You technically don't need a certification to become a Pilates instructor. If you've been a practitioner for years and know the discipline well, you could teach a class. Having a certification does give you an advantage when it comes to getting hired. Also, some clubs might not accept uncertified teachers because of liability concerns. If you're planning on opening your own Pilates studio, however, how much training or what type you decide to pursue is up to you.
Online Courses
If you're an experienced Pilates instructor but lack a certificate to back you up, an online course might be the answer. Online instruction is not for beginners, as it would be too difficult to learn proper form and the use of machines from books or online material. While most online courses are self-study, legitimate schools require some sort of final exam or presentation before they hand out a certification. For example, the American Fitness Professionals & Associates school offers an online Pilates certification that requires you to complete a presentation in the form of a video or a series of photos, where you document yourself performing Pilates exercises, using the right form and technique.
Training Workshops
For those that need more guidance, a hands-on training workshop might be the best option. There are two major types of Pilates training: mat work and machine work. Mat work is the most common, since it requires no equipment except for a mat and sometimes an elastic band and small hand weights. There are 18 basic movements used in Pilates mat work and a basic certification should training you on all of them. Training using Pilates exercise apparatus is likely to be more expensive, since it needs to be conducted in specialized studios and in smaller groups.
On-the-Job Training
Many Pilates instructors receive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship. They work alongside a more experience instructor, supporting their work, helping clients learn proper form and ensuring safety during class. Apprenticeships might require you to attend classes taught by the master trainer, so you can copy moves and learn how to conduct a class. In most cases, those that learn this way stay and teach at the same studio where they learned. It's a practical and cost-effective way to learn, but it might make things more difficult if you ever decide to look for a job somewhere else, since you won't have a certificate to prove your knowledge.
Pilates Specialties
When choosing a certification class, keep in mind that there many Pilates modalities. While there's no central government body regulating what a Pilates instructor should study, try to choose a more general approach. As of 2011, the Pilates Method Alliance is trying to gain recognition as a national certification program by teaching a comprehensive approach to Pilates that encompasses all modalities and types. Most others schools concentrate on one modality. One of the best known is Windsor Pilates, which puts emphasis on toning exercises. Other modalities include Power Pilates, Stott Pilates and Fletcher Pilates, each with its own focus and structure.
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