Being a Pilates instructor offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle – flexibility, freedom, creativity, fun, growth, all while you are helping clients become healthier, stronger, and happier versions of themselves.
Body Athletica was created to facilitate and provide ongoing support to anyone wanting to kickstart or upskill their career in the Pilates industry. We teach Pilates courses around the world and as a result we have strong relationships with studio owners who provided us with feedback around the top 5 qualities they look for when hiring new instructors.
So here it is from around the world we believe there are 5 qualities that all instructors should have which will enable them to be an outstanding instructor.
Top 5 Qualities Pilates instructors should have:
1. Authenticity (whatever your vibe) | Your authentic self is your best version so of course you should bring this to your Pilates teaching style. The clients coming to your classes are unique; different personalities, backgrounds, and reasons for coming to Pilates.
Because of this don’t feel you need to ‘put on an act’ and be someone you’re not. All Pilates instructors have their own style and this is the beauty of Pilates. If you have a quieter more introverted personality, bring that calm and flow to your teaching style. If you are the loud energetic person, bring that energy and lift up your class. Being you will make you a great instructor, we promise.
2. The ability to inspire clients | Clients come to Pilates for many different reasons and all with different goals. This could anything from strength, flexibility, general movement, injury rehabilitation, socialising, or overall wellness. Regardless of their reason you will excel as an instructor if you could facilitate them achieving these goals. Over time you should build relationships with your clients, so you understand their goals and be the motivation they need to keep working towards their goals.
3. Care for people | You need to have genuine care for your clients and aim to make their hour of Pilates a happy and positive experience. You want them leaving your class feeling energised. Small aspects like remembering and using first names and making an effort to check in with each client and genuinely ask how they are going a long way. Are you someone likely to prioritise the small things?
4. Creativity and ability to critically think | Having a creative side will allow you to be innovative with your programming. Once you master your foundation skills the variations for Pilates are endless so creativity will enable you to program new and exciting classes. The ability to critically think will allow you to easily think on the spot if clients need modifications, a skill clients appreciate greatly. Don’t be put off if both these skills don’t come natural to you. They also develop with time and teaching experience.
5. Love of Pilates | This one is a given. If you have love and passion for Pilates this will come across in your enthusiasm as an instructor. You must believe what you are teaching is effective and worth it for your clients. If you love it, they will love it.
And there you have it – 5 qualities that make great instructors. If you’ve been thinking about starting your Pilates career and have these then use this as your calling card!
For more details about Body Athletica’s Training Courses click here.
