Things I’ve Learned From Teaching Pilates Teachers

I’ve been teaching Pilates for 20 years now, and teaching Pilates teachers for 12. To be able to teach Pilates to teacher trainees, I have to have a lot of knowledge about the history, the method, and the “why” behind the “how”. The funny thing is, is how much more I’ve learned from teaching how to teach! It’s definitely added a new layer to my knowledge, which makes me happy as someone who likes to learn new things. Here are some of my biggest takeaways from teaching Pilates teachers. 

We All Start From the Beginning

Starting something new can be daunting, and there is no way to know everything you don’t know yet. I try to keep this in mind, because when I started teaching my first Pilates class at the gym I worked at… I wasn’t truly teaching Pilates. I had many years as a fitness instructor behind me, and my supervisor asked me to take over the Pilates class. I recognized that Pilates has specific exercises, much like yoga does, and that’s what I thought I was teaching – exercises. I had no idea yet that it was a system of movement and I had never even set foot in a Pilates studio. As I started to learn more about the Pilates method, I had many “ah ha!” moments, and I see this in my teacher trainees as well. 

It’s Exciting… And Overwhelming

It’s normal to have big feelings about training to become a Pilates teacher! It’s exciting but also can feel like a lot. There is a whole new routine to fit into your life of coming to lectures, doing homework, and practicing teaching. For a full comprehensive training program, you are going to be doing 450 to 1000 hours of training depending on the program you enroll in. Some courses spread out the lectures while others do them all at the start. 

I’ve found that the lectures and homework aren’t the biggest challenges for the trainees, though. It’s actually all the hours they need to put in at the studio. You need to attend your own Pilates classes, observe classes, practice teaching, and spend time on your own practicing, much like a baseball player hits the batting cages. 

There Are Many Layers to Learning

You learn in many ways, from reading, listening, watching, and doing. All of these will help you to know the Pilates exercises and order inside out, which is the first step in understanding the system of Pilates. So, at first you will learn the parts of Pilates (the exercises, the set up of the equipment, the main muscles being used, etc.). Our Teacher Training Program starts you with the foundations before we add on. 

From the start, I advise trainees to start teaching a friend, family member, or partner, and to start them with the foundations, too. Ideally, they can continue teaching their “client” throughout their own teacher training, building on as they are learning. Teaching is another way to learn, too!

Studio Practice is a Must

I’ve learned that once trainees are starting to learn the apparatus work, it becomes a bigger challenge for them to do the self practice that is required. The mat work is easy to do at home, but you need access to a studio to practice on the apparatuses. Some training programs require you to rent the studio to get in your practice hours. This can be a good thing, because it makes you commit to a time. The more you practice, the more Pilates will become second nature to you. Many high-level athletes go in before practice to practice. These are some of the best athletes.  

Observation Hours Matter

Sometimes teacher trainees don’t see the point in observing Pilates classes, or that once they know an exercise, they don’t need to learn it again. Both are actually very important! Observing classes helps you to see the reality of what happens in a studio, rather than practicing with other trainees who likely can move very well. You’ll see clients with injuries, limitations, poor body awareness, and all sorts of personality and learning types. A good Pilates teacher needs to have strategies to work with all sorts of clients. 

You Need to Know Pilates First

It may seem like common sense, but it’s important to be at an intermediate level in Pilates before you take a teacher training program. You should also have trained at the studio or with your teacher before you join their program. This is so you are comfortable and ready to learn how to teach and build on the knowledge you already have. 

Knowing Pilates will also help you to spot a good training program, as there are no curriculum guidelines (unless you want to write the National Pilates Certification exam). That means there are short programs that teach only the exercises, and exclude the method and history of Pilates. When Joseph Pilates designed his method, he designed the apparatuses to support clients where they needed it, so it’s essential to understand how it all works together. Pilates is much more than just an order of exercises, and once you understand this within your own body, you can better teach it to your clients. 

The Biggest Lesson I’ve Learned From Teaching Pilates Teachers

As someone learning to become a Pilates teacher, it can certainly seem like all you do is eat, breathe, and sleep Pilates. That’s how it should be! If you’re planning on turning teaching Pilates into a career, immersing yourself in your learning and the community is essential. Which leads me to the most important thing I’ve learned – don’t procrastinate! It may seem like you have a lot of time, but those hours will catch up to you if you don’t embed Pilates into your regular life. And, at the end of your program, you should be able to transition smoothly from learning to teaching, where – you guessed it – you’ll keep learning more!