Many industries have a clear path of progression, goal posts outlined from the get-go, giving workers an idea of where they can take their career if they desire to.

Within the Pilates industry, the opportunities to create a rich and layered career come in all different shapes and sizes and may not be something most teachers can see upon entering the industry.

On the surface, working as a Pilates teacher might be seen as taking back-to-back group classes, with options to take on morning or night classes, and even work a 9-5 in and around your shifts. For a handful of people, the aim is to make up a full-time schedule of Pilates classes so they can work solely in the Pilates industry. Whilst this seems like a fair and reasonable goal, what is often not acknowledged is the physical and mental load of taking on 38 hours of teaching per week and how long-term, it isn’t sustainable.

When teaching a Pilates class, you are required to be motivating, present, and physically ready.

“ON”.

For 38 hours a week.

This energy output becomes incredibly taxing physically and mentally.

Instructor care shouldn’t be put on the back burner and how are we expected to show up for our clients should become a priority, if we aren’t showing up for ourselves?

So how do we avoid burnout?

How can we create a sustainable career for ourselves in an industry that requires a lot from us physically, mentally and psychologically?

Below are a few different ways you can create a more sustainable career in the Pilates industry by giving yourself more options, more variety and more challenge so you can continue to thrive.

 

Engaging in professional development

Many industries require a set number of hours of PD to be completed each year to ensure workers stay up-to-date with the most recent studies and continue to learn from mentors and leaders in the industry. For Pilates teachers, you may not have these requirements unless you’re part of a registered Industry Peak Body. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t or can’t engage in PD of your own choosing.

We need PD to expand our knowledge, increase our skillsets in order to specialise in a chosen area, open up increased opportunities for employment and work with a larger scope of people.

With so many options in ‘online’ education, the opportunities to enrol in short courses, workshops and masterclasses is a plenty and keep your inspiration fresh, provide new perspective and help to take your career as a teacher to the next level.

“As you grow in your career, remember no one is born brilliant at their job. Every successful person has been learning and working at their skills for a long time — taking advantage of professional development opportunities over the entirety of their career.” (1)

 

Engaging in consistent self-practice

As Pilates teachers, sometimes it can be hard to schedule the time to complete your own Pilates practice. Between shifts, class planning and life admin.  Taking yourself to a class, can be, the last thing on your mind.

It is important as teachers that we are constantly curious and interested in developing our own ability related to self-mastery and learning from others. Taking in different perspectives and applying what we have learnt in our own teaching and instructing.

If we don’t step outside our own ‘bubble’, it can be isolating, and inspiration can run dry. Consistently challenging our minds and bodies by attending classes and allowing ourselves to learn from others helps to keep things fresh, exciting and interesting.

“My personal practice, for one, keeps me inspired to teach the work because I feel how it continuously affects and benefits my body. My practice helps me have good intuition when working with clients. It keeps fresh in my mind how the exercises probably feel in their body…” (2)

 

Upskilling to a Diploma

An excellent way to keep yourself challenged, avoid complacency and thrive within your role as a Pilates teacher is to upskill. Studying a Diploma not only expands your knowledge of the human body and the Pilates method but opens the range of people you are qualified to work with, as well as the environment in which you can work. Obtaining a Diploma opens the doors for teachers to;

  • Learn repertoire on the Cadillac, Wunda Chair & Barrels
  • Complete static and dynamic postural assessments
  • Work 1:1 with clients to put together a Pilates program that is tailored to the needs and goals
  • Work within a 4:1 studio Pilates setting
  • Work with individuals with low-risk conditions and have the critical thinking skills and knowledge to work with them safely
  • Collaborate with allied health professionals
  • Sustainable future
  • Financial stability

The type of work you encounter within the above means there is a constant presence of challenge within your work, and without challenge – we can’t grow. As well the opportunity to engage in more challenging work, upskilling to a Diploma creates the possibility of more balanced working hours and a higher pay rate.

“The bottom line: upskilling shouldn’t just be a one-time event but a career-long journey.” (3)

 

Create business opportunities for yourself

Whether it be putting together a workshop/masterclass or opening your own studio, an important skill to have within the Pilates industry is the willingness to put yourself out there and create opportunities for yourself.

Do you have an area of expertise that you’re passionate about sharing with others?

Put together a workshop.

Like the idea of mixing Pilates and pleasure?

Create a social event that combines your two passions.

Have you always wanted to create a space of your own where you can teach and educate others on Pilates?                                                                                                

Open your own studio.

Whilst these things take time and effort and may seem scary, being proactive and leaning into your ideas pushes you out of your comfort zone and gives you the space to grow. Whilst there’s a certain amount of risk involved

  • What if no one books?                                                                                                              
  • What if only two people show up?                                                                                        
  • What if I don’t make any money?                                                                                                  

; the lessons learned, and the resilience gained from these experiences teach us lifelong skills that can be applied in and outside the Pilates studio. Backing yourself and persevering in the face of challenges never made us any worse off.

A good place to start with your ideas is by working within a studio that allows different concepts and events to be presented, and there is a follow-through with how to bring your ideas to life. Whether in the form of a ‘pop-up’ class or workshop or the chance to take on some extra roles at the studio outside of teaching. Being forthcoming with your ideas is always a sign of a good work ethic and the eagerness to grow.

“…Our careers are probably one of the largest contributors to life satisfaction, which is why taking an active approach to managing your career is so important.” (4)

 

Get involved with a training organisation and inspire upcoming teachers.

Has teaching and educating others in an area you’re passionate about always excited you? Well, there’s no reason you can’t do that in the Pilates industry!

Getting involved and connecting with a Pilates Teacher Training organisation that aligns with your philosophy and knowledge could open doors to working with them.

You may be wondering – well what exactly does that look like?

Many ‘online’, and ‘face-to-face/in person’ courses give you six months to complete your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, equipping you with the skills to educate and assess adults within a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Being involved in the Training and Assessment process allows you to share your knowledge and experience with those who are just at the beginning of their Pilates journey and opens up a whole new area of your brain that challenges you to present information that supports learning. You’re not just teaching people Pilates; you’re teaching people how to teach and instruct the Pilates Method. A very ‘niche’ and rewarding experience.

“Everyone has something valuable to share, and anyone can teach other people something of value. You may not believe that you have something to offer others, but you do.” (5)

 

Next time you find yourself at a crossroads in your Pilates career, particularly if you’ve reached the point of burnout, remember that there are more options than to pivot careers completely.

Remind yourself that you are in charge of your path forward. And you have a choice. Maybe it’s time for a renewal, a reassessment of your values, or to get flexible and see what sparks your interest. The opportunities are endless; you just have to be willing to look for them.

“Researchers describe a sustainable career as one that is aligned with your interests, strengths, and values, and offers ongoing learning and renewal.” (6)

Does studying a Diploma with NPT sound like the right next step in your career?

Book a call with Director of Training, Katrina Edwards and learn about our upcoming intakes!

 

An Article by Cecily Hemphill

Dip. Professional Pilates Instruction

Owner of NPT Affiliate Studio- Alive Pilates Studio, Greensborough

Faculty Educator – National Pilates Training

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