If you love Pilates classes – just as we do – you may want to take your practice of Pilates to the next level. There are a number of ways that you can make this happen. Here are some of them.
Attend as many forms of Pilates as you can
In order to become a Pilates guru, you need to have as much experience as you can of the exercise discipline as well as the various pieces of equipment that is used in the practice of Pilates.
If you do Pilates at your local gym, they probably won’t have as many pieces of equipment that are used in such a class. They will probably only have mats, exercise balls and bands. However, a specialised studio will have all the bells and whistles! They will have – on hand – reformers, barrels, chairs and cadillacs.
If you are able to get to a specialised studio, we recommend that you attend a couple of the classes so that you can figure out what Pilates exercises you like to do. Even better, in order to get personalised attention, you should really try to get a private Pilates instructor. As the instructor’s attention is focused solely on you, you’ll be able to get the best possible instruction that is tailor made to you.
Learn, learn, learn!
Nothing says that your gathering knowledge of Pilates needs to stop after your session or your class. If you want to become knowledgeable about this exercise, then you should read up – as much as you can – on the nuts and bolts of this discipline.
There are countless resources on the Internet that will answer most questions that you may have about the discipline of Pilates. If they don’t give you the answers that you’re looking for, keep these for the next time you’re in class so that you can ask your instructor. If he or she doesn’t know the answer, they will find out for you. If they won’t, find another instructor who will!
Become a Pilates instructor yourself
The best way for you to become a guru at Pilates is to become a Pilates instructor yourself. Be warned that there are hundreds of colleges out there who will promise to make you into the next Joseph Pilates. However, you need to do your homework very carefully about the fitness college that you choose. Ask questions such as:
- What is in the Pilates course?
- Where have past graduates gone on to get jobs?
- Is the course accredited by a recognised Pilates body?
We can’t stress the last point enough. It’s absolutely critical to do a Pilates course that is backed by a reputable body. This stamp of approval shows potential employers and clients that you know what you’re talking about and that they will get quality training when they come to you.
Becoming a Pilates guru is not something that happens overnight. It’s a lifelong journey that you will go on and will teach you many things about others and, most importantly, yourself. The life of a Pilates instructor is not for everyone but – if you love doing and learning about Pilates – you won’t find a more satisfying career path!