Since the pandemic, there has been a monumental shift in the way we spend our time and energy. We all have had time to rethink our lifestyles, with many people discovering their work-life balance was out of sync.
The pandemic brought our health and wellness into the spotlight – highlighting the importance of a strong immune system and emotional wellbeing during times where our physical and mental health were compromised.
Prioritising a work-life balance, with tools to better our minds and bodies turns our attention to Pilates. The Pilates industry has seen exponential growth as a result of the power of functional movement on the mind and body. Pilates has the ability to release positive endorphins that leave you feeling confident and empowered, without compromising your joints, posture or weakness that may lead to injuries. In more recent years, these benefits have been brought into the spotlight on a global scale, thanks to social media, celebrity-endorsement and the pandemic, with people around the world returning to mind-enhancing, purposeful exercise forms as opposed to high-intensity training. People have discovered the power of controlled, functional-based movement that doesn’t leave you feeling depleted after every workout. Pilates is customisable to all fitness levels and stages of life, and you can do it everyday – making it a prominent workout in the routines of many people, studios, gyms and workplaces around the world. Pilates is a growing industry and community – one that you want to be a part of.
The lifestyle of a Pilates instructor is one that is enviable to many, allowing flexibility, autonomy and healthy living. You have the ability to transform not only bodies but minds, brightening up clients’ day. In the hour that a client has with you, they can leave feeling refreshed, happier and ready to take on whatever challenge life throws at them. It is a very rewarding feeling knowing you have directly made a positive impact on their lives.
Many people complete their instructor courses outside of full time work hours, integrating it into their already busy schedules. These instructors teach after their 9-5s and on weekends, making it the highlight of their week with their passion and dedication to their teachings. From this some make the transition to full time teaching. Our Fluidform student cohort are all of varying ages and from countries all around the world, this Fluidform journey is for everyone.
New parent and thinking of a career change?
Thinking of a new career path after becoming a parent? Pilates teaching could give you the flexibility and lifestyle change you are craving . The education and knowledge you develop from your teachings not only helps your own health journey, but those around you. Your appreciation of the human body and its strength transcends into your daily life, enhancing your own mind-body connection. Through this path, you can further your own interests, such as pre and postnatal Pilates, nutrition and holistic health. You will discover interests you didn’t even know you had! Embarking on the journey of becoming a Fluidform instructor will open up doors and possibilities you didn’t even realise were there.
Are you a student and looking to balance your studies with something you are passionate about?
Becoming a Pilates instructor provides you with the knowledge to understand the human body, how we move, and how to improve our physical function to move well, free of pain. Becoming a Pilates instructor helps you to understand the tools we need to support our physical and mental health, find balance in our bodies and mind and prioritise health and wellbeing. This knowledge feeds into all aspects of our lives and careers. Whether you are studying health, law, communication or arts, a Pilates instructor will have a better emotional understanding of ourselves and others, to improve our relationships, interactions and intelligence with others.
Are you searching for a career shift to feel fulfilled and inspired?
We all come to a stage in our lives where we are searching for the ‘next thing’. This might come when you are 18, 35 or 65 and at any age, these feelings are completely normal. Becoming a Pilates instructor not only enhances your own education around the human body and functional movement, but your work begins to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This brings a sense of empowerful and fulfilment into your own life.
We have spoken to Fluidform training student Paige, Fluidform instructor Hattie and Fluidform founder Kirsten King for an insight into their lives as an instructor.
Meet Paige, Fluidform Matwork student and Fluidform at Home member
Fluidform training student Paige, a hard working nurse and mum of two boys demonstrates how finding your passion can not only fulfil you, but help create a meaningful life that you love and enjoy. Completing her Fluidform training while being a nurse and mother, shows the hard work, dedication and discipline that comes from doing something you love.
Paige’s daily routine is a direct reflection of her achievements and the life she wants to lead. Paige is an inspiration to others who are questioning taking the leap into a fulfilling career. You may experience self doubt, but in the end your love and passion for your craft will always shine through.
How do you achieve work/life balance?
Having been through many challenging times of immense stress and pressure in my life, I have developed a regular practice where I revisit my values and dreams and look at how I truly want to live my life, and the legacy I wish to leave. It is from this process that I am able to clearly see what needs to shift and where I need to prioritise and devote my time. As I am a busy mother of two little boys and work as a Nurse, I dedicate time each Sunday night to map out my week ahead on a whiteboard to ensure I make time for study, movement and fun. I create my routine to not only help me mentally prepare but it also gives me a sense of control and is a physical reminder of the steps I am taking to achieve my goals. It’s not always smooth sailing, and things don’t always go to plan – but life never is. If I am unable to achieve tasks throughout the week, it’s all good. Every new day is a chance to reset and refocus.
My husband is also my biggest cheerleader and we work together as a team to ensure we both get to do things that are important to us each week.
What are your tools to stay motivated in your routine?
I have read some great books on the importance of routine and the power it has on changing your life, creating a sense of self-worth, achievement and happiness. Motivation must come from within, and it starts with setting healthy habits that become a non-negotiable part of your day.
- Create a dream board and have it visible
- Rise early at the same time each day (avoid over sleeping)
- Move your body; get those endorphins pumping. I love a good sweat session!
- Take at least 10 minutes to meditate or journal – review your “why”, your values and how you will master the day ahead and work towards growth
- Eat healthy nutritious food to make you feel good and energise you
- Be kind to yourself on days where obstacles are present or you feel stagnant. Remind yourself that the tough days or days where you feel overwhelmed are when you are most alive. Growth is a journey and if anything these days reveal your deepest strengths.
- Surround yourself with likeminded people that share your values, champion your strengths and support you.
What’s the greatest lesson you have learnt since embarking on your teaching journey?
It’s completely ok to be fearful in the face of doing something new. Self-doubt is a natural feeling however the magic happens when you push through that comfort zone and do something you truly love and believe in. Self-worth is just so important and I strongly encourage you prioritise doing something for yourself (even if it seems impossible). Your soul will thank you for it.
Meet Kee, Fluidform Founder & Owner
Fluidform founder, Kirsten King discovered Pilates through an unfortunate knee injury in her twenties. After years of running and high intensity training, it was the power of functional movement that Kee was able to return to full strength and optimal performance.
“I was always seeking to challenge myself – through my work, through exercise – but Pilates challenged my mind and body like never before.”
Kee now owns and operates two studios in Sydney, oversees the operations of five Fluidform studios, while managing and nurturing her clientbase on Fluidform at Home and Fluidform Training.
How do you achieve work/life balance?
This feeling of ‘balance’ can be difficult to define, let alone achieve! And often conjures more stress than good. For me, finding ‘balance’ comes down to prioritising the elements within my day that inspire me, support me and challenge me. Time spent with my family, daily movement, a balanced diet and tools for relaxation are non-negotiable in my day. I am constantly learning and inspired by working with a team, teaching clients and evolving my understanding of functional movement and the human body. I feel supported by my family, friends and wellness tools to unwind, reconnect and look after myself. Between operating studios across Australia, navigating business opportunities and working with diverse people and businesses, I am forever challenged.
What are your tools to stay motivated in your routine?
- Prioritise rest and a regular sleep pattern. I aim to go to bed and wake up at similar times each day to support my body’s natural rhythm.
- Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods. There is nothing more demotivating than feeling sluggish due to lack of water and nutrients. A balanced diet helps me to stay focused and motivated.
- Daily movement. 20 minutes a day! Every day!
- Prioritise social connections. Quality time spent with family, friends and colleagues keeps my mind sharp and focused.
What’s the greatest lesson you have learnt since embarking on your teaching journey?
- You will often endure challenges in order to seek rewards. Remind yourself of this when things get tough.
- Always have an open mind to new learnings, new findings and new opinions. Your knowledge and values can then determine how to respond to this.
- The first step is commitment, and the key is consistency.
Meet Hattie, Fluidform Instructor
Fluidform instructor Hattie has fostered her Pilates education, advancing her knowledge and repertoire throughout her years of training and practice.
How do you achieve work/life balance?
Creating a routine that I know and love has helped me to manage and achieve my work/life balance. Planning my days allows me to visualise and set up my week of work and productivity (to-dos) whilst allowing for time to unwind and having things to look forward to. Ensuring I always schedule time into my routine for myself even on the busiest of weeks makes the workload a lot easier!
What are your tools to stay motivated in your routine?
Surrounding myself with people and things that make me feel positive and happy is a big factor in keeping motivated and positive. I love having a structured day, doing things I know make me feel good as well as being consistent are very important elements in my day to day life. I love listening to my body, I love to move most days but always allow myself to rest and recharge when I need to.
What’s the greatest lesson you have learnt since embarking on your teaching journey?
The impact you can have on people within their day. I love when my clients share their shift in mindset or mood after a class, It really is why I do it. Moving is such a positive accomplishment and if I can help facilitate that in a supportive and motivating way, I am happy!
Fluidform Training was created to give people the opportunity to create a life they are passionate about, allowing you to complete your studies on your own terms, in your own time. If the power of movement is something you want to incorporate into your career, Fluidform Training is launching a fully encompassing Reformer workshop April 3rd. Take the leap and lead a career that you are passionate about. If you have any questions, email us at training@fluidform.com.au.
