Yoga Journal feature

TOP10 - Everything you wanted to know about teaching Pilates, from salaries to certificates - Sharan Simmons, PAA President

1. Why should a yoga teacher consider becoming a Pilates instructor? In the same way that many people find yoga teaching a life changing experience, so can the study of Pilates teacher training. Pilates and Yoga are distinctly different and should be taught that way. The study of Pilates can offer a yoga teacher a different perspective on movement and function.  Pilates is seen as a career changing study and often people are able to be gainfully employed once qualified. What Pilates teachers love about our method is the scientific understanding bodies and movement. We also have an extremely diverse professional community and interesting pathways (specialisations) to pursue within the industry. For many teachers of the Pilates method this is a lifelong personal and professional study that continues to provide opportunities to be inspired, learn and evolve.
2. Is Pilates the new Yoga or do they both offer distinct benefits? Pilates and Yoga are different movement practices and have different philosophies, however they are complementary. One notable difference is the Pilates equipment or apparatus that is an integral part of the Pilates method. The unique spring resistance of Pilates equipment offers a multitude of options for exercises including variation in load, and movement across multiple planes and equipment. This allows a very tailored approach with individual programming for clients.
3. How long does it take, typically, to become a Pilates Instructor? PAA approved courses typically take 6-12 months to complete Pilates Matwork training /qualification and 12-18 months to complete Diploma or Comprehensive Pilates training to cover the full Pilates studio equipment. All PAA approved courses include work placement hours to develop and practice your teaching skills, a key element that is overlooked in many other training options available.
4. Can you take a Pilates Certificate and teach overseas? Yes, some PAA approved courses are from international Pilates schools and delivered worldwide. All PAA approved courses meet or exceed international standards for Pilates teacher training
5. As a rough guide, how much does it cost to become a Pilates instructor? Mat or reformer teacher training ranges $2,500 – $4,500 and the Diploma or comprehensive training ranges $8,000- $9,500. Most of our Educational Bodies offer payment plans, so finding a school that feels right is a better guide than price.
6. Is it easy to find work as a Pilates instructor? Employment opportunities for Pilates mat teachers will be similar to a Yoga teacher, perhaps teaching a few classes each week at one or several studios, gyms or community centres. This is essentially part time.  Graduates of PAA approved courses (Diploma or Comprehensive) are in demand across all employment areas – fully equipped Pilates studios, group reformer studios and allied health practices. These graduates are often teaching back to back sessions or classes in 3-5 hour shifts, this can build to a full-time career.
7. How is Pilates teacher training regulated? PAA set the standards for Pilates course content to ensure consistency and quality assurance for graduates and employers. If a course does not have PAA approval, it may not have satisfactory employment outcomes.
8. Are there different streams of Pilates instruction: pregnancy, teen, senior? Or does the certification cover them all? Diploma courses and comprehensive Pilates training include programming for various low risk populations including injury management and older adults. Additional study is available via professional development. Experienced teachers often follow a path of interest and specialise in a particular area such as athletic performance, pregnancy, complex injury management or osteoporosis.
9. What the best place to start? First head to PAA website to look at the PAA approved courses and providers. Then try a class or several at the different providers and talk to the Pilates teachers. Compare the course content, delivery timetable, work placement and mentor opportunities available. Enjoy the learning journey!
10. There lots of information on the Internet. Where’s a good source to get reliable information? PAA website for course information and professional development www.pilates.org.au/education To find a PAA approved Pilates teacher www.pilates.org.au/find/ studio-instructor/ For Pilates history we like: www.rhinebeckpilates.com/ pilates-history