I became a Pilates instructor 11 years ago. The side hustle allowed me to make over $20,000 annually and even switch careers.

As a competitive runner for most of my adult life, I struggled to balance my love for intense cardio with proper stretching and strength training — until I discovered Pilates.

When I took my first Pilates mat class at my hometown YMCA in 2005, I instantly fell in love with the low-impact, full-body workout.

The exercise was fun and challenging, and I was excited for each class. This was also the first time I looked forward to going to a gym for anything other than cardio.

So, when my studio offered a teacher-training program, I signed up. At first, I was solely interested in deepening my own Pilates practice, but after leading group classes and private sessions during an apprenticeship, I realized I loved teaching and could make money doing it.

I’ve now been teaching Pilates for about 11 years and have no plans to stop.

Working as a Pilates instructor turned out to be a great side hustle

When I committed to becoming an instructor, I was burned out from my job as a freelance publicist.

However, I realized teaching classes meant I could earn a decent amount of money. My Pilates income — which, some years, reached over $20,000 annually — made it financially possible for me to transition to a new career as a freelance writer.

As a teacher, my studio paid me a flat rate for classes and private lessons. I also received bonuses for high attendance — an incentive to build my client roster and make lessons more fun using creative playlists and props.

Plus, I often subbed for other teachers to supplement my income.

I was able to build a fitness community and strengthen my body

Over the years, I’ve built a core group of clients and have developed close relationships with other instructors. I still socialize with them regularly, even outside sessions.

When the gym I worked at closed in 2017, several students even followed me to a new studio to take classes, and others came to my home to keep up their regular sessions.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic meant in-person teaching was not an option, I launched virtual Pilates classes that helped me keep up with my own practice and connect with others.

Outside of the friends I’ve made, I also love the way Pilates makes me feel, and the workout has taught me to slow down and connect to my body. From the first set of “the hundred” — a traditional Pilates warm-up — to the final push-up or stretch, I learned to move intentionally and precisely.

The exercise has helped my body feel stronger, fitter, and faster, and, as a runner, I still like to incorporate some moves into my pre- and post-run routine.

I don’t teach as much these days, but I still make some extra cash

Today, I don’t teach at a studio or make as much money as I used to, but Pilates is still a great side hustle for me.

I’m able to earn extra income and connect with my favorite students through virtual classes and one-off private workshops and events.

If you ask me, you can’t beat a side hustle that allows you to meet amazing people, make money, and do something great for your mental and physical health.