Trainee Pilates Instructor Jobs in Washington, DC

Training & Development Manager

RTR Pilates is the standard of excellence in contemporary reformer Pilates, serving as the premier boutique studio in the Maryland, DC and Virginia area. Rooted in the belief that positivity thrives through meaningful connections, we foster an environment where wellness meets community. Our studio is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their fitness goals while building lasting relationships and spreading joy along the way. RTR Pilates is a place to thrive, join us!

The Training & Development Manager will be responsible for leading the development and growth of all instructors at RTR Pilates, ensuring that our team is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed. This role requires a strategic, big-picture thinker who can oversee the RTR Academy, manage the entire instructor training and development lifecycle, and implement strategies that foster professional growth across all studios. The Manager will work closely with General Managers (GMs) to support instructor integration and ongoing development. Additionally, the Training & Development Manager will lead by example, teaching 10 in-person Pilates classes per week.

Major Roles:

Act as the primary architect of RTR's educational roadmap, ensuring world-class instruction at every studio.

• Scale the Standard: Develop, oversee, and optimize the overarching training strategy for current and future markets to ensure strict alignment with company growth and class quality standards.
• Champion the 3 Pillars: Serve as the foremost advocate for the RTR Method (Strength, Longevity, and Endurance). Define, evolve, and strategically integrate these pillars into all studio programming.
• Drive Performance: Establish KPIs for the training program to meticulously track trainee success rates, instructor retention, and overarching quality metrics.

Lead the discovery and cultivation of top-tier fitness talent, guiding them from audition to graduation.

• Own the Pipeline: Manage the end-to-end instructor recruitment lifecycle—from dynamic auditions and interviews to seamless GM handoffs. Partner closely with HR on final interviews, background checks, and onboarding. 
• Direct the RTR Academy: Oversee the comprehensive Academy program, ensuring candidates master the RTR Method, biomechanics, and teaching standards from day one.
• Lead Expansion Training: Execute training programs in out-of-market locations to support regional studio growth, providing hands-on mentorship, practical assessments, and real-time feedback.

Create dynamic, accessible, and cutting-edge educational resources that keep RTR at the forefront of the industry.

• Optimize the LMS: Administer and elevate the Inspire 360 Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring all digital content is engaging, current, and universally accessible.
• Innovate Resources: Create and continuously refine all RTR Academy materials, including comprehensive training manuals, video libraries, assessments, and session curriculums. Sq Own the ACE partnership.
• Map the Journey: Develop the strategic timing, scheduling, and session content mapping for all incoming Academy cohorts. 

Empower our existing instructor base through ongoing education, mentorship, and accountability.

• Elevate Veteran Talent: Design the strategy for ongoing instructor development, identifying skill gaps and creating continuing education workshops that keep our team sharp and inspired.
• Integrate the Method: Lead the rollout and ongoing education of the 3 Pillars initiative, training current instructors on how to seamlessly incorporate these methodologies into daily classes.
• Partner for Success: Collaborate with GMs to execute quarterly and annual performance reviews, crafting targeted development plans for both high-potential and underperforming instructors.

Lead by example, embodying the RTR brand and delivering the "magic" in the studio.

• Model the Standard: Maintain a highly visible presence by teaching 10 exceptional, in-person Pilates classes per week.
• Inspire the Team: Act as a mentor on the floor, supporting current instructors in troubleshooting challenges, refining their technique, and finding their unique voice.
• Cultivate Connection: Drive the RTR culture of positivity and community by building authentic relationships with clients and staff alike.

 Requirements:

• Brand & Method Mastery: Deep understanding of boutique Pilates and the RTR Method, or a strong commitment to complete brand immersion and method adoption upon hire.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and elevate a team without relying solely on direct reporting authority. Proven ability to lead educational initiatives, guide instructors, and foster high-performance training culture.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong background in fitness education, instructional design, or program development. Passion for fitness with knowledge of industry trends, teaching innovations, and training best practices.
• Location & Travel: Flexible on-site work arrangements within the DMV area, with willingness to travel occasionally for out-of-market studio training (100% company-reimbursed travel).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years of teaching experience at RTR Pilates.
• Graduate of the RTR Pilates Training Program/Academy.

Traits & Characteristics:

• Emotional Intelligence: Communicates with deep empathy and active listening; adept at delivering constructive, supportive feedback that builds confidence in instructors and trainees alike.
• Strategic Agility: Effortlessly shifts between high-level brand vision and the tactical execution of day-to-day training operations.
• Culture & Brand Champion: Brings infectious positivity and authentic passion for the RTR brand, acting as an enthusiastic advocate for our community and the 3 Pillars initiative.
• Adaptable & Solution-Oriented: Thrives in a dynamic boutique studio environment; handles unexpected operational or trainee challenges with composure and creativity.
• Growth Mindset: Driven by a personal passion for lifelong learning, constantly seeking fresh perspective and innovative ways to elevate training quality.

Salary & Benefits: 

• Total On-Target Earnings Package: $107,000-$124,000
  • Base Salary: $80,000-85,000/year
  • Compensation for teaching classes (8-10 classes week) $18,000-$26,000
  • Performance Bonuses: Additional earning potential via per-session bonuses for large cohorts (8+ trainees) and volume bonuses for running more than 4 training sessions per year. Estimated $6-10,000/year
  • Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) $250 contributed towards premium
  • 401K with 4% matching (after one year) 
  • PTO 11 days/year, 8 holidays

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate’s qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.