What to look for when choosing a Pilates certification

Interested in building a career in the Pilates industry? There are lots of options out there, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming... But remember: all courses are NOT created equal, and where you choose to do your Pilates training MATTERS. This decision can have significant impacts on your future career and success - impacting your employment opportunities and earning potential, your ability to apply for roles throughout Australia and around the world, and helping you stand out in the competitive industry… the list goes on!

As you can see, it’s essential you take the time to do your research to ensure you’re choosing the right Pilates course to set yourself up for success in your future career. We’ve done the hard yards for you and come up with a list of the most important things you should look for in your choice of Pilates education. Considering these factors will help you choose the right course for you - and help you avoid courses designed to make their creators a “quick dollar”, leaving you lacking the skills and qualifications you need to make your mark on the Pilates industry!

An evidence-based curriculum

Potentially the most important consideration of all, make sure you’re looking for a Pilates certification that offers a science- and evidence-based curriculum. Given Pilates is a practice founded on physical fitness and rehabilitation principles, with roots in physiotherapy and human anatomy, it’s essential that the program you choose emphasises scientific principles and practices. Not only does this ensure the content and modules you’re learning are higher-quality and more reliable, it also equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to instruct your future clients safely and effectively. Choosing an evidence-based course means the techniques and information you learn are supported by current research, and based on the best practices in the Pilates industry.

Created by experts

Even better, if you can find a course developed by health experts, like physiotherapists, physical therapists or similar, who have extensive experience and understanding of the human body and how to work with and support it, this is an excellent foundation for your learning. It means your course will be built around a commitment to accuracy, science and leading-edge practices and principles. This way, you can go into your career in Pilates confident in the fact you’ve mastered the most accurate, effective techniques supported by extensive research and evidence, curated and designed by experts in the field of human health, anatomy and fitness. And that is the key to an optimal quality education!

The credibility of your certification is also highly impacted by the expertise of the people who created it. Seeking out a Pilates course developed by seasoned professionals in Pilates and human anatomy will provide you with comprehensive training, covering not just the mechanics of Pilates movements, but also its therapeutic applications. You’ll go beyond “surface level” skills, learning how to modify, adapt and progress key movements, patterns and flows for different abilities, fitness levels and requirements, so you can support your clients in their safe practice of Pilates, while allowing them to enjoy enhanced results and benefits at the same time.

National (or international!) recognition

It may surprise you to learn that many certifications on the market are not well-respected or recognised. In fact, a bunch of courses only equip you to teach within the studio, brand or franchise with which you completed your training… something many people are shocked by when it’s far too late, and they’ve finished their entire course.

Don’t get caught out by this! Seek out a Pilates certification that is acknowledged around Australia, opening doors to teaching and employment opportunities for you not just within your local area, but around the country. Even better if you can choose a certification which is internationally recognised, as this leaves you with as many options for your future career and employment as possible!

Remember, most studios and employers prefer to hire instructors with certifications that have a strong, positive reputation. If you choose a course which is known within the industry to be evidence-based, developed by experts, comprehensive in its coverage of theoretical principles and practical application, and recognised around the country or the world, you’re much more likely to secure a job you want and love quickly.

Be sure to check the credentials of any education providers you’re considering, and check out where their past graduates are currently working for an indication of the potential paths and opportunities that may be available to you once you’re qualified.

Taught by industry leaders

While the structure and content of the curriculum are vital, so is the teaching of the course content itself. The educators delivering your course content should be leaders in the Pilates industry, with their own experience and expertise in the field. This allows them to not only convey the course content in a way that is practical, applicable and easy to understand, but it also means they can offer valuable insights, real-world applications or examples, and unique perspectives which may greatly enhance your learning experience. You’ll be able to pick their brains about their own experiences and learnings from their time in the Pilates industry, leveraging their generous advice to help ensure your own success in your future career, and bringing greater depth and impact to your learning. Look for courses which are taught by industry experts and educators, with strong backgrounds in Pilates, teaching, and a deep passion for mentoring and supporting upcoming instructors.

Leading-edge techniques

Pilates is constantly evolving, with new and emerging science requiring ongoing updates to course curriculums, teaching principles, and Pilates practices to ensure students are learning the most leading-edge, relevant techniques and information. You always want to be choosing an education provider with a commitment to best practice, to ongoing innovation and continuous improvement when it comes to course content and delivery.

Look for a certification which adapts to and incorporates the latest research and science in Pilates, so you’re prepared to offer your own clients the most effective, up-to-date, safe practices available. With the emphasis on holistic wellness and functional movement in the Pilates and fitness industries, this adaptability is essential for anyone wanting to safeguard their future success, and hoping to have a positive effect on the lives of future clients.

Preferred provider by Pilates studios

If a certification is the preferred education and training among many Pilates studios in your area or beyond, this is another excellent indicator of a quality program. Many established and successful studios have formed relationships with specific education providers, often preferring to hire instructors who have been certified by these providers wherever possible. These studios are confident in the reliability and quality of the education these instructors have received, meaning you’ll automatically stand out from other applicants when applying for roles at such businesses.

Look up the local studios in your area, and investigate whether they value certain certifications above the rest. Choosing a recognised course or certification can significantly improve your employability and opportunities in a competitive industry.

Strong testimonials from real graduates

Before you commit to a course, be sure to read or watch testimonials given by past students who have completed the certification in the past. If you notice a trend of positive, glowing reviews and feedback, this gives you insight into the quality of education, support and the overall experience you can expect from that provider.

Keep an eye out for any specific mentions by graduates of how their training has helped them establish or succeed in their career since they completed their course. If you hear numerous success stories and endorsements, this is a good indicator that you’re likely to get the support, training, and quality education you want and need to succeed in your career.

The gold standard of education

Again, a reminder that not all certifications are created equal! Look for a program that is regarded as the gold standard in Pilates education. For example, the APPI (Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute) is the most reputable organisation and Pilates education provider Australia-wide, meaning you can be confident in the fact you’ll get the highest quality of education available within the industry when choosing an APPI-certified course. Programs proven to meet high educational standards have been found to demonstrate a commitment to excellence, and produce competent and capable Pilates instructors.

Why complete your education with any provider below this level of quality and recognition?

Community focus and ongoing support

Finally, it’s important to consider the experience you want to have throughout the completion of your certification. Look for a course that emphasises the importance of community and support, giving you the chance to connect with like-minded Pilates enthusiasts, and the opportunity to learn from leading industry success stories in your educators. Seek out a provider which offers ongoing support, like mentorships or 1:1 mentoring sessions, upskilling courses, educational workshops and webinars, chances to network, and exclusive access to employment opportunities.

While most course providers will offer “extensive support” for the duration of your learning, the moment you finish your certification they’ll send you out into the big, wide world of Pilates to fend for yourself. You don’t want that! Look for an education provider which offers support well beyond the day you graduate - continuing to give you opportunities to upskill, learn from others in the industry, connect with people in the community, and engage in ongoing learning opportunities. This is the kind of support and care you should be sure to seek out when looking for the right course for your needs.

This support makes all the difference when it comes to your future career - not only does it allow you to enjoy your time progressing through your certification immensely, surrounded by other Pilates enthusiasts with the chance to form lifelong friendships or professional relationships, it also opens up more employment opportunities post-certification, and leaves you feeling like you’re equipped for success and committed to continuing to learn emerging, evolving, industry-leading techniques and information as they emerge, with the continued support and encouragement of your course provider.

The key takeaways…

• To wrap up, let’s touch on a few key learnings which most Pilates education providers don’t want you to know, so you can make informed choices when it comes to your choice of certification…
  
  
• Many certifications only qualify you to teach at the studio (or brand/franchise) you completed your training at. Talk about limiting your career options…
  
  
• Most courses are taught by Pilates studios which, first and foremost, facilitate classes for clients. Then, they add on the education component to make a bit of extra cash - which may not leave you feeling super confident in their course content or teaching ability…
  
  
• Lots of certifications are not well-recognised or respected - and only a few allow you to teach anywhere you want globally! It pays to do your research and identify which courses will help you get your foot in the door with future employees and roles you’re interested in pursuing.
  
  
• The majority of courses are created by Pilates instructors or studio owners, many of whom have minimal (or no!) experience with the science behind human anatomy, physiology, and all that fun (and important!) stuff. Which means the content and modules these courses contain may not equip you to become the best instructor you’re capable of being…

So how does Unite Health and our APPI Pilates Instructor Certification compare?

• Our qualification allows you to teach at ANY studio you like - both within Australia, and around the world too! An APPI Certification is well-respected and recognised globally, and immediately sets you apart from your competition in the industry. APPI is known for offering the highest-quality Pilates education available, immediately setting you apart in the competitive Pilates industry due to the recognisable quality of your education.
  
  
• Unite Health is, first and foremost, an education provider. Which means our courses are our bread and butter. They’re the focal point of everything we do, so we’re constantly pouring all our energy and love into making them as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible. They’re not just something we’ve tacked onto our service offering to make some extra money… They’re the heart and soul of what we do - and this is evident in the quality of our course content and teaching, from start to finish.
  
  
• We perfectly balance practical hands-on experience and theoretical modules, with the entire course developed by expert physiotherapists based on years of clinical experience and research. The focus on evidence-based concepts and modules means you can feel confident in the fact you’re getting the most reliable, accurate, informative education available. This means you’re prepared to become the best instructor you’re capable of being!
  
  
• Plus, our course is taught by leading industry success stories, all of whom have made their mark in the Pilates industry and gone on to empower our students to do the same! Their standard of knowledge and practical application is second to none, and they’re all so generous and supportive - and always willing to give you a sneaky pointer about how to succeed in the Pilates industry yourself!
  
  
• And our emphasis on community is EVERYTHING! We don’t just certify you, and then send you out into the world to figure it all out on your own. We nurture and support you throughout your entire career, giving you exclusive access to new job opportunities with our partner studios, ongoing upskilling and learning opportunities including free webinars and skill sessions, chances to network and make friends and SO MUCH MORE… Once you’re one of us, you're part of our community for life!

As you can see, choosing the right Pilates certification program is crucial in your mission to become a qualified and successful Pilates instructor. By seeking out a course which provides you with an evidence-based curriculum, international recognition and qualifications, expert instruction and educators, and ongoing support, you give yourself the very best chance of carving out a fulfilling, rewarding, lucrative career in Pilates. Take the time to do your research and evaluate your options, because the right education will prepare you to inspire and instruct your future clients in their Pilates practice with the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to support them in their fitness and health goals.

Ready to commit to your Pilates education with Australia’s number ONE Pilates education provider? Enrol in our evidence-based APPI Pilates Instructor Certification TODAY, developed by expert physiotherapists based on years of extensive clinical experience and research, and taught by Pilates industry leaders. Enjoy the highest standard of education available, with ongoing support and care giving you access to greater employment and networking opportunities, so you can be sure you’re setting yourself up for success in your Pilates career. Enrol in one of our upcoming intakes here!

Or, if you have further questions about our Certification, what sets it apart from others, how it can help set you up for success, or our various delivery formats and how they align with your existing schedule, book a free chat with our course experts today! They'll give you all the information and guidance you need when making this important decision.