Beyond the Mat: Skills That Make a Great Pilates Instructor

What makes a great instructor in 2025? Yes, qualifications and a solid understanding of anatomy and Pilates fundamentals are important—but it’s so much more than that. A truly exceptional Pilates instructor possesses a holistic, well-rounded skill set that extends beyond the four corners of the mat or reformer.

Graduating instructors should leave their training with more than just a certificate; carrying a collection of skills that sets them apart in the industry. Let’s unpack what might be found in the toolkit of a powerhouse instructor.

Confidence and Class-Readiness

You often hear from new instructors that, despite finishing their training, they still feel unsure or anxious about guiding people through movement in real life. As with anything that involves getting out of your comfort zone, nerves are totally normal at first, but armed with the right tools and enough real life practice to effectively sequence a class, hold space for clients, and modify movements for diverse bodies, instructors can have confidence that they are ‘class ready’.

On the topic of diverse bodies - if a client says that they have an injury, are pregnant, or are just beginning their movement journey, it shouldn’t cause a moment of mild panic and sweaty palms. For a confident and class-ready instructor, these situations become opportunities: you get to use your skills and creativity to tailor a class that best supports their body and, in doing so, make a real difference and how special is that?

So, how do we create or become class-ready instructors? Through real life experience, and through comprehensive training designed for the current industry; always with the future in mind. This includes in-person practice teaching, observation hours, self-practice, mentorship, and ongoing feedback and support from experienced peers. Never stop learning.

Communication and Connection

The experience for a client begins the moment they step into the space. For someone new to Pilates, moving outside their comfort zone to try something unfamiliar can be daunting (remember the first time you laid eyes on a reformer?!). An instructor who can make newcomers feel welcome and at ease can have a big impact.

For regular clients , making them feel valued by building rapport can be the reason they keep coming back. What do they like to do outside of Pilates? Are they working or studying? Do they have kids? Any holidays planned? When is their birthday? Connecting on a deeper level is a skill in itself, and can serve as a huge asset to any instructor who wants to create memorable experiences for their clients.

Another key factor in building connections is authenticity. Have you ever been in a class where it felt like the instructor was putting on a performance? An instructor who allows their personality to shine through feels more relatable and memorable. It’s a cliché we know and love: the best thing to do is just be yourself!

Clear communication is also essential in guiding exercises and helping participants improve their form. Everyone learns differently, so sometimes instructors need to try different cueing methods to find what resonates. While internal cues like “belly button to spine” might work for some, others may respond better to external cues, such as “press your waistband into the mat.”

Marketing and Media

Whether you’re aiming to land a job at a studio, open your own studio, or build a client base for private sessions, marketing is a handy skill to have at your disposal. It’s about setting yourself apart, breaking through the noise in an increasingly busy market, and sharing what makes you or your business unique. To promote yourself effectively, consider your vision (what you stand for), values (what you care about most), and your point of difference. Stay true to these in every touchpoint—from your resume to your social media channels, website, and interactions.

Social media, especially Instagram, can be a powerful tool to reach your target audience, whether that be potential employers or clients, so understanding how to use this platform to your advantage can be hugely beneficial. A great Pilates instructor in 2025 and beyond brings much more to the mat than the ability to teach a class. By choosing a holistic Pilates Teacher Training course and continuously expanding their skills through professional development, instructors can grow in all areas and truly stand out. This commitment to growth not only enhances their teaching but also creates memorable and impactful experiences for those they guide, setting them apart as instructors who inspire and make a difference.

Amy King
Founder and Director of Operations
The CorePlus School of Movement

About The CorePlus School of Movement

The CorePlus School of Movement is where passion meets purpose. Whether you’re looking to build a new life skill, strengthen your career potential, or deepen your love of movement, the School of Movement is the perfect place to transform your passion into your purpose. Enrolments are officially open for our first of many course types - our Mat and Reformer Pilates Training.