How to Become A Pilates Instructor!

Are you looking to become a Pilates instructor but don’t know where to start? I decided to cover this topic because I get asked this question more than any other question. So here you go, let’s dig in!

How do I become a Pilates instructor? 

First, you need to ask yourself, what do I want to teach? Are you looking to become fully certified in all apparatus or just teach mat classes?

Let’s cover Mat classes for a second.

If you want to teach a Mat class I suggest you go through one of the reputable certifications I have listed below. As a helpful tip, you will learn the exercises and be able to teach after you complete the course, however, Practice, practice, practice! And then take more classes!

The more you can watch and get your hands on a body the better instructor you will become. Of course, this is true with anything. But when it comes to Pilates everybody is different and everyone learns differently so to be able to teach all types of people will give you an advantage.

Take note though, I only suggest doing a Mat only certification” if you are a group fitness instructor and want to add to your resume. It is much harder to get a job if you only have Mat and nothing else. Not to mention, It is extremely hard to make a living on just a mat certification.

What is a fully certified Pilates instructor?

What I mean by this is, all apparatus certified. (The Mat, Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Barrels, and Ped O pull.) You want to make sure you have signed up for a class that requires at least 500 hours of apprenticeship before you are certified. Why? Because Pilates has so many details, you need the opportunity to see different bodies and how people learn. Anything less will not equip you for true success.

When I first started out, I was bummed my certification took me so long and required 600 hours before I could teach, but I am so thankful now! The knowledge I gained in those hours was priceless and gave me the confidence I needed when just starting out. Not only that, I was offered a teaching job at 3 different studios the day I finished my certification.

Classical or Contemporary what is the difference?

You may not even know what I am talking about but classical or contemporary refers to the style of teaching. I was so lead to the contemporary approach but I choose to become certified in classical. Heres why…

Classical… Creates a system for you! It is closest to Joseph’s original teaching and follows a  systematic approach. This style builds on a foundation where a client moves from beginner, intermediate to advanced. The classical method teaches the names and sequence so the client knows what’s next. In the beginning, it is very helpful to have a system to follow. As you grow you will naturally have your own style.

Contemporary… Has more of a dance aspect to it and you are left on your own to build a workout for your client. The contemporary approach adds in more props and variations than Classical. What’s best is up to you. Here is a great article from Pilates Bridge going deeper about the difference.

Getting certified in classical first taught me the foundation of what Joseph was teaching. I wanted to get my hands on all the knowledge I could. After a few years of teaching, I continued my education with some of the contemporary approaches. This allowed me more flexibility in teaching. I love both styles and suggest you start taking classes in both styles to see where you fit in best.

Nationally recognised certification companies.

• Power Pilates-  This is a classical program that requires 600 hours of apprenticeship. What I loved about Power Pilates is you do the apprenticeship in-house with the same teacher trainer. I did not have to go to other studios and ask to watch teachers and do hours at different studios. Super beneficial to be able to see the same client grow in their practice. My experience with them was invaluable.
• Basi Stands for Body Arts and Science International. A highly reputable academy. To have the opportunity to learn from Raiel is quite the experience. The man is a legend and an amazing teacher. This academy is one of the most respected. What I like about this program is like Power Pilates the program is taught as a whole not broken up into apparatus. So another great choice if you want to become a strong Pilates instructor. This is a contemporary approach!
• Balance Body This is another one of my favourite programs, balance body is solid in their curriculum. They offer an assessment based certificate of completion. This is a program that allows you to do just Mat levels one and two. Or the Reformer program, however, in order to teach reformer you must complete all levels of the mat, and all levels of the reformer, as well as anatomy and observations hours. So its a little more extensive than Stott’s Reformer only program listed next. 

Balance Body also has a comprehensive program I do suggest taking that course if you want to be a full-time instructor.

• Stott A contemporary approach to teaching and is one of the academies that section’s its program into pieces. This allows you to become certified in just reformer and start teaching right away. My suggestion is to go the whole way and get certified in everything though. I do have clients that got certified in just reformer for their own personal knowledge, to better their understanding for their work. In that case, it’s great to be able to do just one class at a time.
• Fletcher Pilates is a classical teacher training certification. It is comprehensive and very similar to Power Pilates method of teaching and requirements. Once you finish this certification expect to be able to be fully equipt with what you need as a teacher. The requirements are strict and the program will take you about 10 months if committing to 600 hours. Very similar to Power Pilates requirements. In order to be considered into the teacher training at Fletcher, you must do at least 30 hours of private instruction with a Fletcher teacher.
• Romana Is classical and to get into the program you will go through an assessment after passing the assessment, you enter phase 1 then 2 then 3. Beginner, intermediate, advanced. Once you have passed all levels you will obtain a certificate of completion. Romana is what the Pilates community calls an Elder. Meaning she worked directly under Joseph Pilates.

PMA stands for Pilates Method Alliance. It is a professional association for Pilates teachers. Once you obtain a certification you can take the PMA exam. Something I recommend doing as soon as you complete your program. Being a PMA teacher makes you more reputable and also helps when the time comes for continuing education. You can also obtain your Personal Liability insurance through them.

Please know there are a ton of master teachers who train under these umbrella companies. Meaning, they are certified master trainers and able to certify you in a private setting. For this reason, I have chosen to stick with the national companies. I am sure I may have missed a few amazing certifying agencies, I just wanted to give you something to work with and tried to stick with ones I have had a personal experience with.

Here are a few I am not as familiar with but felt I needed to include them.

• Polestar Pilates
• Peak Pilates

Should I take an online course to become certified?

Here is my thought on that. When it comes to getting certified No! I do not recommend it! If you can fly to a place where a class is being taught I would do that! It is crucial to have the in-person interaction, the opportunity to get feedback and watch how others learn. Another option is to get a group of people together that want to learn and have a Master Trainer come to you!

What is required to maintain your certification?

Continuing education… Every two years you must complete 16 hours of continuing education. Here is the tricky part. Depending on who you get certified through, you will need to go through their continuing education. Sometimes that can be super expensive and hard to find classes. So here is what I recommend. Take the Pilates Method Alliance exam. It is another step but will give you an advantage.

As I said earlier, PMA is an association for Pilates professionals. However, once you pass the exam, you can take continuing education from all of the different methodologies and it will count toward your PMA teacher training certificate. I found it is a lot easier to keep that up to date than it is to find classes in your original training to meet the 16 hours.

Practice, teach and learn….as long as you are working your own body, teaching clients and continuously learning is the best recipe to become an amazing instructor.

Here are some things to think about before you pull the trigger!

• Are you willing to give up job stability for job flexibility?
• Are you ok with working in multiple studios to make ends meet?
• You will have to obtain personal liability insurance and can get that through PMA, or Idea fit.
• Be prepared, the certification will most likely take you 10 months to a year. (For a full comprehensive certification.)
• Do you have the money to invest? Expect to pay at least  $3,000.00. That is not including any private session that may be required with the program.
• Are you comfortable speaking in front of small groups? Sometimes class sizes can be as large as 40 people in a Mat class.

My Final Thoughts

Being a Pilates instructor has been amazing these past 10 years. I have helped people completely change their body! It is an extremely rewarding career if you choose it. However, It takes work and dedication, pick the right academy that works with your style and you will have a rewarding career as a Pilates instructor. Don’t letting limiting beliefs hold you back. You can have a career you love, help others and be there for your family. Good luck

XO

Stephanie

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