How do you build true confidence without battling fear, doubt, and overwhelm? Is it possible to step into your power as a woman, a mother, a Pilates teacher, or a business owner without enduring endless setbacks and pain?

At first glance, it may seem like I was born with confidence and courage, as if they were placed in my crib alongside me. But the truth is far from that. My confidence didn’t come effortlessly—it was shaped by my environment, my experiences, and the people around me. What some may perceive as an innate gift was a journey of difficult growth, triggered by my challenges and struggles.

Growing up extremely introverted, I often felt insecure, closed in, and afraid to express myself. I masked my lack of confidence by being hyper-productive, excelling at school and in sports, thinking that high achievement would somehow make up for what I lacked inside. But deep down, I still felt plagued by imposter syndrome, doubting myself and my abilities.

But things changed the moment, I chose to stop focusing solely on my competence and started working on myself—on who I am, on building trust in myself, and on surrounding myself with a community of people who believed in me. That’s when everything began to change.

In this blog, I want to share five key tips that helped me break free from fear, worry, and self-doubt, and build true confidence. These tips were my foundations for creating an authentic, fulfilled, and balanced life—with no more feelings of struggle and suffering. If you're ready to find your own confidence and begin your journey, read on.

How to Get More Confident as a Pilates Teacher: 5 Expert Tips

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Confidence is not a trait we're born with but a quality we nurture over time. Even the most experienced Pilates teachers face moments of self-doubt. Whether you’re starting your Pilates journey or have been teaching for years, building confidence is essential—not just for your own peace of mind but for how your students experience your classes.

If you find it challenging to feel confident as a Pilates teacher, rest assured you’re not alone. We’ve gathered some expert advice to help you bolster your confidence and find inspiration in your Pilates practice. From pursuing further education to connecting with supportive peers, these five tips are designed to guide you toward a more assured and fulfilling teaching experience.

Tip #1: Innovate & Pursue Advanced Pilates Education Courses

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Even after your initial Pilates teacher training, you can choose to pursue continuous education to innovate and become even more experienced as a Pilates instructor. The more that you know to serve others, the more confident you’ll feel as you stand up and guide your clients through their Pilates sessions. Committing to remaining a student of the Pilates Method and other complementary methods will help you become more and more equipped to support all types of clients in your studio. It's the ongoing education that you chose to follow that will differentiate you from the many Pilates Instructor in the industry. Growing from a Pilates Instructor to becoming a Problem Solver, an Enhancer and an Amplifier in people’s lives is the power in knowledge you will acquire.

Your initial Pilates teacher training provided you with the basics of what you’ll need to successfully lead a class, but your continuing education must give you another level of mastery that will reinforce your self-esteem as a Pilates instructor. Whether you choose to pursue more Pilates certifications or dive into some specific in-depth of  courses on our platform, find ways to innovate and empower yourself to inspire your clients every time they come to class with you.

Tip #2: Build a Strong, Supportive Network

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If you have true friends in the Pilates world, you know the power of a community and what it can do to your self-confidence. The more authentic friends you have in the industry who understand your experiences, the more you can share your worry-fears-and doubt with trust to create learning experiences that will boost your confident feeling supported. When you create a strong community with peer support from other Pilates teachers, you’ll become more empowered in your career and stepping up your expertise becomes joyful instead of fearful. Best of all, you’ll even have people to turn to for advice and guidance!

Choose to be part of a community of like-minded people that collaborate and that support each other. Choose to share your talents with this community and make a difference by co-shaping your destiny and the destiny of those you touch. At IVA Pilates we believe in the power and the gift of such a community. We chose to create the IVA Inner Circle for Pilates teachers who see Pilates as lifelong learning and enjoy exchanging ideas with others to create a brighter future. With a holistic focus, the Inner Circle is a place to be true to who you are and true to the Pilates teacher training we’ve all completed. Expand your network, find joy with others, and benefit from true help, building life-time friendships in the industry and grow your confidence exponentially because you are not alone!

Tip #3: Practice Consistently and Engage in Self-Reflection

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Let’s talk about the inward work of building confidence. Beyond all the external stuff like further education and networking, spending time on your own Pilates personal development is critical. Imagine this: each day you dedicate to your own personal inner growth and practice not only sharpens your skills in life but also boosts your state of confidence. You get a better sense of what you're great at and where you might need a little extra focus.

Get into the habit to ask yourself questions that support your growth. Better questions that will bring you better answers and outcome. Personal development or the work on the Psyche is of most importance to build confidence. You can do this while you’re moving through your routine or by jotting down your thoughts in a journal. It’s about working on oneself to find answers that support your growth. It’s not about being critical but about recognizing your growth and identifying areas for improvement. The more you reflect, the more you’ll discover about yourself and your teaching style, which ultimately builds your confidence. Remember that any success is 80% based on psyche and only 20% on mechanics.

Tip #4: Work on Your Communication Skills

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Communication is a massive part of being a successful Pilates teacher, and it goes beyond just delivering instructions. When you’re in the studio, aim for clarity and simplicity in your cues. Using straightforward language helps your clients understand and connect better with your guidance.

Another big piece of the puzzle is active listening. This means genuinely hearing what your clients are saying, whether it's feedback or their personal experiences. When you listen actively, you build trust and rapport, which can significantly enhance your presence in the studio. Remember, you don’t need a new certification to be a better communicator—just practice listening and showing empathy. This will not only make you feel more confident but also make your students feel more valued and understood. Because clients don’t care as much about how much you know but more so about how much you care for them! 

Tip #5: Cultivate a Positive Mindset by Nurturing Your Self-Belief

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There’s nothing more important in your Pilates education than finding ways to cultivate a positive mindset. When you take time to nurture a positive attitude for yourself, you’ll feel better, see the world with more opportunities, and you’ll also significantly reduce any anxiety you might feel as a Pilates teacher. The more you live in a beautiful state with high energy, the more you will believe in yourself and the possibilities of all that you can become. State is everything and choosing to live in high energy state that makes you feel vibrant, understanding the importance of having the right physiology-the right focus-and the right language will change your hormonal state instantly. Secreting more testosterone, the hormone of confidence is a natural benefit of living in a beautiful state no matter what, which helps you overcome the feeling of imposter syndrome, too.

Imposter syndrome is when you feel like you’re a phony despite any sort of Pilates teacher training or success you may have earned. It can happen to absolutely everyone, but the more you believe in yourself, the less likely you are to let it get you down. That’s why you should take time to celebrate the little wins! Keep a record of your successes, your joys and celebrate your progress, no matter if you’ve just completed another class or if you have successfully earned another Pilates certification or made a client smile. 

Building Confidence and Growth with IVA Pilates

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At IVA, we believe that confidence isn’t just an outcome—it’s a journey, a process of progress that continues with every step forward. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to helping Pilates professionals like you unlock your potential, not just as instructors, but as individuals with the power to make a real impact.

Confidence is something that’s nurtured within the right environment. It requires a commitment to moving beyond your comfort zone, facing life’s challenges with courage, and embracing growth with both your heart and mind. From my own experience, I know that building confidence can sometimes feel overwhelming and, at times, lonely. But I also know that it doesn’t have to be something you navigate on your own.

That’s why I created IVA Pilates—a community built on the principles of progress, support, and collaboration. When you’re surrounded by the right environment, mentors, and peers, you can cultivate the confidence and growth you’re striving for as a Pilates teacher. Confidence is built through co-creation, shared learning experiences, and a helping hand.

I’m truly passionate about getting to know each member of this community on a deeper, more personal level. I believe that everyone has a unique gift to offer, and I would love to take the time to explore your journey, your talents, and how we can co-create something extraordinary together. Our Community grows one teacher at a time, making a true difference.

Let’s connect. Contact me today, and let’s begin this powerful journey of growth, confidence, and co-creation together.

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