9 Key Components to Succeed as a Pilates Instructor
Imagine a job that does not require a college degree, where you can set your own schedule, wear yoga pants to work, and make an average of $30-$50/hour. This is the everyday reality of Pilates instructors. But In order to flourish as a Pilates instructor, it takes much more than just knowing the Pilates exercises. Having owned a large Pilates studio for over 20 years and trained thousands of instructors, here is an inside look at what it takes to succeed as a Pilates instructor.
Of course, it will be assumed that a Pilates instructor will know all the Pilates exercises which would include knowing the set-up, modifications/variations, contraindications, safety issues and etc. This would be the very minimum basic knowledge base. Beyond that, these are the qualities that will not only help instructors get a job but help them to grow their client base and retain clients for life. When you have these qualities and skills, clients will come flocking.
- Verbal Skills
As a Pilates instructor, the most important skill will be your verbal acuity. The better the Pilates instructor, the more concise and accurate their instructions will be. They will be able to prioritize their cues and not leave clients hanging in uncomfortable or difficult positions. They will be able to convey the depth of the exercise with clear imagery. They will add meaning to the client’s understanding of what the exercise will do for them and how Pilates works without having long pauses between exercises. They will not count on the client because they have too much amazing information to impart that they wouldn’t want to waste time with numbers that convey nothing. They will be able to manage multiple clients at the same time by leveling the exercises to give each a custom workout simultaneously. They will be able to do all of this without demonstrating anything.
