A step-by-step guide to becoming a certified Pilates fitness instructor

A step-by-step guide to becoming a certified Pilates fitness instructor

According to a Report 2021 published by Research Dive, the global Pilates and yoga studio market is expected to generate revenue of $269,301.8 million between 2021 and 2028 - growing from $127,698.8 million in 2020 (a healthy 10% compound annual growth rate).

Now if you are interested in pursuing a career in this fast growing industry than Certified Pilates fitness trainer read this article.

Here we cover everything you need to know about becoming a Pilates instructor – including important considerations (e.g. personality and finances), what to look for in a good certification program, and valuable tips on how to evaluate your first paying client.

What is Pilates?

First developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates (a German fitness trainer) for rehabilitation purposes, Pilates is a type of exercise that focuses on improving flexibility, strength and awareness controlled movements.

The most important aspect of Pilates training focuses on core stability through core engagement. Pilates movements are typically functional; Examples include toe taps, leg extensions and abdominal curls.

Unlike some forms of exercise, Pilates can help exercisers achieve strength without increased muscle mass thanks to its functional movement patterns.

Additionally, other benefits exercisers could gain from practicing Pilates include:

Increases flexibility:With its heavy focus on stretching, it only makes sense Research shows the regular practice of Pilates to increase general flexibility - which in turn has many physical benefits. Examples include reduced risk of injury, increased range of motion, and improved balance.
Improves posture:Poor posture, such as rounded shoulders or a forward tilt of the pelvis, typically results muscular imbalances and are made worse by “bad” everyday habits (e.g. hunched over the laptop or cell phone). So the emphasis of Pilates is on proper whole-body alignment, balance of all opposing muscles, and better body awareness could help solve posture problems.
Relieving chronic back pain:Pilates' core-centered movements could help exercisers reap the benefits of a strong core, such as lower back pain relief. Take this Study 2019, for example. Participants with a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions – including non-specific back pain – reported reductions in pain levels after completing a 12-week Pilates program.

Types of Pilates

There are two types of Pilates:

Mat Pilates: A form of Pilates performed on a mat that is just a little thicker than the standard yoga mat (to cushion pressure points). This is the most accessible form of Pilates. Reformer Pilates: A form of Pilates performed on a machine called a reformer – a sliding platform with a stationary foot bar, springs and rollers that provide resistance.

Can't decide between the two? Don't sweat.

The underlying concept for both types of Pilates is the same: the primary focus is on the concept of control rather than rushing through endless repetitions or achieving muscle fatigue.

Still, there is a unique benefit to signing up with a Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification focuses on mat exercises that are worth mentioning. Most gyms and fitness centers offer mat-based classes, meaning you're likely to be in higher demand as a Pilates instructor, meaning you could get started straight away to help clients achieve their personal fitness goals.

That said, let's not get ahead of ourselves. There are a few more things you need to do before taking your first class as a certified Pilates fitness instructor.

#1: Know what it takes to become a Pilates teacher

First things first: think carefully about whether becoming a Pilates instructor is really the right calling for you (before you start a certification program only to realize you don't even like it that much):

Passion for Fitness: Your love of Pilates - and an active lifestyle - will serve as a key motivator for clients, so it's crucial for you to enjoy physical fitness. Social skills: Are you a “people person”? Do you have a friendly nature and strong communication skills? While you don't necessarily have to be the most extroverted person in the room, the idea of ​​guiding people through their workout shouldn't scare you (especially since Pilates is typically done in a group format).
Motivational skills:As a Pilates instructor, you take on the responsibility of helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals. And that typically involves the use ofmotivational interviewing, a technique designed to help clients move through the stages of behavior change in a way that makes most sense for them. So be honest with yourself: would you be interested?

Of course, don't be discouraged if you don't have the soft skills mentioned above (e.g. interpersonal skills and motivational interviewing). You can acquire many of these soft skills by undergoing well-vetted and comprehensive training Pilates Fitness Trainer Certification Program and then practice in the workplace.

The main thing to consider here is whether you would be happy (and find fulfillment) helping clients live healthy, active lives through Pilates.

#2: Choose the right Pilates certification program for you

But with so many programs available, finding “the right one” for you can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Well, here are a few things you can do that will help you in the selection process.

First, decide which area of ​​Pilates you want to specialize in (e.g. mat or reformer). Feel free to dive into a good mix of both types of Pilates classes; These courses can give you a good idea of ​​which specialization you would most like to teach.

Next, think about your target audience as a Pilates instructor (e.g. only women or seniors).

After you've "trimmed" your list of top options, carefully review each certification program to make sure it covers the following essential Pilates topics:

History, Principles, and Evolution of Pilates The stabilizing core muscles used for various exercises Basic Pilates mat exercises for group and individual settings (Note: Mat Pilates exercises serve as “basic knowledge,” regardless of your particular specialization.) How to use Pilates exercises to treat overuse injuries, arthritis, poor posture, back pain, and poor posture. How to determine client readiness for specific Pilates exercises. Effective and professional communication with clients

Finally, consider the following aspects:

Cost: How much does the program cost? Does it offer payment plans that allow you to pay in more manageable installments?
Face-to-face or offline lessons:While in-person classes offer unique advantages over online classes (e.g., encouraging collaborative learning), they are often time-consuming as they require you to allow for additional travel time in addition to the actual class. Therefore, for those who have a full-time job or run a household, finding a time that works consistently throughout the program may prove particularly difficult. 100% online programs – like AFPA’s Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification — allow you to pursue your certification at your own pace and in a way that fits your schedule. Time to Certification: How long would it take you to become certified? Keep in mind that Pilates programs can run anywhere from less than six months to a year, so consider your time availability.

#3: Learn and complete your Pilates certification

Have you found the right certification for you? Then it's time to start studying.

But of course, don’t neglect your Pilates practice! Aside from helping you meet the required apprenticeship hours, continuing to take Pilates classes (be they online or in-person) as you pursue your certification also gives you the opportunity to learn how other instructors coach exercises and build trust and rapport with students.

Oh, and just so you know: AFPAs Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification comes with unlimited, three-month access to over 3,400 Pilates classes and workshops so you can practice what you love and get your required Pilates sessions - all from the comfort of your own home.

#4: Purchase liability insurance

Once you're certified, the first thing you should do is get liability insurance:

Commercial liability insurance (CGL): Protects you from third-party claims for damages. Professional Liability Insurance (PLI): Protects you from claims related to injuries your clients may sustain while training with you.

You may also need to consider purchasing product liability insurance if you work with a reformer or other device (e.g. spinal corrector).

#5: Begin your journey as a Pilates teacher

What happens now that you have received your certification and have all the necessary liability insurance in place? Well, it's time to land your first paying customer! And there are different ways to do this, depending on how you work (and who you work with):

Studios and fitness centers Gyms and health clubs Corporate fitness programs Pilates-focused retreats Vacation resorts Cruise ships Online or in-person one-on-one lessons as a freelance Pilates instructor

Regardless of what you ultimately choose, it is critical for you to maximize your employability by establishing a strong personal brand. You can approach this by asking yourself this question: “Why would a studio or client hire me instead of another Pilates instructor?”

Find a unique way to stand out from the competition. One method would be to create helpful content around Pilates - examples include blog posts, tutorial videos, or evenshort “how-to” social media posts on Instagramor TikTok. Build a reputation as the go-to source for all things Pilates, and your value will be clear to employers and clients.

It's also important to ensure that your employers and clients have a great work experience with you. So it's time to put your certification training to good use and increase customer satisfaction. Remember to be receptive to feedback, stay informedrelevant customer health informationand strive for regular check-in sessions.

#6: Consider upskilling in specialty tracks

Getting your Pilates certification – and becoming your first paying client – ​​isn’t the end of your journey.

Pilates is a diverse field, meaning you have the opportunity to “upgrade” into specialty classes once you have completed your basic training and gained some practical teaching experience.

This specialized knowledge will not only help you stay competitive as a Pilates instructor, but it can also help you earn more. Examples of Pilates specialty tracks include:

Take away

Pilates is undoubtedly a promising field, and becoming a certified Pilates fitness instructor will help you influence others on their journey to wellness.

Of course, it's exciting to try a new career path (or specialty, if you're one). Certified Personal Trainer ), it is important that you consider whether you will enjoy it in the long term. Ultimately, loving what you do plays a huge role in how effective you are as a coach.

References

... more about that in the next part.
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