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Writer's pictureLaurie Alfano

Pilates Enthusiast vs. Instructor: The Journey of Pilates Instructor Training


The Journey of Pilates Instructor Training

We've all been there – as enthusiasts, we start by loving Pilates classes, reveling in every stretch and core-crushing move. And then, almost like a plot twist in a comedy, we find ourselves signing up for instructor training. You've got to love the journey, and here's a humorous peek into how we get from point A (adoring every session) to point B (leading the charge, with a mat and a smile).


The Transition from Enthusiast to Instructor: A Comedy in Itself


  1. The Realization: It all begins innocently enough. You’re there, in your favorite class, hitting every pose with enthusiasm, soaking in the post-workout glow, and then BAM! The thought hits you: “I could totally teach this.” Suddenly, you're spending more time on Google searching “How to become a Pilates instructor” than on social media.

  2. The Training: Ah, the training. You waltzed in expecting a continuation of your classes, only to be met with the real MVPs: anatomy and physiology. Remember thinking Pilates was just about the Hundred and some fancy stretching? Think again. Now, you’re up to your neck in textbooks, learning muscles you never knew existed, and realizing Joseph Pilates was more revolutionary than any fitness influencer today.

  3. The First Class: Your first class arrives. In your dreams, you were the epitome of Pilates perfection, effortlessly cueing and demonstrating. Reality? You’re sweating bullets, mixing up your left and right, and giving directions that lead nowhere. “Extend your... um, that one leg in the... just follow me, okay?”

  4. The Evolution: But here’s where the magic happens. Despite the shaky start, you begin to find your rhythm. Those once-confusing cues start to flow more naturally, and the mishaps in class? They become opportunities for laughter and learning, both for you and your students. You evolve, not just into an instructor who knows their stuff but into one who brings joy, encouragement, and a touch of humor to every class.

  5. The Unexpected Perks Let's not forget the perks. Like developing a sixth sense for spotting a misaligned pelvis from across the room. Or the deep, unspoken bond you form with your foam roller and resistance bands. And the best part? Seeing the impact you make, guiding others through their Pilates journey, sharing in their triumphs and challenges.



Looking to transform your passion for Pilates into a profession? Our Pilates Instructor Training is designed to guide you from being an enthusiast to an expert instructor.


Our Pilates Instructor Training goes beyond the basics, offering a deep dive into both the humorous and serious sides of becoming a Pilates teacher. Learn not just the exercises but the art of teaching, storytelling, and inspiring your future students.


The journey from Pilates fan to instructor is one heck of a ride, filled with unexpected lessons, laughter, and a deepened love for a practice that’s much more than just exercise. It’s about building a community, fostering growth, and, yes, occasionally wondering how on earth you got here. But trust me, it’s all worth it. So, here’s to us, the brave souls who took our passion a step further, embracing both the comedy and beauty of teaching Pilates.


After looking at how we go from Pilates fans to instructors, let's zoom in on the day-to-day realities of teaching vs. learning Pilates. It's one thing to sign up for instructor training, laughing along the way, but it’s another to actually stand in front of a class.  Let's delve into the blissful ignorance of the enthusiast versus the enlightened eye of the instructor, and how these perspectives shape our Pilates experience.


Whether you're a die-hard Pilates devotee or the guiding guru in the front of the class, there's a fun, quirky side to both that deserves a spotlight!



The Enthusiast's Blissful Ignorance vs. The Instructor's Enlightened Eye

Enthusiast: They believe that a Reformer is something out of a sci-fi movie and not a torture device disguised as exercise equipment.


Instructor: Knows every nut and bolt of the Reformer and can probably assemble one blindfolded while reciting Joseph Pilates' entire biography.


The Mat Routine: A Tale of Two Perspectives

Enthusiast: "The Hundred" is a cool name for an exercise. It's just counting to 100 while fluttering legs, right? Piece of cake!


Instructor: An exercise in maintaining a poker face while doing "The Hundred," as their insides scream, "Why did I ever think this was a good idea?"


Attire Choices: Comfort vs. Couture

Enthusiast: Decked out in the latest, trendiest Pilates gear because if you're going to suffer, you might as well look fabulous doing it.


Instructor: Wears clothes that have been through more Pilates sessions than most people's gym memberships. Function over fashion, always.



The Positivity Paradox


Enthusiast (Positive): "Every day is a good day when it starts with Pilates!"

Instructor (Positive): "Every day is a good day to correct someone's form."


Enthusiast (Negative): "Pilates? More like Pila-please-no-more!"

Instructor (Negative): "If I have to say 'engage your core' one more time today..."


Whether you're an enthusiast who adores your weekly Pilates class or an instructor who lives and breathes the practice (and sometimes secretly curses it), there's a shared love for this incredible form of exercise. Pilates might stretch us in more ways than one, but at the end of the day, it brings us together in a shared, sometimes hilarious, journey of health and wellness.



So, here's to all the Pilates lovers and instructors out there – may your cores be strong, and your stretches be ever graceful! 🧘‍♀️💪🤣


Share this article with a Pilates lover or instructor who needs a good laugh today! Spread the joy (and the humor) of Pilates. 🌟

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