How to Become a Pilates Instructor (Career Training)

Pilates is a fitness program developed in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates, a German-Greek physical therapist. The method combines principles from yoga, calisthenics, and aerobics to help people improve body alignment and muscle control.

Anyone who has ever taken a Pilates class has great respect for the dedicated fitness instructors who impart their knowledge. In fact, many Pilates students are so impressed with the methods, that they also wish to become certified Pilates instructors themselves.

If you have ever considered a career in fitness training, and you have a passion for Pilates, the steps below will outline the process to become a Pilates instructor.

Instructions

1. Develop an understanding of Pilates by taking several courses in Pilates, from beginners to advanced. It is possible to become a certified Pilates mat instructor with little Pilates training, but mat instructor is the lowest level of certification. You cannot become a comprehensive Pilates instructor without extensive practice and training.

2. While you are taking Pilates courses, read up on Pilates theory. This article is too short to describe how the exercises were developed, and the mind-body connection behind the method. You should read books by Joseph Pilates, as well as modern textbooks about technique and theory.

   The concepts are discussed in Pilates certification classes to make you an insightful Pilates instructor.

3. Once you have immersed yourself in Pilates study, the next step is to start instructor training. There are two routes. The traditional way to become a Pilates instructor is to apprentice with another more experienced teacher. When you have completed training, you may be hired by the same studio, or your teacher will recommend you at another studio.

   These days, the more common route is to enroll in a Pilates instructor training program. There is a wide variety of quality, and the general rule is that you get what you pay for. Do plenty of research before you pay tuition.

4. After you have completed a formal training program, an optional step is to become certified with PMA, the Pilates Method Alliance. Although each school offers its own instructor certification, there is a movement toward national certification, such as PMA certification.

   PMA offers a comprehensive exam to test your skills as a Pilates instructor. If you pass, you have a nationally recognized credential.

5. Make contacts with other Pilates teachers to help your job prospects. As you become more proficient in the Pilates method, you can teach other styles of Pilates. Fusion programs have become quite popular, for example, Pilates-Yoga, and Pilates-on-the-Ball.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to become a Pilates-Yoga instructor, you will need to take Yoga instructor training classes as well. To save money on training costs, find a school that offers both Pilates and Yoga teacher training.