Why study as a Pilates Instructor at Pilates Dynamics?

by | May 8, 2026 | Uncategorized

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Why study as a Pilates Instructor at Pilates Dynamics?

So What Is Pilates?

The creator of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, believed that physical and mental health were closely connected. During the various exercises your mind needs to be constantly aware of your breathing and the way your body moves. Pilates is a full body exercise and focusses on exercise which concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength, overall well-being, and a balance between strength and flexibility.

Pilates also focusses on correcting muscle imbalances so often created by either incorrect postural patterns in daily life or engaging in certain types of sports.  How often have you heard of people injuring themselves whilst engaging in personal training or exercising at a gym or fitness centre, or in sports?  Doing Pilates lowers your risk of injury and teaches you correct movement patterns during strenuous forms of exercise, creating longevity.

Why become a Pilates instructor?
  1. You Love Exercise or Pilates: While you study to become an instructor, you will live, breathe, and eat Pilates, and if this appeals to you, then you should go ahead and sign up for classes at a Pilates studio or Pilates teacher training centre.
  2. You Want to Get Out of the Office environment: Tired of the same old?  Pilates is the perfect opportunity to change your career at any given time.
  3. You Want to Help People: Once you see your clients progressing, getting better, and getting fitter, you will feel a sense of accomplishment like no other.
  4. You Want To Teach but also learn as much as possible: There is a much deeper meaning to the teachings of Pilates, and as a teacher, you will continuously engage in further studies to understand the body better and to become a more effective Pilates teacher.
  5. You Want a Flexible Schedule: Perhaps one thing that draws people into Pilates teaching is the fact that you can set your own schedule, at least to a certain point. If you want more time to do other things (like spending time with your family or engage in other activities), then being a Pilates teacher could be one of the best decisions you make.
What are the different Pilates certifications?
  1. The best is to look at the topics and course materials covered. Compare the topics and course materials amongst the different courses out there and pick one that will give you the most variety and knowledge i.e., comprehensive knowledge is key.
  2. The next thing to consider is how “hands on” is this course. Is it an online course or is this an in-studio course where you can have a “hands on” approach.  An online course does not allow for real interaction, touch and correction, so do not be fooled by online courses.  Pilates is a “hands on” approach.  Imagine being examined by a medical therapist online!
  3. Consider accreditations. Unfortunately, Pilates is not regulated, which means that there is no legal requirement for a license to operate a studio or teach classes which creates a “buyer beware” situation where instructor quality varies widely.  However, some of the best accreditations to have is REPSSA who is the umbrella for anything fitness orientated.  They are also international and offer CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points.  Another accreditation that is useful is the South African Society of Physiotherapy and the Biokinetics Association of South Africa.
How long does it take to become a Pilates instructor in South Africa?

That entirely depends on yourself.  It is going to depend on how many hours a day/week you spend to study the different movements and understanding how the Anatomy integrates with the movements.  Understanding is key, and that is difficult to measure as we all learn at a different pace.

However, the following is a guideline and an average of how long it could take for the different courses;-

  1. Pilates Mat and Small Equipment course: This is the foundational course and could take anywhere between 3 to 9 months, depending on how much time you spend on your practise.
  2. Pilates Reformer course: This is a progression to the above course and could take you another 3 to 6 months to complete, depending on how much time is spent on practise.
  3. Pilates Conversion course: This course is for people who have done their Pilates Mat and Small Equipment course and they want to progress to learning how to integrate all the Pilates Machines like the Pilates Reformer; Pilates Cadillac / Pilates Tower; Pilates Wunda Chair; and the Pilates Ladder Barrel, Pilates Spine Corrector and Pilates Arc Barrels.  Upon completion of this qualification, you will be a Comprehensively Qualified Pilates Instructor.  This could take anywhere between 6 to 12 months, depending on how much time you spend on your practise.
  4. Pilates Comprehensive course: This course consists of doing the FULL COURSE in other words everything, i.e., the Pilates Mat and Small Equipment course under point 1 above, as well as the Pilates Conversion course under point 3 above. This could take anywhere from 9 months to 1,5 years depending on how much time and effort is spent on one’s practise.

NB: BEWARE OF ONLINE COURSES THAT OFFER A PILATES QUALIFICATION IN A FEW DAYS OR EVEN INSTITUTIONS OFFERING A PILATES QUALIFICATION IN A FEW WEEKS!!!  You will find yourself afterwards having to re-do your qualification elsewhere.

The higher the number of practical hours that are required to qualify, the better the qualification.

What is a Pilates CPD Course?

A CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Course is weighted and rated for its’ ability to teach the principles of the Pilates Method and numerous Pilates exercise variations and how to apply and modify these exercises in people with different pathologies and injuries.

To start with, participants learn and practice the Mat Pilates repertoire by using small equipment which deepens the use of exercise variations by either increasing or decreasing loads.  Guidelines for exercise are given for Pregnancy and the Elderly Population.

How much do Pilates instructors earn in South Africa?

The sky is the limit really.  It depends on how many hours you want to work a day.  Pilates is an expensive type of exercise regime and one-on-one sessions can cost anywhere between R300 and R700 per hour.  The more people you train per hour, the higher your income.

There is a huge demand for properly qualified Pilates Instructors, and they are snapped up even prior to qualifying.

Will I be able to obtain a Pilates Instructor job anywhere in the world?

Yes, most definitely. With a good Pilates Qualification, the world is your oyster.  Interviewing a Pilates instructor anywhere in the world, is the same as being interviewed for any type of job or position.  You will be asked to perform a training session on someone and depending on your knowledge and understanding, you will get the job!  So, choose your Academy wisely.

Do you need more information on how to become a Pilates Instructor at Pilates Dynamics?

Set up a meeting to view the studio and the Pilates Training Centre.  Do you need more information from one of our knowledgeable lecturers?  Then contact us to pop in and come chat to us over a cup of coffee so that you see what we are all about.

Our successful candidates are employed across the world.  Our courses are presented by instructors who have been exposed to numerous styles of Pilates and have many years of training and education experience (both nationally and internationally).

We will prepare you for the Harvard of the International Pilates world.

How to register to study the Pilates Instructor Course?

You can contact info@pilatesdynamics.co.za or phone us on 0117925459 or 0729992229 for more information or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PilatesDynamics