Naomi trained Zumba instructors through its 2007 boom, watching people with zero experience build real careers from it. She explains why the same pattern is showing up in Pilates now, and why Mat makes it easier to run your own classes once you qualify.

Tasha Neave was approaching 50, hadn't had a serious career in 20 years, and wasn't sure a new one was still possible. She passed her assessment and was teaching the next day, and hasn't stopped since. Not every Pilates course gets you here. Here's what "ready to teach" actually looks like, real proof from real graduates, and how to book your place in Poole, Guildford, Glasgow or Cambridge.

Do you need Mat before Reformer training? The honest answer: it depends which Reformer qualification you're going for. Our Reformer Certification needs no Mat first, but the YMCA Level 3 Reformer does, that's an EMD UK rule, not our preference. Neither route is "correct," they suit different goals. Here's what each one asks of you, which is right for you right now, and why real depth in the Pilates method eventually means training in both.

It goes without saying that not all courses are created equal, but what you may not be aware of is that not all courses will actually teach the same content beyond the national occupational standard requirements. So whilst there are an abundance of companies offering a 'level 3 Mat Pilates diploma' they are not all teaching the same content!

David Lloyd looks to be moving toward requiring all its Reformer Pilates instructors to hold a Level 3 qualification. Here's what that could mean if you teach at David Lloyd, and how to get ahead of it before it becomes compulsory.