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"I feel so confident teaching and planning classes, my Mat class starting Monday is already full!" - Emily T.
What is an intensive Matwork course?
Same qualification, one focused week instead of months of weekends
You complete the anatomy and physiology theory beforehand, online, at your own pace. The week itself is where that knowledge gets applied: hands-on practical training, teaching practice and programming, all in one immersive stretch. No stop-start, no losing momentum between sessions. Assessments are completed in the 2-4 months following.
You're training in a real, fully-equipped Pilates studio, not a hired conference room. That matters more than it sounds: you'll see the original Pilates apparatus most instructors never get taught alongside.
"Naomi makes it fun and engaging and leaves you feeling confident to get out there and start teaching!" — Leah D.
Course Dates
2026 course dates, Poole, Dorset
Day
Date
Time
Wednesday
25 November 2026
12noon-5pm
Thursday
26 November 2026
8am-2pm
Friday
27 November 2026
8am-2pm
Saturday
28 November 2026
8am-2pm
Sunday
29 November 2026
8am-2pm
Wednesday's later start gives you time to travel down and settle in. From Thursday, mornings are training and afternoons are yours, to get ahead on assessment work or explore Poole's harbour and beaches.
Only 6 spaces are available, on purpose. It's what keeps the training personal instead of you being one of twenty faces in a studio. Courses do sell out, so book early if you know this is your week.
Investment
Pay in full £1,600
Payment Plans available: £500 enrolment fee followed by 2 x £600 or 3 x £425 monthly payments.
All prices include VAT. No hidden extras. Covers all six days in person, your pre-course learning, all assessments, online course access and workbooks and your YMCA Level 3 certificate. Accommodation in Poole is not included.
"So knowledgeable, but not overpowering, and you don't feel exhausted and overloaded which you sometimes can on an all day course...
I loved the timings of this course and felt like it was a good amount of time, not too much or too short days."
— Freya G.
What you'll learn
Everything you need to teach a Mat class with confidence, not just pass an assessment
Traditional foundation, current science
The classical Matwork repertoire as Joseph Pilates built it: its purpose, sequencing, and how to teach it correctly and safely, plus the anatomy and physiology that let you explain why it works, not just recite it.
Teaching skills
Cueing, verbal instruction, hands-on correction, and building your own teaching voice. You practise teaching your peers every day, with direct feedback from Naomi.
Class Programming
How to build varied, intelligent classes for different abilities and goals, so you leave able to create your own sessions, not just repeat someone else's.
Client care that holds up
Consultation, screening, informed consent and knowing when to refer out: the professional side of the job a rushed course skips.
"Just finished my Level 3 Mat course with Naomi and I'm so happy I have done it... Really recommend this course especially if you're looking for a change of career, you'll find your feet on this course." - Nikki F.
Is this course right for you?
You don't need to be a fitness professional already
Plenty of students come from a completely different career and go on to build a Pilates teaching career from scratch.
You do need a solid personal Matwork practice before joining: this course builds on your existing movement foundation rather than starting from nothing.
This course is a strong fit if you:
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Attend Mat Pilates classes regularly and love the method
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Are making a career change and want to qualify without stretching it across months
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Already work in movement, fitness or dance (personal training, yoga, group exercise) and want a recognised Matwork qualification to add to your scope of practice
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Work best when you can fully commit to something and see it through
If you need a more flexible schedule, or learn better with repeated contact over time, the standard live virtual Matwork course is likely the better fit. Full attendance across all days is required on this one.
"What really stood out was the level of support and genuine care from Naomi... it felt personal, thoughtful and empowering." - Louise B.
Where this qualification takes you
Does this course count for anything beyond a certificate?
Yes, in two ways:
The Level 3 Matwork Pilates Diploma is awarded by YMCA Awards, an Ofqual-regulated (RQF) awarding body, and it makes you eligible for CIMSPA Pilates Instructor Associate membership, the standard that shows employers and clients you've met comprehensive training requirements to teach Mat Pilates safely.
It also makes you eligible for EMD UK Pro membership, the national body for group exercise, which brings discounted PPL music licensing, an instructor resource library, and business support tools alongside the professional recognition.
Can I go on to train in Reformer after this?
Yes, and for most people that's exactly the plan. A Level 3 Matwork Diploma isn't just a sensible foundation for Level 3 Reformer, it's a requirement to gain the qualification: EMD UK's Reformer Pilates Method scope of practice makes it a mandatory prerequisite. This week puts that next step firmly within reach, not just a Mat qualification on its own.
A career
you'll love
With your Level 3 Mat pilates qualification, instructors typically earn:
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£25-£45/hour teaching group studio classes
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£40-£80/hour working with private clients
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£40-£150/hour teaching your own community classes
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The flexibility to build a schedule that works around your life
One of the best things about teaching Mat Pilates is that you can do it anywhere! You could be teaching on a beach, in the park, online, traveling the world on yachts or cruise ships, or even running your own retreats!
"I couldn't have asked for a better trainer than Naomi! She made everyone feel so comfortable and believed in us all." — Ami R.
Your tutor
Naomi Di Fabio has been training fitness professionals for 20 years and has trained thousands of Pilates, dance and fitness instructors across the UK, internationally and online.
She brings a deep, traditional grounding in the Pilates Method paired with a modern, evidence-based approach, and she's managed boutique studios in London and worked alongside some of the best-known names in the industry.
You get direct access to Naomi throughout your whole course.
"I want to help you find your own unique voice as a teacher. You are not a cookie-cutter instructor, and your clients will love you for it."