Regulated and Unregulated Pilates Instructor Training : Where Mbodies Training Academy Fits in

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Introduction

At Mbodies Training Academy, we specialise in providing high-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Pilates Instructors, advanced Fitness Instructors, and Medical Movement professionals.  Our training is divided into two main categories: Pilates Apparatus disciplines (Reformer, Tower, Chair, Barrels) and Pilates Special Populations areas (e.g., Breast Cancer, Female Pelvic Health Dysfunction, Menopause, Osteoporosis).  Many people ask how our training fits into the UK National Framework and who accredits it.  This article provides and overview:

Types of Pilates Teacher Training Qualifications

In the UK, the landscape of Pilates teacher training is split between regulated and non-regulated programs.  Regulated qualifications, certified by Ofqual-regulated bodies like Active IQ and YMCA Awards, cover only Matwork Pilates, created as a Level 3 National Standard in 2005.  All other Pilates apparatus education remains unregulated.  While regulated programs offer the assurance of rigorous standards, non-regulated programs vary significantly in quality.

Benefits of Regulated and Non-Regulated Programs

Regulated programs provide external auditing and standardisation, ensuring a consistent level of quality.  Non-regulated programs, like those at Mbodies, may vary but often meet or exceed these standards through internal quality controls.  However, determining the best programs requires due diligence on the part of the student.

Regulated Training as CPD

By nature, all CPD education is unregulated.  Organizations like CIMSPA, SPM, PMA, and PTA set their own standards, but these remain self-regulated.  CIMSPA, for example, is respected for maintaining standards in CPD but has limitations, particularly for clinical or medical-level training.

Insurance Companies and Non-Regulated Training

Since much of the Pilates and Fitness training is unregulated, insurance companies play a key role in maintaining standards.  They evaluate courses and training providers, ensuring quality and safety.  For example, they require a Level 3 or equivalent Anatomy and Physiology course followed by a minimum 150-hour focused training for apparatus qualifications.

Completing a Pilates Qualification

Completion times and delivery styles vary widely.  At Mbodies, we use a blended learning approach, combining online modules with live personal tutor sessions. Courses typically range from 6-12 months, with comprehensive qualifications taking up to 2 years, allowing flexibility to accommodate students' schedules.

Progression Routes and Career Opportunities



Post-qualification: opportunities in the Pilates profession are vast.  Graduates from Mbodies often work as freelance instructors, set up their own studios, or teach both in-person and online.  Our special populations CPD courses equip instructors with practical toolkits to address specific client needs.

Testimonials and Success Stories

Our graduates have achieved great success, such as Alexandra Chapman, who now runs the award-winning Enliven Health Clinical Pilates Studio in Milton Keynes. Mbodies also trains the Pilates teams at Lyfe Health Physiotherapy and Pilates Centres.

Conclusion

Choosing Mbodies Training Academy means investing in a flexible, high-quality learning experience designed to meet your needs and help you achieve professional success.  Contact us to learn more about our programs and how we can support your Pilates career.

Mbodies Website


Author:  Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant

Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998.  He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners.  With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency.  His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew.  As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD.  Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices at www.pilates-consultant.co.uk 


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