5 Best Pilates Certifications to Start Your Studio

Summary

Pilates programs ensure you know how to safely and effectively guide your clients through their training to achieve the best results, and the certification is proof that your clients can trust that guidance. Pilates certifications may not be mandatory to start a studio, but that doesn’t mean getting yours won’t be worth the time and effort. This article will delve into how becoming a certified Pilates instructor can benefit your business, plus, we’ll provide a list of the best Pilates certifications, along with answers to frequently asked questions about getting certified.

Why Become a Certified Pilates Instructor?

Sure, anyone can go on YouTube to learn about Pilates and how to teach it, but it won’t provide everything you need to know, especially when it comes to client safety and training efficiency. Besides, who do you think clients are going to trust more with their health and fitness: an accredited program-trained professional, or someone who simply made use of their internet connection? Even though the law does not require instructors to complete a Pilates course before they start teaching, studios typically require their employees to have some type of Pilates certification and training. After all, it’s their business reputation on the line. 

An official school can provide you with the education you need to become a successful Pilates instructor. There are different types of Pilates certifications too, giving you the option to focus on earning your Reformer, clinical, or mat Pilates certification. (However, some schools may offer a comprehensive blend of them all.) Depending on the program, you’ll learn all about Pilates equipment, structuring workouts, tips for avoiding injuries, and other essential knowledge. Each program will also have its own specific enrollment requirements, timeframe, and pricing. 

ISSA Pilates Certification

One of the best Pilates certification programs for beginners, ISSA offers comprehensive training with affordable pricing. 

Enrollment requirements

Certification through ISSA is accessible to instructors of all skill levels, which means you can enroll in their program without having any prior Pilates knowledge. 

Duration

The ISSA program can take between 8-10 weeks to complete with their self-guided study program. However, if you prefer to move at a slower pace, it can take between three and six months. 

Certification cost

The ISSA Pilates certification cost ranges between $600-$800 depending on the program’s currently offered discounts. They also offer installment plans that help break the cost down into smaller monthly payments. 

Course content

In addition to standard and advanced Pilates exercises and movements, the ISSA Pilates certification will cover topics like: 

• Human anatomy and physiology, including general knowledge and how these topics relate to Pilates as a whole.
• Basic principles of fitness, exercise, and health, and how you can use this knowledge to create the perfect Pilates workout.
• How to properly execute basic Pilates moves, as well as how to communicate with your students to ensure they understand your instruction. 
• Leading Pilates workouts with the utmost care for your clients to reduce the risk of pain or injury, plus all about proper nutrition and hydration.
• The history of Pilates and what type of benefits this particular workout can have on the human body. 

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Balanced Body Pilates Certification

Considered another one of the best Pilates certifications, Balanced Body is an internationally recognized program available in over 50 countries, and offers courses on a variety of pilates types. 

Enrollment requirements

Enrollment prerequisites depend on which specific training you choose: mat, Reformer, mat and Reformer, or comprehensive (which includes chairs and other apparatus equipment). You’ll need at least 10 mat courses or 20 Reformer classes, completion of a Movement Principles course, and at least six months to a year of teaching anatomy and movement. 

Duration

Each type of Pilates certification has its own timeframe for completion: You’ll need 134 hours to complete Balanced Body’s mat Pilates certification course, 214 hours for their Reformer Instructor Training, while the combo class requires 332 hours. If you’re interested in their Comprehensive Instructor Training (which includes apparatus training), that’ll take a total of 520 hours. 

Certification cost

Balanced Body’s Pilates certification costs vary depending on the modules you choose and any other supplemental education you’ll need. On average, the cost ranges between $400 and $800 for each module. 

Course content

Balanced Body offers levels 1-3 for Mat Instructor Training, Reformer Instructor Training, Mat & Reformer Instructor Training, and Comprehensive Instructor training. (The specific level will determine exactly which subjects your courses will cover.)

• Mat Instructor Training provides basic, intermediate, and advanced mat Pilates moves, along with the history and principles of mat Pilates. You’ll also learn how to design workout plans and lead a classroom, as well as how to introduce props into your mat exercises. 
• Reformer Instructor Training will teach aspiring instructors how to properly use the Reformer machine, plus basic and advanced Reformer Pilates moves, sequences, modifications, and how to train injured or pre-/post-natal clients. 
• Mat and Reformer Instructor Training combines both of Balanced Body’s mat and Reformer training programs together. 
• Comprehensive Instructor Training includes mat and Reformer courses, plus instruction on how to use and teach various Pilates apparatuses like barrels, chairs, and trapeze tables. 

Peak Pilates Certification

Peak Pilates offers training for the mat and the Reformer, with each type split into several levels and modules to make it easier for students to pace their training. 

Enrollment requirements

Enrolling with Peak Pilates requires at least 20 hours of Pilates training, basic human anatomy and kinesiology knowledge, and a current CPR/AED and First Aid certification. 

Duration

If you’re strictly focusing on mat training, you can expect to spend at least 130 hours on your training, whereas their Comprehensive Training courses can take at least 160 hours (not counting their required minimum logged hours). 

Certification cost

The certification cost for Peak Pilates varies by instruction type and which level (and add-ons) you choose. Each level costs between $500 and $700, with the total potential cost of the program ranging between $2,500-$5,000.

Course content

Peak Pilates offers comprehensive and mat certifications, and like many other Pilates programs, the specific course content will depend on which level and module you enroll in. 

• Comprehensive training covers the mat and the Reformer, as well as apparatus use and other auxiliary equipment. This course focuses on integrated Pilates movements, and offers flexible scheduling so you can learn at your own pace. 
• Mat education offers two levels of self-paced training where students will learn the fundamentals of mat Pilates along with basic and advanced techniques. Plus, the program will help develop your teaching skills and advanced workout design, as well as how to keep your exercises dynamic and engaging.

BASI Pilates Certification

BASI Pilates offers several options for those looking to optimize their education or incorporate auxiliary equipment into their training.

Enrollment requirements

None listed. 

Duration

BASI’s Mat Program (as well as their Mat and Reformer Program) can take two to three weeks to complete, whereas their Comprehensive Program takes a minimum of eight weeks. 

Certification cost

Depending on your course choice and location, prices for a BASI Pilates Certification may be anywhere between $1,200 and $5,000. 

Course content

BASI Pilates offers Mat, Mat and Reformer, and Comprehensive Programs. 

• BASI’s Mat Program includes an overview of mat fundamentals and principles, anatomy, and posture assessments, with a focus on core strength. Students will also learn how to maintain flow in their workouts, as well as how to adapt their exercises to their clients’ specific needs. 
• The Mat and Reformer Program pairs BASI’s mat training with Reformer classes to prepare students for basic to intermediate training. 
• BASI’s Comprehensive Program combines mat and Reformer training with the full spectrum of Pilates equipment, including barrels, spine correctors, and chairs. 

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Power Pilates Comprehensive Program

Power Pilates gives students the option to focus on mat, Reformer, or comprehensive study, and will cover introductory knowledge making it suitable for beginners. 

Enrollment requirements

Enrollment requires memorization of Pilates exercise names and classical order, along with basic apparatus training. Enrolling in their Reformer classes requires you to first complete their Core Mat I training. 

Duration

Mat training levels 1-3 will take about 44 hours. However, each Reformer program takes about 100 hours, while you’ll need about 600 hours (or 6-12 months) to complete their comprehensive study. 

Certification cost

Full mat training will run you about $1,950, while Reformer training will cost around $3,750. Those looking to consolidate their education with the Comprehensive program can expect to pay around $5,495. (Exact prices vary by location.)

Course content

Power Pilates offers training programs for mat, Reformer, and auxiliary apparatuses. 

• Mat training offers courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level teaching. It provides students with the teaching tools they’ll need to successfully teach a 60-minute class, plus Pilates philosophy, and methods for sequencing and incorporating moves into their repertoires. 
• Reformer courses first require completion of the Power Pilates’ Core Mat I training program, but students will learn basic, intermediate, and advanced techniques specifically for the Reformer machine. They’ll also help develop your teaching skills, and teach you how to safely incorporate exercises into your routines. 

Boost Your Pilates Career with GlossGenius

While anyone can become a self-taught Pilates instructor, investing in your education can increase the quality of your sessions and have a significant impact on the success of your business. Even if you’re not planning on opening up your own Pilates business anytime soon, most studios require their employees to undergo official training, whether that’s earning your Reformer, classic, or mat Pilates certification. It may take a bit of time and research to figure out the best Pilates certification program for you, but it will ultimately be worth it in the long run. 

GlossGenius is the perfect partner for Pilates professionals. Online Booking makes it easy to keep your schedule organized and your calendar full, while our Client Management features can streamline your outreach efforts and foster impactful communication between you and your clients. And with our Marketing tools, you’ll get everything you need to help promote and expand your business with minimal effort required. 

Try GlossGenius today for a 14-day free trial!

FAQs

Is it possible to teach Pilates without being certified?

Yes, you can technically teach Pilates without having an official certification, though clients are more likely to invest in (and trust) an instructor who has been properly trained with proof of their credentials. 

What is the average income for Pilates instructors?

The average income for Pilates instructors varies by experience, services offered, and location. However, according to ZipRecruiter, the median hourly pay for a Pilates instructor is $34, and average annual salaries range between $48,000 to $86,000 for those working full-time.

How long does it take to get Pilates certified?

The timeframe to complete your Pilates certification varies by program and whether you choose the self-study route or a more structured learning experience. You can finish some training in as little as eight weeks, but some programs may take 6-12 months (or more) to complete. 

How difficult is it to become a certified Pilates instructor?

Each individual experience will vary, and some programs just may not teach in the way that works for you. That said, becoming a certified Pilates instructor shouldn’t be too difficult as long as you have the drive to learn, grow, and succeed. It also won’t hurt to enter your training courses with a bit of basic Pilates knowledge already stored away!

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