How to become a Pilates Instructor in Singapore

How to become a Pilates Instructor in Singapore

Pilates has been practiced since the 1920s, originally developed to rehabilitate wounded soldiers. Over the decades, its effectiveness and timelessness appeal have only fuelled its growing popularity. In fact, the Global Pilates and Yoga studios market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.05%, further cementing Pilates’ place in the fitness landscape.

If you are considering a career as a Pilates instructor in Singapore, it is important to understand the significant investment in time, commitment, and money that this path demands. With numerous excellent Pilates certifications and Pilates instructor courses in Singapore, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That is why we have curated a list of certifications, courses, and studios in Singapore to help you kickstart your instructor journey.

Thinking of opening your own Pilates studio? Don’t miss these resources: A Guide to Pilates Reformer and Equipment  and How Much Does It Cost to Start  a Reformer Pilates Studio in Singapore?

1. Types of pilates 

Before diving into instructor training, it’s a good idea to expose yourself to the different types of Pilates. This will help you find a style that resonates with you and aligns with your career goals. This is also a great opportunity to ask lots of questions and find out more about your instructors’ training and certification. Below are some of the most popular types of Pilates you’ll encounter:  

Classical Pilates

This is the original form of Pilates developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s.Classical Pilates combines both mat and apparatus work, following a specific sequence designed to move the body through a full range of motion. It is known for staying true to the traditional exercises and methodology.

Mat Pilates 

Mat pilates is the most accessible form, requiring no equipment other than a mat. It can be practised almost anywhere, making it both affordable and convenient. Because of its simplicity, it’s often taught in group classes and is an excellent introduction to Pilates.  

Contemporary Pilates (Hybrid Pilates)

Contemporary Pilates is a modern take on Classical Pilates. It incorporates new knowledge of biomechanics and draws from other disciplines like physiotherapy, yoga, aerobics, and aerial fitness. This approach offers more flexibility in exercises and can be adapted to different fitness levels and goals.

Reformer Pilates

This form of Pilates involves exercises using a specially designed machine called a reformer. This equipment adds resistance and support to enhance your workout, making it ideal for targeting the spine, legs, and shoulders. It’s often recommended for improving strength, flexibility, and posture.

STOTT Pilates 

STOTT Pilates is a contemporary approach that focuses on restoring the natural curvature of the spine and strengthening the muscles around the joints. It emphasises modern principles of exercise science, making it a popular choice for those with specific rehabilitation or postural needs.

2. Pilates Certifications and Pilates Instructor Courses in Singapore

Unlike other fitness disciplines, the Pilates industry is not strictly regulated. This means you can teach Pilates as a trained instructor without formal certification, However, to become a certified Pilates instructor in Singapore, you must complete specific exams. Certification not only enhances your credibility but also demonstrates your commitment to mastering the practice.

To help you begin or continue your Pilates education, we’ve compiled a list of reputable Pilates certifications and instructor courses in Singapore:

Studio Details	Duration	Price
National  Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) Covers:  Mat Reformer Trapeze Table Wunda Chair Ladder Barrel Spine Corrector Magic Circle Curriculum:  Lectures: History of Pilates, anatomy, special populations Observation hours (Student observes an experienced teacher) Practice Teaching (under the guidance of an experienced teacher) Self-Practice hours NPCP  Certification Exam:  125 MCQs	min. 450 hrs	Basic level 1: S$100-S$300  Comprehensive program: S$3,000-S$5,000 Exam: S$295 (includes first 2 years of certification)
Breathe Pilates MERRITHEW™ Licensed Training Center STOTT PILATES Method  Mat and equipment focused  Other Training Courses:  Intensive Mat-plus® Intensive Reformer Intensive Cadillac Intensive Chair Injuries And Special Populations Zen-ga® Intensive Barrels Total Barre®	10 – 50 hrs (depending on course)	Functional Anatomy  Course Fee S$1200 Material S$130 Anatomy Review – S$540 Intensive Mat Plus Course – $1800 Materials – $320 Support book – $60 Total – $2180 Intensive Reformer Course – $2400 Materials – $410 Total – $2810 Intensive Cadillac, Chair & Barrels  Course – $2400 Materials – $900 Total – $3300
Pilatique (SG & MY) MERRITHEW™ Licensed Training Center STOTT PILATES™ Intensive Program (Level 1) Anatomy Review and Postural Analysis Review Workshop, or the Functional Anatomy course Min. 30 classes  Intensive Mat-Plus™  Intensive Reformer  Intensive Cadillac, Chair & Barrels	Not published	Not published
STOTT PILATES™ Advanced Program (Level 2) Advanced Matwork  Advanced Reformer  Advanced Cadillac, Chair & Barrels  Injuries & Special Populations	Not published	Not published
STOTT PILATES™ REHAB PILATES Clinical problem solving using the STOTT PILATES method A focus on spinal, pelvic and scapular conditions Over 35 exercises plus multiple modifications Eligible for certified professionals only**	18 hours of instruction and supervised teaching min. 6 hours observation w min. 10 hours physical review min. 10 hours practice teaching   Total: 44 hours	Not published
Body Tree Academy (SG & MY) Pilates Matwork Teacher Certification  Immersion (25 hrs) Certification (25 hrs) Additional Hours Self-Practice (30 hrs) Observation (15 hrs) Practice Teaching (15 hrs)	50 – 110 hrs	$3,907 onwards
Pilates Reformer Teacher Certification Classroom (60 hrs) Practice (15 hrs) Student teaching (15 hours)	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	2 days	S$699
Comprehensive Teacher Certification (all in one) Classroom (124 hrs)  Self Study (80 hrs) Self Practice (60 hrs) Observation (15 hrs) Student teaching (45 hrs) Curriculum Pilates Matwork Spine Corrector Reformer Cadillac, High Barrel and Wunda Chair	400+ hr / 36 – 56 weeks	Not published
Options Pilates Studio Full range of Pilates courses and certifications from Pilates Academy International  Basic: Anatomy, Biomechanics & Posture Analysis Workshop	12 hrs	S$549
40-hour Matwork courses (All Populations Mat) All Populations Mat I (90 hrs) All Populations Mat II (20 hrs)	110 hrs	Mat I: S$1780 Mat II: S$380
50-hour Reformer courses (All Populations Reformer) All Populations Reformer I (150 hrs) All Populations Reformer II (50 hrs)	200 hrs	Reformer I: S$2480 Reformer II: S$1300
Full Studio courses (All Populations Cadillac, Chair and Barrels) All Populations Cadillac I & II (95 hrs) All Populations Chair I & II (80 hrs) All Populations Barrel I & II (35 hrs)	210 hrs	Chair, Cadillac & Barrels I: S$2480 Chair, Cadillac & Barrels I: S$1500

3. Finding Employment as a Pilates Instructor 

After completing your Pilates training, some studios may allow you to start teaching immediately, even if you haven’t completed your certification exams.

In Singapore, opportunities for Pilates instructors are plentiful. To secure a position, explore job openings on well-known platforms and consider reaching out to studios for traineeships or apprenticeships to gain practical experience.

Photo Credits: Tim Samuel

(https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-brown-long-sleeve-shirt-using-macbook-pro-5838331/)

Here are some popular job search platforms to help you find Pilates Trainer roles:

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• MyCareersFuture SG

Studio Trainee Program	Requirements
Breathe Pilates	2 Interviews + In-house Training Programme  1st interview: during the course  2nd interview: character and commitment In-house training: 3 levels of mocks and exams
Options Pilates Studio	Apprenticeship Scheme:  35 hrs per week  Able to use Pilates equipment, participate in group classes and practice Certified Pilates instructor after the apprentice period

For freelance Pilates instructors in Singapore, renting studio spaces by the hour can be a flexible and cost-effective option. Many studios in Singapore offer fully equipped spaces, providing all the essential equipment you need to conduct your lessons with ease.

Pilates Studio	Details	Rental Fees
Core Fitness	2000 Sq Ft facility includes:  4 Reformers 2 Cadillacs 1 Wunda chair, 1 Ladder barrel 2 Spine correctors and Many small props All equipment and props are from Balanced Body.	Not published
Modern Pilates	Single Equipment/ Whole Studio Combi Reformer Reformer Ladder Barrel Wunda Chair Mat with Mirror (Soft 10mm) Cadillac Combi Mat (leather mat)	Not published
Stepping Out Studio	**Suitable for Yoga or Pilates Matwork only**	Not published

In a nutshell

Being a Pilates instructor in Singapore can be a deeply fulfilling career, with plenty of opportunities to grow. There are excellent resources available, including top-tier Pilates certifications and instructor courses in Singapore, to help you continuously upgrade your skills.

If you are ready to improve the well-being of others and turn your 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.