18 Nov
How to become a Pilates Trainer in Singapore
Pilates has been practised since the 1920s, originally developed to rehabilitate wounded soldiers. Over the years, due to its effectiveness and timelessness, it has only gained more recognition and popularity has boomed. The Asia-Pacific pilates and yoga studios market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.9%, so, it’s safe to say pilates is here to stay. But before you pursue this career path, it is important to note that becoming a pilates instructor requires you to invest a good amount of time, commitment and money. With numerous excellent certifications and courses in the market, the options can be overwhelming. Here we’ve complied certifications, courses and studios in Singapore to jumpstart your instructor journey.
1) Types of pilates
Before you jump into attending various courses, it would be beneficial to expose yourself to the different types of pilates and choose a genre that you enjoy. This a great opportunity to ask lots of questions and find out more about your instructors’ training and certification. Here are some of the types of pilates classes available:
Classical Pilates
Pilates from the 1920s. Original form of pilates designed by Joseph Pilates. Classical Pilates typically combines mat and apparatus work following steps in a particular order which is designed to move the body through a full range of movements.
Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates is the most accessible form of Pilates, it can be done anywhere with no equipment needed. This normally makes it much cheaper and also easier to do in a class.
Contemporary Pilates aka hybrid pilates
Contemporary Pilates is a variation of Classical Pilates combined with contemporary forms of exercise such as physiotherapy, yoga, aerobics, aerials etc. whilst also incorporating modern knowledge of the body and biomechanics.
Reformer Pilates
Pilates exercises done with some special types of machines are known as reformer Pilates. They are best for the spine, legs, and shoulders. 
Stott pilates
STOTT aims to restore the original curve of the spin and protect ad improve the muscles surrounding the joints.
2) Certifications and courses
Unlike other fitness disciplines, the Pilates Industry is not regulated. If you do not take the exams, you’ll be a Pilates-trained instructor. After completing the exams, you will be a certified Pilates instructor.
Here is a compiled list of certifications and courses in Singapore to kickstart your learning or continue your education:
| Studio Details | Duration | Price |
| National Pilates Certification program (NPCP)
Covers:
Curriculum:
NCPC certification exam:
|
min. 450 hrs | Basic level 1: S$100-S$300
Comprehensive programe: S$3,000-S$5,000 Exam: S$295 (includes first 2 years of certification) |
| Breathe Pilates
MERRITHEW™ Licensed Training Center STOTT PILATES Method
Other training courses:
|
10 – 50 hrs (depending on course) | Functional Anatomy
Intensive Mat Plus
Intensive Reformer
Intensive Cadillac, Chair & Barrels
|
| Pilatique (SG & MY)
MERRITHEW™ Licensed Training Center STOTT PILATES™ Intensive Program (Level 1)
|
Not published | Not published |
STOTT PILATES™ Advanced Program (Level 2)
|
Not published | Not published |
STOTT PILATES™ REHAB PILATES
|
18 hours of instruction and supervised teaching
min. 6 hours observation w min. 10 hours physical review min. 10 hours practice teaching w Total: 44 hours |
1.8 CEC Credits |
| FitNut Academy
Curriculum:
|
7-week course | Not published |
| Body Tree Academy (SG & MY)
Curriculum for 2023: Pilates Matwork Teacher Certification (Jan 2023)
|
70 hrs | Not published |
REFORMER TEACHER CERTIFICATION (March & August 2023 Intakes)
|
100+ hrs | S$3,907
Special Offers: All Registrations before 1 Jan 2023: S$3207 Registrations before 1 Mar 2023 (for intake TWO ONLY): S$3607 |
| Spine Corrector Teacher Certification (18 & 19 April 2023) | 2 days | S$699 |
Comprehensive Teacher Certification (all in one)
Curriculum
|
400+ hr / 36 – 56 weeks | Not published |
| Options Pilates Studio
Full range of Pilates Academy International Courses and certification from Pilates on Fifth in NY Basic: Anatomy, Biomechanics & Posture Analysis |
12 hrs | S$549 |
40-hour Matwork courses (All Populations Mat or APM)
|
20 – 95 hrs | Mat I: S$1780
Mat II: S$380 |
50-hour Reformer courses (All Populations Reformer or APR)
|
50 – 55 hrs | Reformer I: S$2480
Reformer II: S$1300 |
Full Studio courses (All Populations Cadillac, Chair and Barrels or APCCB)
|
25 – 70 hrs
25 – 55 hrs 11 – 24 hrs |
Chair, Cadillac & Barrels I: S$2480
Chair, Cadillac & Barrels I: S$1500 |
3. Finding Employment
Depending on the studio you work with, some may allow you to start right away after the course without the exams. Pilates trainer openings in Singapore are not limited, source opportunities by searching job sites and explore traineeships and apprenticeships in studios you are interested in.
Job sites:
- Indeed
- Monster
- MyCareersFuture SG
| Studio Trainee Program | Requirements |
| Breathe Pilates
|
2 interviews + in-house training programme
|
| Options Pilates Studio | Apprenticeship scheme:
|
For freelance pilates trainers, you can consider renting a studio space per hour. Some studios provide all the equipment you would ever need to conduct your lessons.
| Pilates Studio | Details | Rental Fees |
| Core Fitness
|
2000 sqft facility includes:
All equipment and props are from Balanced Body. |
Not published |
| Modern Pilates
|
Single Equipment/ Whole studio
|
Not published |
| The ROOFTOP STUDIO
|
** Pilates Matwork only**
|
S$23 – S$68 per hr
(depends on time) |
| Stepping Out Studio | **Suitable for Yoga or Pilates Matwork only** | Not published |
In a nutshell
Being a pilates instructor can be fulfilling, and there are great opportunities and resources to continue upgrading your expertise in this space. If you are ready to improve the well-being of others and turn this passion into a profession in this exciting space, there’s no better time than now to start exploring your course options.
This article was written by Liza Wee.