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I’ve Watched the Pilates Industry Change for Over Two Decades

When I first began teaching and training instructors, Pilates looked very different than it does today. There were fewer studios. Fewer certifications. Fewer “quick fix” teacher training programs.  And fewer large chains that devised a very particular style of certification that caters to their “Method” alone and not Pilates as a whole. Today, Pilates is everywhere — on social media, in luxury gyms, in pop-up studios, in influencer workouts. On the surface, that looks like growth.  But from inside the industry, it tells a more complicated story.

Yes, Pilates Is Saturated — But Not With Mastery

Let’s be honest. New Pilates teachers are graduating every month.

Many of them complete:

And then they’re sent out to teach bodies they don’t yet know how to read. That’s not empowerment. That’s setting people up to struggle.

Classical Pilates Was Never Meant to Be Rushed

Joseph Pilates designed this method as a lifelong system. We love the tried and true influencers on instagram that are spreading the word on the difference betweens Joe’s original “classical” method and the fusion-based offerings that are so popular today. Check this one out!

It was built on consistency, repetition, an order and prescribed flow (a system!), precision and other foundational priniciples, observation, apprenticeship and mentorship. You were meant to study under experienced teachers, not rush through slideshows. Classical Pilates has survived for over 100 years because it works — when it’s taught properly.

Why Studios Still Seek Classically Trained Teachers

As a studio owner, I review instructor resumes constantly.

And I’ll tell you this: When I see “Classical Certification,” I know that this person understands “the system,” that they’ve trained in a reputable program and put in the ultimate 400 – 600 hours of apprenticeship, that they respect the work, and most importantly that they can provide safe and customized Pilates movement for a variety of clients and even special cases. This absolutely matters! Studios don’t just want “certified.” They want capable, flexible experts.

I regularly meet instructors who say: “I’m certified, but I don’t feel confident.”

“I don’t know how to progress clients.” Or, “I’m scared to teach injuries.” This is not a personal failure. It’s a training failure.

Why I Built Core Pilates NYC Teacher Training Differently

When I developed our certification program, particularly our Comprehensive program, I refused to cut corners. Since 2002, myself and the CPNYC faculty focus on classical sequencing, an intense and enriching apprenticeship experience, teaching real bodies right away, mentorship and more. All of this is presented live in dedicated intensive weekends over the course of 6 months and a robust online platform accompanies them for life as a resource and guide. Confident teachers change lives. I’ve seen it over and over again.

If You’re Serious About Teaching, Choose Depth

Pilates doesn’t need more instructors. It needs better ones. If you’re ready to train seriously, we’d love to support you.

Learn more about our Classical Pilates Teacher Training at corepilatesnyc.com