Running a successful Pilates studio goes beyond sourcing quality equipment and creating a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere. An integral part of any top-tier Pilates studio is your instructors. Your instructors are what shape your client’s experience, retain clients, and help build your brand’s reputation. At Pilates Education Institute, we believe in setting studio owners up for long-term success, and that starts with hiring and training the right instructors. In this guide, we will walk you through every step of the process from identifying the ideal candidates to ongoing professional development.

Identifying the Ideal Pilates Instructor

Before you even begin reviewing resumes or interviewing candidates, it’s important to be clear on the qualities and qualifications you’re looking for in a Pilates instructor. Consider both technical skills and interpersonal strengths:

Valuable Qualifications

  • Comprehensive certification from a reputable Pilates education program like PEI.
  • Training in both mat and apparatus work, depending on what you offer at your studio.
  • Knowledge of anatomy and movement principles.
  • Experience with a variety of client populations, including post-rehab, prenatal, and athletes.

Important Soft Skills

  • Empathy and strong communication skills.
  • Adaptability in class planning.
  • Punctuality and professionalism.
  • Passion for ongoing learning.

Craft a job description that conveys your studio’s values, clientele, and teaching philosophy to attract instructors aligned with your mission.

Where to Find Great Pilates Instructors

Tap into the right channels to source the top talent:

  • Partner with Pilates training programs to connect with newly certified instructors (or build your own in-house training program!).
  • Post on industry job boards and local wellness groups.
  • Use social media and ask for referrals within your professional network.

Conducting a Successful Interview

It’s important that you’re not relying exclusively on a resume. We suggest including a teaching “audition” as part of your interview process to help you assess:

  • Cueing clarity and presence.
  • Ability to modify exercises to suit individual needs.
  • Engagement with the clients.
  • Understanding of movement mechanics.

After the audition, have a conversation about teaching style, availability, goals, and client management strategies to ensure mutual alignment.

Onboarding Your New Pilates Instructor

Your onboarding process sets the tone for your studio’s culture. Here’s what to include:

  • Studio policies and operations (scheduling, cleaning, client communication).
  • Shadowing experienced instructors for consistency in teaching standards.
  • A tour of equipment usage guidelines.
  • Orientation on studio software for scheduling, billing, and client notes.
  • Team expectations such as participation in staff meetings, workshops, and social media.

We recommend creating a checklist or handbook to ensure nothing is missed. This will also act as a great resource for your new hire to refer back to!

Ongoing Training & Professional Development

To keep your studio growing and your instructors inspired, it’s imperative to invest in your team’s development. Here’s how to do it:

  • Offer or subsidize continuing education workshops.
  • Schedule peer reviews and feedback sessions quarterly.
  • Encourage participation in conferences, webinars, and certifications.
  • Hold monthly staff training on client management, new trends, or niche populations.
  • Create a mentorship program, pairing newer instructors with more seasoned team members.

This is a great way to improve teaching quality and boost employee retention and team morale!

Creating a Pilates Studio Culture That Attracts Top Talent

Long-term Pilates studio success is about more than hiring, it’s about retention. Foster a studio environment where instructors feel respected and heard, supported in their career, and connected to the studio’s mission and community. Recognition, open communication, and fair compensation will go a long way.

Hiring and training Pilates instructors isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing strategy for studio success! When you invest in finding the right people and helping them grow, your clients will feel the difference. At the Pilate Education Institute, we’re here to support both studio owners and instructors in building vibrant, effective Pilates careers.

If you’re interested in building your own in-house teacher training program, contact us today! We’re here to help guide you every step of the way.