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Pilates teacher

Alternative titles for this job include

Pilates teachers help clients change and improve their body strength and posture through breathing, stretching and conditioning exercises.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

32 to 34 variable

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become

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 course like a Level 3 Diploma in Mat Pilates or Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates.

It may be useful if you have a background in teaching exercise.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • Level 2 or 3 fitness qualification

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing one of the following apprenticeships;

  • Level 2 Leisure team member
  • Level 3 Personal trainer

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

More Information

Other Routes

You can train as a teacher by doing pilates courses with a specialist training provider or a professional body.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join organisations like the Pilates Teacher Association or the Pilates Foundation for professional development and training opportunities.

What it takes

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • 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 specialist equipment
  • break down exercises and help clients to establish good movement skills using exercises to target problem areas
  • keep detailed client records
  • maintain your own level of fitness through regular practice
  • teach clients to handle stress and to relax more easily
  • seek new clients or venues
  • 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.

Career path and progression

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 could work with health professionals, like physiotherapists, to help athletes or dancers with rehabilitation following injury.

You could also specialise in antenatal pilates (for pregnant women), pilates for lower back pain, or pilates for older adults.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

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Courses In England

Certificate in Fitness Instructing

  • Provider: COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Colchester

Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing

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  • Start date: 08 October 2021
  • Location: Accrington
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