The Power of Being Fully Certified
When Vanessa Huffman joined Club Pilates, there were just eight studios in the U.S. Now, with over 3,000 locations sold worldwide, Club Pilates is the largest Pilates franchise on the planet—and if you haven’t noticed it’s already making waves in Australia.
At the heart of this global success isn’t just a booming business model, but a deep belief in education. And no one champions that more passionately than Vanessa, who used to run the Global Pilates Education Program and now heads up Club Pilates Education across Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.
“The people that are a part of the team are the key!” Vanessa says. “As cliché as it may sound, without passionate Pilates instructors, the educational growth would not have been possible.”
A Mega Brand Built on Purpose
Unlike many fitness fads or quick-growth franchises, Club Pilates has scaled with intention. Their approach is grounded in a simple yet powerful ethos: elevate the quality of instruction and the client experience follows.
“Since the inception of our education program, Club Pilates has held the hiring of instructors to the highest level of standards,” Vanessa explains. “We offer multi-level classes that usher members through their Pilates journey, and it’s imperative that the instructors are comprehensively trained so they understand the purpose and use of all the equipment—including adjustments for all types of 'learning bodies.'”
That emphasis on comprehensive certification—training instructors across the entire Pilates system, not just mat and reformer—is something Club Pilates isn’t willing to compromise on.
In a market where fast-tracked mat and reformer courses are increasingly common, Vanessa is clear: “Mat and Reformer simply aren’t enough to complete the experience. This is my favourite Pilates ‘five-course meal’ conversation—it would be a shame to stop at the appetiser and first course.”
The Five Pieces of the Full Pilates Picture
So, what makes comprehensive training so important? Vanessa breaks it down with five compelling reasons every instructor should go beyond mat and reformer:
1. Springboard
“It’s a versatile, inexpensive addition that brings balance, stability and strength challenges to your sessions in a new way.”
2. Wunda/EXO Chair
“Small in size but massive in potential. You can support clients needing seated work or challenge them in standing positions.”
3. Ladder Barrel & Spine Corrector
“These tools teach support, resistance and more personalized variations. You start to really understand the ‘why’ behind the moves.”
4. Cadillac
“It’s the original full package of Pilates. You’re blending Mat, Springboard, Reformer, and suspension work all in one.”
5. Special Populations & Modifications
“This is the cherry on top. It gives instructors the confidence to adapt for any client and ensure they feel safe and successful.”
Being comprehensively trained provides you with many more options and variety. This creates more opportunities to teach and develop a lifelong career in Pilates. You’ll have an open-ended catalog of moves that deliver the most efficient variations of exercises for all types of clients.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
Vanessa has seen firsthand what happens when instructors are fully equipped—not just with choreography or class plans—but with real knowledge of movement.
“All clients have a stopping or learning point,” she says. “Comprehensive education teaches you how to distinguish which variations on each apparatus will help a client become successful. It gives you the tools to decide which piece of equipment will be best for them.
And in an increasingly saturated industry, the difference is starting to show.
“Clients are becoming more aware of the differences between a good instructor and a great instructor,” Vanessa says. “Although they may not understand the full nuances of the method, they know when a class feels safe, effective and rewarding. That’s what comprehensive training delivers.”
From Client to Educator
The Club Pilates training program has taken over 22,000 people through comprehensive certification so far, with participants from all walks of life.
“Some people enrol to deepen their own practice—maybe they’re planning to install equipment at home, or they just want to get more out of class,” Vanessa explains. “Others come in ready to become instructors. Either way, the in-studio format of our training helps both groups reach their goals.”
That real-world learning environment is a key advantage, particularly in preparing instructors to teach in group settings.
“Our training is hosted in a working studio where students teach and learn from each other. The participants could work with up to 23 of their peers as they go through their education. Each of the peers are “practice clients” as they learn to feel and teach the moves in person. They observe, self-practice and assist in live classes with up to 12 clients per hour,” Vanessa says. “That’s a huge advantage in learning how to manage diverse bodies and needs.”
The next chapter
As the brand sets up for major growth across Australia and New Zealand, Vanessa is energised by the potential to bring this education model to a new audience.
“I’m most excited about creating a sustainable platform for better living through Pilates,” she says. “It’s an honor to witness teacher training students transform into movement educators. My hope is that this continues to evolve worldwide—so more people can feel how doing Pilates can help them do life.
Club Pilates isn’t just expanding its brand in Australia. It’s continuing a global movement—one that starts with education, thrives on passion, and is built to last.
Want to find out more about Club Pilates' comprehensive teacher training or studio openings in Australia? Visit here.
Vanessa worked on the corporate Club Pilates team in the US as the Director of Education and then the Director of International Education to help develop the Club Pilates franchise locations from 28 to over 1500 open locations worldwide. She wrote the Club Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training program, established the Club Pilates Master Teacher Training program and was an integral part in the Club Pilates instructor bridge training program. Vanessa has led education around the world and is very excited to bring her passion for Pilates to Australia. Vanessa runs all Lead Instructor forums for Australia and New Zealand and is Master Trainer.
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