The Economics of Pilates Instruction: Balancing Pay and Business Sustainability
I have been silently watching Facebook forum debates in the UK among Pilates instructors regarding their pay and significant concerns about fair compensation. Those unhappy with their pay justify their worth in relation to investment of around £5000 in their Pilates training, which is often referred to by them as substantial. I thought it worth a look at the realities of business and the complexities surrounding Pilates instructor pay in studios and health clubs, from both instructor and business perspectives.
Understanding the Cost of Training and Instructor Pay
Pilates instructors often invest heavily in their education, with many spending upwards of £5,000 on their training. This investment seems to create high expectations for compensation, especially when they see hourly rates in the range of £25 to £35 as insufficient. Many instructors feel that these rates do not reflect the value of their skills and training. However, is £5000. 00 really a high investment in training in comparison to others expecting £200. 00 - £280. 00 per day where degrees were required or Further education and professional exam fees. £200 per day is £52,000 per annum and £280. 00 per day is £72,800 per annum based on an 8 hour working day 5 days a week – typical of many employees in the UK.
Comparison with the Fitness Industry
It's important to recognise that Pilates instructors are part of the broader fitness industry. Similar to yoga teachers, they often view their work as distinct from general fitness training due to the specialised nature of their practice. However, legally and professionally, they fall under the same umbrella as fitness instructors, regulated by associations such as the Fitness Industry Association.
Salary Comparisons with Physiotherapists
Drawing parallels with physiotherapists in the National Health Service (NHS) provides a useful benchmark. Physiotherapists, who undergo extensive training often costing 8-10 times more than Pilates instructors when we look at their education loans after a 4 year degree, start with salaries significantly lower than the perceived worth of Pilates teaching rates. An experienced physiotherapist might earn £18 to £25 per hour, highlighting that Pilates instructors earning within this range are comparatively well-compensated.
The Economics of Running a Pilates Studio
Operating a Pilates studio involves numerous overheads:
Lease and utility costs
Equipment purchases and maintenance
Marketing and administrative expenses
Studio owners working with me as a business consultant are advised to allocate about one-third of the gross income to instructor salaries, another third to overheads, and the remaining third to capital costs and profit. For a studio to pay an instructor £50 per hour, it must generate £150 per hour from classes (£180. 00 inc VAT), which is often unfeasible during non-peak times. This financial strain explains why some studio owners earn less than their instructors despite bearing higher risks and responsibilities.
The Reality of Instructor Earnings
For those pursuing a career in Pilates instruction, understanding the potential earnings is crucial. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
Employee (less than 5 years teaching) £35,000 per annum pro rata 37. 5 hours per week (annual leave and pension)
Employee (5+ years and high level of CECs/Training) £45,000 per annum pro rata 37. 5 hours per week (annual leave and pension)
Freelance beginners offering hours to a studio (less than 5 years of experience): £25 to £30 per hour for one-on-one work with a bonus for classes where a class is busy and instructors maintain class size
Experienced freelancers offering hours to a studio: £30 to £35 per hour plus bonusses for busy classes taught
Freelancers running their own classes and taking money from the client can expect significantly more, but if they are not effective marketers and able to maintain class sizes, they can be very limited in the number of classes they can fill.
Choices and Career Pathways
Instructors face a choice between employment and self-employment. Employment offers stability but often lower pay, while self-employment provides higher earning potential but requires business acumen and willingness to take on financial risks.
Many successful instructors combine both approaches, starting as employees to gain experience and transitioning to self-employment to capitalise on their expertise. This path mirrors the career trajectory of many professionals in other industries.
Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective
While the frustrations of Pilates instructors regarding pay are valid, it’s essential to balance these concerns with the economic realities of running a business. Understanding the broader context of the fitness industry, the cost structures of studios, and realistic earnings potential can help instructors make informed career choices.
Ultimately, those who invest in continuous learning, effective marketing, and strategic career planning are more likely to achieve financial and professional success in the Pilates industry.
By acknowledging both sides of the debate, this perspective aims to foster a more informed and balanced discussion on the pay and sustainability of careers in Pilates instruction!
Author: Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant
Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998. He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners. With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency. His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew. As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD. Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices at www.pilates-consultant.co.uk