Frequently Asked Questions

Our students come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some have a passion for movement, some are already working in fitness, while others are looking for a new direction, greater purpose in their career, or simply want to expand their knowledge.

You must be 16 years or older to enrol. You do not need to be an athlete, although a basic level of physical ability is recommended because the course includes movement and practical teaching.

Before starting, we ask that you have completed at least 25 Pilates classes as a participant. This gives you experience of the movement, exercises and client perspective before learning to teach.

Yes. Many of our students speak English as a second language. All written course content is able to be translated through the online platform. Assessments focus on your knowledge, understanding and ability to teach, not perfect English.

Yes. Online students can work through the course at their own pace, while in-person practical training is generally scheduled across weekends.

We recommend Mat as the foundation. It develops your understanding of movement and teaching, giving you skills that carry directly into Reformer. Learning both gives you a more complete understanding of Pilates and helps you become a well-rounded instructor.

You don’t have to complete Mat before Reformer, but we highly recommend it. Mat builds a strong foundation in movement, principles and cueing before introducing the added complexity of the Reformer – springs, resistance, pulleys and a moving carriage. Think of it as learning to walk before you run.

We strongly believe in learning from the foundations up – building understanding before adding complexity. If you’re not Mat certified, choose Reformer with Mat Fundamentals,  where core Mat principles are integrated into your Reformer training. While this isn’t a separate Mat qualification, it’s an essential part of the Reformer pathway.

Our Mat + Reformer is our recommended, most popular and comprehensive pathway. Combining both gives you one connected education, a broader qualification, more teaching opportunities and greater flexibility in where and how you teach.

This depends on your situation and how you learn best. In-person training offers an immersive, hands-on experience with immediate feedback and direct support from an educator. Online training gives you the flexibility to learn from anywhere, fit your training around work and life, with online educator support.

Yes. Both pathways lead to the same In Balance Education certification and educational standard. The difference is how the learning is delivered.

Upcoming in-person dates and locations are listed on the website. Online courses can begin as soon as you enrol.

Every student receives access to our online learning platform for theory, course materials and exercise education. In-person students then apply that knowledge during practical in-person training, while online students continue through educator-supported remote learning.

You immediately gain access to your online theory modules and movement library, so you can begin progressing through your learning and completing the hours required for certification.

In-person students complete their required online theory and observation hours before attending practical training so face-to-face sessions can focus on teaching, application and feedback.

Your required hours are made up of observation,learning by watching experienced teachers. Practice teaching puts you in the teacher role, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned and self-mastery develops your own understanding of Pilates through continued personal practice.

You receive educator guidance, course check-ins, real time feedback and support throughout your training.

Course duration depends on your pathway and delivery format.

Online courses are self-paced. In-person course dates are shown on each course page.

These hours include theory, practical learning, observation, teaching, self-mastery and assessment.

Mat Pilates: 100 hours
Reformer Pilates: 100 hours
Mat + Reformer: 150 hours

Your course investment includes access to our online platform, theory modules, exercise library, educator support, assessments and certification, including access to our global community network. There are no hidden course fees.

Assessment focuses on your ability to understand, apply and teach what you’ve learned. Your theory is assessed through a multiple-choice exam after each module, while your in-person training includes practical teaching where you apply your skills with fellow students.

You’ll need a reliable internet connection, a laptop, tablet or phone, video capability and a suitable space to practise and teach.

Mat students need a Pilates mat and a suitable space to practise. If your course includes Reformer, you’ll need access to a Reformer for your practical requirements. Many students organise this through a local studio or gym.

Pricing varies depending on the course, delivery format and currency. Current pricing and payment options are shown on each course page.

Yes. Available payment options are shown when you choose your course.

Our transfer, deferral and refund conditions are outlined in our Terms & Conditions. We recommend reviewing these before enrolling.

Once you successfully complete all requirements, you’ll receive an In Balance Education Pilates Instructor Certification in your chosen pathway.

Yes. Our certifications are recognised through AUSactive in Australia and ICREPs internationally, subject to the requirements of the relevant country, employer, insurer or professional register.

Our certification is internationally recognised and supports teaching opportunities internationally through the relevant recognition pathways.

Requirements can vary between countries, employers and insurers, so we always recommend checking what applies where you intend to work

No.

In Balance Education is not a Registered Training Organisation. We developed our own education pathway so we can remain contemporary, flexible and focused on what Pilates teachers need in today’s industry.

Our certifications are recognised through professional pathways including AUSactive and ICREPs rather than the Australian VET system.

Graduates may teach in Pilates studios, gyms and wellness spaces, work privately or build businesses of their own

We’re building this directly into the In Balance community, creating a place for graduates to access teaching opportunities, studio roles, industry connections and opportunities shared by our partner network. We can’t guarantee employment, but we want the pathway from education into the industry to be far more connected than simply handing you a certificate.

Yes. Some teachers begin with a few classes alongside existing work, while others build Pilates into a full-time career.

Your connection with In Balance continues after certification. Through the In Balance community, graduates can access ongoing education, educator guidance, industry connections, studio opportunities and a growing network of teachers and partners around the world.

We’re here to help move the industry forward through our principles-led approach, bringing together Pilates, anatomy, biomechanics, coaching and practical application. We don’t just teach you what to teach – we teach you to understand movement, why you choose it and how to adapt it, so you can think for yourself and teach with confidence.

Principles are the foundations behind how and why we teach movement. They help you understand what you’re doing, why you’re doing it and how to adapt to the person in front of you.

Because knowing the exercises is only one part of teaching. To set yourself apart as an instructor, you need to observe movement, ask questions, understand what you’re seeing and make informed decisions about how to communicate, adapt and coach the person in front of you.