One Year In: Real Talk from a New Pilates Teacher

hollytrotman1
Jul 16
3 min read

One year ago today, I officially qualified as a Pilates teacher. I remember walking out of my final practical exam with a mix of adrenaline, relief, and excitement - and, if I’m honest, a little fear too. Would I be good enough? Would people come to my classes? Could I really hold space for others the way my teachers at Body Control had for me?

Twelve months later, I can say: teaching Pilates has taught me just as much as training ever did. Probably more. So, here’s what I’ve learned in my first year on the other side of the mat.

Shift in Focus 👀

When you're practicing Pilates, your focus is internal - on your breath, your movement, your own body. But when you're teaching, the focus shifts entirely outward. Suddenly, you’re not just flowing through the movement - you’re watching how others move, thinking of ways to cue differently, offering hands-on assists or regressions, and managing the overall energy of the room. I now find so much joy in helping others find their inward focus!

Adapting to the Individual 🧘

No amount of teaching manuals can prepare you for the real-life variety of bodies you’ll meet in class. Every spine moves differently. What looks easy for one client might feel impossible for another - and that’s okay.

I’ve come to learn there is no such thing as “perfect form”: the focus is on function. If someone is moving safely, feeling connected, and breathing fully, I consider that a success.

Evolution of my Voice 🦋

I remember my first class. I walked in; lesson plan in hand with each exercise broken down into an exhaustive list of cues. My nerves were high. I was more concerned with what came out of my mouth and going through my ABCs (alignment, breathing and centring) than really teaching.

And to be honest I felt like this for a good while, but I kept showing up. I kept teaching. And over time, I discovered what felt right for me. I became less worried about covering all the bases. I found my rhythm and started trusting my instincts. Now, teaching feels more like a conversation than a performance - and it’s so much more enjoyable that way.

It Goes Beyond Movement 🫶

Pilates heals more than just the body. I’ve had clients tell me they feel taller, calmer, or more centered after class. If a someone walks out with a smile or even the slightest shift in energy, I know I’ve done my job.

This year I've seen how much Pilates has provided a space for people to connect to their mental and emotional wellbeing. The most powerful thing I can offer is the space for someone to breathe and move without judgment.

Forever a Student 👩‍🎓

After my one year of training, I left feeling like my brain was spilling out with Pilates knowledge; it was, but that was just my foundational toolkit. The more I teach, the more I realise how much more there is to explore in the world of Pilates: biomechanics, fascia, bone health, pre and postnatal, teaching on equipment … it’s endless. And that excites me.

Already I’ve signed up for workshops and taken classes with teachers I admire. Whenever I get the chance to go back to the beautiful London studio, I leave with a spring in my step and immediately want to introduce everything into my own classes! I never want to stop being a student.

Feeling Grateful ✨

This first year has really been about growth. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve learned lessons. And most importantly, I’ve had the privilege of guiding people through movement that supports their bodies and lives. But this is really just the beginning, and there are still days where I teach and feel like it's the first time I'm doing it but that's what it's all about - it's never the same.

To my clients, family, friends, and fellow teachers: I want to say a BIG thank you. Your continued support means the world to me. You’ve shaped me more than you know. And to anyone out there thinking of becoming a Pilates teacher - do it.

Here’s to year two - and everything it brings ❤️