Since I’ve been teaching pilates for several years, I decided to take some time to review the lessons I learned my first year teaching. What did I learn that first year that has stayed with me? What information or advice could I pass on to other new teachers? What do I wish I knew then that I know now? What advice did I receive in that first year that changed how I taught or conducted myself as a teacher? What is the reality of income as a pilates teacher? What did I think of my certification course after the fact?

Let’s start with certification. First of all, take pilates at as many different studios for as long as possible before you pursue certification, especially if you aren’t a dancer or other body movement professional. You will be able to see first hand what the different methods/schools teach and really understand where you will fit the best. Also, the certification centers tend to be studios, so take classes from the person who teaches the certification and take their advice seriously if you ask them about getting certified. If you want to know more about preparing to take a pilates certification course, comment below and I will contact you.

The second thing I learned my first year is to pick that first studio you work in very carefully. Interview the studio and owner just as they are interviewing you. Talk to their instructors/past instructors, ask current/past clients, ask other professionals in the area. You will probably get some negatives here and there, but you will have to edit and form your own opinion. Also, be aware that many studios like to hire new instructors, so they can pay them less than more experienced instructors. That’s pretty normal, no matter where you go. If you end up working in a studio with lots of great teachers, the payoff in knowledge is great!

Third, don’t spread yourself too thin. Work at one place, maybe two at the most and try to schedule them on different days. At one point during my first year I worked at three places — all at least 25 minutes from the other. Not only was I eating up my money in gas, but I was burning out quickly! Look at what each place is giving you in terms of money, challenging/learning environment, and opportunity to grow your business.

Article Author: asamoilov

Anne is a pilates instructor, health/wellness writer, and mother of one living in Los Angeles. She spends her time teaching, reading, writing, and looking for new resources to keep herself and her family healthy.

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