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
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 a pilates teacher
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
College
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
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:
- pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults
- have insurance
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
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
Apprenticeships In England
Level 2 Leisure Team Member Apprentice
- Wage: Competitive salary Unspecified
- Location: Coventry
Personal Training Apprenticeship
- Wage: £156.00 Weekly
- Location: Liverpool
Courses In England
Certificate in Fitness Instructing
- Provider: COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
- Start date: 01 September 2021
- Location: Colchester
Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
- Provider: NELSON AND COLNE COLLEGE
- Start date: 08 October 2021
- Location: Accrington
Jobs In the United Kingdom
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