Being a Pilates instructor isn’t just about knowing your glute medius from your glute maximus - it’s about being the kind of teacher clients feel safe, supported, and inspired by. I’m Emily, course creator and owner at Premium Pilates and Fitness. I have been teaching Pilates for over 15 years, and know firsthand the qualities that elevate a good instructor into a truly exceptional one. If you’ve been thinking about a career in Pilates, these are the traits I see in our most sort after instructors.

Empathy

One of the most important traits an instructor can have is empathy. Every client walks into a Pilates class with a unique story — some are recovering from injury, some are managing stress or anxiety, and some simply feel self-conscious about trying something new. A great instructor can sense these moments and respond thoughtfully.

Sometimes empathy is as simple as a reassuring touch on the shoulder, a gentle reminder that they’re doing a great job, or modifying an exercise to meet their needs. By showing empathy, you create a safe space where clients feel supported, encouraged, and confident to challenge themselves. Classes where empathy is at the heart leave clients feeling seen, understood, and motivated to return.

Confidence

Confidence is key — even if you must “fake it till you make it” at first. I remember feeling nervous when I first started instructing (it’s totally normal), but I realised that my clients saw me as the Pilates expert in the room. This mindset helped me project confidence, even when I was still learning myself!

As an instructor, remember that you know more about Pilates than anyone else in your class. Whether it’s guiding a complex reformer sequence or cueing a subtle adjustment on the mat, your clients are looking to you for expertise. Over time, acting confidently will become second nature — and if you’ve studied hard and nailed your foundations, your authentic confidence will shine through every class.

Passionate

Passion is the fuel that keeps an instructor going through early mornings, late nights, and weekend classes. Teaching Pilates requires constant energy, enthusiasm, and belief in what you’re doing. Without passion, it’s difficult to stay motivated through the long hours of instructing, correcting technique, and supporting clients day in and day out.

A passionate instructor inspires. Your energy is contagious — clients notice when you love what you teach, and that excitement makes them want to show up for every session. Passion also drives you to continue growing as an instructor. At PPF, we encourage instructors to build on their knowledge with courses like our online Intermediate Reformer and Prenatal Matwork & Reformer. These courses deepen your understanding of the Pilates repertoire, help you learn new teaching techniques, and allow you to confidently work with clients at every stage of life. Passionate instructors never stop learning — and that curiosity makes them exceptional.

Dedicated

Talent can only take you so far; dedication takes you everywhere. Being a dedicated instructor means showing up consistently, putting in the hours, and always striving to improve. It’s about more than memorising exercises — it’s about exploring how to cue with clarity, applying adjustments and modifications in real world situations, and making each client’s experience as safe, effective and enjoyable as possible.

Dedication also means committing to your professional development. I often remind instructors that investing in education — whether it’s attending more classes as client themselves or taking advanced courses — is what sets great instructors apart. Dedication ensures you are not just teaching, but teaching with confidence, safety, and skill that benefits every client in your studio.

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Combining the Traits

When empathy, confidence, passion, and dedication come together, you have the makings of an extraordinary Pilates instructor. These qualities help you create classes that are safe, effective, and enjoyable — where clients feel empowered to challenge themselves and celebrate their progress.

Being a great instructor is not only about mastering Pilates exercises but also about connecting with people, inspiring them, and continually growing as a professional. The more you invest in your skills and understanding, the more your clients will benefit. And the journey doesn’t have to stop after your initial certification — continuing education is a key part of making sure you can meet the evolving needs of your clients, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and even those with special requirements like prenatal or rehabilitation Pilates.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering becoming a Pilates instructor, or if you’re already on the journey, remember that the best instructors combine heart, knowledge, and dedication. Be empathetic, show confidence, fuel your classes with passion, and never stop learning.

At Premium Pilates & Fitness, we provide instructors with the tools and training to grow in their careers.  From our in-person Pilates Fundamentals & Matwork and Reformer training to further learning in our intermediate courses – our resources help you teach more effectively but also give you the confidence to support clients safely and creatively, no matter their needs.

The truth is, being a great Pilates instructor is about much more than demonstrating exercises. It’s about connecting with your clients, inspiring them to move effectively and safely, and continually developing yourself so you can give your best in every class. Start cultivating these traits today — your future clients (and your future self) will thank you for it!

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