My name is Simone and I’m an instructor and course trainer at Premium Pilates and Fitness. As a course trainer, I often get asked by people how to become a Pilates instructor in Australia and overseas. In this blog, I’ll go through what you need to do to work as a Pilates instructor here at home and whether you can then teach Pilates abroad.

How do I get qualified in Australia?

In Australia, there isn’t any Government body or specific regulation around the Pilates industry, however, there are industry standards that providers and studios aim to maintain. These industry standards ensure that instructors have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach an effective and safe Pilates class.

So, what’s the first step in the process of becoming a Pilates instructor? Choose and enrol in an instructor course! And you have a few to choose from:

• A fundamentals course in Anatomy, Matwork and Reformer,
• A Certificate IV in Pilates, or
• A Diploma in Pilates.

All these certificates are industry recognised within Australia; however, individual providers and studios may have their own requirements. For instance, most Pilates studios that teach group classes will accept a certificate in Anatomy and the Fundamentals of Matwork and Reformer.

Our Pilates Fundamentals & Matwork Course is AusActive accredited, which means it meets the leading national standards in the health and fitness industry—giving you extra credibility when applying for roles. On the other hand, providers such as physiotherapists or exercise physiologists may require a Certificate IV or Diploma in Pilates because they work with clinical patients. If you want to teach in a gym, you are required to have both your Pilates qualifications and a Certificate IV in Fitness.

When choosing the right course for you, consider what type of work you’d like to do. If you're dream is to teach Pilates classes, then a Fundamentals course will most likely be the best fit for you. But, if you’d like to teach in a clinical setting, then enrolling in a Cert IV or Diploma would be a good choice.

How do I get a job instructing Pilates in Australia?

Many students assume that once they finish their course, it’ll be easy to find work. After all, Pilates is popular, so surely instructors are in demand, right?

Like any industry, there is competition for roles. Most studios offer Reformer Pilates, so it’s important to get qualified in Reformer. However, studios also value instructors who can teach Matwork, Barre, Jumpboard and Prenatal classes. The more you’re qualified to teach, the more hireable you’ll be.

At Premium Pilates and Fitness, we offer a clear pathway to becoming a well-rounded instructor:

1. Start with our online Anatomy course
2. Progress to our in-studio Matwork course
3. Finish with our in-studio Reformer course

Our training content is regularly refreshed to stay aligned with the latest research in anatomy and biomechanics. While the details evolve each year, everything we teach is grounded in up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge so you can feel confident in your skills.

If you're a qualified instructor looking to expand your skills, we also offer online courses such as:

• Intermediate Reformer
• Prenatal Matwork and Reformer
• Barre (coming soon!)

Tip: Learning never ends. Once you finish your training, immerse yourself in Pilates. Practise teaching friends and family, observe classes, and keep participating in sessions. This will sharpen your skills and boost your confidence when applying for jobs.

As part of our Matwork and Reformer courses, PPF students are encouraged to observe and participate in classes across our studios. They also complete apprentice teaching with experienced instructors, gaining invaluable hands-on practice.

When you’re ready to apply for work, consider joining local Facebook instructor groups, like our PPF Instructor Hub. Studios often post cover and job opportunities there. Most studios will ask you to “audition” (plan and instruct a class for the manager) before they hire you. While this can feel a little scary, completing apprentice teaching and practising your delivery will leave you well-prepared.

Will I be qualified overseas?

Whether your Australian qualifications are recognised overseas depends on the country where you plan to teach. Before enrolling in a course here, research the requirements of your intended destination, and reach out to studios or providers there.

The good news is that Premium Pilates and Fitness certifications may transfer quite well internationally. For example, in the UK you might only need to complete a short updated anatomy course to meet requirements. This varies, so always confirm with the relevant bodies or studios.

Regardless of where you plan to teach, gaining experience is essential. Complete class observations, apprentice teaching, and keep participating in classes to build confidence and practical knowledge.

At PPF, our Matwork and Reformer courses give you not only a strong foundation in fundamental and contemporary Pilates exercises, but also practical instructing experience through apprentice teaching with senior instructors. This hands-on training is invaluable whether you decide to work in Australia or abroad.

Final thoughts

Becoming a Pilates instructor in Australia or overseas starts with research — think about the types of classes you want to teach, and choose the course that best supports your goals. Completing your course is just the beginning.

You’ll need to keep learning and refining your skills through personal practice, observation, and apprentice teaching. Additional training in areas such as Prenatal Pilates, Barre, and Intermediate/Advanced Pilates will also increase your employability. At the heart of it all, a genuine passion for movement and a drive to help others feel their best is what will set you apart and make your Pilates career truly rewarding.

If you’re considering a career in Pilates and want more information about courses, get in touch with our education team at Premium Pilates and Fitness. We’d love to help you on your journey!

📧 Email us at courses@premiumpilates.com.au

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