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UK FITNESS SCENE
Global survey finds 80 per cent of Pilates instructors love their job A SURVEY from Balanced Body® shows Pilates instructors are in high demand, and Pilates is a rewarding career path for people who love mind + body movement and helping others An online global survey conducted by Balanced Body® – the world’s leading resource for Pilates, mind + body movement equipment, and professional training – and engaging more than 800 Pilates instructors confirms that demand for Pilates continues to grow and that qualifying as a Pilates instructor can deliver an exciting and rewarding career. The number of studios offering Pilates as a core modality is still on the rise around the world with classes regularly being oversubscribed and studio owners having to hire new instructors to meet the demand. And, according to the results, nearly all Pilates instructors surveyed love their jobs, look forward to going to work every day, have high career satisfaction, and want to share their passion with others – both clients and prospective instructors. Key insights from this new research include: n 77 per cent of Pilates studios are growing and 67 per cent are selling out classes. n New instructors entering the Pilates industry has grown 15 per cent since 2015 with 34 per cent of
instructors starting in the past seven years, but Pilates instructors remain in high demand. n Nearly 40 per cent of studio owners say they need more Pilates instructors, and 30 per cent are currently hiring new instructors. “Now is an ideal time to become a Pilates instructor,” said Joy Puleo, director of education, Balanced Body Education. “ This new research underscores the demand for Pilates is higher than ever, and – with the increasing awareness of the importance of
the mind-body connection, core strength and flexibility – more and more people are seeking out Pilates as a way to improve their overall health and fitness. “With participation at an alltime high, the demand has never been greater for passionate and enthusiastic industries.” And it’s not just about market demand. Pilates instructors love their jobs and 72 per cent report high career satisfaction. In fact: n 89 per cent of instructors strongly agree that they love their job as a
Pilates instructor, and 92 per cent would recommend Pilates as a great career for others. n 79 per cent look forward to going to work every day. Why do instructors love their jobs? It’s primarily their passion for Pilates, their desire to help others, and the personal health benefits they experience at work. n 94 per cent said they get to help others make a difference in their lives. n 89 per cent feel a sense of purpose and enjoy the ability to help people. n 85 per cent say teaching Pilates is good for their personal physical health and fitness. Additionally, becoming a Pilates instructor offers a unique combination of job flexibility, variety and personal fulfilment. Instructors can work part-time or full-time, teach in multiple formats and locations, while enjoying a sense of purpose and autonomy. n 84 per cent of instructors enjoy a flexible work schedule and work when they want to; on average, instructors work four to five hours per day, or 15 to 20 hours per week. n 40 per cent of instructors have a different primary career and teach Pilates on the side. n 33 per cent of instructors have children at home; 70 per cent say their Pilates career positively complements their role as a parent.
Myzone assembles industry-leading advisory group JAY Worthy, global CEO at Myzone, has established an industry-leading advisory group to provide the business with strategic insights on the trends and behaviours driving the global health and fitness industry and the evolving landscape for wearables. The advisory group, consisting of 12 highly-experienced and globallyrenowned health and fitness professionals, will act as a think tank, enhancing Myzone’s ability to remain a leader in connecting the world through movement, and driving positive health outcomes. Its members have been selected by the Myzone leadership team to ensure a diversity of expertise and perspectives, extending the company’s knowledge pool, helping to position Myzone for continued growth. Jay said: “I am incredibly excited to bring these brilliant minds around a table to really understand and capitalise on the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of fitness, health and wellness. “The collective talent is immense, and I am confident that together we can develop a truly integrated
digital ecosystem that drives member loyalty for gym operators and enhances the lives of millions of people around the world.” Heading up the advisory group is David Stalker, who has played a pivotal role in Myzone’s success, most recently serving as interim group CEO. Stalker now transitions into the role of chair of the advisory group. The advisory group will influence a range of diverse areas including product development opportunities, regulatory responsibilities, evolving
consumer behaviours, digital and tech developments and global health trends. The full advisory group is: n David Stalker, chair. n Mike Leveque, EVP acquisitions, The Bay Company. n Mike Rucker, CDO, Active Wellness. n Josh Rider, president and COO, YouFit Gyms. n Gretchen Collins, director of fitness, East Bank Club. n Adam Zeitsiff, CEO, Dominque Dawes Academy.
n Luke Andrus CEO, Anytime Fitness Multi-Unit Franchisee. n Cat Kom, founder and CCO, Studio Sweat onDemand. n Michelle Dand, head of fitness product and programming, David Lloyd Leisure. n John Gamble, board advisor, Fitness First Middle East. n Hazel Geary, CEO, The Wave, Bristol. n Steven Ward, chief transformation officer, GO Fit, Spain. David added: “As consumer interest in self-managed, data-backed insights for health and wellbeing continues to rise, and as individuals seek connection and community, the potential for wearable technology is only going to grow. “Myzone is already supporting millions of people globally to stay active through its network of gym partners. However, we recognise there is still huge latent potential that we are keen to explore and bring to life. “The advisory group will be instrumental in achieving this and I look forward to working with this incredible group of fellow Myzone hall of famers.”