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Pilates instructor vs fitness specialist

The differences between pilates instructors and fitness specialists 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 specialist. Additionally, a pilates instructor has an average salary of $52,353, which is higher than the $32,472 average annual salary of a fitness specialist.

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

Pilates instructor vs fitness specialist overview

Pilates InstructorFitness Specialist
Yearly salary$52,353$32,472
Hourly rate$25.17$15.61
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs25,49628,175
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
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 specialist do?

A Fitness Specialist is focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle through exercise and working with clients in various settings. They teach individuals or groups how to properly perform exercises and use exercise equipment.

Pilates instructor vs fitness specialist salary

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

Pilates InstructorFitness Specialist
Average salary$52,353$32,472
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $74,000Between $24,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsCalifornia
Best paying companyHospital for Special SurgeryUniversity Settlement
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between pilates instructor and fitness specialist education

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

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

Pilates instructor vs fitness specialist demographics

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

Pilates InstructorFitness Specialist
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 9.5% Female, 90.5%Male, 44.8% Female, 55.2%
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 specialist 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 specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Lead group strength training exercises, conduct vitals, and monitor EKG telemetry before during and after exercise.
  • Conduct CPR and a workshops for facility.
  • Water safety, CPR, and a certified.
  • Maintain cleanliness of exercise equipment.
  • Maintain cleanliness and safety protocol of fitness equipment.
  • Show more

Pilates instructor vs fitness specialist skills

Common pilates instructor skills
  • Customer Service, 48%
  • Yoga, 17%
  • Training Programs, 12%
  • Group Fitness Classes, 8%
  • Body Alignment, 3%
  • Barrel, 3%
Common fitness specialist skills
  • CPR, 16%
  • Fitness Assessments, 8%
  • ACSM, 7%
  • Sales Floor, 6%
  • Blood Pressure, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%

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