Mat
Mat teacher training
Best first course if you want to teach anywhere, with no equipment needed for your practice hours.
£2,200 or 4 × £550
View courseQualify
How to become a Pilates instructor in Manchester
One route, no shortcuts: a four or five-day in-person intensive, supported practice hours and exams that studios trust. Everything included in one price.
How do you become a Pilates instructor?
To become a Pilates instructor in Manchester you complete a teacher training course, supported practice hours and exams. At The Pilates Programme, Altrincham that is four or five in-person days, 80 practice hours and three exams, from £2,200 all in with four interest-free payments. Most students teach their first paid class within three to four months.
At a glance
- Courses
- Mat, Reformer, Barre
- In-person days
- 5 per course
- Practice hours
- 80 supported
- Exams
- 3, included
- Price
- £2,200 or 4 × £550
- Location
- Altrincham, Greater Manchester
- Accreditation
- ITTAP via PMA · CIMSPA Training Partner
- Prerequisite
- None
Your route
Your route in 4 steps
-
Week 0
Choose your course
Mat, Reformer or Barre. Take the quiz if you are unsure, or book two together and save £1,000.
-
Weeks 1 to 4
4 or 5-day in-person intensive
Small cohort, individual coaching at the Altrincham centre, after the online Human Movement course.
-
Weeks 5 to 12
Practice hours with support
30 observation, 25 personal study and 25 practice teaching hours, with a plan and your trainers on hand.
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Weeks 12 to 16
Exams and your first class
Two online multiple choice exams and a practical over Zoom, all included. Then cover, apply or launch your own.
Teacher training
Choose your first course
Reformer
Reformer teacher training
Best first course if you want to work in Reformer studios and have access to a Reformer for practice hours.
£2,200 or 4 × £550
New dates being scheduled
View courseBarre
Barre teacher training
Best if you love music-led classes and want to add a high-demand group format to your timetable.
£2,200 or 4 × £550
New dates being scheduled
View course
Which first?
Mat or Reformer first?
Both qualify you to teach. The difference is where you want to teach and what you can practise on.
| Question | Mat | Reformer |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | None | None |
| Equipment for practice hours | None. A mat and a room. | Regular access to a Reformer: local studio, hire at the centre, or at home. |
| Where you can teach | Studios, gyms, community venues, online, your own classes. | Boutique Reformer studios and gyms with Reformers, private clients. |
| Price | £2,200 | £2,200 |
| Levels covered | Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced | Beginner and Intermediate |
Job demand varies by area. The jobs board shows which disciplines local studios are hiring for right now.
Double booking
Two courses, £3,400. Save £1,000.
Book any two of Mat, Reformer and Barre together for £3,400 and save £1,000. Pay in full or spread the cost over 6 monthly interest-free payments.
What it really costs
One price, nothing hidden
£2,200 covers the online course, four or five in-person days, your manual, the video library, every workshop and all three exams. Studio hire for practice hours and insurance are the only things to budget for on top.
In their words
Graduate stories
“The facilities are amazing and your instruction was super warm, friendly and completely non intimidating”
“As someone with a learning disability, I found the experience extremely helpful and accommodating. The way the material was delivered made it accessible and encouraging, which means a lot to me”
“I'm SO pleased I chose to train with you! I feel set up for success and can't wait for the journey ahead”
Upcoming dates
Next cohorts
-
Mat teacher training
Weekdays
Altrincham training centre
Open
Book Mat 27 – 30 Oct 2026 (opens Arketa in a new tab)
Show details for Mat teacher training, 27 – 30 Oct 2026
Qualify to teach Mat Pilates from beginner to advanced, across Contrology, Classical and Contemporary repertoire.
- Days
- Tue to Fri, 27 – 30 Oct 2026 (4 days)
- Where
- The Pilates Programme, Altrincham, 23 Central Way, Altrincham, WA14 1RF
- Price
- £2,200 or 4 × £550 interest-free
- Prerequisite
- None
- After the course
- 80 supported practice hours, then 3 exams, all included
What's included
- Human Movement Course (online)
- Online learning platform
- 4 in-person practical days at the Altrincham centre
- Training manual
- and 3 more on the course page
-
Mat teacher training
Weekdays
Altrincham training centre
Open
Book Mat 16 – 19 Nov 2026 (opens Arketa in a new tab)
Show details for Mat teacher training, 16 – 19 Nov 2026
Qualify to teach Mat Pilates from beginner to advanced, across Contrology, Classical and Contemporary repertoire.
- Days
- Mon to Thu, 16 – 19 Nov 2026 (4 days)
- Where
- The Pilates Programme, Altrincham, 23 Central Way, Altrincham, WA14 1RF
- Price
- £2,200 or 4 × £550 interest-free
- Prerequisite
- None
- After the course
- 80 supported practice hours, then 3 exams, all included
What's included
- Human Movement Course (online)
- Online learning platform
- 4 in-person practical days at the Altrincham centre
- Training manual
- and 3 more on the course page
-
Mat teacher training
Weekdays
Altrincham training centre
Open
Book Mat 30 Nov 2026 (opens Arketa in a new tab)
Show details for Mat teacher training, 30 Nov 2026
Qualify to teach Mat Pilates from beginner to advanced, across Contrology, Classical and Contemporary repertoire.
- Days
- Mon 30 Nov 2026, one day
- Where
- The Pilates Programme, Altrincham, 23 Central Way, Altrincham, WA14 1RF
- Price
- £2,200 or 4 × £550 interest-free
- Prerequisite
- None
- After the course
- 80 supported practice hours, then 3 exams, all included
What's included
- Human Movement Course (online)
- Online learning platform
- 4 in-person practical days at the Altrincham centre
- Training manual
- and 3 more on the course page
FAQ
Questions about qualifying
How much does Pilates teacher training cost?
Mat, Reformer and Barre teacher training each cost £2,200. That includes the online Human Movement course, the in-person days (four for Mat, five for Reformer or Barre), your manual, the video library, all workshops and all exams. There are no extra fees for assessment or certification. You can pay in full or in four monthly interest-free payments.
How long does it take to become a Pilates instructor?
From booking to your first paid class is typically three to four months: pre-course online study, four or five in-person days, then around eight weeks of practice hours and exams. Some students take longer around work and family, and that is fine.
How many practice hours do I need, and how do I organise them?
After the in-person intensive you complete 30 observation hours, 25 personal study hours and 25 practice teaching hours. Most students finish in eight to twelve weeks alongside a job. You can observe classes locally or online, hire studio space and equipment at the centre, and practise teaching friends, family or a local studio. We give you a plan and support you through it.
Should I do Mat or Reformer first?
Mat gives you the fullest foundation, works anywhere and needs no equipment for practice hours. Reformer is the format most boutique studios hire for. Many students book both as a double booking and save £1,000. If you are unsure, take the 60-second course quiz.
Do I need Pilates experience to train as a Mat teacher?
You do not need a qualification, but you should have practised Pilates regularly and enjoy it. If you are new to Pilates, we suggest attending classes for a few months first so the repertoire feels familiar.
Do I need access to a Reformer to train?
For the in-person days, no. For your practice hours you will need regular time on a Reformer, either at a local studio, through equipment hire at our centre, or at home. If you have no access at all, Mat may be the better first course.
Are your courses accredited?
Our courses are internationally accredited by ITTAP through the Pilates Method Alliance, and The Pilates Programme is a CIMSPA Training Partner. The accreditation page explains what each body is and what it means for where you can teach.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Qualify courses can be paid in four monthly interest-free payments of £550. A double booking of two courses can be spread over six payments. CPD can be paid in two instalments. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Free guide