Burnout to Balance: 8 Things I love about being a Pilates Instructor

(...and all the little reasons I love it too)

In my 20s, I worked as a windsurf instructor in some pretty exotic locations—lots of sunshine, long lunches, and plenty of time to hit the water. It was the dream job: active, outdoorsy, and full of freedom.

But with my 30s fast approaching came the pressure to get a “real job”! Cue many tears, a mix of corporate and unusual jobs, all involving endless sitting, and a growing feeling that I’d left behind the version of life that truly made me feel alive.

I had practiced Pilates on and off to help with a tweaky back, and one day it just clicked: this was something I loved, something that made me feel fabulous, and something I could share with others.

Over the last 12 years, life has taken me all over the place, but Pilates has always been my anchor—a consistent thread.

Now, I’m more excited than ever to run Pilates teacher training courses in Chichester and Newquay, Cornwall. Here’s why I think it’s one of the most rewarding careers out there, and a few of my favourite things about it:

1. Share Your Passion and Inspire Others

If Pilates has changed your life, teaching it lets you pass that gift on. You help people move better, feel better, and even live pain-free. Watching clients grow in strength, confidence, and awareness is an incredible feeling.

2. Pilates Instructors Wear Comfy Clothes (Seriously!)

Leggings, soft jumpers, no shoes, goodbye stiff suits, hello comfort! Your wardrobe matches the movement, and that’s a huge perk.

3. Be a DJ Every Day

One of the unexpected joys of teaching? Making playlists. Whether smooth and relaxing or energising and upbeat, music lets you create a class experience your clients look forward to.

4. Watch People Transform

Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Seeing someone walk in stiff or low on energy, and leave taller, stronger, and more empowered, is truly rewarding.

5. Create a Life That Works for You

Teach in studios, online, private sessions, or eventually on retreats. Prefer a slow-paced lifestyle or building a brand? You’re in control of your schedule, focus, and flow.

6. Constant Growth and Learning

Every body is different, which means you never stop learning. Anatomy, injury rehab, sequencing, and client psychology all keep the work fresh and exciting.

7. Be Part of a Supportive Community

Pilates instructors are encouraging, curious, and passionate. Teaching isn’t a solo journey—you’re part of a global community helping people feel better in their bodies.

8. Build Real Connections

Clients become a community. You laugh, chat, and support each other. It’s personal, uplifting, and deeply rewarding.

Ready to swap your desk for a reformer?

Explore our Active IQ Level 3 Pilates Teacher Training courses in Chichester or Newquay and gain the skills, confidence, and joy to inspire others. Find out more and book your place today.