If you’ve ever considered becoming a Pilates instructor but weren’t sure how to get started, you’ve come to the right place.

Anyone passionate about practising and sharing knowledge about Pilates can pursue a career as a Pilates instructor. Pilates instructors vary in age, body types, size and even career backgrounds. Some pilates trainers were already physical therapists or SG fitness professionals, while others came from completely unrelated fields.

The most apparent benefit of becoming a Pilates instructor is that you don’t need to be very young or the strongest or most flexible in pursuing a Pilates instructor certification. Pilates exercises are designed to have no impact on joints, so you can teach Pilates even when you’re retired. 

Pilates Teacher Training 

To become a Pilates instructor, you must first meet specific qualifications. Generally, the stronger your background and capabilities, the better your chances of finding practical work as a Pilates instructor. To become a Pilates instructor, follow these steps:

1) Take Pilates Classes

Before starting your journey, gaining experience through hot pilates classes, pilates private lessons, or pilates online instruction is essential. The pilates courses you take can give you the pilates experience and pilates knowledge you need to be a successful Pilates instructor. 

Some studios provide trial pilates classes to see if you like them. Consider taking pilates courses from several pilates studios to determine which pilates suits you best. 

2) Choose a Style

After trying a few different Pilates training, you can decide which style you prefer. There are several Pilates styles to choose from, with the two most popular being Classical Pilates and Contemporary Pilates.

Classical Pilates strives to be as close to Joseph Pilates’ work as possible. This is considered as the truest, most authentic style of pilates training. In comparison with Contemporary Pilates, this is a slow-paced class with continuous and flowing movements. 

Contemporary Pilates is a more fast-paced style that focuses more on strength training and developing core strength and building lean muscle. 

For those looking for a closer kind of Pilates to Joseph Pilates’ original work, go for Classical Pilates. However, if you have a limited range of motion, Contemporary Pilates may be a better fit for you.

3) Complete a Pilates Comprehensive Training Program

Training pilates schools usually provide Pilates exercises as a comprehensive course covering all Pilates equipment pieces or as à la carte pilates training solely focusing on each Pilates equipment piece individually. 

If you are financially able to enrol, the most efficient way to learn the Pilates method is to enrol in a comprehensive course. This will help you select the best pilates certification programs, helping you become a Pilates teacher. 

Choosing your form dictates the type of Pilates machine you use in your pilates classes. If you are taking many programs at a time, starting first with mat pilates is highly encouraged, as this is the most common form of pilates and accessible form of Pilates. The reformer pilates is frequently the following pilates course that students take, using a reformer machine with springs and bars. 

Both mat pilates and reformer pilates focus on developing core strength, flexibility, and coordination while improving posture and balance. Pilates mat and reformer pilates are the most popular among studios and most gyms that hire Pilates instructors.

There are numerous other types of Pilates, such as Chair Pilates, Cadillac  Pilates, and Barrel Pilates. These forms of pilates are slightly less common than other pilates mentioned above but are equally effective. However, to be a certified Pilates instructor, you must enrol in a comprehensive certification program and learn all the repertoire for all Pilates equipment

Thus, you must try out each one pilates before you decide so that you can find what suits you better. 

How Much Does a Pilates Instructor Certification Cost? 

The cost of becoming a Pilates instructor depends on the pilates instructor training programs you attend, the number of hours in the program, and the program’s provider. 

The number of hours required is standardised by the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) to a minimum of 450 hours covering mat pilates and other apparatuses. 

You can expect around $100-$300 for a basic level 1 pilates certification and even up to $3,000-$7,000 for a more comprehensive pilates certification program. National Pilates Certification Program exam fees cost $295, which includes the price for application processing, computer testing and the first two years of certification. 

4) Pass the Pilates Certification Exam

After researching and determining which pilates certification program suits you better, you can study and prepare to take a nationally recognized certification exam as a pilates trainer. 

Pilates certifications will teach you the basic principles of Pilates instruction and how to work safely and effectively with clients. By the end of the period, you will have earned the title of Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor.

5) Find Employment as a Pilates Instructor

As a certified Pilates instructor, you may find different options to consider when finding employment. Other Pilates instructor will start out by renting space at a dance studio specialising in Pilates, local gym, health clubs, leisure centres, fitness centers, community or senior centres, even as private clients giving one-on-one teaching pilates sessions as a freelancing Pilates instructor, personal trainer or conduct and teach group mat classes. Some Pilates instructor will open their own studio in a rented space or on property they own. Consider the employer who makes the most sense for you or for whom you can see yourself working.

Why Should One Become a Pilates Instructor? 

1) Improve the Well-Being of Others

Experiencing the benefits of Pilates through your practice allows you to share these benefits with others. 

As a Pilates instructor, you can build strong bonds with your clients by assessing their strengths and weaknesses and tailoring each pilates exercise science to their specific needs. 

Seeing your clients improve through their regular Pilates practice is incredibly satisfying. 

2) Flexible Working Hours 

Being a certified Pilates instructor allows you to have your own choice as to the availability to start teaching pilates class. You can consider making this teaching opportunities as a part-time job or full-time pilates trainer with fewer constraints and more control over your time. 

Teaching Pilates is a widely known skill and a natural complement to a variety of careers, including physical therapist, dance instructor, massage therapist, sports coach, and other types of fitness instructors.

3) It Pays Well

A certified Pilates instructor’s annual gross salary is approximately $68,910. According to Payscale, more experienced certified Pilates instructors who start teaching can earn up to 27% more than the national average in the United States, equating to an annual gross salary of $87,515. 

However, newly-certified Pilates instructors who start teaching are expected to make 12% less or $8,269 lower than the average gross annual salary. 

Pilates instructors should expect to be enrolled in continuing education pilates courses on a regular basis. If you invest more in ongoing pilates certification course, it’s only a matter of time before you can earn more money. 

4) Have Numerous Opportunities to Develop and Learn as a Professional

Career opportunities for the experienced Pilates instructor are not only limited to teaching pilates but go beyond it. You may consider opening your own studio to teach pilates and become personal trainer or provide group classes, but you must be financially and professionally prepared. 

To ensure success, collaborate closely with a business planner or Pilates studio consultant. If you enjoy being an educator, consider applying at industry conventions and conferences. 

You may look into local newspapers and fitness columns if you love writing. If you are comfortable talking in public, you can try public speaking to share your pilates experience and knowledge. 

You can also host pilates workshops and even join forces with other fitness experts such as yoga instructor, running coach or nutritionist. You can charge premium attendance fee for sharing your time and knowledge. 

Eventually, you can work as a pilates consultant for one of the significant Pilates companies. 

Final Words

If you’re ready to turn your passion into a profession, many Pilates schools offer Pilates courses for those interested in becoming pilates teachers or improving their Pilates education and different techniques. 

The Pilates industry is in high demand, with numerous excellent training program and a diverse job market. Now is a perfect time to think about a career as a Pilates instructor, enrol in a comprehensive program and earn a comprehensive certification.