
- Do as much Pilates as you can.
- Go take Pilates classes at different studios.
- Read about it.
- Watch videos.
- Expose yourself to different techniques.
- Learn musculoskeletal anatomy.
- Figure out what aspects of teaching and moving through the exercises excite you the most.
Pilate instructor salary
Pilates instructors in the United States earn an average of $54,671 per year ($26 per hour). The richest ten percent earn more than $73,000 per year, while the bottom ten percent earn less than $40,000.
Pilate instructor jobs
A Pilate instructor has a wide range of career choices because of the increased popularity of the discipline over the last decade. They may teach group lessons at a fitness club, wellness center, or resort or provide personal training in clients’ homes.
Professional sports, dance performance, and physical rehabilitation groups may use Pilates instruction to enhance more standard physical training regimens.
While some of these newer job opportunities, such as physical therapy and sports medicine, may necessitate more extensive formal education and training, they may also provide a large rise in income potential.
Also, Pilates instructors teach Pilates, a Pilates instructor training program that enhances both the body and the mind, in a number of venues. Employers are increasingly requiring or preferring certification by the Pilates Method Alliance as a result of the current growth in the popularity of Pilates.
Career opportunities as a Pilate Instructor
Below are career opportunities for Pilates instructors:
- Pilates studios
- Health clubs
- Leisure centers
- Private gyms
- Workplace fitness programs
- Fitness retreats
- Exercise referral schemes
- Holiday settings and cruise ships
Pilate instructor Job prospects
Fitness trainers’ and instructors’ jobs are expected to see a 39 percent increase in employment between 2020 and 2030, substantially faster than the average for all occupations.
Over the next ten years, an average of 69,100 opportunities for fitness trainers and instructors are expected. Many of those positions are likely to arise as a result of the need to replace people who change occupations or leave the workforce for other reasons, such as retirement.
Is pilates teacher training a good career path?
A Pilate instructor’s career path isn’t as well-defined as, for example, that of a lawyer, doctor, or other “regular” occupation. This can be both irritating and uncertain, but it can also be liberating and thrilling.
As a Pilate instructor, you can do whatever you want. The option to go large or modest, and even to alter your mind.
You can travel and then come to a halt. You have the option of going public or private. Will it be simple? No, but if it’s something you really want to do, it’ll be worthwhile. When it comes to becoming a Pilate instructor, your age and history are not barriers to overcome, nor do they place you at a disadvantage. You get to incorporate all of these unique talents into your teaching.
It doesn’t matter where you are in your life when you decide to become an instructor; it’s a fantastic time to do so. The best thing you can do is make sure you choose the correct program to help you get the best start on your trip.
Conclusion
Working as a Pilates instructor may be a fantastic career choice if you are interested in becoming an expert in a specific type of exercise and enjoy teaching, due to the current growth in the popularity of Pilates.
FAQs
What hours can I work as a pilate insructor?
To suit the demands of your clients, you can normally determine your own working hours, which may include evenings and weekends. Classes typically last 45 to 90 minutes. You may even be required to teach multiple classes in a single day; therefore, you must be physically strong, as teaching can be exhausting.
You’ll be working in a studio where the emphasis is on providing a nice and relaxing environment. If you work as a freelance Pilates instructor, you may have to travel.
When can I start teaching Pilate?
Once you’ve begun your training, you can begin practicing teaching as soon as you’re ready. Most people begin teaching the principles to family, friends, and fellow trainees throughout their mat training. Some employers will hire you while you are still in training, as long as you are on track to complete your training and plan to obtain your certification. We have an apprentice program at MOVE Wellness that provides mentorship and teaching opportunities, so you may gain the experience and confidence you need to be a confident and competent trainer.
How long does it take to become a Pilate Instructor?
The time it takes to become a Pilates instructor varies greatly, and it can take anywhere from six months to two years to get properly qualified with a Government Accredited Qualification. Many Pilates teacher training courses are ‘Competency-Based,’ which means you must enhance your skills and competencies throughout the program. As a result, the more time you devote to your Pilates studies, the faster you will be able to complete them.
What are the qualities of a Pilates instructor
Great Pilates instructors and certified Pilates instructors have the following qualities:
- Excellent observation skills – particularly with posture and movement
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal
- Empathy and interest in the well being of others
- Detailed knowledge and understanding about movement and posture
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