How to Become a Certified Pilates Instructor
When it came to dream jobs as a primary school student, it was definitely all about becoming a doctor, fire fighter, olympian or back up dancer. But fast forward a decade or two, and that dream job scenario? … It’s all about becoming a Pilates instructor.
And it’s not hard to see why.
Flexibility. Freedom. Free activewear. Being paid to stay healthy, in an ever-growing field. This is a job that ticks all the boxes.
So, how can you make this dream life your reality? Let’s dive in.
Who makes a great Pilates instructor?
If you’ve found your way here, chances are, you have a passion for fitness or wellness. Which means you’re in luck, because not only is that a passion that will reap rewards for you personally for many years to come (hello, fit and flexible forever), but it’s also one that can be transformed into a thriving, rewarding career.
Tapping into your passion (that this that lights you up) often feels joyful and stimulating. When you’re working in an area of personal passion, you tend to feel energised, like time passes quickly, like you’re equal parts challenged and confident, and often, the effort you put in usually means that you’re doing your best work. Working in your space of passion isn’t just about feeling good … Great performance usually follows.
After working with thousands of teachers and students from all over the globe, one thing we do know is that the best teachers are those who are Pilates obsessives. The Pilates passionates. Because when you unlock that passion, you unleash all the positive energy you need to be the best teacher that you can be. That energy is contagious – and your students feel it too.
If you’re contemplating a career shift, a new endeavour or adding an additional string to your bow – step one is tapping into what it is about this opportunity that really makes your heart sing. Let’s be real… There’s a bit of work ahead – and tapping into your passion, and what you really love about wellness, fitness or helping and inspiring others – will be the rocket fuel that keeps you going.
So… What is it about teaching that lights you up inside? What are you most passionate about when it comes to inspiring others? What are you most curious about learning? Answer these questions wholeheartedly and you’re well on your way to unlocking that passion and becoming a great Pilates instructor … Look out world!
Let’s start this journey! Learn in person in Byron Bay or start today, completely online.
How do you choose the best Pilates Teacher Training course?
So now you’ve decided you want to make your passion for Pilates your career, it’s time to determine who is going to hold your hand throughout that process. Finding the right training provider can be likened to a long-term relationship. And boy oh boy, do you want to get that right! This is the company – and the people – who will guide you, teach you, support you and encourage you. They’ll be there for you when you’re finding things tricky, and they’ll be your biggest cheerleaders when you’re at your peak. So, how do you go about choosing the right partner in your training?
After working with thousands of teachers and students from all over the globe, one thing we do know is that the best teachers are those who are Pilates obsessives. The Pilates passionates. Because when you unlock that passion, you unleash all the positive energy you need to be the best teacher that you can be. That energy is contagious – and your students feel it too.
Now how do you determine who aligns best with your values? Do your research. Who are their alumni, and where are they teaching? What does the company stand for and how do they present this to the world? (Instagram is a great place to start.) What are they known for? While we can’t speak on behalf of our competitors, we can tell you about the values of Barre Body. We celebrate every body. The magic of the individual. The beauty in diversity. And this love extends from the way we approach our clients, right through to the way we teach our instructors. We don’t produce cookie cutter graduates. We encourage you to do the work. To discover who you are and how you can bring your own teaching brilliance to your classes. Because at the end of the day, this is what will have clients coming back for more, time and time again.
With Barre Body Teacher Training, we also focus on what we know best – which is creating extraordinary experiences for clients. Having opened successful studios for over a decade, we know what it takes to create life-changing classes and to create a multi-million dollar business in the process. What’s more, we know what type of instructors we look to hire. And that’s precisely what we teach in our Pilates Teacher Training programs. Because we don’t just want you to walk out with a repertoire of anatomical terms and a few class plans (although that certainly does come into the mix) – we want you to graduate as a highly employable Pilates instructor, ready to teach incredible classes, immediately.
Finally, we pride ourselves on the support we provide our teacher trainees. We don’t send you off with a manual and hope for the best. We’re by your side, every step of the way. With our thriving Facebook community, our master trainers who are available around the clock, and our weekly online group mentoring sessions, we make sure you’re supported and feeling the love, both during your course and far beyond your graduation. Because once you’re part of the Barre Body family, you’re in it for life.
Of course, our approach isn’t for everyone, and there is nothing wrong with that. So do your due diligence, and discover the provider who best resonates with you, and the you you’re about to become.
How much is a Pilates Teacher Training course?
The cost of a Teacher Training program varies greatly. With Barre Body, you have plenty of options! From learning online, to learning in-person, and with plenty of payment plans to support you along the way, we can find an option that works for your life and your budget.
How long does it take to become a Pilates instructor?
Again, depending on the way you want to study, there is an option for everyone. You may want to learn online over six months, or you may want to be immersed for 7 days (how’s that for a quick career change!). While you’ll need to log practice teaching hours and submit an assessment before officially being released to the world as a Pilates instructor, some of our most diligent and motivated trainees have done this in less than three months.
Take a peek inside our course
How hard is it to get a job as a Pilates instructor?
Becoming an in-demand Barre or Pilates instructor isn’t about sending out a beautiful CV. More often than not, it’s about relationships. When you undertook your participation and observation classes, did you meet studio managers and owners? Did you make a lasting impression which will see you added to their roster? Is there a senior member of the team who will be willing to mentor you throughout your teaching journey, and who could help you land a spot on the schedule?
Regardless of whether you’re going out on your own or if you’re starting up a studio from scratch, it’s time to get to work.
First up, do you need a business plan? Or simply a plan of attack? You’ll want to get clear on your vision – what are your big hopes and dreams? What do you want to achieve and be in the marketplace/world? What are your values? Then, think about your opportunity. What magic will you bring to your customers in a way that no one else can (lucky – this is what we uncover in your course!).
With Barre Body Teacher Training, we run a full schedule of webinars and add-on trainings for our trainees and graduates on all things career focused. Some months, we focus on how to create a thriving community in your studio. Other months, we’ll bring in our marketing team to talk about how to win at social media.
So you know that when you undertake a training with Barre Body, you’ll have a team of professionals, experts, peers and friends by your side. Ready to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to achieve your dreams, with a good dose of cheering you on from the sidelines.
We can’t wait to be by your side as you soar.
Let’s hear from what one of our trainees had to say!
Where could a Pilates career take me?
You know what we like to say? The sky is the limit. But if you’re looking for a little more direction, we invite you to explore our Career Pathways. Whether you choose to add a Reformer Pilates Teacher Training to your repertoire, or add Barre to your belt, you’re in good hands. Becoming an in-demand teacher, an advanced practitioner or perhaps even opening your own studio … We’re here to help you make it happen.