Are you enthusiastic about Pilates and want to help people lead a happy and fulfilling life? Then, becoming a Pilates instructor (teacher) could be the best way to turn your passion into a fulfilling and stimulating profession.

Pilates instructors are trained professionals who help people achieve mental, physical, and emotional well-being. They inspire and teach people to reach their diverse fitness goals, such as weight loss and gaining muscle mass and stamina.

This article explores the job profile of a Pilates instructor (teacher), the courses and training required, and the steps to help you kickstart your career in this profession.

1. What Is Pilates?

Pilates is an exercise system invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. He has spent several years studying, mastering, and implementing physical training styles, and developing exercise formats based on the outcome, prevalent medical practice, and remedial exercises.

He labelled the exercise method "Contrology" as it needs precision and proper technique implementation to gain desired results.
 

Pilates is a total body exercise comprising different exercises involving special high-intensity and low-impact movements and breathing techniques. Doing it consistently and in the right way can help you with the following benefits:

• Calms the mind

• Stretches and trains the muscles

• Enhances flexibility

• Improves muscle tone

• Reduces excess accumulated fat and weight

• Achieves the correct alignment and body posture

• Builds core/muscular strength

2. Different Types Of Pilates

The Pilates exercise is implemented in several versions. The knowledge of all its variants is beneficial as it will help aspiring Pilates instructors choose their field of specialization.

• Mat Pilates: This is the oldest and the most basic version that requires just a yoga mat and minimal accessories to perform stability and strengthening exercises.

• Classical Pilates: A purist version of Contrology combines mat work and apparatuses to work on flexibility, core strength, and self-sufficiency.

• Contemporary Pilates: This Pilates variation introduces a few modern variations and physiotherapy elements to classical Pilates, making it more effective and exciting.

• Reformer Pilates: This is an advanced level of Pilates mixes simple mat exercises and challenging body movements performed on a reformer apparatus.

3. Who Is A Pilates Instructor (Teacher)?

A Pilates instructor is a fitness trainer who provides comprehensive, hands-on coaching in Pilates to an individual or a group of students.

They possess mat and Pilates equipment certification, qualifying them to teach students the proper ways to perform Pilates exercises. Further, they use apparatus and equipment to reap the benefits of the exercise system.

A Pilates instructor knows over 500 exercises in the Pilates program and ways to personalize the moves based on individual needs, such as pregnancy, injury, old age, and more.

A Pilates instructor has the flexibility to take group training sessions or individual/private lessons. The profession provides them with the freedom to either work with a studio or as self-employed.

4. Why Become A Pilates Instructor (Teacher)?

Suppose you love Pilates and want to dedicate your life to teaching this exercise system. In that case, there is nothing better than becoming a Pilates instructor.

Strong Demand

As people are increasingly becoming health conscious and adopting a healthy lifestyle, the employment opportunities and job outlook of the health and fitness industry are substantial in Australia.

The jobs for Pilates and fitness trainers are estimated to grow by 13% between 2018 and 2025, which is much faster than the average growth rate of other professions.

Earn To Stay fit

Being a Pilates instructor, you regularly practice Pilates and get paid in return. Where others spend to stay fit, you earn to keep yourself fit and in shape.

Dedicating fixed time to Pilates benefits you on body and soul levels, making you a better person.

Emotionally Rewarding

Another benefit of teaching Pilates as a trainer is that the profession gives immense emotional satisfaction and fulfilment. 

Watching people achieve their dream physique and fitness goals through Pilates coaching is indescribable.

Encourage Healthy Lifestyle

By being a Pilates instructor, the fitness tips and guidance you provide to people helps them stay mentally and physically fit throughout their life. 

Your motivation to stay committed to exercise and a healthy lifestyle help people live healthily throughout their life.

Flexibility

If you dislike the typical 9 to 5 office job, you may like being a Pilates instructor. 

The profession gives you the flexibility to design your work schedule. You can work as a full-time fitness professional in a gym or a fitness studio or as a part-time self-employed fitness trainer.

5. Duties Of A Pilates Instructor (Teacher)

Here are the typical tasks and responsibilities of a Pilates instructor daily:

• Coach individuals or groups who have enrolled in the Pilates fitness program.

• Show and teach Pilates exercises and specialized exercise equipment such as a mat, trapeze table and reformer.

• Supervise clients to ensure proper and safe execution of activities.

• Suggest alternative practices and form personalized exercise routines to match the skills level of clients.

• Describe and implement safety guidelines and rules.

• Give emergency first aid whenever required.

• Train heart rate to assist athletes and clients achieve their fitness, health, and performance objectives.

• Lead Pilates and group yoga sessions at the fitness studio and commercial settings.

• Prepare PowerPoint presentations as study aids.

• Research, organize, create and deliver learning sessions to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

• Inspire club members to enhance or maintain a fit lifestyle through regular exercise.

6. What Skills Do You Need To Become A Pilates Instructor In Australia?

In addition to a thorough knowledge of Pilates exercises, you need the following skills to become a successful Pilates instructor:

• A genuine interest in improving the overall well-being of people

• Effective customer-service skills 

• Good communication and listening skills

• Good observation skills

• Physical fitness

• Mindfulness

• Confidence

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Time management

• Self-motivated and able to motivate their clients

7. Qualifications For A Pilates Instructor (Teacher) In Australia

To become a Pilates Instructor, you do not require any previous fitness background. The below qualifications meet the requirements to teach Pilates in Australia:

• 18 years old and above

• Complete formal Pilates certification courses such as a Matwork Certificate or a Certificate IV/Diploma in Pilates. These courses will help you acquire the skills to lead different types of individual and group fitness training sessions.

8. Steps To Become A Pilates Instructor (Teacher) In Australia

Are you interested in teaching Pilates in Australia? - Follow these stepwise instructions to get qualified and licensed to work as a Pilates Instructor:

Step 1: Prepare Yourself To Be A Pilates Instructor

To pursue any profession, you need to prepare your body and mind to execute the duties and face the challenges that may arise while working on the job. 

Evaluate the pros and cons of pursuing this profession and your commitment to it, and find whether it meets your career expectations.

Step 2: Enroll In An Accredited School

Once you know that this is what you want to become in your life, then go ahead and focus on earning the necessary qualifications.

Pilates is an unregulated industry in Australia, which implies that you can undertake any formal qualification to teach Pilates. However, studio owners that offer Pilates training services look for instructors with educational backgrounds.

Since Pilates training isn't standardized, you must check the certifying body of the training school and ensure that the school fulfils the specified requirements and standards.

Choose a nationally accredited pilates training school by Exercise & Sports Science Australia and the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

National Pilates Training and UnitedHealth provide Pilates instructor courses online in Australia to enable students to learn at their convenience. UnitedHealth is among Sydney's top training centres to undertake a Pilates instructor course.

Step 3: Find The Appropriate Certification Course

There are three pathways to becoming a Pilates instructor in Australia:

• A Matwork Certificate course

• A Certificate IV in Pilates

• A Diploma in Pilates

Luckily, all three options meet the requirements for a role of a Pilate instructor in Australia. Now you need to decide which would be the ideal course for you.

A matwork training certification will limit you to only mat exercises, whereas completing a Certificate IV or a Diploma in Pilates helps you become a comprehensive instructor. You can teach all types of Pilates.

In addition to the above, completing the first-aid certificate is essential to provide clients with emergency care.

Step 4: Get Certified With PMA

Becoming a certified Pilates teacher improves your credentials and employability to potential clients and employers. 

Consider getting a Pilates certification in Australia from the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). This official body regulates the practice of Australian Pilates instructors.

Now you are ready to start teaching and transforming lives!

9. Pilates Instructor Certification Courses In Australia

The Basic Pilates certification has three categories:

• Pilates Mat Certification

• Pilates Group Reformer Certification

• Comprehensive Pilates certification

Students who are interested in gaining advanced-level knowledge can obtain professional certification. They can even specialize in the rehabilitative or sport-specific aspects of Pilates.

Let us learn about the individual Pilates training courses:

Pilates Mat Instructor Certification

This certification is ideal for Pilates students who have showcased the basic level of proficiency in their Pilates practice sessions. The training teaches the basic mat exercises and methods to amend/customize based on the needs of people.

It is usually a weekend intensive or two weekends long course. The mat instructor assessment exam comprises a combination of written and practical teaching demonstrations.

Before taking a teacher training class, studying Pilates for a few months is recommended.

The following training centres offer Pilates Matwork Courses in Australia:

• UnitedHealth

• PilatesITC

• VivaPilatesStudio

• Breathe Education

• NationalPilates

• PoleStarPilates

• Kaya Health Clubs

• Fitness Network

Pilates Group Reformer Certification

This course is for qualified and experienced fitness professionals who want to advance their Pilates exercise session from the Mat to the Reformer level and deliver safe and professional classes.

The following training centres offer Pilates Reformer Course in Australia:

• Breathe Education

• Pilates Reformers Australia

• National Pilates

• Kaya Health Clubs

• BarreBody

• Unite Health

• Full Pilates Instructor Certification

This elaborate Pilates training course is suited for those who have completed the Mat teacher training, a minimum of 1 year of Pilates study, and numerous private lessons.

The training provides a basic knowledge of physiology, anatomy, the development of the Pilates Method, and detailed guidelines on exercises for all types of Pilates accessories.

Once trained, Pilates teachers should undertake the Pilates Method Alliance National Pilates Certification Exam to fulfil professional certification requirements.

10. How To Become A Reformer Pilates Instructor In Australia?

From boutique studios to reputed gyms, Reformer Pilates is in-demand for its dynamic, fitness-focused, and creative methodology.

To take this course in Australia, you must be a Personal Trainer or a registered Group Exercise Instructor to obtain Fitness Australia CECs.

Here are the course features:

• 12 days face to face training and examination

• 30 hours of self-learning practical sessions

• 10 hours of classroom observation

• Assessments comprise short sequences of exercises and quizzes throughout the course.

You will be awarded a full reformer Pilates teaching certification upon completing the course.

To become a Pilates instructor in Melbourne, you can complete this course at the Melbourne venue of the Pilates Institute of Queensland or National Pilates Training school.

If you have a busy schedule and can't attend face-to-face training, consider attending the six days Online APPI Reformer Certification at Unite Health. This is also one of the best Pilates teacher training centres in Sydney.

11. How Long Does It Take To Train To Be A Pilates Instructor?

The study duration depends on the training program and the time you put into it. Aspiring Pilates instructors must complete 100-500 hours of training and pass a written and practical assessment to become certified Pilates instructors in Australia.

• Matwork Certificate: 40 hours of pre-course study, followed by 3 ½ days of practical course

• Certificate IV in Pilates: 6 to 12 months

12. What Is The Pilates Instructor Course Cost In Australia?

The cost incurred in becoming a Pilates teacher certification varies based on your training programs. On average, you can expect to pay a minimum of $3,000 or more for comprehensive Pilates certification.

Here is the approx. Cost of the most relevant Pilates certification courses:

• Matwork Certificate: starting from $1975 onwards

• Certificate IV in Pilates: between $4,500 and 6,500

• APPI Reformer Certification – Online: $2500.00 inc. GST

• APPI Reformer on the Mat – Online: $200.00 inc. GST

13. How Much Can I Earn As A Pilates Instructor?

According to PayScale data, the average yearly Pilates instructor salary in Australia is about $56,000, 12% more than the average fitness instructor salary of about $50,000.

The average monthly Pilates instructor salary is between $6,800 and $8,900, and the average hourly Pilates instructor salary is $34.52 in Australia.

You can earn reasonably well with more experience, working for reputed employers or having classes at prominent locations in Australia.

14. Where Can I Work As A Pilates Instructor In Australia?

If you're a qualified and certified Pilates instructor, you can work in a wide range of settings that includes:

• Pilates studios

• Independent and larger gyms

• Local town hall

• Fitness centres

• Health clubs

• Community centres

• From home

• In a park

• Allied Health clinics that offer Pilates classes, such as physiotherapy clinics

15. Conclusion

A Pilates instructor profession is among the best ways to empower people to become healthy and robust through practising the Pilates Method.

Fortunately, you don't need any healthcare background to pursue this career. By completing relevant courses and certified training, you are all set to bring a life-changing transformation in people's lives.

Useful Links to Explore:

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• Driving in Australia as an International Student
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• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
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