Aspiring fitness trainers and coaches seeking a fulfilling and rewarding opportunity might consider entering the Pilates field, according to new survey findings from Balanced Body, a Pilates equipment brand and educational platform.
After surveying 800 Balanced Body-affiliated Pilates instructors worldwide, the platform found a strong demand for instructors, driven by the growth of Pilates studios and the increasing popularity of sold-out classes.
Diving into the metrics, the California-based Balanced Body discovered that 77% of Pilates studios are growing, with 67% revealing they are selling out classes. Although the number of new instructors entering the Pilates industry has increased by 15% since 2015, demand remains high, and nearly 40% of studio owners report needing more instructors, with 30% currently hiring.
The need for instructors is apparent as Pilates franchises like JetSet Pilates, Strong Pilates and Club Pilates continue to expand.
Another selling point to a career pivot? the job satisfaction rate for Pilates instructors is high, with Balanced Body finding that teachers love their jobs. The majority (94%) of Pilates instructors are pleased with their ability to help others while enjoying the flexibility and variety the career provides. The survey found that 84% of instructors have a flexible work schedule and can work when they choose, with 40% reporting that they have a primary career and teach Pilates on the side. The career path also appears to be parent-friendly, as 70% of instructors say their Pilates career positively complements their role as a parent.
“Now is an ideal time to become a Pilates instructor,” said Joy Puleo, Balanced Body Education’s director of education. “This new research underscores the demand for Pilates is higher than ever, and – with the increasing awareness of the importance of the mind-body connection, core strength and flexibility – more and more people are seeking out Pilates as a way to improve their overall health and fitness. With participation at an all-time high, the demand has never been greater for passionate and enthusiastic industries.”
Balanced Body offers several educational pathways, including a signature Pilates instructor course designed by Nora St. John, a specialized program for physical therapists and rehab professionals, advanced courses covering movement and the Bodhi Suspension System and Konnector Reformer, fitness professional programs and more.
“Pilates is a career that has allowed me to combine my passion for mind and movement, my love of teaching, and my desire to help others,” Get2Werk Pilates Studio owner and instructor Mychele Sims said. “Becoming a Pilates instructor ultimately led me to achieve another career aspiration–owning my own Pilates studio. Now, five years later, I feel a great sense of pride knowing how many lives we have touched and enhanced through Pilates. My online studio is growing rapidly and I am always looking to mentor more dedicated and passionate instructors.”
