Things I Wish I’d Known Before Starting Pilates Teacher Training

Have you been thinking about becoming a Pilates teacher? I run a Pilates teacher training program once a year, and this year I’ve had lots of questions! Everything from “can I start today?” to “can I learn only the reformer?” There are lots of options out there, so I think it’s great that people are seeking a program that fits what they want. When I look back to when I did my own training, though, there are certainly some things I wish I’d known before starting a comprehensive program.

You Need to Do Pilates 

Before starting my comprehensive Pilates training, I already had a relationship with my teacher. I’d done a Pilates for Fitness mat training with her, and she had invited me to be a student to her other teacher trainees previously. However, had very little (if any) practice on the different apparatuses. In some cases, I was learning the exercises for the first time while learning to teach them! I had the advantage of having many years teaching fitness, but I wish I’d done more Pilates before learning to teach it. 

You should also practice Pilates at the studio where you plan on doing your training. Not only does this help you decide if it’s the right place for you, but many programs require you to do an assessment. You really need a good 50 to 75 hours of lessons accumulated before and during your training. Doing Pilates at the studio will help you be ready.

It’s a Big Commitment

I’d done lots of fitness training before doing comprehensive Pilates teacher training, and there is a big difference in the commitment. The lecture hours where you spend time with the teacher learning is only the beginning. Once you leave, you need to embody the work – practice the exercises, study them, and know the set up of the equipment. The program I was in required self-practice, observation hours, lectures, and hours spent practicing teaching. 

There was a lot of time involved. I had 3 elementary school aged daughters, my husband travelled a lot for work, and the studio I trained at was 45 minutes to an hour away. It was a lot, and there were definitely days that I was tired and very low energy.

I Don’t Regret It

When I did my comprehensive training, there weren’t too many options out there. I took it because that’s what there was. But I definitely don’t regret it! The training helped me understand the system of Pilates and all of the apparatuses. I came away with so many ways to help my clients compared to if I’d only done mat or reformer training. Comprehensive training will give you all the skills you need to work in studios everywhere, from a gym, to a reformer studio, to a fully equipped Pilates studio. 

What Teaching is Really Like

Learning to teach Pilates is a big commitment, but it’s very satisfying to help people feel and move better. It can also be easy to burn out. Teaching 40 hours a week is possible but not sustainable. It also can take time to build your client base and reputation. I was lucky to be in a position where I could teach part time. Once I opened my own studio, I could schedule teaching around my family. And, as our daughters got older and more independent, I could dive in more full time. 

Continuing your Pilates education is also very important. I do trainings every year, which keeps me motivated and makes me a better teacher. When the time was right and I knew I had the skills, knowledge, and experience, I started training new teachers myself. I also added Pilates workshops to my offerings. Having a variety of income streams and things that I do helps me to avoid the burn out that can happen from just teaching classes hours on end. For me, teaching 20 hours on top of running my business feels right for me. 

I Love Teaching

Teaching Pilates is great. I love it! But will you? Do your research. Try classes at the studio you want to train at. Be patient, and be prepared to be committed and busy for a good year or so with your training.