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Pilates instructor vs fitness coach

The differences between pilates instructors and fitness coaches can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a pilates instructor and a fitness coach. Additionally, a pilates instructor has an average salary of $52,353, which is higher than the $38,462 average annual salary of a fitness coach.

The top three skills for a pilates instructor include customer service, yoga and training programs. The most important skills for a fitness coach are CPR, kids, and fitness programs.

Pilates instructor vs fitness coach overview

Pilates InstructorFitness Coach
Yearly salary$52,353$38,462
Hourly rate$25.17$18.49
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs25,49622,156
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

What does a pilates instructor do?

Pilates instructors are exercise professionals who teach and coach groups or individuals who are enrolled in the fitness program referred to as pilates. These instructors must assist their students in using pilates exercises to promote overall health by improving muscle tone and achieve better posture. They should possess skills in using a wide range of pilates equipment so that they can effectively teach their students how to use them. Pilates instructors can also work in establishments such as fitness centers, health clubs, and community centers, as well as offer private lessons at their own studios.

What does a fitness coach do?

A fitness coach specializes in mentoring clients in their journey for a healthier lifestyle, assisting them in reaching their individual goals for physical fitness. Their responsibilities include developing training programs based on the clients' needs, facilitating physical fitness training sessions in an individual or group setting, learning the clients' medical histories for risk prevention, and monitoring the progress of clients, adjusting programs as needed. Furthermore, as a fitness coach, it is essential to build rapport with clients, motivating them to reach their goals.

Pilates instructor vs fitness coach salary

Pilates instructors and fitness coaches have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pilates InstructorFitness Coach
Average salary$52,353$38,462
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $74,000Between $24,000 And $59,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsCalifornia
Best paying companyHospital for Special SurgeryAEA Investors
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between pilates instructor and fitness coach education

There are a few differences between a pilates instructor and a fitness coach in terms of educational background:

Pilates InstructorFitness Coach
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorDanceKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Pilates instructor vs fitness coach demographics

Here are the differences between pilates instructors' and fitness coaches' demographics:

Pilates InstructorFitness Coach
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 9.5% Female, 90.5%Male, 46.3% Female, 53.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between pilates instructor and fitness coach duties and responsibilities

Pilates instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage social media accounts while promoting camper interaction and sharing of the UCA brand experience.
  • Create yoga practices that provide rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul.
  • Lead group yoga and Pilates classes both at the studio and corporate settings.
  • Offer a healing space by leading relaxing classes fill with calming music, aromatherapy, reiki and massage.
  • Provide Reiki training and certification.
  • Gain leadership skills and deescalating very extenuating tense situations.
  • Show more

Fitness coach example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Train new employees on sales tactics, and point-of-sale (POS) system.
  • Certify in CPR and first aid to attend appropriately to health issues of participants.
  • Certify in CPR and first response a medical training in order to provide immediate medical response to members in need.
  • Develop and conduct group/individual diabetes self-management educational sessions using evidence-base protocols.
  • Design each HIIT class to match the skill and modifications for all physical levels for all participants.
  • Show more

Pilates instructor vs fitness coach skills

Common pilates instructor skills
  • Customer Service, 48%
  • Yoga, 17%
  • Training Programs, 12%
  • Group Fitness Classes, 8%
  • Body Alignment, 3%
  • Barrel, 3%
Common fitness coach skills
  • CPR, 23%
  • Kids, 17%
  • Fitness Programs, 13%
  • Training Programs, 7%
  • Heart Rate, 6%
  • Injury Prevention, 4%

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