Try a career in teaching one of the most popular fitness activities in the world by learning how to instruct Pilates with our guide.
In the last 50 years, Pilates has become a fitness activity which has grown in demand for it to be taught in several establishments.
If you enjoy Pilates or fitness training and are considering a career in Pilates then you need to read our guide on how to become a Pilates instructor.
The steps you need to take to become a Pilates instructor
There’s no point saying you are going to teach Pilates, if you haven’t experienced a class before. Go to as many classes as you can and pay attention to the instructors to see how they approach Pilates so you can learn what kind of teaching style you want to adapt. Consider asking your Pilates instructors what training they underwent and what certification they have.
There two types of certification you can receive to teach Pilates, which are comprehensive and mat certifications.
The Mat certification states you are prepared to instruct group classes on a mat, which is the most common type of certification instructors at gyms usually have. A comprehensive certification incorporates Pilates with equipment, and will prepare you to instruct and train clients using Pilates apparatus equipment in addition to a mat.
For those considering teaching full time rather than part time or training private clients, then you should get a comprehensive certification so you can teach Pilates with equipment.
There will be a lot of different Pilates certification programs which teach you how to become a Pilates instructor and it might be hard to make a decision on which one to sign up for. As previously mentioned it’s good to talk to other Pilates instructors to find out what Pilates certification programs they did as it might be the right one for you. What you need to consider is the type of teaching style you like as programmes tend to offer either contemporary style or classical style of teaching. You also need to factor in your budget, as a mat certification will be a lot cheaper than comprehensive certification, but you will be limited as to what you can do with it.
When looking for a certification program on how to become a Pilates instructor, you need to find one that provides several hours of teaching, training and practice. A reputable mat certification program should encompass over 100 hours of study, practice, observation and teaching, while a comprehensive certification should have over 500 hours as you will be learning about instructing using Pilates apparatus equipment. They should also be part of the Pilates Method Alliance.
Here are some of the highly recognised Pilates programs in America which will teach you how to become a Pilates instructors.
A Pilates trainer certification for a mat can take three months to complete while a comprehensive Pilates trainer certification can take over a year. Both programs will also require you to undergo tests including a written test and practical teaching assistant. The programs are quite flexible and you should be able to fit it around any other commitments you may have such as work and family life.
Once you are fully trained you will need to have a liability insurance, as most gyms and studios require you to have it. Once you have insurance you will be able to teach and work with clients.
Now that you’re fully qualified and have insurance, you need to think about how you are going to market yourself. First of all you should look up Pilates logos for sale, as creating a logo for your Pilates classes will make your brand recognisable. There are many Pilates logos for sale online which you can choose from at a cost effective price. Then you can use that logo on sports clothing that you wear to help advertise your brand. You can also use it for signage and social media accounts set up specifically to promote your classes.
The governing body for the pilates industry is the Pilates Method Alliance. They offer an exam you can take once you have gained some experience in teaching Pilates. It’s always a good idea to keep on studying once you’ve become a Pilates instructor and expand your knowledge on what you are teaching. The first step into further education of how to become a Pilates instructor is to study and prepare for the PMA exam.
