What is the next step?

For many Pilates instructors the next step after they receive their teaching diploma is pretty linear, they begin their career either teaching at a studio or at a gym. Yes, you read it correctly “career”. Pilates education is a vocation that can lead to a very rewarding career; a career that is only limited by your own creativity.

Outside of the linear examples, there are many other opportunities.

Pilates instructors are uniquely trained as neuromuscular re-educators. Every session is examining how a person moves through an exercise and how to improve it. With this training, graduates can work closely with physio-therapists, Physical therapists and chiropractors to name a few. With the cross pattern exercises taught in Pilates, it can provide benefits for people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s for example. Instructors may set up training programs for armed services not only after they serve, as with the “Wounded Warriors Project”, but during their time of service. The heavy gear those that serve carry requires substantial strength but even more core stability.

Maybe your first career was in business and or management, your skills will be appreciated in managing a studio or business. One can even provide education to Pilates professionals for starting and running a business. If I use myself as an example, my first degree is in Business Computer Information Systems. With this degree, it helped me to play integral parts in working with software and web designers on the needs of a Pilates business as well as business management skills. Did I think that I would need this as a Pilates teacher, not really, but it has proven to be invaluable as the world becomes more dependent on more platforms for scheduling and accounting. Someone with a business background, may have experience in grant writing to help with funding or just writing in general. Maybe you have a love for research and could work to for a company to provide research on the benefits of Pilates or creating statistics. Human Resource training is another venue for opportunities in the industry. As Pilates is a unique business model but still must follow state and federal guidelines for employment and independent contractor laws. Let’s not forget about diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

Pilates is lacking advocates for legislation. How can we as an industry expect legislation to represent us when many do not even understand what Pilates is? This is an untapped opportunity in the Pilates industry that could provide long- term benefits.

As you can see opportunities in the Pilates industry are only limited by your imagination. Combining your passion for Pilates with other skills can open the door for many opportunities.