TOO OLD AND NOT FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO BECOME A PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Oct 3, 2024

3 min read

Your Mind Says "You Can’t," But Here’s Why You Can!

So, you LOVE the idea of becoming a Pilates Instructor, but then the doubt starts creeping in, and suddenly your mind is bombarding you with thoughts like:

I'm too old, I’m too young, I’m not thin enough, I can’t do all the exercises, and I’m most definitely NOT flexible enough!!!!!!

And just like that, your dream feels a little further away...

Sound familiar? You’re not alone! But here’s the good news: all those thoughts are just that—thoughts! They don’t have to hold you back from becoming a fantastic teacher.

Trust me, we all have doubts, but let’s flip the script and dive into why you already have what it takes to succeed!

Too old to become a Pilates instructor?

Let’s take a moment to think about Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time. While her father, Richard Williams, was her primary coach growing up, it’s important to remember that he wasn’t a professional tennis player himself. Yet, with no tennis background, he coached Serena to 23 Grand Slam titles. His success as a coach wasn’t about his ability to perform at the same level as her—it was about his knowledge, dedication, and belief in her potential.

That’s the secret to being a great Pilates teacher: you don’t need to be able to do every move perfectly or be the most flexible person in the room. What matters is how well you can teach and inspire others.

At Pilates Training Hub, our Level 3 Pilates Practitioner courses teach you how to become an effective teacher. Along with practical demonstrations, we also train you to teach through verbal instruction.

A great teacher doesn’t just stay on their mat—they’re walking around the room, observing, and gently using hands-on techniques to guide positions and give cues. Your ability to teach doesn’t depend on your ability to do every exercise flawlessly.

What Makes a Great Instructor?

Personality Matters: Great instructors are warm, approachable, and create a welcoming environment. Your enthusiasm for Pilates will inspire others and make them feel comfortable in your class.
Continuous Improvement: A fantastic instructor is always learning. Whether it’s deepening your knowledge of Pilates principles, attending workshops, or seeking feedback, committing to personal and professional growth will enhance your teaching skills.
Keeping Lessons Fresh: Variety is the spice of life! Regularly updating your class content keeps it engaging for your students. Experiment with new exercises, themes, or class formats to keep everyone excited.
Empathy and Understanding: Students love teachers who are real and unafraid to show their flaws. We connect with teachers who understand our struggles because they’ve been there themselves. Your ability to empathise and offer modifications makes a difference in your students' journeys.

Students Want to Learn From Teachers Like Them

There are people out there waiting for someone like you! They’ll be drawn to your classes not because you’re the most flexible, but because you understand them and can guide them through their own journey.

In short, no, you do not need to be super flexible to become a Pilates instructor. What you do need is a passion for the practice, a solid understanding of Pilates principles, and the ability to communicate and inspire your students. Flexibility can be developed over time, but the true mark of a great Pilates instructor lies in their knowledge, patience, and dedication to helping others achieve their fitness goals.

So don’t let self-doubt keep you from pursuing your passion.