The popularity of reformer Pilates has boomed in recent years, and with the increasing demand for classes comes the growing demand for instructors. If you want to know how to become a reformer Pilates instructor, there are a number of things you need to be aware of before you start your training journey. Luckily, we’re one of the UK’s leading reformer Pilates instructor training providers, and each year, we help thousands of our students pursue their Pilates careers.

1. Get to grips with what reformer Pilates really is

Just like choosing to study any subject, it’s important to know what it involves before committing to it. After all, you’ll be investing a considerable amount of time and money into getting qualified. Before we explore how to become a reformer Pilates instructor, let’s address a couple of important issues to set the scene.

Is Reformer Pilates harder than mat Pilates?

Reformer Pilates is part of the broader Pilates discipline that’s designed to support people to achieve optimal musculoskeletal health and function.

The surge in popularity of reformer Pilates has given rise to the misconception that reformer Pilates is an advanced version of mat Pilates, but it’s actually the other way around. The reformer is used to help participants develop the movement capabilities to perform mat-based Pilates. Here’s why.

What’s the difference between mat Pilates and reformer Pilates?

Mat Pilates, also known as ‘matwork’, is the original Pilates system that contains 34 sequential mat-based exercises. The ability to perform all 34 exercises in a flowing sequence is the ultimate goal of Pilates practice. They are performed in alignment with a set of core Pilates principles, including breathing, concentration, centring, control, precision, and flow.

Mastering the full matwork Pilates series, which is referred to as the Pilates repertoire by professionals, is extremely challenging and requires high levels of muscular control. This is where the Pilates reformer comes in.

The Pilates reformer is a Pilates apparatus that’s designed to support people on their Pilates journey. If they can’t perform an exercise or part of an exercise, the reformer is used to help them develop the strength, control, and stability to do so.

What’s the difference between reformer Pilates and reformer exercise?

While the reformer machine is designed to support Pilates practice, it’s sometimes used in health and fitness environments for body conditioning, both online and offline. This is not Pilates, and if you want to become a reformer Pilates instructor, you’ll need to get a strong understanding of mat Pilates first. This will allow you to ensure that your Pilates classes are taught in line with the principles and spirit of Pilates.

2. Get qualified: know the qualifications you need to become a reformer Pilates instructor

There are different qualifications you need to become a reformer Pilates instructor. If you’re a beginner, you’ve got a bit further to go than someone who’s got experience in the industry.

To enrol on a reformer Pilates instructor course, you need to hold a recognised Level 3 mat Pilates qualification. Some reformer Pilates instructor courses will allow you to enrol with a Level 2 Group Exercise Instructor qualification, as long as you have at least one year’s teaching experience. However, these courses tend not to be Pilates-specific and take on more of a body conditioning format.

Once you have satisfied the entry-requirements, you’ll be able to enrol on a course and get the training you need to become a reformer Pilates instructor. There are two types of training you can choose from:

1. A regulated reformer Pilates qualification
2. An endorsed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course

What is a regulated qualification?

In the UK, regulated qualifications, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates, form the foundation of the active leisure sector. These qualifications are developed in collaboration with industry-recognised awarding bodies like YMCA Awards and Transcend Awards, alongside technical experts, educators, and employers. This collaborative approach ensures that course content remains current, relevant, and aligned with industry needs.

Why are reformer Pilates courses CPD?

When it comes to reformer Pilates, the landscape has been quite different. Until recently, there were no regulated qualifications available in this specialist area. This was largely due to its niche nature and the relatively limited number of studios offering reformer-based sessions compared to the widespread availability of mat-based Pilates.

Reformer Pilates courses are typically classified as continuing professional development (CPD), designed to enhance and build upon a foundation of regulated qualifications. For this reason, they usually require learners to hold a Level 3 Matwork Pilates Instructor or Level 4 Advanced Mat Pilates Instructor qualification.

Are CPD courses reputable?

To maintain high standards of training and assessment, CPD courses often seek endorsement from professional bodies such as EMD UK, as well as awarding organisations like YMCA Awards and Transcend Awards. These endorsements help ensure that course content, delivery, and assessment are robust, inclusive, and fit for purpose.

At HFE, our Reformer Pilates Instructor course is one of the most endorsed reformer course in the industry, proudly endorsed by EMD UK, YMCA Awards, and Transcend Awards, offering learners confidence in the quality and credibility of their training.

Note: As of the time of writing, CIMSPA does not currently endorse any qualifications or courses related to Pilates apparatus, including the reformer.

3. Start learning: enrol on a reformer Pilates instructor course

If you’re considering how to become a reformer Pilates instructor, it’s essential to do your own due diligence.

Ask questions, review course details, and be clear about your learning goals. Below are several key factors to consider when choosing a reformer Pilates course.

What kind of reformer training do you want?

There are two key providers of Pilates courses, which are:

1. Active-leisure sector training providers
2. Traditional Pilates schools

The difference? Training providers offer courses across different disciplines like Pilates, Yoga, Personal Training and other specialist roles. These courses may be endorsed CPD courses or regulated qualifications, which are usually endorsed by professional bodies like CIMSPA or EMD UK because they align with the relevant professional standards. This means these qualifications are widely recognised throughout the sector, which makes finding a job easier.

Traditional Pilates schools specialise in Pilates and focus on delivering a style of Pilates that adheres closely to the original methods taught by the founder of Pilates. These courses tend to be much bigger, take longer to complete, and involve more in-person attendance. Most traditional Pilates schools also require that students undertake a minimum number of supervised teaching hours to qualify. All of these factors can make this route more expensive. It’s important to note that traditional Pilates schools don’t generally align their training with active-leisure sector professional bodies, which might bring about challenges with recognition and employment.

Check the course content

Every training provider and course is different, and it’s important to find a course that suits you and your needs. For that reason, doing your own research is a step that should not be missed or rushed. Key things to review are:

• The course content, including how comprehensive the content and materials are
• Length of study and time to qualify
• Assessment methods, including coursework and theory and practical exams

If the course is short, intensive, and focuses mostly on practical training without any theoretical depth, it’s unlikely to provide a comprehensive Pilates education. While these courses can be fun to complete, they don’t usually provide you with enough technical knowledge to be able to perform the role of a Pilates teacher to the best of your ability.

Check the entry requirements

Most reputable reformer Pilates programmes will require a Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor qualification, or equivalent, as a prerequisite. This is because course subjects —such as anatomy, physiology, and the principles and fundamentals of Pilates, including breathing, control, and sequencing—are typically introduced and mastered through mat-based training. If a reformer course doesn’t require this on entry, it’s worth questioning the depth and scope of the instructor training on offer.

Weigh the pros and cons of in-person vs online courses

Be cautious of courses that are delivered entirely online. Teaching or learning how to use a reformer cannot be done safely or effectively through video tutorials or virtual classes alone. Not only does this present a serious safety risk, but it also compromises the learning experience—especially if you don’t have regular access to a reformer for practice. In-person courses offer supervised practice, which is essential for developing the competence and confidence to teach reformer classes.

Look out for learning resources and support

People learn in different ways, so your course must include a range of learning materials to support you before, during, and after your training. When thinking about how to become a reformer Pilates instructor, look for training programmes that offer:

• Comprehensive student handbooks or manuals
• Interactive eLearning tools
• Online lectures or webinars
• Practice questions and knowledge checks
• Video tutorials and exercise demonstrations

Having access to well-designed resources alongside high-quality practical training can make a huge difference to the knowledge, skills, and confidence you develop.

Choosing the right reformer Pilates teacher training course is a significant step in your professional development. Take your time, ask the right questions, and ensure the programme aligns with your goals, expectations, and budget.

4. Test your knowledge and complete work experience

Getting real-world teaching experience while you are learning to become a reformer Pilates teacher is crucial if you want to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

This is another reason why in-person courses are so valuable, because they usually incorporate teaching workshops where you practice your teaching skills in small groups with specialist tutors and assessors.

Outside of your course, it’s recommended to reach out to local instructors delivering classes to find out about opportunities to teach with them or deliver the opening or closing of one or more of their classes under their supervision. This is a great way to get feedback on your teaching from supervising teachers and participants.

While you cannot deliver sessions independently without your qualification, work experience will maximise your teaching experiences before you start to work independently and can help to develop your teaching skills from the outset.

The cornerstone of any profession is regular professional development, and this can take on many forms. Development activities can include, but are not limited to:

• Completing formal training and qualifications
• Attending workshops, conferences, and retreats
• Reading books, journals, and other technical literature
• Supervising more experienced colleagues
• Teaching alongside more experienced/qualified peers

5. Put learning into practice and get the reformer Pilates instructor job you’ve dreamed of

Once you’re qualified, you’re ready to teach. This is your time to shine and put all your hard work into practice as a successful reformer Pilates instructor.

It can be an adjustment to go from student to teacher, which is why it’s important to start your journey to becoming a reformer Pilates instructor with the end goal in mind. That way, you give yourself time to transition into teaching. It’s important to think about:

• Where you want to work, such as health clubs, reformer studios, or owning your own studio
• The services you want to offer, which could include group or one-to-one sessions
• The level you want to deliver at, such as beginners, intermediate, advanced, or mixed ability
• The types of clients you want to work with, for example, healthy, injured, younger, older, or perinatal
• The technical aspects you need to address before you start teaching, like instructor insurance

Once you have all this covered, you’re on your way to teaching your first client or class. If you choose to train with us, you’ll get access to our career support system, CV Connect, which will help you find a range of reformer Pilates instructor jobs and reach out to potential employers.

Learning how to become a reformer Pilates instructor takes time, money and a commitment to your passion. It’s a rewarding job that helps people on their journey to better health and fitness, so if you’re ready to start helping people, explore our Pilates courses and enrol today.

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