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
Pilates teachers help clients change and improve their body strength and posture through breathing, stretching and conditioning exercises.
Average salary (a year)
£12,000 Starter
to£40,000 Experienced
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 an exercise and fitness advanced apprenticeship then move into pilates teaching after completing further training.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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 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:
- pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults
- have insurance
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- working with clients, either one-to-one or in groups
- designing exercise routines that suit the needs and abilities of each client
- teaching exercises which are done on a mat, or using specialist equipment
- breaking down exercises and helping clients to establish good movement skills using exercises to target problem areas
- keeping detailed client records
- maintaining your own level of fitness through regular practice
- teaching clients to handle stress and to relax more easily
Working environment
You could work at a fitness centre or in a creative studio.
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
Fitness Instructor Apprenticeship
- Wage : £117.00 Weekly
- Location: London NW5 1RT
Exercise and Fitness Instructor Apprentice
- Wage : £117.00 Weekly
- Location: Howdon NE28 0AL
Courses In England
DIP L3 PILATES (ALL UNITS)
- Provider: SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE
- Start date: 11 September 2019
- Location: Paignton
Pilates for All
- Provider: City of York Council
- Start date: 23 September 2019
- Location: York
JobsIn the United Kingdom
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