The summer of 2023 I decided to start my journey to becoming a certified Pilates teacher! In January of 2023 I taught my last class as an elementary art teacher, a few weeks later my son was born, and in March I officially resigned. I’ve done Pilates on and off since college. I started with just mat, then in 2017 I started going to a local studio that offered reformer classes. They closed, but shortly after in 2018 a new studio opened across my neighborhood.
How it started
Pilates was my de stressor during some big changes, my constant workout while pregnant with my first, and then I took a break from the studio and began practicing at home again. While in the thick of having a newborn I told my husband I wanted to become a Pilates instructor, told him I saw the potential flexibility offered and how I could still be home with our boys. I looked up different programs, and saw that the studio I used to go to was offering a teacher training program. I went to an information session and ended singing up!
My first in Studio day was in the middle of July it was a total of 6 weekends, 8 hours each. That’s not counting the 150 hours of course work I had to do before starting studio days, anatomy, assistant teaching, observation, and practice teaching hours. All in all it is a 500 hour program, but it ends up being more depending on the time you invest. I dedicated time to my practice and observations first after my in studio days, then did some assistant teaching, followed by a few practice sessions with family. I was told there were some apprentice spots opening up and auditioned for a spot. I ended up getting the spot! I started teaching a couple hours a week after my sons 1st birthday. I also will pick sub jobs if they fit my schedule. I love this experience so far and feel blessed to be able to do something I enjoy, and be able to be home with my babies.
My experience
I chose to do my training through Club Pilates. I’ve seen mixed reviews, but I loved it. It’s a combination of in person days, instructor led, online, and it’s self paced. I had a great mentor teacher and an amazing lead. They have been guiding me through the process, and helping me when I have doubts on my flows. The studio owners have also gone above and beyond to help the trainees and provide us with help and resources outside of what’s typically offered. It takes time to get through everything, but if offered an apprentice position take it! I hope to be completely certified and tested out by the end of June, so follow me along this journey.
If you have any questions about getting certified feel free to reach out to me. Whether it’s what Club Pilates offers, or balancing training while being a SAHM of two littles.
Until next time,
Amy
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