5 Lessons I Learned Launching an Online Pilates Membership

When I created the Pilates Instructor Collective, I wanted to build resources for instructors so they had support beyond certification.

But more than that, I wanted to create a supportive community — because once teacher training ends, many instructors are left navigating the real world of teaching alone.

Supporting this community over the past year has taught me more than I ever expected.

Learning how to step away from the time-for-money hamster wheel is HARD when you’re a Pilates instructor. But there are revenue streams out there that can support your life AND connect you to the people you’re so excited to work with.

It’s been a full year since I launched the Pilates Instructor Collective, and I couldn’t ask for anything better. Of course having a membership comes with challenges, but it’s so worth it.

Here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. Choose good software

When instructors log in, their experience sets the tone for everything that follows — that’s why member experience is my top priority.

I wanted something intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. A built-in community space was a must so members can easily connect with each other, celebrate wins, and ask questions whenever they want.

After a lot of research, I chose Uscreen, and it allowed me to create a seamless, professional experience without overwhelming members with multiple platforms.

Because when learning feels easy to access, instructors can focus on what really matters: growing their skills and becoming the world-class instructors that they want to be!

2. Have a mentor who’s done what you’re seeking to accomplish.

As a new teacher, having a mentor was invaluable in shaping the instructor I am today. So when I decided to create a membership, hiring a mentor was one of the first things I did.

Working with a mentor while creating my membership saved me months of trial & error and helped me avoid figuring everything out the hard way. Having someone to turn to when questions came up gave me the clarity and confidence I needed at every stage of the process.

3. The little conversations reveal what people truly need.

Conversations, DMs, and the questions I’m asked daily showed me exactly where instructors felt stuck.

Many of these challenges don’t show up in certification courses — they show up in real classes, with real clients.

Listening to those experiences allows me to support instructors beyond their certification and help them build the confidence and knowledge they need when they’re on their own in the studio.

4. Not trading time for money is invaluable.

Stepping away from a business model built only on face-to-face sessions created the energy and space I need to grow, create, and support even more instructors.

Recurring monthly revenue beyond the hours I’m physically teaching makes my business sustainable and gives me the time and freedom to enjoy life outside of teaching. Spontaneous beach trips are a must! More importantly, building a sustainable model allows me to show up fully present for the work I love.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask people what they need.

You don’t have to guess! When you ask your community what they need, they’ll tell you — and their answers often shape your best ideas.

You don’t build the membership FOR them, you build it WITH them!

This past year has reinforced something I deeply believe: building a meaningful career in Pilates isn’t about doing more — it’s about creating support, connection, and sustainability so you can continue doing the work you love.

You don’t have to figure everything out alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck in traditional business models that lead to burnout.

I hope these lessons remind you that building a career you love — one that is also sustainable — IS possible.

You can change people’s lives without sacrificing your own.

If you’re ready for support, mentorship, and a community that lifts you up, checkout the Pilates Instructor Collective here.