How to become a Yoga and Pilates Instructor

What is a yoga or pilates instructor?

Yoga and pilates instructors help improve fitness through breathing and meditation or low-impact exercises. Usually those who get involved in yoga or pilates have extensive experience of participating themselves and are extremely fit.

What qualifications do I need to become a yoga or pilates instructor?

To become an instructor you’ll need to have been an active participant yourself and take a specialised course, which can be found online. You’ll also need a first aid certificate and perhaps a DBS check, depending on who you intend to work with. Potential yoga/pilates instructors should register with the Register of Exercise Professionals, which will help prove their credentials to employers.

What skills/experience will an employer look for?

As well as a high personal level of fitness and participation experience, yoga and pilates instructors need to have a caring manner and be very patient. You’ll need to be comfortable offering a range of exercises and techniques – from the very basic to much more complex – to people of varying abilities. The ability to design courses and plan individual sessions is very important too.

Who might employ a yoga or pilates instructor?

-Gyms

-Health and fitness clubs

-Universities

-Holiday resorts

What salary can I expect?

Almost all yoga and pilates instructor are paid by the hour, usually ranging from £20 to £60 for each session.

What is my career progression?

There aren’t too many opportunities to progress within the yoga or pilates field, although you might be able to take further training to teach future instructors. Most yoga or pilates instructors are self-employed and generally part time, instead use the skills they develop to improve their employability elsewhere.

What are the best things about becoming a yoga or pilates instructor?

Becoming a yoga or pilates instructor offers a lot of freedom and flexibility to work around existing employment or studies. It also enables you to keep fit and meet lots of like-minded people.

Are there any drawbacks?

You’ll almost certainly have to work on evenings and weekends and there isn’t much opportunity for a full-time career. In addition quite a lot of travelling might be involved for self-employed instructors.

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More information:

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