If you’re currently training, or thinking about becoming a Pilates instructor, it’s only natural to wonder – how do I get hired in the studio of my dreams?

As a family of studios that is always growing our team, we can tell you this: it’s not just about ticking a box with a certification.  

Here’s what genuinely stands out when we’re reviewing applications.

Fully Comprehensive Training (This Is Non-Negotiable)

When we say “fully comprehensive training,” we mean training that ensures you truly understand the fundamentals of Pilates and how it effects the body.

A strong foundation includes:

• Completion of a dedicated Anatomy course (or equivalent)
• Certification in Matwork to teach Mat classes
• Certification in both Matwork AND Reformer if you want to teach Reformer

Having only a Reformer qualification can be a red flag. Reformer builds on foundational principles and there’s no replacing the depth of knowledge you develop in a thorough Mat course. Mat is where you learn to truly understand anatomical movement, sequencing, regressions, progressions and how to observe body alignment without relying on equipment.

At PPF, our pathway reflects exactly what studios value. Our training includes:

• Online Anatomy – this will provide you with a strong anatomy foundation that will assist your Pilates Instructor training and help you to become a great Pilates Instructor. ‍
• Fundamentals of Pilates & Matwork – build strong instructing foundations and learn how to confidently teach Matwork classes; including everything from programming to exercise modifications that make your classes accessible.  ‍
• Reformer – expand your teaching repertoire by learning everything you need to know to bring your Matwork skills to the Reformer.

Studios want instructors who understand why they are teaching something, not just what comes next in the sequence.

Post-Course Work Hours (Real Studio Experience Matters!)

Finishing your course is just the beginning.

Studios look for instructors who have completed post-course work hours within a real, working studio environment. This shows you’ve stepped beyond assessments and into live teaching situations.  

At PPF, we support this stage through our Mentored Practice Sessions. These sessions allow developing instructors to teach in a studio setting with one of their instructor trainers present to provide guidance and support when needed!  

That kind of supported, practical experience is incredibly valuable. When we see mentored hours on an application, it tells us you’ve invested in becoming confident and competent, not just qualified.

PPF post-course work also consists of apprentice teaching, in which students teach several bite size segments of real studio classes. This real-life experience is invaluable to build students’ confidence, programming skills and technical mastery. The student instructs in a safe environment with an experience instructor in the class, and receives detailed feedback from this instructor after each apprentice teaching session.  

Experience Teaching Groups

Even if your early experience was teaching friends or family, what matters is that you’ve practised holding space in front of others. Being comfortable projecting your voice, managing different personalities, adjusting pacing and keeping control of the room makes a significant difference.

There is a big shift from understanding Pilates to confidently leading a class. It’s not about being an extrovert, it’s about knowing your stuff and feeling comfortable when you guide your class through a safe and effective class.

Flexibility in Availability

Studios operate when clients are available, which means:

• Early mornings
• Evenings
• Weekends

Availability plays a bigger role than many new instructors realise. The more adaptable you are, the easier it is for a studio to build your timetable and give you opportunities.

If your availability is extremely limited, growth can be slower. Flexibility creates momentum in your career and allows you to step into opportunities as they arise.

Reliability and adaptability are qualities studios deeply value.

Supporting Qualifications

While comprehensive Pilates training is essential, additional qualifications (or an openness to completing them) can strengthen your application and expand your skill set.

Examples include:

• Cert III or IV in Fitness
• Barre training
• Yoga training

These certifications show a broader understanding of movement and can open the door to additional class styles or hybrid offerings.

‍

Openness to growth

This is one of the most important and often overlooked qualities. Studios want instructors who are keen to continue learning!

The Pilates industry evolves. Programming evolves. Clients evolve. Instructors who actively seek feedback, attend workshops, explore new modalities and refine their skills stand out.

A willingness to continue developing tells us you’re invested in your long-term growth and not just securing a job.

At PPF we offer intermediate online courses (with a discount for staff) including Intermediate Reformer and Prenatal Matwork & Reformer.

The Recap

What do Pilates studios actually look for when hiring?

Instructors who are:

• Comprehensively trained
• Experienced beyond assessment
• Comfortable leading groups
• Flexible and reliable
• Open to ongoing growth

A certificate gets your foot in the door. Preparation, experience and mindset build a truly rewarding career.

Interested in Working at PPF?

If this sounds like you we’d love to hear from you!

Send your CV and a short introduction to jobs@premiumpilates.com.au and tell us about your training, experience and goals.

We’re always looking for instructors to join the PPF fam!

‍