Hi, I’m Danie and I am a Matwork, Reformer & HIIT Instructor at PPF on the weekends and full-time Cabin Crew member at Virgin Australia. As you know, the travel industry was hit hard during COVID-19, however, this was a blessing in disguise to me. I had the time to truly reflect on my passions, interests, and new opportunities I wanted to explore.
Health and fitness have always been a focal point in my life, it allows me to show up as the best version of myself for me, my loved ones and everyone I have the pleasure of meeting throughout the day. I decided to commit to my Pilates certification, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Pilates is more than movement to me, it allows me to truly connect with my body, focus on the breath and it leaves me feeling lengthened, strong, and accomplished (especially when I nail the more challenging movements).
Below I have listed 4 tips and tricks to market or ‘sell yourself’ in the Pilates industry. I utilised these strategies to begin my Pilates instructor journey, which resulted in landing my dream job with my amazing PPF family and the beautiful community that accompanies it. I hope these strategies help guide you to success on your Pilates instructing journey.
1. Social media
Social media is the most valuable and accessible marketing tool in our modern world. Holding a strong social media presence and being authentic and consistent with your posts offers potential employers a digital portfolio. Here you can showcase your unique flare, individual teaching style and personal technique. After graduating with my Cert IV in Pilates Matwork & Reformer from Breathe Education, I created my Instagram account, “dfavfit”. Personally, I chose Instagram to display my digital presence as it was familiar territory having had a personal account for several years. This gave me an advantage of navigating the tools including posts, carousels, polls, and reels. Was this one of the scariest and most vulnerable things I have done on social media? 100%. You’ve just got to take that leap, there is no “right” time to start your account. Sit down with a pen and paper or your laptop and start to think about your personal brand/messaging, your target audience and plan your first few posts.
Remember, you don’t need any fancy technology to begin. That’s the beauty of Smart Phones, their camera quality is amazing! Figure out a schedule that works for you and start posting 2-3 times per week consistently. Show up on your stories and start sharing the daily content you love seeing from your favourite influencers. Don’t get too caught up on growing your followers straight away, slow and steady growth is the way to go! Focus on creating valuable content that serves your authentic self and the community that you’re building. Remember “no one is you and that is your power”.
When I applied for a job at Premium Pilates and Fitness, one of the co-owners went to my Instagram page straight away to see my instructing vibe! This is a true story; she told me this recently and said it was a very helpful tool for her!
2. Find your dream studio
Find a studio that you would love to work for and introduce yourself! Remember, you see no change staying in your comfort zone. Yes, it can be intimidating to introduce yourself in-person, however, being direct and asking if there are any job opportunities available is a great approach. Follow this up by sending an email to the studio showing your interest in becoming an instructor and attaching your qualification certificates. Let them know why you want to work at their studio and why you would be a great asset. Don’t sell yourself short, have confidence in your abilities as an instructor! In the email don’t forget to include your social media handle so the owner can check out your personal digital portfolio.
This may not lead to an immediate instructor position at your dream studio; however, the fitness industry is constantly evolving, and new opportunities can be available at any given time. Continue to email the studio every 3 months, stay on their radar so when they are needing permanent covers you are in the forefront of their mind. This is another inexpensive tool you can use to land a Pilates instructing job at your dream studio!
3. Keep your practice up to date
Keep your skills up to scratch! Whether you’re hosting Pilates & Brunch with your girlfriends or keeping the family fit, never stop practice teaching and gaining feedback that you can utilise in your personal development. If you have some spare time throughout the day, complete a little self-practice too. Think of fun/original ways to cue your favourite Pilates moves or perfect your cues on those more advanced exercises that require the finer details. This may not be a payed gig, but you will continue to build your confidence and when it comes down to teaching in the studio you will be ready to go!
4. Keep learning
Studios often prioritise hiring students who complete their in-house pilates instructor courses. Look for any extension courses that the studio offers that will benefit your learning and provide you with an advantage when they are next seeking to hire. Embrace opportunities to evolve your practice, challenge the mind and if it gets you that “in”, that’s an extra bonus!
Wishing you the very best of luck landing your dream job in the Pilates industry! You’ve got this!
Wanting to complete your Pilates Instructor training with PPF? Join us for our final Matwork course of 2022. Click here for more information.
Click here to read our other tips and tricks for becoming a successful Pilates Instructor.
