finding the best Pilates Course Providers
Becoming a qualified Pilates teacher in the UK is a rewarding career path that merges passion for Pilates with an opportunity to guide others in achieving their wellness objectives. This journey begins with obtaining a proper certification, an essential step that underscores the legitimacy and expertise of a Pilates teacher. Below is a guide to the various UK course providers.
Pilates course providers are firstly split into two groups, those that specialise only in Pilates and others that offer Pilates as an additional course to others such as Personal Training. Specialist Pilates providers are generally accepted to offer better career progression and support tailored to meet the needs of an aspiring Pilates practitioner.
Course providers often vary greatly in the range of courses they offer. Almost all will offer Mat Pilates with some now offering the popular Reformer Pilates course. A few will also offer the ability to become a comprehensive Pilates practitioner with courses available on equipment growing in popularity such and the Cadillac, Chair and Barrel.
Locations for courses are often in London but a few providers also offer these in other locations across the UK which may help reduce the time and money required for travel and accommodation.
Qualifications gained on completion can also vary from one provider to the next. Mat Pilates has a recognised UK standard starting at Level 3 with a progression to a separate Level 4 qualification. These will all appear on the UK OFQUAL register. There is no recognised qualifications for reformer and other specialised equipment in the UK but some providers are working towards establishing these in the future.
In addition to the multiple considerations above you’ll also need to check if your chosen provider delivers Classical or Contemporary Pilates. Classical closely follows Joseph Pilates original teachings, Contemporary changes these to be adapted to a wider range of participants. We certainly won’t weigh in to say one is better than then other on this as practitioners should be free to pick what would suit them best.