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Written by Zoe Watson, Pilates Educator & fully certified Pilates Instructor
YMCA St Paul’s Group
YMCA St Paul’s Group
Pilates continues to grow in popularity, and with that comes increased interest in becoming a Pilates instructor. With so many training options available, it’s natural to feel unsure about which path to choose. The key question isn’t just where to train, but what kind of education will genuinely support you as a teacher.
Teaching Pilates is a profession, not simply a performance of exercises. At its core, Pilates is about helping people move with greater ease, strength, and awareness. Whether you start with mat work, reformer training, or work towards full certification, effective teaching requires more than memorising movements. It calls for an understanding of the method, the intention behind each exercise, and the ability to adapt sessions to the individual in front of you.
A strong Pilates education should offer a full-method foundation from a recognised school, alongside insight into the history and principles of Pilates. It should help you develop observation skills, teaching confidence, and the ability to work with different bodies and learning styles. Practice, teaching, and observation hours are essential, as is ongoing feedback from experienced educators who understand how to guide future instructors.
While online learning plays a valuable role—especially as part of a hybrid model—there is still real value in in-person training. Balanced Body training, combines online content with essential face-to-face days. In-person learning allows you to see real bodies in motion, notice subtle changes in posture and breath, and gain hands-on experience that can’t be replicated online. You also practise teaching in real time, learn within a supportive community, and begin to develop your teaching presence—an important part of building trust and connection with clients.
Choosing the right educator matters. Look for tutors who teach the full method, have extensive client experience, and hold recognised teaching qualifications.
There’s no single route into Pilates teaching, but the right education will prepare you to teach with confidence, depth, and care – and to make a lasting impact.
If you’d like to discuss your pathway into Pilates training, please get in touch: zoewatson@ymcaspg.org