While in San Diego this past March, I had the grand opportunity of launching our new MVe DVDs at the IHRSA tradeshow. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity of creating the choreography and leading two of those DVDs, “MVe Latin Dance Fusion” and “MVe Perfect Pair.”
After the tradeshow, as I was flying back to my home town of El Paso, I had time to reflect on where I am in my career and on the journey it has been, I realized that although I have worked hard to get where I am at, I was never introduced to the possibilities in the Pilates and Fitness industry before I started my journey… I never had anyone truly open my eyes to the opportunities that are out there.
Based on this experience, I would like to share some thoughts. I would encourage all Pilates instructors to take the time to think about where you want your career to go. Do not leave it up to chance. Here are some simple, but effective recommended steps:
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First define all of your personal talents and skills. One of them will be Pilates, of course, but how about other skills? For example, are you good at business, marketing, sales, etc? You might want to go as far as to define whether you are analytical or creative.
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Research all the different career opportunties that are available in the Pilates/Fitness Industries. I would recommend that you use the internet, books and interview individuals who are already in the industry. Also, attending a tradeshow like IHRSA would be a great way to see first-hand what the industry may have to offer you.
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Decide what your career goals are.
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Put together a strategy of how to get there.
Here are some sectors in the industry that go hand-in-hand with your Pilates skills:
- Sales
- Marketing
- Business Consulting
- Education provider
- Education Development
- Publishing
- Convention Presenter
- Convention Coordinator
- Research
- Web Site Development
- Product Development (i.e. equipment, accessories, DVDs, apparel, etc.)
- Management
- Advertising
Although my success was not as thoroughly mapped out as I have proposed above, I can say that I have been blessed with success due to hard work, dedication, persistence and also because of the wonderful teachers and mentors that I have had in my life.
I encourage everyone to stay true to who you are and the gifts that you have been given. Your gifts and talents should be used to help others, not to elevate yourself. If you do this, you will become more than you ever dreamed. Happy journey!
- Sonia Rodriguez, Peak Pilates Master Trainer