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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

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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.

More Information

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

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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • 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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

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Courses In England

Fitness Instructing and Personal Training

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2025
  • Location: Leeds

FITNESS INSTRUCTING & PERSONAL TRAINING ACTIVE IQ L3 DIPLOMA - SEPTEMBER START - 19+ STUDENTS ONLY

  • Provider: BARNSLEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 October 2025
  • Location: Barnsley
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