Re-Educating the 'Qualified' Instructor: A Second Chance at First-Class Training
Beyond
the Certificate: Why So Many Pilates Teachers Are Going Back to Learn What
Really Matters
There is a quiet but growing movement among Pilates
instructors: a realisation that, despite holding a Level 3 Matwork
qualification, something fundamental is missing in their teaching. The
confidence isn’t there. The depth isn’t
there. And perhaps most importantly, the
connection to clients and to “The Method” itself feels paper-thin.
If you trained through a fitness-led provider or completed a
course that was heavily assessment-focused and light on philosophy or
real-world teaching tools, you are not alone. And more importantly, it’s not
your fault.
It’s time to talk about re-education: not as a step
backwards, but as a chance to reconnect with why you came to Pilates in the
first place.
The Problem with 'Qualified' But Not Equipped
Since the introduction of the Level 3 Matwork Pilates
standard in 2017, the UK has made strides in regulating entry-level training. However, standardisation has also led to oversimplification. What was meant to
protect the public has, in many cases, created a checklist culture one that
pushes instructors through assessments without ever properly equipping them to
teach real people with real needs.
Missing from many of these courses:
- An in depth understanding of Joseph Pilates and his Contrology work the adaptations of the Elders and the history and philosophy of Joseph Pilates and the evolution of ‘The Method’ over the decades.
- An understanding of how to assess and programme for real-world clients, not just case studies
- The ability to teach with critical thinking, compassion, and adaptability
- The confidence to work one-to-one, outside the safety of group choreography
- Many instructors come out the other side able to recite repertoire, but unsure how to teach movement as a tool for healing mind and body, confidence, or independence.
Mbodies Modules: A Foundation You Can Build On
This is where Mbodies offers a different path: one built not
on ticking boxes, but on building real capability.
Mbodies are currently completing new education focussed on Re-education
Understanding the Pilates Profession
· The historical journey from Contrology to contemporary practice
· Core philosophies across classical and modern lineages
· The professional scope and ethical considerations of the Pilates teacher
· Anatomy and movement science introduced with clarity and relevance
The Client-Centred Pilates Teacher
·
How to conduct client intake, postural
observation and red-flag screening
·
Practical skills for modifying repertoire based
on age, condition or ability
·
Programming tools for 1:1 and group settings
·
Communication that builds trust, clarity, and
confidence for both you and your client
Delivered online and supported by self-tests, teaching
assignments, and optional tutor guidance, these modules give instructors the
context, structure and confidence that many feel was missing the first time
round.
Pilates Matwork and Mat with Accessories revisited for
functionality and the Modern client
·
A deeper understanding of the Classical Matwork Repertoire
·
A clear understanding of the reasons for
adaptation to contemporary Matwork in the 2000’s
·
An understanding of who Pilates Matwork can help
but also who it can harm and a chance to learn how to adapt harmful exercises
to maintain their focus but deliver positive benefits.
·
A recognition of the value of more standing and
functional work and incorporating this into class programming
For Those Who Want to Teach Beyond the Fit and Flexible
The truth is that most Pilates clients are not young dancers
or athletes. They are peri- or post-menopausal; they are managing arthritis,
joint replacements, back pain, cancer recovery or pelvic floor dysfunction.
They may be emotionally vulnerable, physically deconditioned, or simply unsure
of what movement is safe.
This is where Mbodies has become widely recognised: particularly
for our Special Populations CPD qualifications, which include:
Female Pelvic Health and Dysfunction
Post-Rehabilitation Breast Cancer Exercise
Pilates and Osteoporosis
Menopause, Midlife and Movement
Pilates for Neurological Conditions
Pilates and Myofascial Release
These pathways are taken not just by Pilates instructors,
but also by physiotherapists, osteopaths and movement professionals across the
UK and beyond and the NHS hospitals as well as Private healthcare companies
like Nuffield Health and Spire actively pay for and send their medical movement
specialists to train in these areas with Mbodies.
A Second Chance at Teaching with Purpose
If your first Pilates qualification felt like an
introduction, but not a preparation, you are not alone. Many instructors reach
a point where they feel under-confident, under-informed, or burnt out by group Matwork
or Group Reformer yet they don’t feel fully equipped to teach anything more
focussed.
The good news is your second round of training can be the
one that truly counts.
At Mbodies, we believe that Pilates instruction is a craft,
not a checklist. It’s never too late to revisit the foundations with clarity,
care and connection.
And we would be glad to welcome you back to where your
teaching, and your confidence, can grow again.
·
Online Learning
·
Mentoring
·
Small Group workshops through regional
Satellite Centres
Chris Onslow
Pilates Business Specialist Consultant
Phone: +44 (0)1993 883449
Whatsapp text +44(0)7301052846
20 Nash Lane, Freeland, Witney, Oxon, OX29 8HS, UK
Web: https://www.pilates-consultant.co.uk/ (Pilates Consultancy, Apparatus sales and hire)
Email: chris@pilatesconsultant.co.uk
Web: https//www.mbodiesacademy.co.uk/ (Instructor training)
Email: chris@mbodiesacademy.co.uk
Web: https://mbodies.thinkific.com/ (Online Training Portal)
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