281 Training Academy
Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor Course
Train with industry experts. Learn in small, supportive groups.
Graduate with confidence, skills and accreditation to teach anywhere in the UK.
The industry’s most popular Level 3 Mat Pilates course
All cohorts require you to attend the in-person weekend dates.
Entry Requirements: No formal entry requirements – just a passion for Pilates!
Secure your place today with a £250 deposit
Flexible payment plans available here
Book your place for only a £250 deposit…
| Cohort | Weekend Dates | Location |
| January 2026 | 10-11 Jan | 7-8 Feb | 7-8 March | Studio 281 Bedford/MK |
| April 2026 | 18-19 Apr | 16-17 May | 13-14 June | Studio 281 Bedford/MK |
| September 2026 | 12-13 Sept | 10-11 Oct | 14-15 Nov | Studio 281 Bedford/MK |
Course Overview: Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor Course
Our Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates (YMCA Awards accredited and CIMSPA recognised) blends practical, hands-on learning with essential theoretical knowledge giving you everything you need to start teaching with confidence.
Course Structure
We’ve designed this course to give you the best of both worlds, evidence-based theory and plenty of hands-on practice.
40% Theory: Online study modules, anatomy and physiology, exercise science, Pilates principles
60% Practical: In-studio workshops, teaching practice, peer feedback, and real-time tutor assessment
Online Learning: 30 hours of guided self-study through your personal student portal
In-Studio Practical: 18 hours across three weekends at Studio281 Bedford
Peer Practice: 5 hours of additional teaching and observation
Key Features of the Course:
Entry Requirements ✔️
No formal entry requirements; however, prior Pilates experience is beneficial.
Accreditations ✔️
Fully accredited by YMCA Awards and recognised by CIMSPA.
High-Quality Study Materials ✔️
Access to carefully designed study resources that provide in-depth knowledge and practical teaching techniques.
Flexible Learning Environment ✔️
A blend of in-person workshops, online modules, and in-studio classes to suit different learning styles and schedules.
Career Development ✔️
Ongoing career support, including job opportunities through our network and further business development resources.
Upgrade Your Level 3 Mat Pilates with Reformer Certification for Only £675
Complete your certification by adding the Reformer Pilates Instructor Course for just £575 when you sign up for the Level 3 Mat Pilates course. Become a fully qualified instructor in both Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates!
Reformer CPD Dates:
-31st January & 1st February (Saturday & Sunday)
-21st & 22nd March (Saturday & Sunday)
-4th & 5th July (Saturday & Sunday)
-5th & 6th December (Saturday & Sunday)
Payment Options
We offer flexible payment options for your convenience, allowing you to spread the cost of your training over several months. Below are the available payment plans for the Level 3 Mat Pilates and Reformer CPD courses:
Book your place for only £300 deposit
What You’ll Learn
Our Level 3 Pilates course is designed to make you a skilled, confident, and adaptable Pilates instructor, integrating the fundamentals of Pilates with modern teaching methods. This course combines in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical teaching experience, ensuring you leave with the skills needed to excel in the fitness industry.
Anatomy and Physiology
Understanding how the body works is essential for teaching Pilates. In this section, you’ll explore the body’s systems and how Pilates enhances movement and health.
What you’ll cover:
Short-term Responses and Long-term Adaptations
Skeletal & Muscular Systems
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems
Nervous & Endocrine Systems
Energy Systems
Principles of Pilates
You’ll dive into the core principles that make Pilates such an effective exercise method. This will help you understand the foundations of the practice, from its history to its techniques.
What you’ll cover:
Posture and Alignment
Contrology (The Original Pilates Exercises)
Planning and Delivering Exercise
Pilates Breathing Techniques
Teaching Pilates
Hands-on teaching experience is crucial to becoming an effective instructor. This section ensures you gain the practical skills needed to teach both individuals and groups, adapting exercises to meet client needs.
What you’ll cover:
Adapting Exercises for Different Clients and Needs
Planning and Delivering Pilates Sessions
Teaching to Individuals and Groups
Powered by Train 108
What You’ll Get
Career guidance and access to teaching opportunities within Studio281’s network
Level 3 YMCA Awards Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates
CIMSPA recognised qualification
Access to your online student learning portal
Practical workshops led by industry professionals
Ongoing mentorship and community support after graduation
Meet Your Tutors
Georgia Testa
Head of Education & Founder of Studio 281/281 Training Academy
With over a decade in the fitness industry, Georgia built Studio 281 on the belief that movement transforms lives. She specialises in Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates and functional training, known for her empowering, real-world approach to teaching which has seen her open five successful Reformer studios, with more on the way
Tom Davies
Training Provider with Train108 & Quality Assurance Manager
An experienced Pilates educator and assessor, Tom brings a wealth of practical and technical knowledge to every course. His teaching style blends professionalism, humour, and a deep understanding of movement.
Together, Georgia and Tom ensure your training goes beyond certification, helping you develop as a confident, knowledgeable and employable instructor.
Frequently asked questions
Browse our FAQs or contact us today!
What qualifications do you need to teach Reformer Pilates in the UK?
In the UK the most common entry point is to start with a Level 3 Mat Pilates qualification, which offers a standardised entry into teaching Pilates.
This certification will get you well-acquainted with the core principles of Pilates, anatomy, the basic mat Pilates exercises and how to teach.
Unlike Mat Pilates, there is no set of national professional standards for Reformer training and it is unlikely that there will be any time soon.
Therefore any employer will usually request a Level 3 Mat Pilates certification plus they will expect that you have experience and further training on the reformer bed.
Studio 281 has therefore created a contemporary reformer instructor training programme, that is only available to those with a Level 3 Mat Pilates qualification.
This requirement is to ensure that instructors are teaching reformer classes safely and with sufficient training.
As studio-owners and instructors ourselves, we know what skills matter most and what is required to become an excellent Reformer Pilates Instructor. We made sure that our Reformer Instructor training course fills the gap between Mat Pilates and a Reformer trainer, offering innovative contemporary training as an addition to the essential Pilates training that stays true to the method.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes! You can spread the cost over 5 months after paying your deposit.
How much theory vs practical is there?
Approximately 40% theory (online modules) and 60% practical (in-studio weekends, peer practice, assessments).
What’s the assessment process?
You’ll complete online quizzes, a written exam, and a final observed teaching session.
How many students are in a group?
We cap our courses at 15 students to keep the learning experience personal and supportive.
What are the course dates?
10-11 Jan | 7-8 Feb | 7-8 March – January Level 3 Mat Pilates Cohort
18-19 Apr | 16-17 May | 13-14 June – March Level 3 Mat Pilates Cohort
12-13 Sept | 10-11 Oct | 14-15 Nov – September Level 3 Mat Pilates Cohort
Reformer CPD Dates:
March 21-22
July 4-5
December 5-6
Is this qualification recognised nationally?
Yes, our Level 3 Diploma is fully accredited by YMCA Awards and recognised by CIMSPA.