Become a Pilates Teacher

Do you want to become a Pilates teacher? If you’ve already started to search for information, it can definitely be overwhelming. I’m going to simplify things for you and outline some of the options so you can feel more confident on your path to teaching Pilates. 

Choose Your Own Path

There are a lot of paths that will help you become a Pilates teacher, which means there is a path that will suit you, whatever your needs are. With many layers to consider, you can create a journey that fits your life, budget, and end goal in mind. Here are some things to consider: 

Course Length

Do you want to become a Pilates teacher sooner rather than later? Or are you happy learning a little bit at a time? This will help you narrow down your search for programs pretty quickly. There are short, weekend-only mat training courses; comprehensive Pilates training that will teach you all the exercises on the mat and apparatus, plus safety, ethics, and business training; and a mix of everything in between. 

Knowledge Level

You’ll also want to consider how much you want to learn. Many people, myself included, start with just mat training. In fact, when I first started teaching Pilates as part of the group fitness classes where I worked, I didn’t even know about the apparatuses. I had my weight training and group fitness instructor certifications, but didn’t know much more than what I’d learned attending Pilates classes at the same gym. My first formal training was at a BCRPA workshop, which then led me to their Mat Pilates for Fitness program. This is how I got certified to teach mat Pilates in a gym or parks and recreation situation. 

On the other hand, you may want to dive deep into your passion for Pilates, and take a program that lasts for 12 to 18 months. This type of program usually will get you prepared to write the National Pilates Certification Training exam, and become nationally certified as a Pilates instructor. 

Training Location

If you live in a big city, you’ll definitely have options for where you want to learn to become a Pilates teacher. There are many studios that offer training in person, but online training is also available. Where you take your training will also determine whether you choose classical or contemporary Pilates. (I told you there were lots of choices!) If you want to become certified, do keep in mind that your training requires training observation. This can be done online through Zoom, but may not be ideal for everyone. 

What You’ll Learn

Now that you know about the types of courses to help you become a Pilates teacher, you may be curious about exactly what you’ll be learning. The structure of your course will depend on the program you choose and whether you want to be certified, but here are two examples to give you an idea of what you’re signing up for. 

1. BCRPA Mat Pilates for Fitness Instructors Training. This is how I got started, and the program still exists. It’s also taught by some of my colleagues and friends in the Pilates world. 

It’s a multi-step process, but very easy to follow. It all culminates with your ICE (Instructor Competency Evaluation). Each step has a separate fee: 

• Fitness Theory Course
• Fitness Theory Exam (this allows you to take other BCRPA modules, like aquafit, weight training, etc.)
• CPR & First Aid Training
• BCRPA membership
• Pilates Fitness Module (40 hours + 8 hours practice teaching)
• ICE

With this particular module, you’ll dive into learning 13 of the Pilates exercises very well, some pre- and post-pilates exercises, along with modifications, progressions, contraindications, and how to teach a larger group class.

2. Comprehensive Pilates Training. If you want to become certified, you’ll need to do comprehensive training that meets the NCPT’s guidelines. Once you meet the requirements, you can write the exam. To become a candidate for the exam, your training must be minimally 450 hours in length and cover the following:

The program of study may be live or live virtual (but will need access to Pilates apparatus) and must address the following within the curriculum:

• Lectures: history of Pilates, anatomy, special populations
• Observation hours (student observes an experienced teacher)
• Practice Teaching (under the guidance of an experienced teacher)
• Self-Practice hours

Become Mat Certified

Until now, you could only get nationally certified with the comprehensive training with all the apparatus. The exciting news is that the NCPT has created an exam for mat-only! It differs from the comprehensive program in that no apparatus is involved and it only requires 100 hours of education. 

I’m so excited, because I can now offer a mat-only training program to those who want to teach Pilates. This is a great way to start your Pilates career and get started teaching with the mat certification. Then you can decide if you want to expand your education with the rest of the comprehensive training. The best part is that you’ll already be mat-certified and can teach while you continue your training. 

Coming this October I’ll be running the first b.Pilates and Fitness Classical Mat Pilates Teacher Training Program. Will I see you there?