5 Reasons You Should Never Take a Pilates Certification Completely Online
In today’s world, many education programs are shifting online, making it more convenient than ever to learn new skills from home. However, when it comes to something as hands-on and nuanced as a Pilates certification, fully online programs can do more harm than good. If you’re serious about becoming a certified Pilates instructor, here are five major reasons why you should steer clear of 100% online certification courses:
1. Pilates is About Movement – Not Theory Alone
Pilates isn’t just something you can read about or watch online videos to master. It’s a practice that relies on deep body awareness, precise movements, and the ability to physically adjust and cue your clients in real time. When you skip the in-person experience, you miss out on **embodied learning**—the essential practice of learning by doing.
In-person training gives you the chance to feel the exercises in your own body and see them demonstrated correctly by a professional. Pilates isn’t just theory—it’s about learning to move efficiently and helping others do the same.
2. The Importance of Hands-On Practice
One of the core parts of Pilates training is hands-on practice hours. This not only applies to your own technique but also to learning how to effectively teach and adjust your students. In a “live setting”, instructors will correct your form, demonstrate hands-on adjustments, and teach you how to make those same corrections when you’re the one teaching.
When you rely solely on online learning, you miss out on that invaluable feedback loop. Without this critical, hands-on component, you’re at a much higher risk of developing improper habits that can translate into poor instruction—and even injuries—for your future clients.
3. Building Confidence and Trust with Clients
To be an effective Pilates instructor, you need confidence—not just in your knowledge, but in your ability to “connect with and guide others.” In-person training helps you build that confidence by allowing you to interact with REAL people. You learn to observe REAL body types, movement limitations, and individual needs, which is something you simply can’t replicate in an online course.
Trust is built when you can adjust, engage with, and support your clients through movement. Training in person ensures that you know how to create those connections, providing a safe and encouraging environment for your students.
4. The Pilates Community is Key
One of the most underrated benefits of in-person Pilates training is the sense of “community” it fosters. You learn from your peers as much as you do from your instructors, observing different body types, learning styles, and teaching techniques. Networking with fellow trainees, exchanging ideas, and growing together as a cohort creates a strong support system that can last throughout your teaching career.
Online programs often lack the community element, leaving you feeling isolated and missing out on valuable interactions that could help you grow as a teacher. This is also important when you network to get a real paying job!
5. Reputation and Accreditation Matter
There are countless online programs claiming to offer “certifications,” but not all are created equal. Fully online certifications often lack the credibility and “accreditation” needed to make you a competitive and trusted Pilates instructor. Reputable studios and fitness centers look for instructors who have undergone rigorous, in-person training from accredited programs like the Pilates Method Alliance or the National Pilates Certification Program.
By choosing an in-person or hybrid training with a respected institution, you not only gain the skills and knowledge you need but also the reputation that comes with graduating from a trusted program. That stamp of approval can make all the difference when it comes to landing your dream job or building a successful Pilates practice.
While the flexibility of online learning may seem appealing, the value of “in-person Pilates certification” cannot be overstated. If you’re serious about becoming a Pilates instructor and delivering safe, effective instruction to your clients, the hands-on experience, real-time feedback, and community support you’ll get from in-person training are absolutely essential. Don’t shortchange yourself—or your future clients—with an entirely online certification. Instead, invest in a program that gives you the tools, experience, and confidence to excel in your teaching career and help you stretch your boundaries beyond your potential!
Soteria Pilates has partnered with The Pilates Education Institute to created a Hybrid Learning Platform to deliver the Best Pilates education in Orlando, FL. It’s a mixture of online/in person hours.
Whether you want to teach mat classes at your local gym, Pilates Reformer Classes for a local Pilates Studio or become a private trainer for injured athletes and focus more on rehabilitation. We have a program for you! Check out our website for the next Teacher Training Information Day and our next In Studio lecture days.
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