Guide for instructors

Cover Instructor Checklist: Before, During and After a Cover Shift

From saying yes to sending your invoice: a practical checklist for Pilates and fitness cover.

In this guide
  1. Before the shift
  2. On arrival
  3. During class
  4. Closing up
  5. After the shift
  6. Professional tips
  7. Printable checklist
  8. FAQ

Cover work is the fastest way to become a studio’s favourite instructor, or never get called again. The difference is usually preparation. Here is a simple checklist for the whole shift, from the moment you say yes to the invoice you send afterwards. It is written for Pilates, but works for any class.

Before the shift

  • Confirm the time, class, format and level in writing. Know what the studio expects.
  • Ask for the handover if you haven’t been sent one. Studios can use our handover checklist.
  • Check your documents are current, including your qualification and first aid/CPR certificate.
  • Plan your class to the studio’s format, not your own favourite one.
  • Sort travel and parking, and leave a buffer.
  • Plan to arrive early. FitMatchr check-in needs you within 50 m of the studio and at least 10 minutes before class.
  • Ask about the playlist and music setup if nothing was shared.

If the studio has sent access details, keep them private and don’t forward them. If you haven’t got them close to the shift, message the studio.

On arrival

  • Find access using the studio’s private instructions, and double-check the door behind you.
  • Find the front-desk device and open the booking system for check-in.
  • Set up music through the studio speakers, and know where the backup is.
  • Do a quick equipment check: springs, straps, boxes and anything marked out of service.
  • Locate the first aid kit, injury report form and emergency contacts.
  • Set the lights and climate as the studio asks.

During class

  • At the start, ask about injuries, pregnancy and anything clients want you to know.
  • Check equipment as you go, and stop and fix anything unsafe.
  • Stay within your scope of practice and qualification. Refer clients to a health professional if needed.
  • Keep to the studio’s format, timing and spring conventions.
  • Check clients in and note late arrivals as the studio asks.
  • If something happens, look after the client first.

Closing up

  • Reset equipment: all springs on, straps placed lightly (not tight).
  • Props back where you found them.
  • Lights and climate as instructed. Leave on only what the studio says.
  • Device back on charge.
  • Lock up, double-check the door, and return the key.

After the shift

  • Incident report. If anything happened, complete the injury report form, ask the client to sign it and email a copy to the studio. If urgent, call 000 first. Follow the studio’s own incident policy and any legal obligations; this isn’t legal or medical advice.
  • Invoice the studio directly. Include your ABN and the details they need. Studios pay you directly, and FitMatchr never pays instructors.
  • Rate the studio honestly. Reviews on FitMatchr are double-blind, so neither side sees the other’s rating until both are in.
  • Note what you’d want next time. A few lines about the room, the crowd and the setup make the next cover easier.

Professional tips

  • Communicate. Confirm details, ask questions early and message if anything changes.
  • Be punctual. Early is on time. Late is a problem.
  • Respect regulars’ routines. Clients have favourite spots, props and rhythms. Keep what works and ask before changing it.
  • Leave the room as you found it. Nobody should know you were there, except that the class went well.

FitMatchr is an app for finding cover and permanent roles across Pilates, Yoga, PT, and Group Fitness and Cycle, launching at the end of October 2026 in Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Sydney first. It is free for instructors. Your documents sit on file in-app and are handed over when you are booked, and messages keep contact details masked. See FitMatchr for instructors and Pilates cover.

FitMatchr

Pick up cover shifts that suit you.

Free for instructors. Launching end of October 2026.

Get the app

Printable checklist

Tick as you go. Prints as a one-page sheet.
Cover shift checklist
Studio / class / time

Before

  • Time, class and format confirmed
  • Handover received
  • Documents and first aid/CPR current
  • Class planned to studio format
  • Travel and parking sorted
  • Arrive 10+ minutes early (within 50 m for check-in)

On arrival

  • Access sorted and door double-checked
  • Device and check-in ready
  • Music working
  • Equipment checked
  • First aid kit and injury form located

During

  • Asked about injuries and pregnancy
  • Safety checks done
  • Stayed within scope

Closing

  • Reformer springs on, straps light
  • Props back
  • Lights and climate as instructed
  • Device on charge
  • Locked, double-checked, key returned

After

  • Incident report sent (if any)
  • Invoice sent to the studio, with ABN
  • Rated the studio
  • Notes for next time
Notes
FAQ

Questions, answered straight.

What should I ask a studio before covering a class?

Ask for the class format and level, typical numbers, start and finish times, how to get in, where the front-desk device and first aid kit are, and who to call. If they don’t have a handover, our checklist for studios lists what to share.

How early should I arrive for a cover shift?

Arrive at least 10 minutes before class. FitMatchr’s arrival check-in needs you within 50 m of the studio and at least 10 minutes before class starts, and extra time helps with setup.

How do I get paid for cover work?

Send your invoice directly to the studio with your ABN and the details they need. Studios pay instructors directly, FitMatchr never pays instructors.

What if a client is injured in my class?

Attend to them and give first aid if needed, call 000 in an emergency, then complete the studio’s injury report form, get the client to sign it and email a copy to the studio. Follow the studio’s own incident policy and any legal obligations. This isn’t legal or medical advice.

Can I share the access codes I’m given?

No. Keep them private and don’t post, forward or write them down where others could find them. Studios should send them close to the shift and change them regularly.