How to turn your Pilates side hustle into a full-fledged career
Maybe you started teaching Pilates as a side gig—an outlet for your passion, a way to bring balance to your busy life, or simply for a little extra cash in your pocket. But now, it’s become so much more than that. The satisfaction of helping people move better. The flexibility of designing your own schedule. The sheer joy of Pilates. We get it — you’re hooked!
Here’s the good news: even if you’re shaking in your active wear right now, with the right mindset and strategies, you can feel immense confidence…even if it’s your very first day teaching.
Take it from our founder, Emma Seibold, and our head of Teacher Training, Liana Brady — they’ve got the tips to help you shine as a new instructor. You’ve probably even been thinking: could this become my full-time career? Heck yeah it can. Here are nine tips to help you make the transition from part-time Pilates instructor to building a thriving, full-time career in the Pilates world.
1. Expand your teaching toolkit
One of the quickest ways to turn your side hustle into a full-fledged career is by expanding the variety of classes you’re qualified to teach (and this the amount of clientele you can cater to). If you’re currently a Mat Pilates instructor, consider getting certified in other modalities like Reformer Pilates, Barre, or Strength training.
The more versatile you are, the more classes you can teach, and the more doors you’ll open. You’ll be able to start teaching more group classes, cover different styles, and even sub in at various studios. The studio is your oyster!
2. Invest in on-going education
Pilates, like any industry, evolves. Staying on top of trends and expanding your expertise through workshops, short courses, and specialised certifications can set you apart from the competition. Take your side hustle to the next level by specialising in areas like prenatal and postnatal Pilates, injury rehab, or advanced Pilates techniques. This positions you as an expert, enabling you to charge more for private sessions, run specialised workshops, and take on more diverse clientele.
Looking for your next course? We’ve got a buffet of innovative in-person, online, and short courses you can choose from that will keep you growing as a teacher. We’ve also developed a dedicated portal called TLC, designed to provide you with ongoing education and empowerment (plus access to a community of likeminded teachers.)
3. Diversify your clientele
While group classes are a fantastic foundation, they can come with a ceiling on what you can earn per hour. Offering semi-private or private sessions is a great way to increase your income and build up your client base. Many clients prefer a more tailored experience, especially if they have injuries or specific fitness goals. With privates, you can focus on helping your clients in a more targeted way, which not only enhances their progress but also builds stronger loyalty.
Not only does this increase your hourly rate, but it also deepens your relationship with clients — making you their go-to Pilates expert.
4. Build your reputation and network
Once you’ve got the skills, you can start building your reputation within the Pilates community. This is where networking becomes necessary — Attend retreats, workshops, and industry events. You can even start getting active on socials, sharing your knowledge and expertise with your followers. Oh the places you’ll go (with a strong WIFI connection). With a solid reputation and following, you might even be invited to teach at retreats or run your own.
Disclaimer: we get it. Putting yourself out there can be scary. But start small, dipping your toes in until you start feeling more comfortable. Then when you’re ready to dive straight in, you’ll have done all the legwork and developed a supportive crew to help you float. (Ok, that’s enough swimming metaphors.)
5. Go Online: Teach Classes on Platforms or Create Your Own
We’ve all seen how the fitness world exploded online, and Pilates is no different. Teaching online classes can supplement your in-person teaching schedule and allow you to reach clients globally. You could teach for an existing platform or create your own program, whether through live Zoom sessions or pre-recorded content.
These days, it’s never been easier to set up your own app with pre-existing solutions and platforms that you can personalise for your brand. Platforms like Uscreen or Kajabi make it simple to create a professional app, allowing you to offer on-demand classes, memberships, or specialised programs that align with your unique teaching style. This flexibility lets you run your own digital studio and reach clients from anywhere.
Not only does going online offer more flexibility, but it’s also a great way to build passive income streams through pre-recorded courses, workshops, and membership models.
6. Explore Studio Management or Head Teacher Roles
If you’re ready to take on more responsibility, consider moving into a studio management or head teacher role. As a manager, you’ll handle day-to-day operations, mentor newer instructors, and build your leadership skills. These roles often come with a steady paycheck, giving you more stability as you grow in your Pilates career.
Plus, taking on a leadership role can open up more opportunities down the line—such as becoming a partner in the business or eventually opening your own studio.
7. Become a Teacher Trainer
Once you’ve gathered years of teaching experience, the next natural step could be to train the next generation of Pilates instructors. Becoming a teacher trainer is a rewarding way to share your knowledge and expand your impact. You could partner with an existing training program or develop your own teacher training curriculum.
This role not only enhances your credibility within the industry but can also diversify your income as you move from purely teaching clients to teaching other instructors.
8. Open Your Own Studio
If you’ve been dreaming of more autonomy and control over your career, opening your own Pilates studio could be the ultimate goal. While it requires an initial investment, the long-term benefits can be substantial. You get to shape your own brand, create a loyal client base, and establish your studio as a community hub.
Many instructors start small, offering classes in rented spaces or home studios, and grow from there. The beauty of owning your own studio is the freedom to create the Pilates experience you’ve always envisioned.
9. Collaborate and Build Partnerships
Building strong relationships within the wellness and fitness community can help elevate your career. Consider partnering with other professionals like physiotherapists, nutritionists, or yoga instructors to offer holistic packages. This could involve co-hosting workshops, collaborating on retreats, or referring clients to each other.
Collaborations can not only help you grow your client base but also open the door to exciting new projects and revenue streams.
Your Passion, Your Career
Transitioning from a part-time Pilates instructor to a full-time career is absolutely achievable with the right mindset and strategy. The key is to continually evolve, expand your knowledge, and seek out opportunities that align with your strengths. Whether it’s adding new skills, building your client base, or stepping into a leadership role, the world of Pilates offers endless possibilities for growth.
Remember, what started as a side hustle can transform into a fulfilling, thriving career—you just need to take that leap!
Explore our courses and programs to find the perfect fit for you.
