The Growing Crisis: Why Reformer Pilates Studios Are Struggling to Find Qualified Instructors

Author
NATHAN BETHELL

I’m Nathan Bethell, the founder of ReformerPilates.com and someone at the very start of my own Reformer Pilates journey. Through my blog, I’ll be sharing my experiences, insights, and reflections as I progress—celebrating the wins, embracing the challenges, and discovering how Reformer Pilates can enhance both body and mind.

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The Reformer Pilates industry is booming, but behind the scenes, studio owners are grappling with a pressing challenge: the shortage of qualified instructors. If you’ve read our recent Studio Owners Survey, you’d have seen a common thread in the responses when asked about their biggest challenges and priorities for 2025. One answer kept coming up—finding qualified instructors.

This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s an industry-wide concern that is actively stalling growth. Whether opening a new studio, replacing existing staff, or raising concerns about overall industry standards, studio owners overwhelmingly agree: there simply aren’t enough skilled instructors to meet demand.

The Numbers Behind the Instructor Shortage

Our survey revealed some startling insights into the instructor supply-and-demand crisis:

• 46% of studio owners say the shortage of high-quality instructors is their biggest concern.

• Only 22% of owners are satisfied with their current team’s size and skill level.

• 32% report they don’t have enough instructors, even though their team is well-trained.

• 15% have enough staff but believe their instructors require better training.

The takeaway? The demand for instructors is far outpacing supply, making it one of the biggest roadblocks to the industry’s continued expansion.

Why Is There a Shortage of Qualified Reformer Instructors?

1. It’s Not a Lack of Interest

You might assume the industry is struggling to attract new instructors, but that’s not entirely true. Many Reformer enthusiasts are eager to turn their passion into a profession. Our survey found that studio owners transitioned from corporate jobs to becoming studio owners in equal numbers to those already qualified Reformer Pilates instructors.

2. Is Availability an Issue?

A quick online search suggests that various certification bodies offer courses within three months, whether you’re in London, Nottingham, or Manchester. So why the shortage? The real issue isn’t availability, it’s confusion.

Aspiring instructors struggle with fundamental questions:

• What are the required qualifications?

• How much training do I need?

• Which course should I choose?

Without clear industry standards, the lack of structured guidance leaves many prospective instructors overwhelmed and unsure where to begin.

3. The Cost Barrier

Instructor training is a significant investment. Courses range anywhere from £750 to £5,000, depending on factors like previous qualifications, online vs. in-person training, and the training provider. While various options foster competition and innovation, the sheer cost variation can deter those interested in becoming instructors.

With no clear-cut pathway, potential instructors may hesitate before committing, further contributing to the shortage.

4. The Qualification Process Is Tough

Certification is far from guaranteed even after selecting a course and paying the fees. Leading training programs, including STOTT Pilates, BASI Pilates, Balanced Body, and Polestar Pilates, have rigorous requirements. Pass rates typically range from 70% to 90%, with some trainees needing multiple attempts to pass the practical and written exams.

For aspiring instructors, certification is not just about showing up, it requires dedication, time, and a deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and teaching techniques.

The Industry Needs More Clarity & Support

With the demand for instructors soaring, it’s time for the industry to step up and address these challenges head-on. A more transparent, structured approach to training and certification could help bridge the gap by:

• Standardising qualification requirements to reduce confusion.

• Offering flexible, affordable training options to attract more candidates.

• Providing clearer career pathways to support aspiring instructors from training to employment.

Reformer Pilates is thriving, and the need for high-quality instructors will only grow. By tackling these barriers, we can ensure that studios continue flourishing and that passionate Pilates enthusiasts can turn their love for movement into a fulfilling career.

What do you think? Have you struggled with instructor availability in your studio? Share your thoughts with us at ReformerPilates.com!