Navigating UK Pilates Qualifications: Level 3, Comprehensive, or Specialised?
So you're thinking about becoming a Pilates instructor – how exciting! But if you've started looking into training options in the UK, you might be feeling like you've opened Pandora's box of confusing qualification paths.
"Do I absolutely need a Level 3?" "What's this comprehensive training I keep hearing about?" "Should I learn everything at once or focus on one apparatus?"
We remember feeling exactly the same way when we first started exploring teaching. Let's break it all down and make this decision a whole lot clearer!
The Two Main Paths to Pilates Qualification in the UK
First things first – there are TWO distinct routes to becoming a qualified Pilates instructor in the UK, and they're based on completely different philosophies:
Path 1: The Fitness Industry Path (Level 3)
This is the path that falls under the fitness industry framework – it's what gives you that "Level 3" designation you've probably seen everywhere.
What it typically involves:
Shorter training periods (sometimes completed in just a weekend)
Focus primarily on basic exercises, with limited scope for in-depth learning and practical experience.
More standardised approach with less room for teaching style development
Aligned with gym and leisure centre requirements
Often less depth in Pilates principles and philosophy
Who it might be right for:
Those primarily wanting to teach in large gym or government funded environments
People looking to add Pilates as one of several fitness modalities they teach
The limitations:
Often doesn't prepare you for the full range of client needs
Less focus on the "why" behind the exercises
Typically doesn't prepare you for boutique studio environments
Limited exploration of teaching beyond the basics
Path 2: The Pilates Path
This is the route taken by established Pilates organisations like BASI, Polestar, Stott, and Move Union. This path focuses on deeper understanding of Pilates principles and teaching methods that align more closely with Joseph Pilates' original work and the traditional way that Pilates has been passed down from mentor to mentee. (Note: The philosophy of each school is different, and let’s not even start on the difference between classical and contemporary..that’s a whole other blog post!)
What it typically involves:
More in-depth training periods
Deep dive into Pilates principles and methodology
Greater emphasis on understanding the "why" behind each exercise
Focus on developing your unique teaching voice
More extensive practice teaching hours to fully prepare you to teach
Thorough anatomy and biomechanics education
Who it might be right for:
Those passionate about Pilates as a complete movement method
People wanting to teach in dedicated Pilates studios
Those interested in the therapeutic applications of Pilates
Anyone wanting to develop a unique and adaptable teaching style
Comprehensive vs. Specialised Apparatus Training
Within the Pilates path, there's another important distinction to understand:
Comprehensive Programs
These programs teach you ALL Pilates apparatus at once – mat, reformer, cadillac, chair, barrels – the works!
Pros:
Gives you a complete view of the Pilates system
Allows you to understand how exercises connect across apparatus
Prepares you to teach in fully-equipped studios
Often seen as the "gold standard" in Pilates education
Cons:
Expensive (often £5,000+)
Time-intensive (usually 12+ months)
Can be overwhelming to learn everything at once
May include equipment you'll never teach on
Often requires significant travel commitments
Specialized Apparatus Programs (Our Approach)
These programs focus on mastering one apparatus at a time – allowing you to go deeper rather than broader.
Pros:
More affordable entry point to quality training
Faster path to teaching proficiency on specific equipment
Allows you to truly master each apparatus before moving to the next
Less overwhelming for new teachers
Better matches the reality of today's Pilates industry, where a reformer instructor may never teach on other apparatus.
Cons:
Takes longer to learn the full system if that's your goal
Some traditional studios may prefer comprehensive graduates
Why We've Chosen the Specialised Path
At Move Union, we've made a deliberate choice to offer specialized apparatus training rather than comprehensive programs or level 3 programs. Here's why:
The industry has changed – With the explosion of reformer-only and mat-specific studios, many teachers will only ever teach on one or two pieces of equipment
Depth creates confidence – We want you know your modality exceptionally well, and feel 100% confident teaching it
Better learning experience – Most people absorb and retain information better when they can focus deeply rather than broadly
Accessibility – We believe quality Pilates education should be accessible without requiring a massive upfront investment
Practical Training – We want to go beyond the scope of the Level 3 framework so our students are fully equipped to teach from day 1 of graduation, not needing further training.
The Truth About Insurance and Employment
Despite what you might have heard, you do NOT need a Level 3 qualification to:
Get insurance – Quality insurance providers happily cover graduates of reputable Pilates programs, including Move Union
Teach at most Pilates studios – Many dedicated studios actually prefer instructors from Pilates paths rather than the fitness path
Start your own business – There's no legal requirement for a Level 3 to teach independently
In fact, none of the major Pilates education companies worldwide offer Level 3 qualifications – and their graduates teach successfully all over the world!
Our Approach at Move Union
We offer specialised apparatus training that goes deep on each piece of equipment:
Mat Certification – Master the foundation of all Pilates work
Reformer Certification – Become expert in the most popular Pilates apparatus, with a focus on dynamic group classes.
Chair Certification – Add versatility with this challenging but accessible equipment that’s popping up in group formats in studios across the globe.
Each certification can stand alone or be combined as you grow your teaching practice. This modular approach allows you to:
Start teaching (and earning!) sooner
Build your skills progressively
Invest in your education as you go
Focus on the equipment you'll actually use
Develop true expertise rather than surface knowledge
Making Your Decision
The path you choose should align with your goals, budget, timeline, and the way you learn best:
Consider the Level 3 Path if:
You specifically want to teach in gyms or schools that require this qualification
Consider Comprehensive Training if:
You have the time and budget for extensive training
You know you want to teach on all apparatus
You're planning to work in a traditional fully-equipped studio
You prefer learning the entire system at once
Consider Our Specialised Apparatus Approach if:
You want quality training without the overwhelming price tag
You value depth of understanding
You'd prefer to master one thing before moving to the next
You want to start teaching (and earning) sooner
You're interested in teaching at contemporary studios
The Bottom Line
There's no single "right" path – just different approaches for different goals and learning styles. What matters is choosing a path with full awareness of what you're getting and what makes sense for YOUR teaching journey.
Want to chat more about which path might be right for you? We're always here to help – reach out anytime!
To find out more about our programs contact us