From Side Hustle to Studio Owner
as a Senior Instructor & Studio Owner
how did i get here…
Let’s be honest, like many people, I love Pilates, but I also knew it could become quite an expensive hobby. So, “Girl Math” kicked in - why not become a Pilates instructor and get free classes? Little did I know that decision of becoming an instructor would be the start of a journey I never saw coming, taking me to places I never imagined, introducing me to the most interesting people, and teaching me life lessons I could never have expected.
At first, Pilates was just a side hustle I did on Wednesdays while juggling a full-time job. It was tiring, but I was extremely passionate and spent as much time learning and training whenever I could. Pilates gave me everything I loved about movement, the control, the tone I was getting, and the focus and mental training it also brings. But what really surprised me was how much I enjoyed teaching. Seeing the physical and mental benefits Pilates brought to others was very fulfilling. Everyone (most) would leave class with a smile, and we’d often have great chats afterwards.
A few years later, I met Nicole, a remarkable physiotherapist and Pilates instructor, who opened my eyes to the clinical benefits of Pilates. That’s when everything clicked — Pilates isn’t just a workout; it’s a life-changing practice and explained why people feel so great after doing it. With my background in dance and teaching, Nicole’s expertise, we spent years refining The SO Method so we can help more people experience the benefits of Pilates in the most efficient way.
how did it start.
how it snowballed into more.
What started with just a few clients has grown into me owning a Pilates studio and building a community of people who also share a love for Pilates. What began as a fun side hustle has turned into a full-time career, and it has been the best decision of my life.
I’ve realised that you don’t need a perfect fitness background — you just need to love movement, wellness, and have a desire to help others. At SO, Pilates is more than just a workout. It’s a community where you can connect with others, learn from one another, and feel welcomed. It’s truly a special place, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built together.
Why can’t I stop talking about Pilates – I mean SO.
When I was looking for something to stay in shape without doing endless crunches or running – I found Pilates, but the real game changer was when we created SO Fitness. I dove deeper into not only practicing but learning and studying how to teach it so others could experience the same magic, which is part of the reason why we built The SO Academy, our education center to spread the love. Here is why I truly recommend learning at SO and what we’ve kept in mind when designing the program:
More than just a certificate, it’s the community
One of the things we hear most often is the people in the studio who sets us apart from others. We genuinely care and have so much love for the community and aim to be as supportive, welcoming and positive as possible. After you complete our course, you have the option to further your training and join the mentorship program where you can be teamed up with one of our experienced mentors who shares the same passion and guide you towards achieving your goals
More than just a work out - The SO Method™
When we created The SO Method™ we wanted it to be more than just teaching Pilates or building muscles. We designed the program so clients can develop the confidence and functional movements for everyday life. That’s why its not always about the “burn” but teaching people how to workout that is both safe and effective. We are thinking about long term, sustainable results, both mentally and physically.
More than just a job
Teaching Pilates isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to connect with others and help others feel their best in their bodies. The rewarding part is that you will see clients to gain strength, confidence and joy from Pilates. As an instructor, you will get to be part of that journey, helping others make a difference in their lives!
For me, SO Fitness is a community that cares, teaches a proven method that works and help build careers that is fulfilling.
See you in the studio to experience that SO magic.
Journal written by Vivian