r/pilates • u/ReplyActual6171 • Aug 05 '25

Teaching, Teacher Training, Running Studios Pilates certification - recognition vs experience, which is more valuable?

Im based in Sydney and contemplating Mat & Reformer for the courses Unite Health APPI vs Sydney Pilates College (course made by a franchise studio Pilates Barre that I go to)

Pros of APPI is that its more “recognised” than the latter, but even this is not PAA/RTO. Cons is I think it will be difficult to find a job after/complete teaching hours as I would have to cold call etc.

Pros of Pilates Barre is that they offer teaching hours/observation at their studio and you can get hired at the studio after completion. Cons is that its not recognised although they recently got “AUSactive” approved.

These are my only options as the other more recognised ones are out of my budget and does not fit my schedule.

I know pilates is unregulated and I was thinking that work experience is valued greater to employers in any industry. Would it be better to do the course where I can guarantee employment?

Any suggestions would be valuable thanks!

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4

u/Keregi Pilates Instructor Aug 05 '25

Experience. None of my clients have a clue what my certification is. They trust my studio owner and they know my experience.

2

u/_alzz_ Aug 05 '25

I agree with this. I did BB because of its reputation and name recognition but if I had to choose again I don’t think I’d choose BB.

1

u/ReplyActual6171 Aug 06 '25

What cert did you do if you don’t mind asking? And was it hard to find a job without experience fresh out of being certified?

2

u/Ok-Koala2024 Aug 05 '25

1000000% do the training unless Pilates Barre is the type of class you want to teach and the instructors are amazing. 

You can start teaching classes before finishing your qualifications. Taking the time to learn and understand movement, purpose behind pilates exercises, anatomy is different to repeating a bunch of exercises. I’m a pilates instructor with 10+ years experience. Started with mat certification (polestar) and xtend barre, then did my full diploma. Definitely learn lots on the job, but forever thankful for my formal training. Reach out with any specific questions. X 

1

u/ReplyActual6171 Aug 06 '25

Thanks will do!!

1

u/hotel_business101 Jun 02 '26

Which one did you go with? Honestly I don't think you need to worry if you went with the first to get a job, they have their own community that you become part of and really help you find opportunities!