How to Know if Pilates Teacher Training Is Right for You
Deciding to step into Pilates teacher training is both exciting and overwhelming. You may have been practicing for years and now feel a spark of curiosity to delve deeper. Or you've noticed how much Pilates has changed your own body and want to share that gift with others. Whatever the reason, the question often comes up: "Am I ready?"
The truth is, there's no single path into teaching. Every instructor I've mentored and trained has come in with a different story. Some were already fitness professionals looking to expand their skills. Others came in as devoted students who wanted to understand the method on a deeper level. Many came in mid-career, seeking something more fulfilling and sustainable.
Here's what I've learned over two decades of teaching and training:
1. You love movement and want to understand why it works.
Teacher training isn't just about memorizing exercises. It's about learning the mechanics of movement—how the body functions, how to adapt Pilates for different needs, and how to teach with clarity. Suppose you find yourself asking why a movement feels good, or how an exercise can be adjusted for a client, that curiosity is a sign you're ready to go deeper. Before I started my teaching career, I was the one in my reformer sessions always asking the instructor questions about the move, the reason behind it, or why it felt a certain way. He looked at me one day and said, "Maria, you should really consider becoming a Pilates teacher."
2. You want to help others feel better in their bodies.
Many of my trainees start because Pilates changed something for them—less back pain, better posture, more energy—and they feel called to share that with others. When we discover something that has helped us or drastically changed how we move and perceive our bodies, our enthusiasm to share and help others is profound. Teaching is about connection. It'sabout guiding someone else into their own "aha" moments.
3. You're ready for growth, not perfection.
I always tell my trainees: you don't need to have the "perfect Pilates body" or flawless execution to be a great teacher. What you need is a willingness to learn, to practice, and to stay curious. Teacher training is as much about personal growth as it is professional. When we show up as our authentic selves, we tell our clients they can too. Not everyone on this planet is genetically set up for six-pack abs and a tight butt. There are a lot of different bodies, and the joy of Pilates is that it suits just about everyone.
4. You want a career—or a calling—that fits into your life.
Some students go on to make Pilates their full-time profession. Others teach part-time, blending it with other careers or family life. And some use teacher training as a way to deepen their personal practice, even if they don't plan to teach professionally. All of these are valid paths.
Pilates is just one part of a much larger picture of health and wellness. It weaves seamlessly with other modalities like massage, physical therapy, nutrition, and mindfulness to support the body and mind as a whole. As our understanding of human movement and longevity expands, it becomes clear that true wellness extends far beyond the mat or equipment.
Choosing this career path often opens doors you may never have imagined, with opportunities to learn, connect, and impact others in meaningful ways. The key is to remain curious. After 21 years in this field, I am still learning, still growing, and still inspired. Pilates has been the foundation of my career, but it has also been a gateway to so much more. For that, I am endlessly grateful.
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What My Teacher Training Offers
My program is comprehensive, rooted in classical Pilates, and enriched by my background in massage therapy, functional health, and over 21 years of teaching. We cover:
Anatomy and biomechanics
Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair, and Barrels (all levels)
Observation, cueing, and teaching skills
The "why" behind the work, not just the "what"
It's designed not only to prepare you for certification but to support you in becoming a confident, compassionate, and knowledgeable teacher.