
Pilates has experienced a massive surge in popularity over the past year, and it’s no surprise. The benefits of the practice are clear, and as more people turn to Pilates for strength, flexibility, and mental clarity, the demand for skilled, passionate instructors has skyrocketed.
But with this growth comes a challenge that’s often overlooked—the risk of burnout for teachers.
As someone who works with instructors daily, I’ve seen a disturbing trend: many teachers, despite their love for Pilates, are stretching themselves too thin. They’re over-scheduling, under-prioritising self-care, and burning the candle at both ends. If you're an instructor who’s feeling like the passion is starting to wane, or you’re afraid of reaching that point, this blog post is for you.
Here are some trends I’ve noticed over the past 12 months and key practices to help you navigate 2025 without hitting burnout.
1. Set a Max Number of Teaching Hours
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of bookings coming in and opportunities expanding. But remember, quality over quantity is key. Overworking yourself, trying to be everywhere for everyone, isn’t sustainable. Set a limit on the number of hours you’re willing to work each week, and stick to it. Many instructors make the mistake of thinking they need to be working 30-40 hours a week to prove their worth, but this is a recipe for exhaustion.
You can be an incredible teacher without being overworked. Set boundaries, and stick to them.
2. Balance Personal Movement and Teaching Time
As a Pilates instructor, your body is your business. It's vital to maintain your own physical practice, separate from your work. This isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about keeping your energy high and your movements fresh for your clients.
Allocate personal movement time—whether it’s for your own Pilates session, yoga, or another form of exercise. Don’t let your own physical practice take a backseat to teaching. You’ll need it to keep the passion alive, not just for your clients but for yourself.
3. Carve Out Time for Admin and Planning
Teaching classes is only part of the job. We all know that admin, invoicing, and class planning can quickly become overwhelming if we don’t make space for them. The key here is to schedule time for these tasks just like you would for a class or client appointment.
Consider batch creating class plans at the beginning of each week or month so that you're not scrambling at the last minute. This gives you more freedom to focus on what you love—teaching.
4. Don’t Feel Guilty About Taking Time Off
This one is huge. Many Pilates instructors struggle with guilt when they take a break. They feel like they need to be "on" all the time. Your free time does not mean available time. Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Taking time off from teaching isn’t a sign of weakness or lack of dedication. It's a form of self-care that allows you to recharge, both physically and mentally. If you’re working non-stop and never allowing yourself to take a break, you’ll eventually burn out—and when that happens, you won’t be able to give your clients the energy and expertise they deserve.
5. Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Teachers
The Pilates world is full of incredible talent, and it can be easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other instructors. This race to be seen and validated can be exhausting and counterproductive. Remember: no one teaches the same way, and no one has the same journey.
Trying to measure your success by other teachers’ standards will only set you up for disappointment. Focus on your strengths, your unique teaching style, and the amazing community you’re building with your clients. You don’t need to be a superhero to be a great instructor. You just need to be yourself.
6. Remember Why You Started
When you’re juggling multiple clients, studio bookings, and late-night sessions, it’s easy to lose sight of why you became a Pilates teacher in the first place. But reconnecting with your “why” is essential.
Think about why you started teaching Pilates—what drew you to it in the first place? Was it the joy of helping others feel stronger? The satisfaction of guiding someone through their practice? The passion you have for movement and wellness?
If you're feeling exhausted or uninspired, take a moment to reflect on your journey. Revisit your original inspiration and remember that you are making a difference in your clients' lives.
7. Learn to Say No
If you freelance, this is crucial: learn to say no to things that don’t align with your values, energy, or goals. The hustle culture can be alluring, and it’s easy to think that saying “yes” to every opportunity will help you succeed. But this often leads to overcommitment and, eventually, burnout.
Sometimes, we have to take on less-than-ideal hours—late nights, early mornings, weekend shifts, etc. But if you accept every booking, you’ll end up spreading yourself too thin.
Being selective doesn’t mean you’re not dedicated; it means you value your time, energy, and passion enough to reserve it for the right opportunities.
8. The Surge in Pilates Is Great, but Pace Yourself
There’s no doubt that Pilates is having its moment right now, and that’s exciting! More clients, more opportunities, more exposure—but let’s not lose sight of the long game here.
If you’re constantly chasing the latest trend, jumping into every new opportunity, you might lose the joy you once had for teaching.
Clients will continue to love you, even if you're not taking on every new trend. Stay grounded in your teaching style, your values, and your practice. The demand for Pilates isn’t going anywhere. Pace yourself, and don’t burn out chasing the hype.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, let’s commit to taking care of ourselves as much as we take care of our clients. The more we prioritise our own health, boundaries, and energy, the better teachers we’ll be.
So, take a deep breath, reset your boundaries, and start the year with a clear intention to teach from a place of passion and balance—not exhaustion.
You deserve it.
I hope this resonates with you. If you're struggling with burnout or feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Our agency is here to support you in building a sustainable and fulfilling career in Pilates.
If you’re looking for advice on managing your schedule or finding the right studios, we’re here to help you navigate it all.
Remember, a happy, healthy instructor is a great instructor. 🌱
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