Frequently Asked Questions About Pilates Teacher Training
Everything You Need to Know About Body Form Education
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Whether you're deciding between Mat, Reformer or Studio Equipment, wondering how Hybrid learning works, or have questions about assessments, accreditation or becoming a Pilates instructor, you'll find the answers here.
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If you can't find what you're looking for, our team is always happy to help.
BECOMING A PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Do I Need Previous Pilates Experience?
No. You do not need previous Pilates experience to enrol in Body Form Education's teacher training. Many of our students begin with little or no experience in Pilates, anatomy or the fitness industry. The curriculum starts with the foundations of movement before progressively developing your knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, exercise technique, programming and practical teaching. By graduation, you'll have developed the knowledge and practical teaching skills required to confidently teach professional Pilates classes.
Am I Too Old to Become
a Pilates Instructor?
No. There is no age requirement for becoming a Pilates instructor. Our students range from people beginning a new career through to health professionals, fitness professionals and individuals looking for a career change later in life. Success as a Pilates instructor is determined by your willingness to learn, communicate effectively and develop your teaching skills not by your age or athletic background.
Do I Need to Be Fit or Flexible?
No. You don't need to be highly flexible or exceptionally fit to become a Pilates instructor. Teaching Pilates is about understanding movement, communicating clearly and adapting exercises for different clients not performing the most advanced exercises yourself. Throughout your training you'll continue developing your own strength, movement quality and confidence while learning how to teach clients of different ages, abilities and fitness levels.
How Long Does It Take
to Become Qualified?
Most students complete their certification within the eight-month enrolment period, although many finish sooner depending on how quickly they progress through the course. Your enrolment includes: 8 months of access to all online learning Practical training (Hybrid or Fully Online) Competency-based assessments Apprentice hours Final theory examination Because the online learning is self-paced, you can complete the certification around your work, family and existing commitments.
Is Pilates Teaching a Good Career?
For many people, yes. Pilates instructors work in boutique studios, multidisciplinary health practices, rehabilitation clinics, fitness facilities and their own businesses. Many also combine Pilates with careers in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, personal training and other movement professions. Whether you're looking for a full-time career, additional income or greater flexibility, Pilates offers a wide range of opportunities to teach in Australia and internationally.
Can I Teach Overseas
With My Qualification?
Body Form Education graduates teach throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa. Our certifications are recognised internationally through organisations including ITTAP, PMA, AusActive and Pilates Aotearoa. However, employment, insurance and professional registration requirements vary between countries, so if you plan to teach in a particular region, we recommend checking the local requirements before enrolling.
Can I Become a Pilates Instructor
as a Career Change?
Absolutely. Many Body Form Education students come from completely different industries, including healthcare, education, corporate professions and hospitality. The course is designed to provide a structured pathway from learning the foundations of movement through to confidently teaching professional Pilates classes. Whether you're looking to start a new career, reduce your current working hours or build your own business, the certification provides the knowledge and practical teaching skills needed to begin working as a Pilates instructor.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE
Should I Choose Mat or Reformer Teacher Training?
There isn't a "better" certification it depends on where you want to teach. Mat Pilates Teacher Training is ideal if you want to teach bodyweight-based Pilates classes, build a strong understanding of movement principles and work across group fitness, rehabilitation or private sessions. Reformer Pilates Teacher Training is ideal if you want to teach in boutique Pilates studios using the Reformer as your primary piece of equipment. Many studios employ instructors who can teach both disciplines, which is why many students choose to complete both certifications together.
Should I Complete Mat and
Reformer Together?
If you know you want to build a career teaching Pilates, completing Mat and Reformer together is often the most comprehensive pathway. Studying both certifications allows you to develop teaching skills across both disciplines while broadening your employment opportunities after graduation. You'll also develop a deeper understanding of how movement principles transfer between Mat and Reformer programming. If you're unsure which pathway is right for you, our team can help you choose the option that best suits your goals.
What Is Studio Equipment
Teacher Training?
Studio Equipment Teacher Training builds on your Mat and Reformer knowledge by introducing the major pieces of Pilates apparatus used in clinical and boutique studio settings. Depending on the certification you choose, you'll learn to teach the: Trapeze Table (Cadillac) Wunda Chair Spine Corrector Ladder Barrel This pathway is best suited to instructors who want to expand their teaching skills beyond Mat and Reformer or work within rehabilitation and studio environments that use the full Pilates apparatus.
What Is Barre Teacher Training?
Barre Teacher Training focuses on designing and teaching contemporary Barre classes that combine Pilates principles, functional strength, balance and muscular endurance. The certification covers programming, exercise technique, cueing and class design, helping instructors confidently teach Barre in boutique studios, gyms and fitness facilities. Many Pilates instructors complete Barre Teacher Training to broaden the range of classes they can offer and expand their employment opportunities.
Can I Complete More Than One Certification?
Yes. You can enrol in individual certifications or combine multiple pathways depending on your goals. Many students complete Mat and Reformer together, then continue with Studio Equipment or Barre as part of their ongoing professional development. Because every Body Form Education certification is built around the same educational framework, each course builds on the knowledge and practical teaching skills developed in previous certifications.
Which Certification
Should I Start With?
If you're completely new to Pilates, Mat, Reformer, or the combined Mat & Reformer Teacher Training are the recommended starting points. If your goal is to work in a boutique Pilates studio, the combined Mat & Reformer pathway provides the broadest foundation and the greatest flexibility after graduation. Studio Equipment and Barre are typically completed after gaining your initial Pilates teaching qualification or through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you're already a qualified instructor.
COURSE STRUCTURE
How Does Hybrid Learning Work?
Hybrid learning combines self-paced online education with in-person practical training. You'll complete your online learning through structured modules covering anatomy, biomechanics, exercise technique, programming and professional practice while studying at your own pace. You'll then attend practical training at one of our global host studio locations, where you'll apply your knowledge through hands-on teaching, movement observation, cueing and educator feedback. After completing your practical training, you'll finish your assessments, apprentice hours and final theory examination before graduating.
How Does Fully Online Learning Work?
The Fully Online pathway allows you to complete your certification from anywhere in the world without attending an in-person practical intake. You'll complete the same online curriculum as Hybrid students, then demonstrate your practical competency through guided online practical learning, teaching assessments and video submissions. You'll also complete the same apprentice hours and theory examination. Hybrid and Fully Online students complete the same curriculum, meet the same competency standards and graduate with the same Body Form Education qualification. The only difference is how practical training is completed.
How Long Do I Have to
Complete the Course?
Your enrolment includes 8 months of access to complete your certification. During this time you'll complete your online learning, practical training, assessments and apprentice hours. Because the online learning is self-paced, you can progress through the course around your work, family and existing commitments.
Can I Study While Working Full-Time?
Yes. Many Body Form Education students complete their certification while working full-time or balancing family and other commitments. The online learning is self-paced, allowing you to study when it suits you. You can also complete your practical training at any stage during your enrolment rather than waiting until all online modules have been completed.
What Are Apprentice Hours?
Apprentice hours are an important part of every Body Form Education teacher training certification and provide the opportunity to apply what you've learnt before graduating. For each certification, you'll complete: 10 hours of observation 30 hours of self-practice 30 hours of practice teaching These hours help you build confidence, refine your teaching skills and gain practical experience before working independently as a Pilates instructor.
What Assessments Are Included?
Every teacher training certification includes competency-based assessments designed to evaluate both your knowledge and practical teaching skills. Depending on your certification, you'll complete: A written programming assessment A practical teaching assessment A final online theory examination Each assessment includes detailed educator feedback. If additional competency is required, you'll receive guidance on what needs to be improved before resubmitting your assessment. Hybrid Learning: Assessment 1 is due 3 weeks post last face to face day Assessment 2 is due 6 weeks post last face to face day Fully Online Learner: have no deadlines, just must be completed within the 8 months of access to the online learning
Do I Need to Complete the Online Learning Before My Practical Training?
No. Your online learning and practical training are designed to complement each other. You can attend your practical training at any point during your eight-month enrolment, allowing you to immediately apply what you're learning while continuing to progress through the online modules.
How Much Time Should I Expect to Spend Studying Each Week?
Because the course is self-paced, study time varies between students. Many students successfully complete the certification while working full-time by setting aside regular time each week for online learning, self-practice and apprentice hours. The flexibility of the course allows you to study at a pace that suits your schedule while completing all requirements within the eight-month enrolment period.
PRACTICAL TRAINING
Where Are Practical Training
Days Held?
Body Form Education delivers practical training at host studio locations throughout Australia and internationally, including New Zealand, Europe, Asia, North America and South Africa. You can view all current locations, upcoming dates and enrolment information on our Pilates Teacher Training Locations & Upcoming Intakes page.
Can I Attend Practical Training in Another Location?
Yes. You're welcome to attend practical training at any available Body Form Education host studio location, provided places are available. Many students choose a location that best suits their travel plans, work commitments or preferred training dates.
Can I Transfer to Another Practical Training Location?
No. If your circumstances change after enrolling, you are NOT able to transfer to another practical training intake.
Can I Attend Practical Training via Zoom?
Not always. Not every practical training intake also offers a live Zoom attendance option for students who are unable to travel so please contact head office. Zoom students receive the same practical coaching, educator feedback and complete the same competency requirements as students attending in person. Both pathways lead to the same internationally recognised Body Form Education qualification.
Do I Need to Complete All of the Online Learning Before Attending My Practical Training?
No. Your online learning and practical training are designed to complement each other. You can attend your practical training at any point during your eight-month enrolment—you do not need to complete all of your online modules first. Many students choose to complete some online learning before their practical training and continue working through the remaining modules afterwards, allowing them to immediately apply what they're learning throughout the certification.
QUALIFICATION & RECOGNITION
Is the Body Form Education qualification internationally recognised?
Yes. Body Form Education qualifications are recognised internationally, with graduates teaching throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and beyond. Our certifications are designed to prepare instructors to teach in a wide range of settings, including boutique Pilates studios, multidisciplinary health practices, rehabilitation clinics and fitness facilities. Before working in any country, we recommend confirming the local employment, insurance and professional registration requirements, as these vary between regions.
Who Recognises Body Form Education?
Body Form Education certifications are recognised or accredited by a number of professional organisations, depending on the certification and pathway. These include: ITTAP (International Teacher Training Accreditation Program) PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) AUSactive Pilates Aotearoa Professional recognition requirements differ between countries and organisations, so students intending to work in a specific location should always confirm the requirements that apply to them.
Can I Teach Overseas After Graduating?
Many of our graduates teach internationally after completing their certification. Body Form Education graduates currently teach throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, Asia and South Africa. Before working overseas, you should confirm any local employment, insurance, visa or professional registration requirements that apply in the country where you intend to teach.
Will I Receive the Same Qualification if I Study Online?
Yes. Students completing either the Hybrid or Fully Online learning pathway complete the same curriculum, meet the same assessment standards and graduate with the same Body Form Education qualification. The only difference between the two pathways is how practical training is completed.
What's the Difference Between Accreditation and Recognition?
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Accreditation means a course has been formally assessed against the standards of a professional organisation. Recognition means a qualification is accepted or acknowledged by a professional body, employer or industry organisation. Employment, insurance and registration requirements vary between countries, professional associations and employers. Before enrolling, we recommend checking the specific requirements that apply to where you intend to teach.
FEES & PAYMENTS PLANS
How Much Does the Course Cost?
Course fees vary depending on the certification and learning pathway you choose. Current pricing is available on each course page and includes all online learning, practical training (where applicable), assessments and educator feedback. Visit your chosen certification page for the latest course fees and available payment options.
Do You Offer Payment Plans?
Yes. Most Body Form Education certifications can be paid upfront or through a weekly or monthly payment plan. Available payment options are displayed on each course page before you enrol.
Are There Any Hidden Costs?
No. Your course fee includes all online learning, practical training (where applicable), assessments, educator feedback and certification upon successful completion. Optional purchases, such as printed manuals or approved course extensions, are available separately but are never required to complete your certification.
What Is Your Refund Policy?
Due to the immediate access provided to our online learning materials and the limited capacity available within practical training intakes, course fees are non-refundable. Please review our Terms and Conditions before enrolling. If you have questions about whether a course is right for you, we encourage you to contact our team before completing your enrolment.
Can I Transfer My Enrolment?
No. Please contact the Body Form Education team as soon as possible if you need to discuss your options.
AFTER GRADUATION
When Can I Start Teaching?
Once you've successfully completed all course requirements—including your online learning, practical training (where applicable), assessments and apprentice hours—you'll graduate with your certification and can begin teaching within your scope of practice.
Will Body Form Education Help Me Find Work?
While we cannot guarantee employment, many graduates secure teaching positions before or shortly after graduating. Our certifications are designed around the practical knowledge and teaching skills studios are looking for, and many of our host studios employ or recommend Body Form Education graduates when opportunities become available.
Can I Complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) After Graduating?
Yes. Many graduates continue their education through our physiotherapy-led Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certifications. Topics include Applied Anatomy & Biomechanics, Advanced Injury Modification, Comprehensive Pre & Postnatal Pilates, Strength Pilates Principles, Spinal Anatomy & Injuries and other specialist courses designed for qualified Pilates instructors.
Can I Upgrade to Studio Equipment Teacher Training Later?
Yes. Many students begin with Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates or the combined Mat & Reformer pathway before progressing to Studio Equipment Teacher Training. Because all Body Form Education certifications follow the same educational framework, many graduates choose to continue expanding their qualifications as their careers develop.
Do Graduates Receive Ongoing Support?
Yes. Your support doesn't end when you graduate. Body Form Education graduates continue to have access to further professional development opportunities, educator support during their course access period, new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certifications and an international community of instructors committed to ongoing learning and evidence-informed teaching.
Do I Need My Own Pilates Equipment?
Hybrid students: No. All equipment is provided during your practical training. You only need access to equipment when completing any required practice teaching or assessment components outside the practical days. Fully Online students: Yes. You'll need access to the equipment required for your chosen certification to complete the practical learning and assessment requirements.
Get in Touch
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Not every question fits neatly into a FAQ.
If you'd like to discuss which certification is right for you
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