Pilates Teacher

Job Description:

Pilates teachers help clients change and improve their body strength and posture through breathing, stretching and conditioning exercises.

Job Category:
Culture, Media & Sport

What you will do:

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • work with clients, either one-to-one or in groups
  • design exercise routines that suit the needs and abilities of each client
  • teach exercises which are done on a mat, or using specialist equipment
  • break down exercises and help clients to establish good movement skills using exercises to target problem areas
  • keep detailed client records
  • maintain your own level of fitness through regular practice
  • teach clients to handle stress and to relax more easily
  • seek new clients or venues
  • advertise and market your classes

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • knowledge of preparing and teaching pilates exercise sessions
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

  • safely instruct & motivate clients
  • identify clients needs and objectives
  • the ability to work on your own (drive)
  • leadership skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things (creative skills)
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • be able to manage feedback
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become a Pilates teacher, there are no specific subjects that are mandatory. However, pursuing a career in Pilates instruction involves completing specialised training and certification programs. While your subjects may not be directly related, having a well-rounded education can be beneficial. Here are some subjects and skills that can indirectly support a career as a Pilates teacher:

  1. Physical Education (PE): PE can provide you with a foundational understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and fitness principles, which are relevant to Pilates instruction.
  2. Biology: A background in biology can be helpful for understanding the body’s musculoskeletal system, which is crucial for teaching Pilates effectively.
  3. Psychology: Pilates often incorporates mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and an understanding of psychology can help you connect with clients on a holistic level.
  4. Mathematics: Basic math skills may be useful for scheduling classes, managing finances if you run your own Pilates studio, and tracking clients’ progress.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • specialist courses run by private training organisations

College

You could do a course. In the UK, for example. courses include a Diploma in Mat Pilates or Diploma in Teaching Pilates.

It may be useful if you have a background in teaching exercise.

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing one of the following apprenticeships;

  • Leisure team member
  • Personal trainer

Following further training, you could then move into pilates teaching.

Other Routes

You can train as a teacher by doing pilates courses with a specialist training provider or a professional body.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 32-34 hours of work. You could be required to work as a contractor/be self-employed managing your own hours.

You could work at a fitness centre or in a creative studio. Your working environment may be physically active.

Career Path & Progression:

You could find work in private health studios, commercial or council leisure centres to teach group classes. You could also find work as a private tutor, working in clients’ homes.

You could work with health professionals, like physiotherapists, to help athletes or dancers with rehabilitation following injury.

You could also specialise in antenatal pilates (for pregnant women), pilates for lower back pain, or pilates for older adults.