Pilates Teaching is calling! Should you answer?
Is teaching Pilates something you think you want or can do? Do you think is Pilates teaching what I think I want to do as my career?
When someone says they found their calling did it happen with a moment of confetti and balloons and those stars of “this is it!” or did they find their calling just stumbling into it and then finding yes, this is my calling after some time. To be honest it could be either one of these that gets someone to find what they feel they were meant to do.
For me, Pilates as a calling wasn’t one of those star explosion, eureka moments! I grew up wanting to be a writer or artist! I was always active but, that was just a part of life not what I would do for my life’s work. It was only after being out in that world of sitting at a desk, working on things with a deadline and dealing with the 9-5 in and out that I realized that wasn’t my calling so now what? My husband reminded me I loved fitness and working out so, why not do that?
So, I did! I started teaching group classes from aerobics to boxing to spinning. It was fun but, again it wasn’t a passion or that I felt yes, I can see doing this for the rest of my career! When teaching all these classes resulted in knee pain I was led to the Pilates apparatus and one-on-one training it was one of those moments of my whole being saying “where has this been my whole life?”. Not in terms of teaching but, just in doing!
Even after getting certified and starting to teach it took time for me to find my way, to understand the depth of the work and to crave more and start studying and continuing my education in ways that led me to the realization that yes, Pilates was my calling. For me, it didn’t take one moment but, many moments and many experiences over time.
Here are some that I have found for myself and those that come to me wanting to be teachers:
Think about what you loved growing up- Did you enjoy sports? Physical activities? What did you spend a lot of time doing that made you truly happy? I loved swimming, sailing, skiing, dancing, and skating. I loved moving and reading. So studying and continuing to learn was also a passion.
Notice what feels good for you! Do you like being with people and connecting? What are you doing in those moments that you feel joy and purpose?
If you have a hunch, give it a try! Finding your calling isn’t a passive thing. If you are thinking Pilates may be something you want, give it a try. Tap those toes into the water!
Be Patient- So many who come to Teacher Training think they should know it all and understand right then! No, it takes time, study and practice. Give yourself that time and know that you are going to be on this path of learning and growing. That is one of the wonderful things about teaching Pilates.
I like to say that Pilates found me! Over time, I found Pilates as my calling by continuing to learn, to find out more and more and soon I realized this is what I was meant to do. It didn’t happen overnight and it may not for you. Having Pilates as my calling opened up the world in a way I never imagined. You will find for you it will do the same and in ways maybe you never imagined possible. Finding your calling with Pilates will be life changing and you will be glad you answered this call!
If you are thinking Pilates may be your calling let’s answer it for you!