Course overview

The FÔLD Academy online reformer Pilates level 3 training course​ is built to give fitness professionals and Pilates enthusiasts the qualification to become an employable reformer Pilates teacher with the confidence to create classes that are safe, modern and focus on evidence-informed movement. You’ll learn reformer anatomy, set up, class programming, cueing, progressions, modifications and how to adapt your teaching for the class in front of you, from beginners to stronger, more athletic clients.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Course length

The FÔLD Academy online reformer Pilates instructor course is 8 - 10 weeks.  You’ll complete the reformer Pilates instructor course in your own time, with self-paced online theory blended with a defined number of in-person practical days and logged practical hours. You’ll have structured online modules to complete at home, plus scheduled training weekends and observed teaching hours in a partner studio.

By the end of the course…

At the end of the reformer Pilates instructor course, you’ll be able to safely set up and use a FÔLD reformer (including adjusting springs and using props), teach a core beginner and intermediate flow, plan and deliver clear, creative and progressive reformer classes for mixed abilities, give options for common postural issues and minor injuries, confidently manage your class with confident verbal and tactile cueing and market yourself and your skills.

Accreditation

High-quality reformer Pilates instructor courses in the UK are typically mapped to Level 3 standards, endorsed by recognised awarding bodies like YMCA Awards and Active IQ. The FÔLD Academy has been launched to raise the standards in Pilates education and is positioned as a reputable, industry-aligned provider. Graduates of our programme can use their qualification to work in studios and gyms that recognise contemporary reformer Pilates qualifications. 

Location

Most of your learning will happen online, with modules completed in your own time. Our practical training days usually run in our FÔLD Partner Studios or training venues in major UK cities, as well as some host gyms and partner studios in Europe. Once you’ve been awarded your qualification, you’ll be able to teach across the UK and in Europe.

Cohort Locations & Dates

Hampshire - Alresford

🗓️ April 2026 Cohort
Workshops: April 18th, 19th, 25th & 26th
Assessments: June 13th & 14th

🗓️ October 2026 Cohort
Workshops: October 10th, 11th, 30th & Nov 1st
Assessments: December 12th & 13th

London - Notting Hill

🗓️ June 2026 Cohort
Workshops: June 6th, 7th, 27th & 28th
Assessments: August 8th & 9th

🗓️ January 2027 Cohort
Workshops: January 9th, 10th, 30th & 31st
Assessments: March 13th & 14th

Essex - Colchester

🗓️ August 2026 Cohort
Workshops: August 22nd, 23th, 30th & Nov 1st
Assessments: October 24th & 25th

Sheffield

🗓️ September 2026 Cohort
Workshops: September, 5th,7th & 27th
Assessments: November 7th & 8th

Liverpool

🗓️ August 2026 Cohort
Workshops: August 8th, 9th, 29th & 30th Assessments: October 11th & 12th

Bath - Frome

🗓️ August 2026 Cohort
Workshops: August 15th, 16th, 29th & 30th
Assessments: October 10th & 11th

Midlands - Redditch

🗓️ October 2026 Cohort
Workshops: August 15th, 16th & September 5th, 6th
Assessments: October 17th & 18th

Glasgow

🗓️ September 2026 Cohort
Workshops: September 12th, 13th & October 3rd & 4th
Assessments: November 15th & 16th

Manchester

🗓️ July 2026 Cohort
Workshops: July 25th, 26th & August 15th & 16th
Assessments: September 26th & 27th

12 months at 0% interest free by Direct Debit 

Cost

Level 3 Certificate in Instructing Studio Reformer Pilates: £1,749

12 months at 0% interest free by Direct Debit 

Or combine Level 3 Reformer Pilates & Level 3 Mat Pilates and save £499. Buy now for just £2,999 or pay over 12 months interest-free.

£3499
£2999
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Save £499 when you combine with mat Pilates

10% off your FOLD reformer

Entry requirements

To take part in the FÔLD reformer Pilates instructor course, you’ll need to have access to your own reformer bed to practice what you learn on the course. To help, we’re giving you 10% off your FOLD reformer so you’ll save £210. 

The FÔLD reformer Pilates instructor course is great for:

  • Any fitness professionals (including mat Pilates, yoga, PT, dance etc.) who want to start offering reformer Pilates 
  • People who have a solid personal reformer Pilates practice and are ready to deepen their knowledge with anatomy and teaching skills 

It’s helpful if you have a basic knowledge of anatomy and also if you have previous teaching experience, though this isn’t essential.

Mat Pilates qualification OR Level 2 (Exercise to Music) certificate required

FÔLD FAQs

  • The FÔLD Academy powered by Create online reformer Pilates course is run by the YMCA and is internationally-recognised, Ofqual regulated, Ofsted monitored and endorsed by CIMSPA. The course is positioned to meet industry benchmarks so that your certificate unlocks teaching opportunities in studios, gyms and wellness clubs in the UK and beyond.

  • Unlike other reformer Pilates course providers, FÔLD is a pioneer within the industry. We created the original foldable home reformer and we’re extending our innovation into education. Our focus is all about accessible and modern reformer training that fits real-life schedules and connects you with our community and other spaces expanding their reformer Pilates offering.

  • On the FÔLD Academy reformer Pilates instructor course​, you’ll be taught by teachers who have an understanding of classical Pilates principles and the demands of a modern group reformer class. Our teachers are senior instructors who teach daily and many have a background in Pilates, fitness and dance, backed by significant hands-on teaching experience.

  • Our reformer Pilates instructor course is a hybrid format that blends self-paced online learning with in-person practicals. This means that you can study theory from home at your own pace while still gaining essential practical teaching experience on real reformers in a proper studio setting.

  • As a YMCA-run course, the FÔLD Academy powered by Create online reformer Pilates training is an internationally recognised qualification that allows you to teach in the UK and Europe.

  • FÔLD Academy powered by Create reformer Pilates instructor course is grounded in contemporary Pilates and built from the foundations of Joseph Pilates’ principles. It’s updated for today’s client and studio environment. Expect clear technique, functional variations and athletic sequences that translate well into modern small group classes.

  • Yes. We have a minimum required amount of observed practical hours alongside your online learning. This balance means you leave not only knowing the sequences and repertoire but also feeling confident to teach real clients safely and progressively.

  • The FÔLD Academy powered by Create Pilates instructor course is designed to work around people with a full-time job. Your online learning can be completed at your own pace and your practical modules will be given with plenty of time and with your work situation in mind.

Course lessons

Our course is divided into clear lesson blocks that move from foundations to advanced teaching skills to help you progress step by step. Below is an example of how our lessons are structured.

Subsections of every course

  • Foundations: Pilates principles, reformer components, set up, safety and essential anatomy for reformer Pilates 
  • Repertoire & sequencing: Beginner to intermediate exercises,layering, progressions, modifications and class planning for different goals and levels 
  • Teaching skills: Cueing, demonstrations, informed consent and hands-on adjustments, managing mixed-ability groups and adapting classes for commons conditions
  • Assessment & career: Mock classes, practical assessment preparation, professionalism and guidance on finding work or building your own client base
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