Pilates teacher
Pilates teachers help clients change and improve their body strength and posture through breathing, stretching and conditioning exercises.
- Typical hours32 to 34 a week
What you'll do
As a pilates teacher you could:
- work with clients, either one-to-one or in groups
- design exercise routines that suit the needs and abilities of each client
- teach exercises which are done on a mat, or using equipment
- break down exercises and help clients to establish good movement skills to target problem areas
- keep detailed client records
- maintain your own level of fitness through regular practice
- teach clients how to handle stress and to relax more easily
- advertise and market your classes
Working environment
You could work at a fitness centre or in a creative studio.
Your working environment may be physically active.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching classes
- customer service skills
- the ability to work on your own
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a pilates teacher
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
College
You could do a pilates based course like mat pilates or pilates teaching.
It may be useful if you have a background in teaching exercise and fitness.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could start by applying to do one of the following apprenticeships;
- Leisure Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Personal Trainer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Following further training, you could then move into pilates teaching.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Other routes
You can train as a teacher by doing pilates courses with a specialist training provider or a professional body.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
- have insurance
Career path and progression
You could find work in private health studios, commercial or council leisure centres to teach group classes. You could also find work as a private tutor, working in clients' homes.
You might work with health professionals, like physiotherapists, to help athletes or dancers with rehabilitation following injury.
You could also specialise in:
- antenatal pilates (for pregnant people)
- pilates for lower back pain
- pilates for older adults
- pilates using specialist equipment, like a reformer
Professional and industry bodies
You can join organisations like the Pilates Teacher Association or the Pilates Foundation for professional development and training opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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