Why Who You Learn from Matters
Photography @seasewell
As the Pilates industry grows and demand for teachers increases, it’s more important than ever to stop and ask: What does quality education really mean and why does who you learn from matter?
Pilates is a professional discipline, not a hobby. Whether you’re training to teach on the mat, the reformer, or undertaking a fully comprehensive certification, the responsibility you carry as a teacher is significant. You’re not just reciting exercises, you are guiding movement and influencing someone’s long-term relationship with their body.
Pilates education is far more than simply learning a list of exercises. True Pilates education teaches you about the history of Joseph Pilates and his work; why each movement matters, how to spot and respond to the body in front of you, and what your responsibilities are as a safe and effective teacher. That kind of learning takes time, guidance, and crucially it requires the right educator.
The Experience Behind the Expertise
Teaching teachers is a different skillset from teaching clients. It requires mentorship, feedback, real-time correction, and the confidence to hold students to high standards. If your tutor hasn’t spent years actually teaching Pilates then you’re missing out on the practical wisdom that only comes with time and experience.
It’s not enough for your tutor to know the repertoire. A great educator knows how to teach it. They can break down complex ideas in a way that lands. They understand how to manage a room full of learners with different needs, bodies, and learning styles. They can draw from years of practical teaching of real clients in real situations, not just a script or slideshow.
Know Before You Teach
Here’s something that often gets misunderstood:
A teacher training course is designed to teach you how to teach Pilates. It’s not the place to start learning Pilates from scratch.
Before you commit to a training course, you should already have a strong understanding of the method as a client or student. You don’t need to be perfect (none of us are), but you do need to be familiar with the movements, the language, and the underlying principles. Without that foundation, you may find yourself at a disadvantage, struggling to learn what to teach and how to teach it all at once.
Spending time in the studio or attending regular classes with a experienced teacher before enrolling in a course isn’t just helpful, it’s respectful to both the profession and the clients you’ll one day work with.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the Right Questions
Before signing up for a course, take a moment to ask your prospective training provider a few important questions:
Are the tutors fully certified in the Pilates method?
You’d be surprised how many aren’t. A tutor should have a solid foundation in the full method not only mat or one piece of equipment.How long have the tutors been teaching?
Ideally a course tutor should have at least 8-10 years’ experience of teaching and working with clients.
3. Do the tutors hold a minimum of Level 3 in Education and Training and an Assessor’s Award? ( UK based or International equivalent)
This ensures they understand the different approaches and styles of learning and are qualified in the art and science of teaching and assessing adult learners. You deserve to be trained by someone who knows how to guide, mentor, and evaluate effectively and without bias.
These aren’t unreasonable questions, they’re essential because when you’re investing your time, money, and future in a training course, you must be confident that the standard of education you’ll receive is professional and robust.
There Are Excellent Options
It’s worth saying that there are many fantastic Pilates teacher training options in the UK. Whether you choose to train in the classical or contemporary method or take a full comprehensive certification or a modular approach, the key is to make sure the course is delivered by experienced educators who meet recognised teaching standards.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a Pilates teacher, and your path should reflect your learning style, goals, and values. But whatever route you take, make sure it equips you with the depth, support, and professional rigour needed to teach with confidence and conscience.
Beware the Shortcut
It’s tempting to go for the quick or cheap option, especially in a world where social media often sells style over substance. But ask yourself: Would I feel confident working with a driving or riding instructor who trained in a weekend? Or who trained only online? Certainly not. So why should we view Pilates teachers any differently?
Shortcuts in education create poorly trained teachers who may not recognise red flags that need outside referral. They may not be able to correct a clients movement, may unknowingly reinforce bad habits, or might simply lack the under-pinning knowledge of Pilates to teach with depth and safely. That’s not good enough.
Invest in Standards, Not Just Certificates
At the end of the day, what you learn and who you learn it from sets the foundation for your entire teaching career. It’s the difference between learning to tick boxes and learning to teach. It’s the difference between delivering instructions to a class and delivering something that transforms how a client moves, feels, and lives.
So, if you’re thinking about training or retraining, I encourage you to do your homework. Ask about the tutor’s teaching experience. Find out how long the course runs and whether it includes mentoring, practical assessments, face to face tutorials and real feedback. Quality education is the commitment to lifelong learning, guided by someone who has walked the walk.
Choose wisely.
———————————————————-
Julie Driver is based in North London and has been teaching for over 23 years both in the UK and Internationally.
Julie coaches equestrians of all levels from the weekend rider to the elite athlete and is currently the Pilates teacher for the Wesko Foundation three-day-eventing team. Julie considers Pilates to be the perfect way for riders to improve their technique and create a stronger and deeper relationship with their horse.
A serious ski accident in 2008 caused extensive damage to her left leg and surgeons predicted a year-long recovery and a permanent limp. With the support and skill of her physiotherapists along with her own knowledge of Pilates Julie was able to walk unaided without a limp in less than 9 months.
In 2014 Julie was awarded the title of “Pilates Anytime” International Instructor of the Year.
————————————————————————-