Continuing Education Is What Sets You Apart
When I hear Pilates and business coaches ask what sets me apart, I always have an answer.
I know ball. I’ve swapped thousands of dollars, thousands of hours (I’ve been doing Pilates since I was 17 years old *big mama*), and asked enough stupid questions to teach Pilates to a lot of people and get paid for it. I’m good at what I do because I sit up under and learn from people who are better at teaching and retaining clientele than I am. And I pay them for the information (and the certificate).
It took me a few years to understand that my fee was worth it after completing my comprehensive teacher training. It wasn’t confidence in talking that helped me see my value; it was the evidence and results after investing in my growth. Giving myself room actually to try and apply everything I learned. *Remind me to talk about building trust.
My clients write reviews on this stuff! My clients and I also collaborate powerfully on their goals and use Pilates skills to carry over into different segments of their lifestyle. As I have learned to ask the right questions and give the best possible answer (within my scope of practice) through continuing education, I feel more at ease in my job and with the reputation I’m building.
The best advice I can offer is, “you have to pay the cost to be the boss.”
Studios are seeking great trainers and want to get you paid. These studio owners are also NOT stupid. Listen to what the pros are asking for and measure it against your progress as a trainer. If you find gaps, fill them. Certificates are nice, but some general workshops are also worth the opportunity to learn from an experienced trainer. (Check out the original “Continuing Ed” IG post to see examples of the folks I’ve learned from.)
There’s room for you. You have to keep learning about your job and how to improve in this industry. Keep going!
If you’re looking for some continuing education offerings that I trust, email me [yello@takegoodcarepilates.com], and I’m happy to point you in the right direction.
