Becoming a Certified Pilates Instructor

Becoming a Certified Pilates Instructor

Here are five easy steps for becoming a certified pilates instructor by getting your Pilates certification and launching your career as a Pilates instructor in this booming $11-billion industry.

1. Decide what kind of Pilates instructor you’d like to be.

First of all, you have to determine what kind of instructor you’d like to be. So, immerse yourself in as many classes as you can to learn the exercises and watch how the instructors interact with their clients. Watching other instructors is one of the best ways to determine what kind of Pilates instructor you’d like to be. Additionally, you can gauge whether you want to teach one-on-one or group classes and whether you’d like to work in a niche, such as Pilates for seniors or expectant mothers. Once you’ve taken a few classes and know how you’d like to specialize and what kind of instructor you’d like to be, it’s time to decide which type of Pilates certification you want to pursue.

2. Choose the right Pilates certification program.

Once you know the type of instructor you’d like to be and the type of certification you’d like to pursue, it’s time to research specific Pilates certification programs. The right Pilates should include a robust curriculum covering these topics:

• The origins and evolution of Pilates
• The basic principles and applications of Pilates
• The anatomy and physiology principles related to Pilates
• The core stabilizing muscles used for different exercises
• Basic Pilates mat exercises for group and one-on-one settings
• How to use Pilates exercises to address overuse injuries, arthritis, postural disorders, lower back pain, and misalignment issues
• The ability to identify client readiness for specific mat exercises
• How to implement best practices, fitness resources, and equipment
• How to communicate effectively and professionally with clients

As a Pilates instructor, you’ll obtain the skills to plan a class, provide posture corrections, build confidence in your students, and so much more.

3. Study, take the exam, and get certified as a Pilates instructor.

Getting certified in mat Pilates should take six months or less. And your program will likely consist of a variety of learning modules, comprehensive manuals, quizzes and video lessons. Also you have to take a final written exam at your convenience. While you’re going through the course, we recommend finding a mentor. Additionally, keep engaging with other Pilates instructors and following relevant social media accounts. Staying active and engaged in the larger Pilates community will prepare you to launch your career as a Pilates instructor. You can start from the moment you pass your exam and receive your certification.

4. Purchase liability insurance.

Once you’re certified, it’s important to secure liability insurance. Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance will protect you against third-party injury claims. By the way, this insurance will protect you against claims relating to injuries that your clients might experience while training with you. Additionally, if you’re working with a reformer or other piece of Pilates equipment, you’ll want to purchase product liability insurance, too.

5. Pursue continuing and supplemental education.

As a certified Pilates instructor, it’s important to stay up to date on your credentials. Although Pilates instruction is an unregulated industry, staying certified has plenty of advantages. It gives your clients, your potential employer, and your business the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are credible, reliable, and professional. Additionally, taking continuing education Pilates courses means you’ll stay current on relevant trends in the Pilates field. So you can provide your clients with the best classes possible.

With these six steps, you’re ready to turn your love of fitness and helping others achieve their health and wellness goals into a successful career as a Pilates instructor.