One of the most exciting aspects of the work I do is to see people transform as they turn their love for movement into careers as Pilates teachers. Common questions I hear from prospective teacher training students are “who can do the Pilates teacher training?” or“I love this work, but I not a dancer or anything like that. Could I still become a teacher?” The answer to these questions is that anyone with a true interest in movement and a dedication to learning can do the training.
Back when I did my Pilates training to become a teacher, it was true that almost all of us were dancers. It was natural for a population with so much movement experience – and so many injuries- to have a drive and interest in pursuing careers in Pilates. But over the years what I have seen is that as Pilates training has become more mainstream and available to a wider population it is important to have trainers who also come from diverse backgrounds.
Often a client will look at a dancer and say “sure, that’s easy for you to do, you’re a dancer!”, but if the trainer is a 60-something non-dancer who simply followed a passion for moving and feeling good, that trainer can be a great inspiration to clients who may otherwise be intimidated by Pilates training.
Another group of people who do really well transitioning to careers teaching Pilates are moms. The flexibility of scheduling and the ability to make a nice bit of money in just a few hours a day, a few times a week, can be very appealing to a former stay at home mom, or a mom wanting to transition to a career that allows more time for family. I’ve seen women set up studios in their homes, work part-time at established studios or gyms, or get really creative in working teaching Pilates into their lives.
Of course dancers still make great teachers and tend to take very naturally to the work. Teaching Pilates can be a great way to support a career in dance, or to keep involved in movement after a dance career.
In fact anyone, male or female, who has an interest in the movement, a good work ethic, and who craves the independence and flexibility of teaching private sessions or group classes would be a great candidate for teacher training.
The STOTT PILATES Instructor Training program is a great way to start off a career in movement. Recognized and highly regarded internationally, a certification in STOTT PILATES opens broad opportunities for teaching.
As an Instructor Trainer I have great confidence that the STOTT training program equips new teachers with the ability to program safe and effective workouts for different populations and postures, select or create modifications for various body types or limitations, and to teach an inspiring and fun class from which participants will really benefit.
Interested in becoming a Pilates teacher? The Movement Center is hosting the STOTT PILATES Intensive Mat-Plus and Intensive Reformer certification training programs this summer. I’m looking forward to training a new group of Pilates instructors and invite you to contact me directly if you have any questions.
