How to Land (and Keep) Your First Pilates Job
Pilates pro Tahlia Grogan shares tips on getting your first Pilates job
You’ve finished your teacher training, certificate in hand, bursting with excitement—and maybe a bit of nervous energy. But what now? The transition from student to teacher is one of the biggest leaps you'll make in your Pilates career. Landing that first job can feel like a mystery: Where do you apply? What do studios look for? And once you’re in, how do you keep growing?
We spoke with Senior Pilates Educator and Pilates Program Director Tahlia Grogan from One Hot Yoga about what it really takes to secure your first teaching role—and thrive in it.
Step One: Understand What Studios Actually Want
While your training might have focused on movement principles and cueing, studios are often looking for a bit more than textbook knowledge.
Tahlia explained, “I look for instructors who are open to feedback, reliable, and happy to teach in our studio’s signature style while still bringing their own flare.
“In busy studios, we’re looking for instructors who are team players, who help out with covers, keep the studio looking beautiful, and genuinely connect with our members.
“A client will remember how you made them feel before they remember the exact sequence you taught.”
Translation? Studio managers are hiring for personality and professionalism as much as your skill set.
Step Two: Treat the Audition Like a Real Class
Most studios will ask you to do a demo or audition class—often with real clients or fellow instructors. It’s your time to shine, but also to show that you’re coachable.
“Auditions aren’t just about how you cue or structure a class. I want to see your personality and how well you'd fit with our community,” said Tahlia.
“In the audition, I want to see that you can keep people safe, adapt to the group in front of you, and stay present in your teaching.”
Tip: “Do your homework beforehand, check out the studio’s website and socials, maybe take a class so you get a feel for the style. It shows that you’re genuinely interested and prepared,” said Tahlia.
Step Three: Show That You’re Invested
New teachers sometimes make the mistake of treating their first few jobs as stepping stones. But studios notice when someone is genuinely engaged.
“To be a good teacher, you have to keep being a good student. I love when someone asks for feedback and actually wants to hear it. Keep showing up, take other teachers’ classes, keep up your self-practice, and show that you're genuinely part of the community. It makes such a difference,” she said.
Photography @seasewell
Step Four: Stay Humble and Keep Learning
The real education begins after your course ends. Teaching real people in real time is a whole new world—and it takes time to find your rhythm.
“It’s okay to feel awkward in your first few weeks,” says Tahlia. “Teaching is something you grow into by doing it over and over again. If you feel uncomfortable, you're not alone, we've all been there. Keep asking for feedback, take workshops, try different styles, and attend classes at other studios. The more exposure and experience you get, the more confident and natural it will start to feel.
“Many studios value teachers who are eager to grow and open to mentoring. Don’t be afraid to ask a more senior instructor to observe your class, or see if your studio offers in-house training sessions.
“The learning never really ends, she said.
Tip: Why not try journaling after each class to reflect on what worked and what didn’t? This is a great way to reflect and identify what you need to focus on most.
Step Five: Protect Your Energy
Finally, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overbooking yourself just to “prove” your worth. New teachers often say yes to everything—but burnout is real.
“Find a rhythm that works for you and try not to say yes to everything in your first year. Teaching offers a lot of flexibility, so figure out what suits your energy and lifestyle. You can’t teach from an empty cup, so make time for rest, your own practice, and things that fill you up outside the studio,” said Tahlia.
The Long Game
Your first job might not be your dream role—and that’s okay. What matters is getting your foot in the door, learning from every opportunity, and treating each class as a chance to refine your craft.
“Mistakes are going to happen, and that’s completely ok! The beautiful thing about teaching is the human connection you have with your clients. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Have a little laugh, correct yourself, and keep moving. Most of the time they’re so focused on surviving the exercise they won’t even notice. There’s nothing a smile can’t fix,” Talia said.
“Just keep showing up, stay curious, and keep connecting with your ‘why’.”
Because while training gives you the foundation, it’s real-world teaching that shapes who you’ll become.
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Tahlia has been instructing since 2012, originally gaining certification from STOTTS Pilates. Tahlia brings an outstanding capacity to clarify and communicate the principals and practice of Pilates. She believes a strong understanding of Pilates repertoire integrated with modern science is key to becoming a confident and creative teacher. She has taught a truly staggering amount of classes, and has extensive experience teaching and mentoring teachers. Tahlia is currently the Pilates Program Director at One Hot Yoga & Pilates and oversees their Pilates Teacher Training Programs.