Thinking About Becoming a Pilates Teacher? Here’s How to Get Started
Photography @sumofus_studio
Becoming a Pilates teacher is an exciting and rewarding journey, offering the chance to guide others on their path to wellness while deepening your own understanding of the practice. Deciding to teach is only the first step, but where do you begin, and what kind of teacher do you want to be? Here's a guide to help you navigate the process of becoming a Pilates instructor and carving out your niche in this evolving industry.
Step 1: Decide What Kind of Teacher You Want to Be
Before diving into training, it's essential to reflect on what kind of teacher you envision yourself becoming. Do you imagine leading group classes, working one-on-one in a private studio, or perhaps teaching in a gym setting? Each environment offers different experiences, requiring varying skills and expertise. Let’s explore these further…
Group Class Pilates Instructor: If you enjoy working with a variety of people, teaching group classes might be your calling. Group classes often focus on Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates classes and are a great way to work with diverse clients. It’s fast-paced and involves a lot of multi-tasking so you’ll need to be confident in managing multiple students with different abilities. You’ll also need to keep the energy high and maintain a motivating atmosphere.
Private Studio Teacher: For those who prefer working in a more controlled environment with personalised attention, becoming a private studio instructor is for you. This role typically involves teaching Pilates on specialised equipment like Reformers, Cadillacs, and Wunda Chairs. You’ll often be working with clients who might be in a rehabilitation phase or need greater support. Working one-on-one or in a duet setting, you will be focused specifically on the body in front of you and its needs. Private instruction allows for a deeper connection with clients and can offer greater job satisfaction if you enjoy seeing clients make profound progress over time.
Gym Pilates Instructor: If you enjoy the bustling environment of a gym and want to incorporate Pilates into a more general fitness space, becoming a gym Pilates instructor could be a good fit. You’ll likely teach larger classes and incorporate Pilates principles into a more fitness-oriented format. This could be both Mat and or Reformer classes. Many gyms are adding Pilates to their offerings, creating a blend of traditional Pilates with contemporary fitness approaches.
The only way you are going to know what’s for you is by trying out the different types available. Try different types of Pilates classes from Group Reformer in a boutique studio, to a Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates class at a gym, to a Studio class in a clinical studio, try a class in a Classical Pilates studio, an athletic reformer class and even specialised Pilates like prenatal or rehab-focused—to get a sense of where your interests lie. By understanding all that is out there and what excites you, you can help to guide your decision.
Photography @pilatesandcoau
Step 2: Choose Your Training Program
Once you’ve identified the type of teacher you want to be, the next step is to research the type of training program best suited to you and your learning needs. There are several training schools, each with its own approach and curriculum. Be sure to seek out courses that not only cover exercises but topics like anatomy, class programming, working with special populations and more.
Mat and or Reformer Certification: Often overlooked, Mat Pilates certification is the foundation behind all the Pilates repertoire. It is also considered the entry point for most aspiring instructors. These programs typically require fewer hours and are more affordable than full equipment certifications known as comprehensive training. Be conscious that the more comprehensive the hours, while long, they can set you up to be ready to teach from the moment you graduate. Doing a short course or intensive course may get you teaching sooner but it might also leave you feeling less supported and less confident in what you teach. If you want to teach group classes, a Mat certification could be the best place to start.
Comprehensive Certification: For those who want to teach in a studio or have a more versatile teaching career, a comprehensive certification is essential. This type of training covers Mat and apparatus work (like the Reformer, Cadillac, and Chair) and dives deeper into anatomy, biomechanics, and the Pilates method. Comprehensive certifications usually take several months and require a commitment to training hours, observation, practice teaching, and written exams. These programs tend to be more of an investment and leave you with comprehensive skills that can be applied across multiple settings and types of clients.
Specialised Training: Once you have completed your first training program you might also look to specialise in a specific area, such as prenatal Pilates, rehabilitation, or working with athletes. These niche certifications can set you apart in the industry, making you more attractive to clients looking for specialised services.
It's also worth considering what type of training you do. While doing an online course might be the most efficient way of getting it done, remember that face-to-face training can help train your eye, provide important hands-on experience and make you more confident in working with clients.
Regardless of the path you choose, it’s essential to find a program that is recognised by reputable Pilates organisations. Look for certification from programs accredited by governing bodies like the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), AUSActive or the Pilates Professionals Australia as examples.
Step 3: Gain Experience
Once you’ve completed your training the best thing you can do is gain practical experience. If you can shadow with experienced teachers and or mentors you’ll set yourself up for success. Experience is key to mastering the art of teaching and developing your unique style and it takes years of dedicated practice to be considered a proficient practitioner.
Consider working in different environments to broaden your experience. Teach group classes at a gym, assist in a private studio, or hold outdoor mat classes. This exposure will not only help you grow as an instructor but will also clarify what you enjoy most.
Photography @pilatesandcoau
Step 4: Make Yourself Marketable
As a new Pilates instructor, it’s important to understand that the broader your skill base the more marketable you are to prospective employers. The more training you have done and the more hours you’ve spent in studio, the more likely you are to have developed great relationships with the various studios you attend making it much easier to make you employable.
It's also important to identify what makes you unique as a teacher —whether it's your specialisation in prenatal Pilates, athletic reformer, or a background in dance or martial arts— this helps explain your strengths to your clients and how you can best support them.
Step 5: Build Relationships and Stay Committed
Whether you’re teaching in a studio, gym, or group setting, building strong relationships with your clients will lead to long-term success. A great Pilates teacher is more than just an instructor—they’re a guide, mentor, and motivator.
Staying committed means remaining up to date with current trends, and continuing education can help you remain relevant as a teacher. Be sure to attend workshops, enrol in continuing education, and always be a student of the practice.
Becoming a Pilates teacher is a fulfilling career. As a teacher, you’ll find that you’re always learning—not just through courses and continuing education, but also from your clients as you adapt to their unique needs and experiences. In the early days, take the time to explore your strengths and passions to find your unique path as a teacher, allowing you to build a rewarding and lasting career in this vibrant industry.