How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilates Instructor?

More than 12 million people practice Pilates worldwide. (1) That makes this method of exercise, which is named after its creator Joseph Pilates, a great area to specialize in as a fitness instructor. But what exactly does this type of instructor do and how long does it take to enter this role?

A Closer Look at The Pilates Instructor Role

Like with other fitness specializations, a Pilates instructor designs workouts for clients. In this case, the training program focuses on Pilates movements. These movements are precise and often target the core. They also generally involve controlled breathing.

During the training program, the instructor teaches clients how to properly use Pilates equipment. A common Pilates apparatus is the reformer. A reformer is a flat platform that’s on wheels and slides back and forth on a frame. There’s a spring on one end that helps provide resistance during exercise. (In a Pilates studio, it’s common to see a row of reformers, lined up for use during class. Though, not every Pilates class utilizes a reformer. Some offer only mat Pilates classes.) 

It’s up to the instructor to educate clients on how to use a reformer and other Pilates equipment properly. This helps the client achieve maximum results. It’s also important for preventing injury.

Benefits of Teaching Pilates

Why become a Pilates instructor? If you enjoy this form of exercise, becoming a teacher is one way to turn your passion into a career. You get to spend your days doing what you love while also exposing others to the Pilates method.

Another reason to start teaching is that you can earn income as a Pilates instructor. You can become a full-time Pilates teacher and derive your income this way. Or maybe you’re a personal trainer full-time and don’t want to give that up. You don’t have to. You can be a Pilates instructor on the side, teaching outside of your normal training hours. This is a great way to supplement your income and get more wiggle room in your budget. 

Learning how to teach Pilates can also help trainers enhance their current clients’ fitness programs. For example, Pilates is great for cross-training. It can be included in a client’s normal routine to switch things up. Cross-training also helps build strength in other areas while lowering injury risk due to overtraining.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilates Instructor?

Some training roles can take years to get into, such as athletic trainer positions which generally need a bachelor's degree or higher. However, you can become a Pilates instructor in a few months. This enables you to start working in this role within a short period of time.

Every training program is different and can vary in terms of length. So, some may take a bit longer to earn a Pilates education. With ISSA, if you choose the guided study option, the certification program can be completed in 10 weeks. Though, it is a self-paced course. So, it can also be finished faster or slower depending on how much time you have to dedicate to your studies.  

How long should you do Pilates before becoming an instructor? There is no simple answer to this question. Some recommend practicing for years before entering a teaching role. Others say that you can still become a good Pilates instructor without having a long-term practice. Neither answer is right or wrong. It’s more about determining what is best for you given your level of comfort with this exercise form. 

Would it be difficult to lead a class if you’ve never stepped on a Pilates mat? Maybe. But this doesn’t mean that you have to set a specific time limit before learning to teach. Start Pilates teacher training and develop a practice at the same time. Then, when you’re ready, begin to look for Pilates teacher roles. Trust yourself to know when it’s time.

Steps to Becoming a Pilates Teacher

There are certain steps to take to prepare to add Pilates to a client’s workout. The first is to complete a Pilates teacher training program. Pilates training provides the education and skills needed for an instructor role. You learn basic Pilates principles and how to properly instruct clients.

Teacher training also helps provide a better understanding of this practice. This begins with learning its history. For instance, did you know that Joseph H. Pilates developed this training method as a way to help dancers recover from injury? 

One of his most famous students was Romana Kryzanowska, who injured her ankle while training at the School of American Ballet. After recovering with the help of Pilates, Kryzanowska went on to become an instructor herself. 

The more you know about Pilates, the more you can pass this information on when teaching it to clients. Other topics covered in a Pilates teacher training course include:

• Human anatomy

• Pilates principles and techniques

• How to teach a Pilates class

• Ways to develop rapport with Pilates clients

• Effective motivation strategies

• Proper nutrition and hydration

• Teaching Pilates to special populations

After completing a training course, the next step is to practice teaching. Look for open teaching positions at area Pilates studios. You can also offer free classes to family and friends. Any practice you can get is helpful. Plus, teaching to people you know is a great way to get feedback. They want you to succeed, so they are often willing to give you tips for improvement.

What to Look for In a Pilates Instructor Training Program

If you’re ready to get started on your journey to become a Pilates instructor, it can be confusing to know which teacher training program to choose. Here are a few things to look for:

• A comprehensive program. The last thing you want to do is enroll in teacher training only to find that you didn’t learn enough to actually teach this practice. That’s why it’s important to look for a comprehensive Pilates teacher training course. Check out its curriculum. Does it go into the history of Pilates, its principles, and methods? Do you learn how to teach this practice, as well as how to develop a relationship with your clients? Does the course also cover basic fitness principles and ethics? The more the program covers, the more tools you have as a Pilates instructor.

• Offers certification. Many employers require that their instructors have a Pilates certification. A certification program ensures that you have a minimum amount of knowledge for teaching this practice. Becoming a certified Pilates instructor also improves your credibility with your clients. 

• Provides access to continuing education courses. Once you’ve completed a Pilates certification program, continuing education classes will be required to keep your certification current. Look for a teacher training course that also provides access to these courses. This enables you to continue to learn from the same institution. You already know how it works, so the process of recertifying can be much easier.

ISSA offers a Pilates certification program. This course teaches fitness trainers the ins and outs of Pilates exercise. Upon its completion, you will know how to develop and lead a safe, effective Pilates class. You also gain access to all ISSA continuing education courses, making it easier to keep your certification current.

References

1. The History of Pilates. Pilates Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.pilatesfoundation.com/pilates/the-history-of-pilates/