NEW PI LATES I NSTRUCTOR HANDBOOK A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO STARTING OUT AS A PILATES INSTRUCTOR
CONTENTS 01 I N T R O
02 C H E C K L I S T
03 F I N D
Y O U R
G R O O V E
04 K E E P
L E A R N I N G
01 I N T R O
01
YOU'RE A CERTIFIED PILATES INSTRUCTOR, NOW WHAT?
CONGRATULATIONS The hard part is over and the journey is just beginning. Like all great teachers who came before you, you're a newbie. Even Ana Forrest was once exactly where you are now.
DON'T FRET, WE'RE HERE TO HELP! While you’re figuring out your teaching style and dipping your toes into the beautiful waters of your journey, make sure you take care of the checklist below.
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02 C H E C K L I S T
02
CHECKLIST
In the next few pages we'll review the 6 steps below which are mandatory for every new teacher to do. We've split it all up in bite sized chunks and you can get started today!
1. ABN 2. FIRST AID TRAINING 3. INSURANCE 4. TAX 5. CREATE AN ONLINE PRESENCE 6. GET A MENTOR 04
CHECKLIST
1. ABN Register yourself as a SOLE-TRADER and obtain an ABN. You’ll need to be eligible to work as a sole trader in Australia. For further information see: https://abr.gov.au/For-Business,-Super-funds---Charities/Applyingfor-an-ABN/Apply-for-an-ABN/
2. FIRST AID TRAINING Every single studio will ask for an up-to-date First Aid certificate.
DO NOT PUT THIS OFF If you’re dream job comes along, you’ll regret not spending a Saturday afternoon giving mouth-to-mouth to a plastic dummy. Not to mention, it’s a great skill to have in everyday life! Book First Aid courses in Sydney here: http://www.firstaidtrainingsydneycbd.com.au/ https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/
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CHECKLIST
3. INSURANCE Now that you have your ABN and First Aid, you can get Insurance! Yay! There are a few different insurance providers listed below. Ensure you have cover with FREELANCE CONTRACTORS INSURANCE this will protect you in any venue. http://www.dancesurance.com.au/ https://www.iict.com.au/pilatesandyoga
4. TAX Knowledge is power. Learn how to operate as a sole-trader (so the taxman doesn’t get you). As an Instructor, you can claim fitness apparel, travel, home office expenses and professional development (Pilates membership, workshops, etc). Have a browse through the document below to ensure you can make the most of tax time. https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/its-tax-time-yogi/
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CHECKLIST
5. CREATE AN ONLINE PRESENCE Whether we like it or not, the boutique fitness industry is rapidly gaining a lot of real estate online. GET INVOLVED! Even if you don’t feel 100% ready to teach, start building a network. I. Update your LinkedIn profile and join Pilates based groups to learn more about the community online. II. Join Instructor Facebook groups (Sydney Pilates Instructors). These are a great space to hear about Instructor workshops and Substitute positions. III. Create a profile with YogaPilatesConnect. Set up email notifications when jobs meeting your criteria are posted and learn about the Pilates ecosystem in your area.
6. GET A MENTOR You started this journey as a reaction to amazing Pilates experiences you’ve had in the past. This is the time to learn as much as you can from your favourite Instructors. Mentors are a great way to built confidence. Need a mentor? We can help! Click on the form below to fill out your application. https://yogapilatesconnect.com/mentorshipprogram/
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03 F I N D Y O U R G R O O V E
03
FIND YOUR GROOVE
GYMS Working at a gym may not be your dream job, hear me out here! Gyms are a fantastic place to gain experience and learn about your unique teaching style. Gyms are constantly looking for Instructors and typically not frequented by avid Pilates gurus. Use this in your favour, try different techniques and learn about what you like to ! teach and how clients respond. You will see lots of different types of clients quickly at a gym and turbo charge your learning curve
ASSIST Most Teacher Training programs will offer students the ability to assist during classes. If you spend time assisting and observing different Instructor’s cues, you will quickly become confident in your own explanations.
GET ON A SUB LIST Studios always need substitute Instructors. Join a platform that allows you to attend several different studios a month (ie: ClassPass), speak with the Instructors and get on the sub list. If you are assisting and working at a gym, you will be a rockstar when the call is made for you to sub.
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04 K E E P L E A R N I N G
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KEEP LEARNING
LEARN FROM THE BEST ONLINE Here’s your chance to jump on the growing resources found online! Follow your favourite instructors, download ebooks and watch YouTube clips while you’re in transit. Online resources are a great way to study the different flows and cues. Here are a few resources: http://www.blogilates.com/ http://www.pilatesanytime.com/ https://pilatesology.com/
"'Don't presume you need to teach every style or technique to be a well-rounded Instructor. Teaching something you're genuinely interested in makes your job 100% more enjoyable and you won't need to fake your enthusiasm in class. Sorry to everyone who ever attended my spin class" - Lizzie Bland, LeanBean Fitness." 10