Here’s what a day in the life of a Pilates instructor really looks like
Are you contemplating a career in Pilates? While we often talk about the flexibility, freedom, and personal and financial reward that can come from becoming a Pilates instructor, sometimes it can be difficult to imagine your day-to-day life in Pilates if you’re not already working in the industry. Turning your passion for Pilates into a career can be the most fulfilling, enjoyable decision you ever make - but sometimes, you need a little extra motivation to take the leap, back yourself and complete your APPI Pilates Instructor Certification.
If you’re considering making the switch and want to know a little more about what your life as a Pilates instructor could really look like, we spoke to one of our successful Unite Health graduates, Elise Blight, to uncover what a day in the life of a Pilates instructor involves.
Elise completed her APPI Pilates Instructor Certification a couple of years ago, taking advantage of our flexible course options which allowed her to finish her training while still working full time in a corporate job. Since then, she’s rapidly grown her skill set, and carved out a successful career for herself, with many aspirations for her future.
Elise shared her reality and day-to-day routine since she became a Pilates instructor with us, to give you a glimpse into what your future could look like if you, too, complete your APPI certification with Unite Health. Here’s a look into Elise’s life and career as a Pilates instructor so far.
What made you decide to pursue a career as a Pilates instructor?
I fell in love with Pilates many many years ago when I was recommended to try clinical Pilates by my physio as part of my rehab program for a shoulder injury. Ever since my first class, I wanted to know more about this incredible form of movement. I originally went into my Pilates Instructor Certification with Unite Health just wanting to learn more about Pilates, but as I progressed through I quickly saw myself having a career in this industry. I wanted to share this beautiful and transformative form of movement with people and allow them to experience the benefits Pilates allowed me to experience. I also wanted the flexibility a career in Pilates affords you.
Before I pursued a full time career in Pilates, I was working a full time 9-5 corporate job in event management, and it just wasn’t for me. Making the career switch was the best thing I ever did. I get to spend my days sharing a form of movement I am so passionate about, and I’m excited to go to work everyday.
Why did you decide to complete your training with Unite Health? And what did you think of the course?
I chose Unite Health for multiple reasons. I particularly loved that the course was taught by allied health professionals, as well as expert Pilates instructors, so you got to learn about Pilates from more than just a fitness perspective which I loved! The trainers were so knowledgeable, and their insights were invaluable.
I also chose Unite Health due to the flexibility of the courses. Having face to face as well as online course options was perfect for me, as at the time of my training I was still working full time, and completing my training on the side. I found the course load super manageable to complete whilst still working full time.
What has your career journey looked like since completing your certification?
As soon as I completed my certification, the next week I jumped straight in and started teaching two classes one night per week at a Pilates studio I had been a client at for a few years. I then quickly took on another two classes at a second studio each week, plus taking on any other covers I could fit in around my full time job. Really I was just aiming to get as much experience as I could in those early stages!
The following year I moved to the coast and picked up a job at a local studio, teaching classes two evenings per week. A KX Pilates studio had recently opened up where I lived. I approached them about any work opportunities and I got a job with them! I went through the KX Academy and picked up another four classes per week there.
By this stage, I was teaching 8-13 classes per week (including covers) and that’s when I decided to go all in and quit my full time job to pursue a full time career in Pilates. That was about 10 months ago now. Today, all my work is now with KX Pilates. I’m the Head Trainer at KX Wollongong and teach 16 classes there per week, plus I’m a Shadow Mentor to any of our new trainers. I also work with the KX Pilates Training Department as a Quality Controller. I’m absolutely loving every second of it.
What does a typical 'day in the life' look like for you now?
One thing I’ve learned since jumping into a full-time Pilates career is that there is no ‘typical day’, but it’s this variability and flexibility that I truly love about this industry!
In a typical week, I teach four days. I’ll walk you through one of my busiest days - Tuesday!
I teach from 6-11.30am on Tuesdays. My day starts at 4.30am when I wake up, get ready, have breaky, and head to the studio! I get there at about 5.45am to open up, I make sure everything’s ready to go and get the music pumping ready for the clients to arrive. Then I teach my five classes, and my work day is done at 11.30am! Most days I’ll stay back in the studio for 10-15 minutes and have a play on the reformer myself to test out any ideas or flows I have in mind for future class plans, and film content for my Instagram page. Usually then I’ll go home and have some lunch and take my puppy for a walk.
In the afternoon, I’ll sit down and do my class planning for the next day or two. Depending on how many classes I’m teaching, this will take me anywhere from 15-40 minutes. I’ve definitely become more efficient at this since I first started teaching, when it used to take me hours to plan a class!
Lately since the weather has warmed up, once my class planning is done I’ll take myself and my puppy to the dog beach and spend some time there. I usually then head back to the studio to get my own workout in. And then I go home to cook dinner.
I’ll usually try to get to bed relatively early, by 9pm, as most days I work early mornings and 7-8 hours sleep is a must!
Some weeks I’ll also have assessments to mark in my role as QC with KX, so that includes travelling to other studios to mark trainer’s assessments and then writing up reports. So there’s lots of variety in my days and weeks!
Do you have any career aspirations for the future? And has your career in Pilates lived up to your hopes and expectations so far?
One day I would love to open my own Pilates studio. My dream for this studio is to offer both group fitness Pilates classes and also clinical/equipment Pilates in a 1:1 and smaller group setting. This would allow me to utilise all my qualifications I’ve attained through Unite Health.
I can 100% say my career in this industry has lived up to and absolutely exceeded my expectations. The opportunities I’ve already been given in my 2+ years working in the industry, the career progression and just the lifestyle are just absolutely beyond anything I ever dreamed of.
If Elise’s journey inspires you to take the leap and commit to becoming a Pilates instructor so you can also experience the freedom, flexibility and reward that comes with a career in Pilates, book your spot to complete our APPI Pilates Instructor Certification today! Or, you can book a chat with our friendly course experts to discover the best course option and delivery mode for your individual goals and requirements.
You can also keep up with Elise’s career progression and her daily updates at her Instagram, @balancebyelise