February 26, 2024 -

Are you passionate about Pilates and ready to take the leap into becoming a certified instructor?

With the ever-growing demand for online certifications, it's crucial to choose the right one that aligns with your goals, budget, and schedule. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the top three online Pilates teacher certifications of 2024: Breathe Education, ASFA, and Pilates Instructor Academy. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, to help you make an informed decision on your path to becoming a certified Pilates instructor in 2024.

Breathe Education, founded in Australia in 2016

Pros:

• Comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, biomechanics, and Pilates principles.
• Emphasis on evidence-based practice and contemporary teaching methods.
• They offer mat and equipment Pilates instructor training.
• Offer continuing education credits for ACE (American Council on Exercise)
• 4.9 stars on Google reviews
• Recognized all over the world
• Refunds offered with conditions spelled out in the site’s Terms and Conditions

Cons:

• Is not a self-paced online certification. Students are required to attend multiple live zoom lectures.
• Cost is comparable to an in-studio certification. Breathe Education prices are not front and center on their site, requiring customers to dig a bit to obtain information about pricing, but a 450 hour certification can run more than $5,000 USD, not including textbooks.
• Requires a significant time commitment to complete the program and assessments.
• Limited flexibility in terms of pace and schedule due to structured course modules.
• Renewal and continuing education fees may be required.

ASFA (American Sports & Fitness Association) Founded in the USA 2007*:

Pros:

• Since ASFA is an online exam online, it provides a quick certification process, ideal for those looking to get a certificate rapidly.
• A good option for those who already hold certifications in other modalities, like group fitness instructors or personal trainers to quickly obtain a certificate

Cons:

• ASFA is not a Pilates instructor training program. They offer a “Pay Only if You Pass” online exam. Once customers pass the exam they can purchase their certification for 1 year for $349 or for a lifetime for $999.
• Limited ongoing support and mentorship opportunities.
• Recognition may vary depending on location and employer preferences.
• Couldn’t find any reviews on Google
• No refunds

Pilates Instructor Academy, founded in the USA in 2001:

Pros:

• Offers a high-quality online certifications for Pilates mat, Reformer and comprehensive equipment
• Detailed curriculum at an affordable price point, making it accessible to aspiring instructors who may have felt excluded from other traditional Pilates teacher certification programs.
• Comprehensive curriculum covering both classical and contemporary Pilates techniques.
• 100% self-paced allowing students to study at their own pace, accommodating diverse schedules.
• Inclusive approach catering to students of all backgrounds and abilities, promoting diversity within the Pilates community.
• Everything is included in the costs listed on the website. Additional anatomy textbook required for some courses. No hidden fees.
• Lifetime certification, no ongoing renewal required.
• Continuing education credits offered for ACE, NPCP, CanFitPro, and NCBTMB.
• Pilates Instructor Academy’s Comprehensive Pilates Equipment Certification will prepare students to sit for the NPCP exam.
• Recognized all over the world
• 5 stars on Google Reviews

Cons:

• Requires self-discipline and motivation to complete the program independently.
• Potential customers must meet minimum prerequisites.
• Students have access to 100% of the content as soon as a course is purchased, so no returns or refunds are offered.

In conclusion, while each of these online Pilates teacher certifications has its strengths and weaknesses, Pilates Instructor Academy emerges as the best deal for aspiring instructors seeking a high-quality certification that is both affordable and accessible. With its comprehensive curriculum, flexible learning options, and inclusive approach, Pilates Instructor Academy equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of Pilates instruction. So, whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or a newbie to the world of Pilates, consider investing in your future with Pilates Instructor Academy – because the journey to becoming a certified Pilates instructor starts here. Have questions? You can call 888-251-2080 to talk with a real person.

*Better Business Bureau

UPDATE 5/30/24

We received an email from a representative of Breathe Education who asked us to provide this information:

1. Our comprehensive program is quite a bit less that USD 5000**
2. Aside from a copy of Return To Life - available on Amazon for 9 - there are no textbooks to buy
3. Our program is now self-paced
4. There are no renewal or continuing education fees

**Breathe Education does not prices for their online Pilates certifications on the website. Customers are required to provide contact information in order to receive information about the certifications. I requested they provide pricing information for this blog, but as of this update no one has responded.