When I first started teaching Pilates, I made so many mistakes. Looking back, I can see that each one was a learning experience but if I could fast-forward, I would have skipped most of the trial and error.
Here’s a look at the biggest mistakes I made at the start, and how I do things differently now.
1. Saying Yes to Every Class
Then: I said yes to every class offered, no matter the time or location. Early mornings, late nights, multiple studios, I was constantly running around and completely burnt out.
Now: I carefully choose classes and clients that align with my energy and goals. Saying no allows me to show up fully for the sessions I do teach.
2. No Flow When Teaching
Then: My classes felt disjointed. I jumped from exercise to exercise with no smooth transitions, which made it hard for clients to connect with the movement.
Now: I design classes with flow in mind, movements feel connected, purposeful, and energising. Transitions are just as important as the exercises themselves.
3. Not Knowing the Springs or Space
Then: I’d plan and practise a class on one Reformer, but didn’t consider how different studio setups could be, some had less space around machines, and the same spring settings could feel completely different depending on the Reformer brand. Exercises that worked solo often didn’t translate well to a full class.
Now: I plan with the space, equipment, and class size in mind. I make sure exercises work across multiple Reformers and layouts, so the class flows smoothly no matter the setup.
4. Cramming Loads Into a Class
Then: I packed too many exercises into one session and rushed through them. I didn’t layer exercises, jumping straight to the full versions, which made it hard for clients to connect with the movement or feel successful.
Now: I focus on quality over quantity. Exercises are layered progressively, allowing clients to build confidence, control, and awareness.
5. Undercharging
Then: I undervalued my time and expertise, accepting low pay out of fear that I wasn’t “experienced enough.” It left me financially strained and resentful.
Now: I charge in alignment with the value I provide. Proper pricing supports both me and my clients and allows me to grow sustainably.
6. Wanting to Be Liked by Everyone
Then: I constantly sought validation from clients, studio owners, and other instructors. I worried about being liked and often overextended myself.
Now: I prioritise being respected over being liked. I focus on showing up authentically, knowing that my style and energy won’t be for everyone and that’s okay.
7. Trying to Be Like Other Instructors
Then: I mimicked other instructors instead of trusting my own voice, worried that my style wasn’t “good enough.”
Now: I embrace my uniqueness, my energy, teaching style, and voice. Authenticity is what attracts the right clients and opportunities.
8. Over planning and Not Adapting to People’s Needs
Then: I stuck rigidly to my plan, even when a class clearly needed something different. I didn’t trust my intuition to adapt on the spot.
Now: I plan with intention but teach in the moment. I read the room, adapt to my clients’ needs, and prioritise how they feel over ticking exercises off a checklist.
Every mistake taught me something valuable but if I could give new instructors one piece of advice, it would be this: learn from mistakes, don’t be afraid to adapt, and focus on quality, not perfection.
I want to help you skip the mistakes and build the Pilates career of your dreams:
- Plan classes confidently
- Teach in a way that keeps clients coming back
- Land your dream studio jobs and launch your own classes
- Create multiple income streams so you can avoid burnout and live a life of freedom
If you want to fast-track your Pilates career and skip the mistakes I made, I’ve created a free masterclass where I break down exactly how to become a sought-after Pilates instructor.
