Are there any pilates instructors / fitness class teachers around?

[LongGinShortTonic]

I am fit and love doing my exercise classes and doing Pilates and yoga and spin - I'm contemplating training as a Pilates instructor plus doing a general fitness class qualification. I've been looking into it for the past few months, this isn't a flash in the pan kind of thing, and it certainly wouldn't be to make money! I'm sociable, chatty and have built a great fitness community at the gym and in my yoga class.

This wouldn't be to replace the day job, which is flexible and run from home and workload goes up and down, but to run alongside and eventually ease me into semi retirement when I can give up the day job and do more of the classes. I also don't want to go the whole hog and do yoga, that doesn't feel like the right thing for me. My kids are three years off doing exams so this would be a good time for me to study - they're old enough for me to go off and do a class or study in the evenings.

My spin and Pilates instructors are both backing me and saying there's classes at the gym I could run.

Is this madness? I'm looking at the Future Fit training (CIMSPA associated) Level 3 Mat, Level 4 Mat and Master Practitioner. I'm also considering doing a Level 2 Certificate in Group Training.

Would really welcome thoughts on this.

I did it years ago for group exercise boot camps and circuits
not to make a living but just did holiday and sickness cover
it’s going back years but got £15 per class think it’s between £25 and £30 now
you’ll need your insurance and licensed music and pay tax
if your class is an hour you have to travel there and travel back you barely make minimum wage
I loved it as a hobby and interest turn it into a job it takes the shine off it
to commit to a class is very restrictive you literally end up sacrificing the whole evening for an hours work

Thanks, yes that is true on the restrictions but I have that with the rigidity of the weekly classes I do now. Good point on the music license, I hadn’t thought of that.

Not all gyms are that bothered about licensed music most turn a blind eye don’t know who or if anyone checks
I thought like you I’m going anyway some might as well get paid that wore off

there’s a world of difference in just turning up and doing as your told
to planing and organising classes there a fair bit of prep work

The group training cert should be your backbone for everything imo

i personally think teaching at gyms is a fools game and I got caught out with it, I’d never ever do it again. Community classes are by far a better way to earn money on the side. An hours class at a gym could pay £20 but what are you spending on insurance/PPL/travel and the time preparing and travelling? How long will it take you to make money after covering the cost of the training. Is £20 worth the potential torture from some clients?(Theres awful people out there and in a gym your hands may be tied!)

Last year I was paid £22 p/h. I taught 3 classes, never got paid for set up or clear up, which was additional time.

I am on my own now and make £100 minimum in an hour after expenses

I echo the thoughts of turning a hobby into teaching. It can really ruin it for you, fast.

Lots to consider, thank you for the additional thoughts. Yes, I'd thought about community classes - that's on the list.

I'm still thinking about it constantly - and to be honest, if I didn't end up teaching, I think I'd still enjoy the courses.