How to Become a Pilates Instructor in London: Mat and Reformer Training Explained
Updated: Oct 13
In short: yogahaven offers two Pilates instructor trainings in Clapham, London. The Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates (accredited by Active IQ) and our Reformer Pilates Instructor Training each take six in-person days and cost £1,550. You can take them separately or together as a Mat & Reformer bundle for £2,700.
Thinking about teaching Pilates? Whether you already teach yoga or fitness, or you simply love your Pilates practice and want to turn it into a career, there are two main routes: mat Pilates and reformer Pilates. Here's how our two courses work, who each one suits, and how to choose.
Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates
Our mat course leads to a nationally recognised Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates, accredited by Active IQ.
Format: six in-person days over two long weekends, mixing practical learning and guided lectures in a small group
Who it's for: there are no prerequisites, just a love for Pilates
What you'll learn: the full mat Pilates repertoire from basic to dynamic, Level 3 principles and applied anatomy, and a clear sequencing framework for building your own classes
Included: teaching practice and support, a final assessment and certification, 10 complimentary classes and free studio practice time
Next start: January 2027 (Module 1: 8–10 January, Module 2: 12–14 February)
Investment: £1,550
Reformer Pilates Instructor Training
Our reformer course is taught over three progressive weekend modules (six days in total) on Allegro 2 reformers at The Reformer Room.
Module 1, Foundations & Fundamentals: mastering the equipment (springs, bars, straps and footbar), Pilates principles, applied anatomy, safe alignment, breathing and cueing, and your first supervised teaching practice
Module 2, Building Your Teaching Skills: the full reformer repertoire from basic to intermediate, verbal and tactile cueing, modifications for all levels and body types, and sequencing
Module 3, Dynamic Practice & Sequencing: dynamic and advanced reformer flows, building original sequences, special populations and injury considerations, the business of teaching Pilates, and assessment preparation
You'll leave with three ready-to-teach class sequences: a 55-minute Foundation Class, an Intermediate Flow and a Dynamic Advanced Flow.
Who it's for: there are no prerequisites, just a love for Pilates
Included: full course materials and sequence guides, personal feedback, certification on passing your final assessment, 10 reformer class credits (worth £350), free studio access to practise between modules, 50% off membership for three months after you finish, and access to our graduate community
Upcoming cohorts: November 2026 cohort: 14–15 November, 12–13 December and 16–17 January. The following cohort starts in January 2027: 23–24 January, 20–21 February and 13–14 March. Later 2027 cohorts (March and May) to be confirmed.
Investment: £1,550
Mat or reformer: which should you choose?
Our recommended route: start with Mat, which gives you a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification and a strong foundation in Pilates principles, anatomy and cueing, then complete Reformer. Taking both with our Mat & Reformer bundle costs £2,700, saving you £400, and opens up the widest range of teaching work, from mat classes to reformer studios.
Prefer to start with reformer? That works too. Some of our students do it the other way round, starting on the reformer and adding Mat afterwards.
Just want one? You can take either course on its own. If you decide to add the other course within 12 months, we'll still honour the bundle price. It's entirely your choice, and we're happy to talk it through.
Where the training takes place
Both courses run in person at The Reformer Room at yogahaven Clapham, 63 Wingate Square, London SW4 0AF. The trainings were created by Allie and Krystal, co-founders of The Reformer Room, together with a small team of Pilates experts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pilates instructor training take?
Each of our courses takes six in-person days. The mat course runs over two long weekends, and the reformer course over three weekend modules spread across about two/three months.
How much does Pilates instructor training cost?
Our Level 3 Mat Pilates Diploma and our Reformer Pilates Instructor Training each cost £1,550. Taking both as a bundle costs £2,700.
Do I need experience to train as a Pilates instructor?
No. There are no prerequisites for either course, just a love for Pilates.
Is the mat qualification recognised?
Yes. Our Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates is a nationally recognised qualification accredited by Active IQ, regulated by Ofqual and recognised by CIMSPA.
Can I practise between modules?
Yes. Both courses include free studio practice time, and the reformer course includes 10 reformer class credits.
Want to know what the training days actually feel like? Read our guide: What to expect on Pilates teacher training in London.
Ready to start?
Email us at clapham@yogahaven.co.uk or call 020 8617 0027 to ask about dates, availability and payment options.
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