Did you know that Pilates is not a regulated profession in North America? This means that there is no universal standard for teaching that you’re expected to follow.
No regulatory body oversees this profession. However, getting professional Pilates education will benefit you and your clients.
Most instructors start as clients before making the move to enrol in a certification program giving them a basic understanding of the practice. By learning how to teach Pilates, you’ll confidently be able to figure out what exercises to teach to different clients and when; and this is key for building and retaining your clientele.
In this article, I’ll share what it takes to become a confident Pilates instructor. I’ll also talk about how and where to upgrade your skills along the way to provide better value for your students.
Why you should get certified
Teaching Pilates is different from being a Pilates client. As an instructor, you should learn how to teach and adapt the movements for various class types, skill levels, and abilities. Some training programs may include helpful information about starting your own Pilates practice as a business owner.
Listing your certifications, memberships, and completed training programs in your professional bio helps build trust. Trust will attract clients who value quality Pilates programs.
What do you learn in a Pilates training program?
A Pilates Instructor training program will educate you on how to teach Pilates in a way that is accessible, adaptable and focused on the individual client. Not only will you learn the movements, but you’ll also learn:
- The purpose behind each exercise
- How to adjust the exercises for different abilities or needs
- How to put together routines and classes
- Pilates routines with different equipment
You can also take specific courses in other areas you want to specialize in.
How long does it take?
The more hands on hours that a certification course teaches, the better. You’ll want to ensure that you’re getting a comprehensive review of anatomy, appropriate modifications and an understanding of how to assess movement and posture in addition to learning the Pilates repertoire.
With all that in mind, a quality Pilates education should be at least 25 plus hours on each piece of Pilates apparatus. Most instructors spend at least a few months to a year learning as much as possible about the profession. This time may also include learning related modalities such as injuries and special populations to provide greater value for their clients
The time it takes to become an instructor depends on the quality of the training, the equipment you learn to use and the type of Pilates you want to teach. The more in-person training hours and practice you have, the greater success you’ll have working with different populations and movement ability levels.
Determining your philosophy and approach to Pilates
Part of becoming an instructor is determining your unique philosophy and approach. This will help ground your practice and set you apart from other instructors. For example, your approach may include:
- Combining other modalities to your practice (such as personal training, life coaching, or nutritional support)
- Specializing in a specific demographic (such as pregnant people or rehabilitation)
- Specializing in a particular class type (such as mat based or reformer Pilates)
Creating a niche for yourself will help you attract clients who align with your values and area of expertise in Pilates or wellness.
Is mentorship valuable for Pilates instructors?
No matter what stage in your Pilates career you’re in, partnering with a mentor can help you learn, grow, and meet your goals. I suggest approaching a potential mentor with a similar style or philosophy.
For example, if you plan to open your own Pilates studio, look for a mentor who also owns their business. They’re sure to have some relevant experience to share with you. If you want to work part-time in a studio owned by someone else, look for a mentor with a similar practice or working environment.
If you’re looking for a mentor, feel free to ask a Pilates instructor who inspires you if they’d be interested. You can also approach a professional association or business networking group about formal mentoring programs.
How to become a better Pilates instructor
Your success in your Pilates career or business depends on how much work you put into your training and practice. Your knowledge, reputation, and dedication to ongoing learning and skill development will help.
If you are ready to make Pilates a long-term career or side hustle, invest in your education and experience. Ongoing skill development through The Pilates Resource Catalogue (TPRC) is a great place to start.
The PRC has resources and support to create smart Pilates workouts that connect clients with their movement potential and meet them where they are. The resources help you expand your Pilates knowledge to keep your clients (and you) motivated and successful.
I’d love for you to try the catalogue, risk-free for 14 days. See for yourself how much more there is to learn about Pilates and how you can be a better instructor.
Get your free trial of the Pilates Resource Catalogue today.