Jasmine, or Jas, as she is more affectionately called, left a career in Real Estate to pursue her passion for Pilates and has never looked back! In October 2020, Jas made the brave leap to switch careers from a full time desk job to a full time instructing role with Premium Pilates and Fitness. Jas talks us through her story below and how changing careers transformed her life.
The beginning
Prior to becoming a Pilates Instructor, I worked in Real Estate as an Executive Assistant to the Principal of the business. I had worked in various roles within the company for several years before working my way up. It came to a point in my Real Estate career where I realised there was no one in the company who had a role that I wanted to work towards. I was satisfied in my role however there was still a part of me that wanted something more.
Jas's passion for health & fitness
Exercise for me has always been a passion and something I have enjoyed from a young age. During my senior years at high school I completed a certificate three in fitness and worked at a gym completing a traineeship. I worked at the studio before and after school and on weekends. When I graduated school, I moved from Toowoomba to Brisbane and got a job working at Fitness First. Initially I worked as a receptionist, however soon I started instructing small group classes. Another one of my roles was to instruct new members through an introductory workout. Whilst I absolutely loved my time at Fitness First, there was always a part of me that thought working in fitness was more of a hobby, rather than a career path. With the benefit of hindsight, I think that I had been conditioned by society to think success meant going to university and working in a corporate role. With these thoughts in my head, I left the fitness industry and pursued a different path.
The Pilates passion begins
A couple of years ago I joined Premium Pilates and Fitness as a member. I quickly fell in love with Pilates and could noticeably see and feel the difference in my strength and definition. I also enjoyed going to class as I was so focused on the movement and correcting my form that my mind had a break from life stress. I would rave about Pilates to my family and friends and wanted all of them to feel the benefits I was feeling. I remember leaving class in the mornings and thinking how much I wanted to stay at the studio and instruct, instead of going to the office to work.
Pilates instructor training
I started researching several Pilates instructor training courses. I naturally found myself drawn to Emily's Premium Pilates and Fitness' instructor training. I had been to many of her classes and knew she was a phenomenal instructor who was incredibly passionate, knowledgeable and a true master of her craft. If I was going to invest a significant amount of money and time in a Pilates instructor training course, I wanted to learn from someone like Emily. When I first enrolled in Pilates instructor training, I did not have any expectations on where it would take me. I wanted to learn as much as I could to improve my own practice, even if it didn't result in a career in Pilates.
The side hustle starts
After completing my Pilates Matwork course I knew I wanted to become an Pilates instructor! I went on to complete my Reformer training with Emily and the desire to instruct grew stronger. I was incredibly fortunate to be offered a casual role at Premium Pilates and Fitness in June 2020 and I started teaching a few classes a week and on Saturday morning while working at my office job full-time.
Switching careers
I lasted about four months working both jobs. I absolutely knew by then that I wanted to put all of my energy into Pilates and instruct full-time. I finally understood the saying 'love what you do and you will never work a day in your life.' Now I work full-time with Premium Pilates instructing around 25 classes a week and assisting with the back end of the business.
Changing careers transformed my life
I absolutely love what I do. What I love most about instructing is sharing my passion with other people and seeing them experience the benefits Pilates has to offer. I often see new clients struggle initially when they try Pilates for the first time, however, they continue to return week after week, and improve exponentially. When I see this, I feel so incredibly happy and proud to be a part of that growth. To me that is the definition of being successful and happy with your career.
Want to learn more about the world of Pilates instructor training?
Click here to find out more about our very own Instructor Training.
Learn Jas's Five Habits of a Healthy and Happy Pilates Instructor.
Read our Seven reasons to become a Pilates Instructor.
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