Self study is my favourite past time (besides Pilates hehe).

The more you get to know yourself, the more you can share with your community. Self study is an opportunity to go inwards and develop a strong sense of self. 

Here are a few suggestions of things you can do: 

• Journaling & scripting

• Angel or chakra cards

• Meditation

• Morning rituals (alone)

• Intuitive movement 

• A hobby you do just for you (pottery, jewellery making, playing bongos, etc) 

• Tea/cacao ceremonies 

• Reading

The possibilities are endless! If you are stuck and need some inspo, lmk.

Mentors are a great way to up-skill by leaning on someone in the industry, who aspire to be.

Finding a mentor is personal, so start by going to different teachers classes (online or in studio) and get to know them. If you vibe with someone’s teaching style and personality, reach out and ask to go for coffee. Then take it from there. Just remember to be mindful of their time. If you are interested in investing in YOU, and participating in a mentoring program - stay tuned!

It happens to all of us at some point or another.

Firstly take the time to check in with you.

Are you taking on too much in your life right now?

Are you making space for your own practice ? 

I find the best way to get your creative juices flowing is to get out of your head and into your body. That might mean booking into someone else’s class and aiming to be present in the moment rather than thinking as a teacher (we all do it haha).

It could also mean that you’re a bit rundown and not feeling yourself, so take yourself on a well deserved date. Get a spa treatment, go to a sound bowl meditation class, get out in nature. Do something to reconnect with yourself. 

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Chances are if you are teaching more than a few classes a week, you will have periods where you feel blocked to create new classes. If that happens to you, remember you don’t always have to deliver a new class. Go back through some of your old classes that you & your members loved!

It can be nice to teach a classic and also gives members a chance to see how far they have come (most of the time they won’t even notice and will thank you for another amazing class haha! ). 

Navigating your rate can be tricky especially if you’re new to the Pilates industry and not sure if you’re an employee or a sub contractor. 

Both have pros and cons however making sure you understand your rights with each is important.

As a new instructor you might be given a base rate and then incentives for a pay rise with studio milestones, such as 500 classes taught or pay reviews after a certain amount of time (this really depends on the studio). 

If you find yourself teaching at the same studio for a while and there has been no word of a pay increase, here are a few things to consider: 

Your experience as a teacher.

What do your reviews and feedback say ? 

Are you getting good numbers into your classes (full / waitlisted) ?

Do you want more responsibility around the studio (admin / social media / mentor / management) ? 

Understanding your worth and value as a teacher is the first step to knowing or increasing your rate. If you have a proven track record of reviews and class attendance it should be easier to negotiate. (*TIP - use the otm. reviews & tips tool!)

Don’t be afraid to ask your friends in the industry - because, hot take, it shouldn’t be taboo.