I’m considering enrolling in the Comprehensive STOTT/CMR program, and after tuition, materials, and the cert exam, my total investment would be around $7,500.

I’m a wfh mom of 2 young kids and currently work full-time as a software developer. While I make good income, I’m at the point where I feel like I’m doing my job because it’s what I know, not because I’m passionate about it. If I were ever let go, I don’t think I’d pursue another role in tech.

That said, I have no plans to leave my current job. My goal would be to continue working full-time while teaching Pilates part-time (maybe 3–5 classes per week, or more depending on the time). I genuinely love Pilates and would love to have it as a side gig doing something I truly enjoy.

For those of you who completed STOTT while keeping another full-time job, was it worth the time and cost? Were you able to recoup your investment teaching part-time, and if so, how long did it take? Any advice or things you wish you had known before starting?

My friend is opening a studio. She wants it to be inclusive, not exclusive, and affordable 🙌. A place that doesn't feel intimidating, where truly everyone and anyone is welcome.

Which of these would you attend? Or improve on? and what would you improve?

TIA

Friends are opening a studio within a month in a smaller city that is also going to have a CP a mile up the road a few months later.

My friends are not instructors and only ever took classes at CP. I feel they are taking a huge risk.

My question is:

If this was your city, what would make you choose a 7 person class boutique studio or vice versa?

EDIT:

Thank you for all the wonderful feedback! I am an instructor and owned my own studio for years in another state. They were very excited and now panicking because the only instructors that have applied are newly certified from CP. No one believed me when I said it would be difficult if they themselves were not instructors.

Hey, just want to get some opinions here.

My pilates studio (which I absolutely love otherwise) always films little snippets of classes for their instagram content to show off how many classes they offer. I get it, they need to market, they need to promote their business.

However, I am an extremely insecure individual and I do not want to be filmed while I am working out. I am so conscious of the fact that during my class someone will pop in and record at some point (its usually a little snippet since its just for stories) that I can't fully focus and this fact is always in my mind when i'm choosing my fit for pilates for that day. Sometimes, I want to just wear a sports bra or a tank top or something but I don't want my body showcased online like that...

This is a studio in my hometown with a ton of mutual followers. I don't want people to see me online look unflattering and for everyone ik to be like oh look at that whale (i am obviously a very self conscious individual) and I also don't really post myself online much as is.

I haven't and won't say anything because I can't...when you sign up to go there they make you sign a waiver to be filmed in their content...but it's so annoying. Just wanted to get some thoughts

Edit - I posted this for opinions because tbh I was expecting some that told me i'm crazy for feeling this way and something like "too bad so sad for you bc you signed the waiver" but seeing people agree with me that this is annoying makes me feel more comfortable saying something.

Looking for some advice from other Pilates students, especially anyone who’s been pregnant and from Pilates instructors.

I’m currently 6 weeks pregnant after a miscarriage a couple of months ago, so I’m definitely being extra cautious this time around!

I’ve been doing reformer Pilates consistently since 2023 and have taken 500+ classes across a few different studios, so I feel like I have a pretty solid foundation. Before getting pregnant, I was comfortable knowing how to modify exercises when needed but now I feel totally lost.

The studio I originally went to was much more classical. They only had 4 reformers, instructors gave a lot of individual attention, and we did plenty of traditional work like footwork, feet in straps, bridging, etc.

I moved about 30 minutes away and switched to a different studio because they offer an affordable unlimited membership and it’s closer.They have 15 reformers per class, and the programming is much more intense. There’s a mix of Balanced Body certified instructors and in-house trained instructors, and many classes have more of a Solidcore/Lagree feel with lots of planks, oblique work, and heavy arms/legs. I don’t do as much traditional reformer work anymore. I’m starting to worry as I’m doing the work that I’m not safely modifying but I could be overthinking…

The good news is that my old studio is opening a new location just a few minutes from my house. They don’t use a membership model, so I could easily take classes there whenever I want, but classes are pricier.

My OB has cleared me to continue exercising since I was already active before pregnancy. I’m mostly wondering which environment is likely to be safer and easier to modify in as my pregnancy progresses.

I’d love to hear from instructors or anyone who’s gone through pregnancy while doing reformer Pilates. Thank you in advance!!💕

EDIT: my options would be to

1. Keep my unlimited membership and figure out modifications (I attend anywhere from 20-25 classes a month)

2. Downgrade membership to 8 classes and take a couple at the classical studio a month

3. Switch to the all classical during pregnancy but only be able to take 8 classes a month due to cost

Edit: the video is originally posted on @suhyun_Pilates who also hold the rights to this video.

Lolita San Miguel is a first generation Pilates Master and together with Kathy Stanford Grant one of only two people officially certified by Joseph Pilates. It is fascinating to hear how she speaks of the method and the value she sees in change and adaptation of his original work in line with modern science of physiology.

There has been a lot of passionate discussions in this sub regarding what constitutes Pilates and the perceived unequivocal nature of Classical Pilates compared to its variations. So it is refreshing to hear a point of view from one of the teachers closest to the source.

I find it interesting to read the contradiction in this sub between the defence for and the absolute authority of “Classical Pilates” method while at the same time seeing frequent recommendations of popular on demand channels that have hundreds upon hundreds of “Pilates” workouts. Workouts that in my experience as a STOTT trained Pilates instructor and Personal trainer often contain the same non Pilates exercises that are often criticised as “social media” or “influencer workouts.” There are only so many ways you can remix the “original” Reformer workout and it’s definitely not multiple hundreds. So we can assume that even the most popular channels that promote themselves as Pilates authority keep subscribers engaged with variety and introduction of novel exercises.

I think it’s worth keeping in mind that even if Pilates does evolve and its current understanding is still in flux there is a line between a Pilates workout, a Pilates fitness workout, or a workout that uses Pilates in its marketing but where you’d be hard pressed to find even a handful of Pilates exercise.

Personally I tend to put what is known as “Classical Pilates” and contemporary Pilates (eg STOTT, Polestar Balanced Body etc.) under the same umbrella. These workouts are very much rooted in the original method, standardised and on the whole include the same exercises using standardised names. Different reputable training providers that teach either Classical or Contemporary method will have a lot of overlap in how they educate instructors so that regardless of whether a client takes a Pilates session in LA with one instructor or Kathmandu with another they will immediately know it’s Pilates, even if one is Contemporary and the other Classical.

Other than 1:1 STOTT Pilates I also teach those group Pilates classes that include strength and fitness exercises. These types of classes are the main grey area in the Pilates world today. When I opened my London studio 13years ago there was one other company teaching something similar. Now there are hundreds. The problem is that many of these classes focus on delivering a “workout” (sometimes good, sometimes bad) but rarely will you find one that keeps the original Pilates exercises as the foundation and backbone of each class (referring to reformer specifically here). Eg. at Epoch Fitness studio classes always make sure to follow the sequences I was taught, including their adaptations, and use strength exercises I use in my PT work eg squats, lunges, seated rows, push ups etc to separate those Pilates segments. This means that each session tends to consist 60-70% of Pilates and the rest fitness. But this isn’t the standard across the industry. I have tried quite a few group classes, including popular chains, and find most do the opposite ie 30% Pilates 70% Fitness (if that). As a workout this can still be good but I think such big variations is what leads to great confusion as to what Pilates actually is amongst the general population. Of course to a great extent this is more down to the trainers rather than the studio itself.

In short I agree with the author that Pilates must evolve with the times but I also think that instructors have the responsibility to not turn it into something else entirely if they market the method as simply Pilates. When the sessions do take a lot of creative liberties (the demand is obviously there) this should be clearly stated to inform the potential visitors of how the sessions differ from the Pilates/Contrology method eg Athletic Pilates, Dynamic Pilates, Pilates inspired etc. This way the world of Pilates (from the teachers perspective) will be far more accepting of both the original method, its variations and the more fitness focused workouts. Each would distinguish itself in terms of clear benefits to the participants and at the same support the other by keeping Pilates name popular, and each method distinct and future-proof.

If you made it this far, Thoughts?

…acceptable or not acceptable?

I will be finishing my certification soon and looking for part time jobs. I’ll be classically trained but seeing that a lot of available jobs are contemporary, I wanted to know how to prepare for that. I plan on still finding a classical studio to teach at but if I have to teach contemporary at a different studio, I’m not sure that I’ll know how to create a workout.
A lot of these studios market their classes as faster paced and the use different apparatus brands and I’m just not sure how to design a workout around that when I’m so used to the classical structure. It doesn’t seem like you need a whole new certification to teach contemporary, but I don’t know how to transition from classical to contemporary as needed. Any tips?

I completed my training in Comprehensive Polestar last month, targeting to finish sign off and exam this year end.

I went to my first audition this evening.

I was told to prep 15 mins reformer and 10 mins chair. So I did footwork with variation, bridging and arms - abs series on reformer. Chair I did standing leg pump and hamstring 3.

After the session ended, I was given feedback by the owner. She said the good things first and then the area of improvement.

Before I started the session, I asked if I shall treat this as private session or group classes? She said maybe somewhere in between. So I did. I noticed some flaws and corrected the person few times. But she default back. I carried on with my flows.

She told me, I should have stopped and corrected her. But I did. If I were to stop her again, I wouldnt have finished my demo/flows.

Next, she told me I had few silence in between. In which I finished the cues and in between reps, I was counting while observing. I dont really get it. So I should keep talking even when I counting?

Lastly, she said I cue breathing but only at first and then no more. In my defence, I always started with breathing cue and then move on to other cues. For all my moves. I think it's quite weird to keep telling people exhale inhale.. unless it's really crucial to the moves eg chest lift, spine flexion. But footwork and standing leg pump.. do I need alot of breathing cues here.

Just reflecting here. Of course I didnt retaliate just now and accepted the feedback. Thanked her for her time and opportunity.

Open to any advices to succeed on my next audition.

I have over a month off work and want to combine my Pilates instructor training & travelling by staying in another city in Europe and train at a studio there. I’ll do reformer training in my own city (London) afterwards

I’m wondering if anyone else has done something similar and had any experience or pros/cons?
🤍🌟😌💌

An independent studio is opening near me with 7 Reformer/tower combos. They are looking for teachers, but have no clients signed up yet. When I asked the owners ( who are not instructors and have never been in the fitness business) what they were doing for pre-sales, they said we have a few hundred people on our email list and we are going to invite then to a soft opening🤔

So in other words, opening your doors with no one signed up and no idea.

I am an instructor and thinking to myself why in the heck would I sign on to teach?

Would love to hear your thoughts😊

I have stubbed my toes twice recently, resulting in what I think is a broken toe (4th digit) on my left foot and a broken toe (2nd digit) on my right. There is some bruising and swelling, but they are fine to walk on (at least with comfortable shoes). Here is the problem - they do get sore when I have to bend and put a lot of pressure on my toes. Planks, particularly side planks, and lunges seem to be causing the most trouble, but I think doing jumpboard 4 times a week probably isn't helping.

Are there modifications that might work?

I’m curious if this is just a me problem, but one of my studios is very senior dominated. it’s only my seniors, but they’ve gotten into the habit of arriving 10-15 minutes early to privates and group classes both and demanding we start the second they arrive, or they’ll want me to give them physical therapy style Q and As before class starts.

i know I should be flattered they like me and trust me enough to want more of my opinions, but I am DRAINED when they do this and it throws my timing off for privates because a 50 minute private has become a 60 minute private for no reason other than they arrived early and insisted. in group classes when people arrive right on time the seniors act like they made the whole class wait even though they did t.

i started locking the door before my first client of the day arrives because she always shows up too early and thinks we should start right away and I can’t handle her doing that anymore.

any advice? is this a common problem? am I just experiencing burnout and am getting unnecessarily frustrated at my old ladies?

note: none of them would know this drives me crazy. I have a good poker face but I’m TIRED of this early arrival and special focus unpaid 10-15 minutes shit.

Anyone do Pilates reformer regularly and also have CHF?
I’m not sure my cardiologist understands the type of workout Pilates is so wondering if anyone here either has worked with CHF patients or have it themselves and if there is anything you do differently during class?

I’m “newish” to Pilates, I did reformer-only for about 6 months before I got pregnant, but I had a really rough pregnancy and had to stop. Then back in April at 8mo postpartum, I started back up doing mainly mat.

Right now I’m doing 2-3 mat and 1 reformer class each week. I also try to do at least 2 full-body strength-training sessions per week.

I honestly love Pilates so much, I’m thinking about getting teacher-certified in the future. But before I get ahead of myself, I was curious how many times a week are you doing each? I feel like I should be doing more reformer classes. Any tips would be appreciated!

drop your faves!!! 💛 which pilates podcasts have elevated your career as a teacher?

It never ceases to amaze me how I see redditors absolutely revolted by the idea of practicing Pilates barefoot. Heck, even the toeless socks make people sick! I have seen very strong language (and several vomit emojis) used against practicing barefoot. The arguments seem to be that grip socks are the cleanest and safest way to practice Pilates.

And yet...my local independent studio I've been going to for years has never required socks. Maybe a third of people choose to wear them, but it's not required. And it got me to wondering, so I did a search of all the boutique studios close to me and found about 7 studios and not one of them requires socks. Their promotional photos are full of "icky, nasty, unsafe" bare feet.

I don't deny that there's the potential for a hygiene issue. But in the same way touching door handles is a risk. If you go to a clean, professional studio, the risk seems so inconsequential compared to the benefit of practicing barefoot. In working on our balance and proprioception, it seems odd to cover up the sensitive surface of our feet and diminish sensation and natural grip. Knock on wood, I've never seen anyone in my classes fall or injure themselves.

I have a hard time seeing grip socks as much more than a cash cow for chain studios. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-grip sock. I just think it's a personal preference and really, really wish redditors would tone down the rhetoric that human feet are inherently filthy and anyone practicing barefoot is disgusting. I mean, after all, what guarantee is there that someone else's socks are perfectly clean anyway?

I started holding my own classes due to requests from peopel at the studio. At the time (january 25) I was newly certified and didn't know my worth, so I did not set high prices.

Now a lot of new studios are opening up and prices for their group sessions are more expensive or close to the price I have for semi-privates. I now also have few more cetificates behind, I regulary take mentor classes and have full schedule from referals.

I will expand to a little bit bigger studio soon, when I find the right space, I need to increase the pricing, maybe € by € monthly, but I cannot work on sale anymore.

How do I tell this to people? Please be nice and understanding.

Hello, subreddit members! If you haven't noticed or forgot, we have a newbie (as in, to the subreddit, not just new to Pilates, but often also new to Pilates) pinned post now in order to reduce top-level posts that ask the same old question over and over again. We mods go in and answer newbie questions when we can, but your knowledge and expertise is requested as well! If you've been looking to share your knowledge, frustrations, or needs, please check out the 2026 NEWBIE/BEGINNER THREAD and comment!

Hello r/Pilates!

We are Motioncare Pilates, a Korean Pilates and rehabilitation equipment manufacturer supplying professional studios, clinics, and training spaces in 28 countries.

Our once-a-year Summer Sale is now open for eligible studio projects in the USA, EU and Indonesia.

The offer includes:

• 20% off Motioncare Pilates equipment
• Regional delivery support, depending on location
• Studio package recommendations and equipment planning
• Reformers, Combi Reformers, Cadillac/Tower systems, Chairs, Barrels, Wall Units, accessories and complete studio packages
• On-site installation options

This is a B2B offer for studios, clinics, and professional training spaces. Allocation is limited as below:

• USA: first 5 studios with confirmed orders
• EU: first 4 studios with confirmed orders
• Indonesia: first 3 studios with confirmed orders

The promotion ends July 24, or earlier if the regional delivery allocations are fully used.

We have attached the campaign covers below and linked the full regional posts here:

USA studios: https://www.instagram.com/p/DaCgzHHk46N/?img_index=1

EU studios: https://www.instagram.com/p/DaCiDHNE184/?img_index=1

Indonesia studios: https://www.instagram.com/p/DaChTlnE8JH/?img_index=1

Each region has different delivery coverage and import requirements, so please refer to the relevant post or contact us directly for a quotation.

DM us on Instagram or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with your studio location, equipment requirements, and expected opening or delivery date.

I did YouTube Pilates for a couple of years. I’ve done studio classes. I still teach studio classes, but really most of the benefit of Pilates comes from a personal session strictly because the movement can be tailored to what your body needs, but Personal sessions are expensive hard to schedule. You might not have a studio near you. I lived in rural America and didn’t have a studio near me. I had restricted income, couldn’t afford it, but I noticed that if I took certain bits and pieces of videos, I would find one that I needed.

But it’s not realistic to look through hundreds of thousands of videos on YouTube looking for what I need to do every day. We each have unique bodies, we each have unique schedules. But we all still deserve to feel good in our bodies and get out of our minds and into our bodies.

I have a background in electric Engineering and was working full time when I got the idea to make an app that made made to order Pilates. Pilates routines that you could do at home or anywhere on your schedule built for your body. I’ve spent the last eight months working on it, and it went live on the Apple App Store last week. If this is interesting to you, please go check it out and honestly let me know what you think. I think this could help a lot of people whether you’re traveling or want access to a personalized fitness routine.

Embody by Alexandra Pilates

Frederico (Kiko) Figueiredo (seen here doing the hanging pull ups with Inelia Garcia) will be in NYC for an immersion workshop August 22-23. The workshop will focus on the mat and reformer, how to transition from the basic to intermeditate exercises in the Authentic Pilates System. I am so excited about this workshop! It is the first time Kiko will be presenting a workshop in the US. He is a lead teacher for Inelia Garcia and he has several studios in Portugal. He has a deep knoweledge of the work, especially the precision and the details that make the magic happen in Authentic Pilates.

The early discount ends today July 1. Please contact me or follow the link below to register to get the savings. This weekend workshop will be a life and career changing workshop! This will be only live in-person, not online.

Workshop will be presented in English. Certificates will be awarded. Everyone will get a team shirt as well.

If you cannot attend this, but you would like to study the Authentic Method, we have ongoing mini-workshops and teacher workouts that are online or in-person.

Early price only $600 for two full days

Link for more information

Aloha everyone! My name is Christina Black, I'm Pilates instructor (13 years experience) teaching privates & group classes in Honolulu, Hawaii and I also have an Online Pilates Program with 300+ workouts, multiple series & challenges and a weekly workout schedule! For the month of July I'm offering 50% off an annual subscription to this thread only. Head to CLKB.org to sign up and use REDDITJULY26 at checkout. Mahalo and hope to see you on the mat!