Most Pilates instructors in Switzerland start part time: a few classes a week at a studio or gym, alongside another job. From there, many build up to a full timetable, private clients or their own classes.
You need a solid certification, first aid, and insurance before you start. Here's what the work actually looks like, from what we see with our own graduates in Zurich.
Where do Pilates instructors work?
Mat & Reformer Pilates studios. The biggest employer in Zurich. Studios usually pay per class, and many run classes in English as well as German.
Gyms and fitness centres. Mostly Mat classes, often at lunchtime and in the evening.
Private clients. One-to-one sessions in a studio or at home, often for people with back pain, after injury, or during and after pregnancy.
Workplaces. Lunchtime classes for companies.
Physiotherapy and health practices. Some instructors work alongside physiotherapists on rehabilitation clients.
Online. Live or recorded classes, usually alongside in-person teaching.
How do most new teachers start?
Most of our trainees are working full time when they train. The usual path looks like this:
During training: you teach your practice classes to friends, family and colleagues.
First months after qualifying: 2 or 3 classes a week at one studio, often evenings or weekends.
After a year or so: more classes, a second studio, or your first private clients. Some teachers move to teaching full time; many keep a mix.
Our graduates go on to teach at our sister studio, TRUNK Pilates, which gives them a place to start.
What do you need before your first class?
A certification from a course that included real teaching practice
A first aid course, which most studios ask for
Liability insurance for your teaching I
If you freelance: registration as self-employed with your AHV compensation office
Optional but useful: registration with Qualitop, Qualicert or Fitpass, which many supplementary health insurers work with. Each has its own requirements.
Mat, Reformer or Barre: which gets you work?
In Zurich, Reformer is what most boutique studios offer, so Reformer teachers are often in demand. Mat can be taught almost anywhere, which makes it the most flexible. Barre works well alongside either. Teachers who can do both Mat and Reformer have the most options.
Who does this career suit?
People who love movement and enjoy people. You don't need a background in fitness: many of our trainees come from office jobs. What matters is that you're curious about how bodies work and happy standing in front of a room.
Can you take it abroad?
Yes. Pilates is taught the same way around the world, and a good certification lets you teach in other countries too. Check local requirements, such as first aid, before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to quit my job to become a Pilates instructor?
No. Most people train and start teaching alongside their job.
How much do Pilates instructors earn in Zurich?
It depends on the studio and whether you're employed or freelance; most studios pay per class.
Is Pilates instructor work in demand in Switzerland? Mat & Reformer studios in Zurich are always looking for well-trained teachers.
Rima is the founder and lead educator of TRUNK Academy in Zurich. She has taught Pilates and Barre for almost 10 years and ran studios in Australia for nearly 9.