This question was sent and responded to through email, but we thought others might be interested!
Hello:
I am considering a career in pilates. I am wondering if I could get some advice about what it’s like to teach pilates on a regular basis? What can I expect? What are the rewards? What are the limitations or disadvantages? I look forward to hearing from you!
Hi,
I have taught as a full-time STOTT PILATES® Instructor since 1999, and I have enjoyed it immensely. I began teaching pilates after a long career in dance, and I have loved being able to share my knowledge and love of movement with others; My STOTT PILATES training has provided me with great tools for communicating and teaching others how to move better and enjoy their own bodies.
I think there are numerous benefits to teaching Pilates. First, I am glad that my pilates profession has a positive impact on others, and I believe this is one of the biggest rewards of teaching. Nothing makes me feel better than when a student tells me that they feel better, have less pain or that they can move more easily. It makes my day when a student has a breakthrough in their learning; they experience a big “ahaa” moment, and, all of a sudden, something that they have never understood makes perfect, crystal- clear sense and their body moves more efficiently!
I also prefer that I can set me own work schedule and earn enough money to teach only part-time hours. I am currently working on a bachelors degree, and I don’t think I would have had the time to do this if I were working a full-time, standard forty hours per week. Teaching pilates gives me more flexibility, not only in my limbs, but also in my schedule to do other things (running a business is a different story!) Likewise, I guess some people may find it difficult to be self-employed or concerning that they may have low points in their work schedules, but I prefer the variety and independence that pilates teaching provides.
Finally, I never get bored with Pilates. It seems like there is always something new to learn. Whether it’s learning a new exercise or discovering how to work more effectively with a student, I think that the human organism is endlessly complicated and, therefore, so is teaching an exercise system such as Pilates.
Thanks for asking your question. Just writing about it has made me appreciate my career even more! I look forward to reading other people say.
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I love your blog! It’s a great way for people ( clients and teachers alike) to get feedback and see how truly supportive all of you are. I have not had a chance to work with you (Melanie) yet but, I hear so many wonderful things about you. Thanks for all of the wonderful things you do and keep on blogging
Dan
Dan,
Thanks for your blog comments; we appreciate the support. I look forward to seeing you in future courses too! You’ll get to work with Melanie in the Injuries and Specials Populations course (I think you are taking that in the near future).
Hope things are going well with Studio Blue.
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
I love your blog. You must be such a nice teacher & instructor. I totally agreed with you. Nothing makes me feel better than a student or client tell me that they feel better or move with pain free. I love teaching pilates because it seems the learning is endless. I wish I could meet you one day and learn from you.
Great work and thanks for all your effort on blogging.
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