What qualifications do you need to teach Reformer Pilates in the UK?

Hello to all you aspiring Reformer Pilates instructors out there! Navigating the path to becoming a certified Reformer Pilates teacher in the UK can feel a bit like exploring uncharted territory. Without a national standard for Reformer training  to guide us, figuring out what qualifications you need can seem daunting. But fear not, we're here to shed some light.

In the realm of Pilates, especially when it comes to the specialised equipment used in Reformer Pilates, there's quite a bit of variation in how training and qualifications are approached. 

In the UK a common entry point is to start with a Level 3 Mat Pilates qualification, which has been around since 2005 and offers a standardised entry into teaching Pilates (albeit not reformer). This often a requirement if you're looking to work in larger fitness clubs. This certification will get you well-acquainted with the core principles of Pilates, anatomy, the basic mat Pilates exercises and how to teach.  Larger fitness clubs like to have a standardised approach to how their instructors are certified as they know a minimum level has been met, and since there are no national standards for Reformer, they may request a Level 3 Mat Pilates certification to check the box.

(It’s worth mentioning the Pilates community has some disagreement about the value of the Level 3 certificate, as the national standards can vary hugely from the way that Pilates teachers are actually teaching the method, which was historically handed down from practitioner to practitioner via mentorship-based training.)

Does that mean a certification that’s not a Level 3 course is a lower standard than a Level 3 program? Not at all. In fact, the level of detail and practical experience required for a Level 3 certification is often lower than the work-based mentorship training programs that Pilates instructors traditionally use. The Level 3 concept is a UK-centric approach that highly qualified and experienced instructors who trained in other countries may not have completed, so it’s not a definitive statement on how good you are as a Pilates instructor. It simply shows the course you attended met the bare minimum standards expected in the UK for a Pilates instructor according to guidelines drawn up in 2005. 

Instructors who work alongside more experienced practitioners and gain hours of observation, teaching and participation in classes can often come out with a much deeper understanding and more confidence on qualification. 

What about Reformer Pilates?

As you might have guessed, teaching Reformer Pilates is a whole other ball game. It requires a more specific skill set due to the unique exercises and equipment involved.  Here’s where it gets complicated: 

Traditionally, Reformer is taught as part of what’s called a Fully Comprehensive training - which includes all Pilates equipment:  The Barrel, Chair, Trapeze (Cadillac) and Reformer. This training is still the gold standard for those who want to teach in depth the entire Pilates methodology. It takes a longer time to master, is more expensive, and will set you up well if you intend to work with private clients or in a small group equipment studio that uses the complete method. 

But the rise of contemporary reformer studios has brought a fresh vibe to the Pilates world. These reformer-specific studios often have their own way of doing things, meaning the traditional route to qualification might not always align with their requirements.  Some studios have created stand-alone reformer instructor training, to ensure that their instructors are teaching group reformer classes in the style that aligns with their ethos. You see this with larger gym chains, smaller boutiques and from well-known names in the Pilates world. 

Unlike Mat Pilates, there is no set of national professional standards for Reformer training.  (It’s worth noting it took 7 seven years for the Mat Pilates guidelines to be created and even now many don’t agree with them, as there’s such a variety of ways to teach Pilates, so we don’t anticipate Reformer Pilates to have its own standards in the immediate future.)

Move Union’s signature Dynamic Reformer Instructor Certification was designed for those who want a contemporary Reformer Pilates training, that caters to teaching groups (as well as private clients). It’s aimed at those who either already have a Level 3 Mat Pilates qualification, or those who don’t, but have other relevant certificates or experience, such as fitness or yoga instructors, as well as those starting out on their Pilates instructor journey who are simply passionate about Pilates. 

As studio-owners and instructors ourselves, we know what skills matter most and what is required to become an excellent Reformer Pilates Instructor. We made sure that our Reformer Instructor Certification program filled the gap between Mat Pilates & fully comprehensive courses, offering innovative contemporary training alongside the essential Pilates training that stays true to the method. It’s important to us that your training will be respected by any studio that you intend to work at, whether Classical, contemporary, group or private based. 

What if you want to teach Reformer but don’t intend to teach Mat Pilates?

The knowledge in a Reformer training course usually builds on what’s taught in Mat Pilates courses. Unless you need a Level 3 certification for your employer this doesn’t mean that you need to take a mat course though, (although you’ll be a better instructor for it).  Our Reformer Instructor Training program acknowledges this and includes a foundational Pilates program that’s designed for those who don’t yet have, or are working towards a Mat Pilates qualification. It includes all the knowledge from a Level 3 certification and the foundational principles, leaving you with all the tools to need to teach confidently. 

At Move Union, we've crafted our Dynamic Reformer Teacher Training course with the modern Pilates landscape in mind. Our training is designed to not only meet but exceed the standards of today's reformer studios. Our program aims for approval from Active IQ, highlighting our commitment to top-notch teaching standards.

What makes Move Unions Reformer Instructor Training course stand out?

We believe in getting you ready for the real-world challenges of teaching dynamic group reformer Pilates classes. That means our program is packed with hands-on experience, teaching practice, observation, and plenty of practice hours. We're all about ensuring that when you step into a teaching role, you're confident, competent, and ready to inspire your students. It’s important to note that this program is not a classical Pilates training, although we include classical repertoire as part of the program; it’s a modern contemporary approach to Reformer Pilates rooted firmly in the principles of the original method.

Do I need a Level 3 certification to gain insurance?

Worried about getting insurance without a Level 3 certificate? 

Generally, insurers will require that you’ve trained to the national standards required for your modality. But remember, for Reformer, there are no national standards yet, so in this case most companies will cover you once you’ve been signed off as competent to teach with relevant experience. We ensure all our students leave their program with this experience via practical teaching, observation and participation hours, as well as personal feedback and thorough assessments. Your certificate of completion will confirm this status for gaining insurance to teach. We can recommend insurers who will offer this level of cover.

In a nutshell, as the Reformer Pilates teaching scene in the UK continues to evolve, Move Union is here to ensure you're perfectly poised to jump in and make your mark. With our course, you'll be not just joining the ranks of Reformer Pilates instructors but standing out as a leader in this dynamic and rewarding field. Ready to get started? See the next course dates here.