This week, I had two separate conversations with movement teachers that resonated deeply. Both shared a persistent, invisible voice urging them to teach as many hours as possible and to love every second of it. This unspoken expectation, though widespread, can be misleading—and often detrimental.
Burnout is a very real risk for Pilates, yoga, and dance teachers. Many of us step into this profession because we’re passionate about movement and teaching, but that passion can quickly become overshadowed by exhaustion and overwhelm if we’re not careful about managing our energy and schedules. The good news? There are ways to change this narrative and create a career that’s both fulfilling and sustainable.
How Many Hours Can You Teach Without Going Over the Edge?
If you’ve been teaching for a while, you might have heard other teachers talk about their packed schedules: teaching five, six, or even eight hours a day. It’s easy to internalise these stories and start believing you *should* be doing the same. But here’s the truth: there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to how many hours you should teach. Your teaching schedule should reflect your unique circumstances, priorities, and well-being.
Start by considering:
- Your Health and Nervous System: Teaching is both physically and mentally demanding. If you’re neurodivergent (like me), you may find that burnout and overwhelm are easier to come by. It’s crucial to manage your energy carefully and intentionally.
- Work-Life Balance:Think about the balance you want to create between work, family, relationships, and personal health. It’s okay to prioritise other aspects of your life alongside your teaching career.
- Variety in Offerings: Teaching doesn’t have to mean only group classes. Building a “mixed economy” of services—private sessions, workshops, online classes, or even teacher training—can provide variety, keep you engaged, and help avoid boredom, which is more common among teachers than many care to admit.
Intentional Scheduling for a Sustainable Career
Creating a sustainable teaching schedule isn’t impossible, but it does require intentional planning. Start by asking yourself these questions:
– How many hours a week can I realistically teach without feeling drained?
– Who is my ideal audience? What kind of students or clients excite and inspire me?
– What kind of balance do I want to create between teaching and other aspects of my life?
If you’re just starting out, you might feel pressured to take every opportunity that comes your way. While that can be helpful in building experience, it’s equally important to reflect on your long-term goals. What type of teaching brings you joy? Who do you want to serve? Building your career around these answers will help you avoid burnout and create a more fulfilling professional life.
The Role of Coaching in Finding Clarity
Sometimes, the pressure to teach endlessly stems from external influences: hearing what others are doing, societal expectations, or even the internalised belief that you need to hustle nonstop to succeed. This is where coaching can make a difference. A group coaching environment can provide the space and support to reflect, realign, and make decisions that work for *you*.
Burnout doesn’t have to be the norm. With the right tools and a clear vision, you can design a professional life that energises rather than depletes you. It’s about giving yourself permission to prioritise balance and sustainability, knowing that your well-being is just as important as your students’.
Let’s reimagine what it means to be a movement teacher. One that thrives, not just survives.
If this resonates with you, have you considered trying out one of our group coaching calls? You can book your complimentary session by filling in the form and we will email you straight away with next steps.