My Pilates Story
From amateur athlete to marketing at Equinox to studio devotee to Pilates instructor. Want to know more about how I got started in this industry? Let me take you on a little journey…
Curious about becoming an instructor? I put together a Substack post that details my experience and some things I learned along the way for those interested in possibly pursuing it.
Pilates Class Plans
Pilates newbies often ask me how I plan a class. A lot of thought goes into creating a great class plan, as any instructor will tell you, from making sure you get in your spinal movements to incorporating a warm-up, cool-down, and full-body workout into a flowing, 50-minute class. It took me a while to figure out a structure that I liked. If it helps you, you’re welcome to use them! Here are a few of my favorite class plans.
(I’m the one in the orange tank who messes up the move…)
My Pilates Journey
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic when I realized I needed a change. Like many others, I was working from home full-time for the first time. I was grateful for that ability (and fully enjoyed not having a commute), but I recognized that I was sitting for hours and hours at a time. And my body began to feel all of that sitting. Afterward, I was back in an office full-time, and I was still sitting ALL DAY. I’ve always prioritized working out, whether running, playing ball hockey, or going to the gym or fitness studio, but no matter what workout I did, it didn’t make up for the fact that I was sitting the rest of the day. My back hurt in all places, I was getting migraines from staring at the computer too much, and I’m not a doctor, but I’m pretty sure being cooped up in an office with no daylight for 8-10 hours a day was…not the best. In 2023, I was laid off, and I took it as a sign. I needed to change my lifestyle.
I’ve worked in the fitness world before as the social media manager at Equinox many moons ago. I loved being in that realm and geeked out over all of the content I was getting access to (plus a free membership). Since then, I’ve wondered if I could ever do something in the group fitness world. I’ve tried just about every type of workout, and I tend to bing-bong around to different studios every few years. Nothing ever pulled me in enough to want to teach it. Until…Pilates! I was unemployed and trying every free class I could find at different studios, and wound up at a Club Pilates. While in the Intro class, I started thinking it was something I would do more than anything else had been, and the vibe was right–no blasting bass or techno, no screaming instructors, just a focus on form, precision, control, and a full-body workout. My back felt better after, and I recognized a lot of concepts and moves from the many, many times your girl has been to physical therapy in the past (if you play contact sports in your 30s/40s, then you understand). After class, I spoke to the instructor and told her what I was thinking, and she informed me they were hosting a teacher training program, it was starting the following week, and there was one spot left. That night, without hesitation and ignoring the price tag, I signed up. I figured it was an investment in myself, and what better time?
For most workouts, a part of me dreads going and can’t wait for them to be over. I do them because I know I’ll feel better for having done them, but they aren’t what I’d call enjoyable. Pilates was immediately different. I found myself going to two or even three different classes a day (remember, unemployed). I enjoyed learning and going to the in-person training sessions where I also met some amazing people and soon-to-be friends. It was a lot more work than I ever imagined, but it paid off in the end, and I only wish I had done it sooner.
I feel better sitting at a desk now that I teach a few days a week. Before or after work, I’m walking miles while I teach–no joke, a three-class block typically leads to about 10k steps. I also practice before or after I teach whenever I have time, which means all my aches and pains feel so much better.
I also feel better about remote work. My current job is fully remote and it can be isolating. I miss working with people and getting that spark of creativity that comes with being in groups working toward a purpose. Pilates has been a great way to combat that feeling of isolation. It’s not just teaching. It’s interacting. It’s empathizing. It’s learning. It’s building relationships class after class. I look forward to seeing my usuals in each class, and the interactions I have with members are my favorite part of the job. Some days, I don’t have the energy to teach, but once I get there and I start going, that energy builds, my stress drifts away, and I can be in the moment with my people.
If you’re considering a similar change or even just thinking about what that could look like, I’d love to hear from you. Please follow me on Instagram, or you can check out my Substack for more helpful resources.
Sample Class Plans
The plans below are based on Club Pilates flow level requirements and guidelines. I create them in Pages and follow using my iPad during class, but you could also print them out.
Interested in more plans and helpful guidelines? Subscribe to my Substack (it’s free)!
