As the training is extensive and expensive, it is crucial that you are absolutely sure that this is a career path that you want to follow.  You have to be interested in exercise and very well connected with your body if you want to teach Pilates to others, and you have to be passionate about teaching or instructing.  Make a careful and informed decision, and do plenty of research and Pilates practice before choosing.  

Ensure that you feel comfortable with Pilates, and that you feel confident about teaching.  Certain experts recommend that you attend Pilates classes for a few months before you decide, as this is not just a career, but also a type of lifestyle.  Once you are certain that you want to become a Pilates instructor, you have to complete the course and fulfil all the theoretical and physical Pilates requirements before you can qualify.

The first step in becoming a Pilates instructor is to decide what type of instruction you would like to do. Once you have made that decision, you should find a suitable Pilates teaching academy that offers all the recognized courses you need to qualify.

It usually takes around 500 hours to qualify as a Pilates instructor, and this typically spans about 24 months.

There are a variety of certifications available for aspiring Pilates instructors. Mat certification, for example, only allows you to teach mat work. However, a wider overall qualification enables you to teach both Pilates on the mat and using the relevant equipment.