Can’t believe this is me: Yoga & Pilates instructor life
Yesterday I mentioned that I’d begun to contemplate this question:
If I didn’t need to be sponsored to stay, would I think I am living out my dream life?
This was first posed to me as an observation by my career and life coach. I had described what I had done that day, talking about each activity objectively but threading in emotional layers of stress and anxiety all around the job search, when she commented that it kind of sounded like the perfect day — if not for the looming weight of the need for sponsorship to stay. And upon reflection, I realized she was right.
The past two posts have been about the struggle, but they don’t capture what’s been going well — what’s been giving me joy and purpose and contentment with my life here now (my coach also reminded me that the life I create here doesn’t need to only be anchored to the physical location of Australia…but I don’t quite believe that yet).
And I think it’s worth sharing — and reflecting on— what I do love here about my life here.
Today, we’ll start with my life as a yoga and Pilates teacher.
Social promo — I was clearly very excited about the balls.
I teach 6 classes a week (across four days) at a very unique studio in Sydney.
The studio’s unique in that the owner designed the studio and classes with neurodivergent people in mind since she’s neurodivergent herself. This means that when you walked in you go “woaah” (it’s very visually different — you’ll have to stop on in to check it out for yourself!) and that the classes are programmed to be the same (the yoga, mat, and HIIT Pilates flow are the same each class, but with slightly different cues depending on the instructor). Based on what you’re looking for as a student, this may or may not be your vibe. As an instructor, it means meeting the specific expectations of the studio to keep it’s brand, specifically playing their music playlists, using their tailored cues, and teaching their programs. There’s benefits and challenges with this as an instructor with your own goals in developing as a teacher, but for this role it’s been important to deliver on the studio’s expectations and create a cohesive brand as someone who is hired by and represents the studio.
I will share a proud achievement: Whilst covering for someone’s classes over the course of five weeks, I designed and taught my own Pilates classes and received an overwhelming response from students — so much so that I was able to advocate for adding 3 “May Pilates” classes on the schedule 🎉 🎉 .
It’s been really rewarding to teach. Rewarding creatively because I enjoy designing my own classes (I recently started teaching an open flow yoga class where I get to program that sequence as well). Rewarding personally because I build relationships with regulars and witness my students get stronger each class — my favorite is when students come up to me after class and tell me how class has impacted their lives: one student shared how she lifts heavy objects (pets!) at work and now after attending Pilates regularly, it’s easier for her to do her job.
I love that my classes (and the studio) are about getting stronger and building a better relationship with the (physical and mental) body rather than achieving a specific physical shape or look. My original intention in pursuing yoga and Pilates teacher training was to introduce students who may not normally take up these physical activities (because of what media has portrayed as the stereotypical person who exercises in this way and attends these classes, aka white and skinny — you know you thought it too) and invite them, encourage them, to try these practices that have so many benefits for everyday life.
This does mean that I don’t program more intense classes which I deeply miss. I have to find that creative outlet elsewhere, whether it’s designing a program for myself, seeking out inspiration online, or checking out other teachers’ classes in person. In this way there are some similarities with the corporate world but with more of the onus and ownership on you: if you want feedback, if you want to grow, if you want to be inspired, then you need to be the one pushing yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone.
What I miss about the corporate world is being surrounded by others who intellectually challenge you, who bring about insights you haven’t thought about, trends and news that you didn’t realize were happening, and getting to learn from each other. A lot of this information gathering as a fitness instructor has to be done proactively — well at least right now with my current position where there isn’t really an opportunity to learn from each other, though I don’t think this is unique to this studio. I do aspire to work somewhere (not to replace — don’t worry, students! Just to augment) where there’s more flexibility in programming and/or a head of education where I an continue to push and grow as an instructor.
What’s different than corporate is that all the prep work is done outside of teaching hours…which means you don’t get paid for those hours. So all that time programming, practicing (self-practice is important to keep the practice!), curating music selection (something that I don’t do for my current studio because of its preferences) is time not getting paid. For me this means mentally reframing what I consider “work” and what it means to get paid for work.
But I love it. Sure some days I bemoan the early hours and wish I could sleep in, but once I walk into the studio, I’m here. I let my voice rise and fall to guide my students, empower them to move, and bring them back to their bodies.
