Introduction

What is the difference between someone who simply qualifies as a Pilates teacher and someone who goes on to become an exceptional teacher?

For me, it starts with something much deeper than knowing a list of exercises. It starts with learning how to read the body in front of you.

After more than 20 years in Pilates education, teaching and mentoring, I have learned that becoming a good teacher is an ongoing process. Your qualification gives you a foundation, but it is what you continue to learn, observe and develop afterwards that shapes you as a teacher.

1. Exceptional Teaching Starts With Reading the Body

When you are simply teaching a series of exercises, you can easily become focused on following a routine rather than looking at the person in front of you.

But every client is different.

They have different bodies, movement patterns, histories, limitations and goals. People come to Pilates looking for transformation, and I believe the cleverest and most thoughtful Pilates teacher is the one who can make the work specific to that individual.

You might ask, “But can you really do that in a group class?”

Yes, you can.

Even within a group, you can observe each person, notice how they are moving and make appropriate adjustments. The repertoire may be the same, but the way you teach it can be different for each person.

Learning to read bodies, energy and what people need is a skill. And it is not something that happens overnight.

2. A Qualification Is the Beginning, Not the End

I often say to my students, just because you have your 600-hour certificate does not mean you know it all.

This is your beginning.

A comprehensive programme gives you the foundation you need to officially begin teaching, but there is so much more to learn. I have been in this industry for over 20 years, and I am still learning.

It takes years to refine your eyes and develop your ability to identify what needs to be worked with for a particular client.

This is why I believe so strongly in foundational work. When you understand the principles and the foundations deeply, you have something to refer back to when you encounter different body types and the common challenges we see in the studio.

You are not simply memorising exercises. You are learning to understand why you are teaching something, what you are observing and how you might adapt it.

3. Preparing Teachers for Real-World Teaching

One of the things I feel strongly about is preparing teachers for the reality of working with real bodies.

During my own comprehensive training, much of the teaching practice involved working with fellow students. That experience is valuable, but when you enter the real world, you can suddenly encounter so many different scenarios that you may not have been prepared for.

This is one of the concerns I have with the direction parts of the industry are taking.

I have seen situations where someone who is still a student has been asked by a reformer studio to teach a workshop on how to use the reformer, with the expectation that they can then start working with clients. That concerns me because we are working with human bodies, and that comes with a great responsibility.

I understand that people need to earn a living. I understand that teachers want to start working after completing their training.

But I believe there needs to be a supported transition.

Once a student has completed the foundational requirements, I am comfortable with them beginning to work as a student teacher, teaching beginner-level clients under a trained eye, with supervision or mentorship available.

That gives them the opportunity to gain experience with real people while continuing to learn.

4. Keep Learning, Keep Developing

I don’t believe there is ever a point where you can say, “I’ve learned everything.”

I certainly haven’t.

Every client teaches you something. Every body gives you something different to observe. Every teaching experience gives you another opportunity to refine your understanding.

Your certificate does not mean your learning is finished. It means you now have a foundation from which to continue developing.

For me, exceptional teaching comes from staying curious, continuing to learn and developing the ability to truly see the person in front of you.

It is not about simply knowing more exercises.

It is about understanding the work deeply enough to make intelligent decisions for the individual you are teaching.

Listen to the Full Podcast

Listen to the full podcast to hear the complete conversation and continue the discussion around what makes a truly thoughtful and capable Pilates teacher.

Anita Horry

is a 2nd Generation Pilates Master Teacher, founder of the Anita Horry Academy, and an internationally respected educator, mentor, and business coach for Pilates professionals.

A fully certified Classical Pilates teacher, Anita holds a degree in accountancy and began her career in the corporate world before transitioning fully into the world of movement and wellness. Her teaching has been profoundly shaped by the mentorship of industry legends Lolita San Miguel and Bob Liekens, whose wisdom continues to influence her work.

Anita Horry is an international speaker and educator, recognized for her dedication to elevating Pilates standards worldwide. She serves as a juror for the Pilates Method Alliance’s International Teacher Training Accreditation Program (ITTAP), supporting the global standardization of excellence in Pilates education.

Anita is also a judge for the 2025 Pilates Journal Awards in Los Angeles and has presented at international events such as the Pilates Journal in California, USA.

Through the Anita Horry Academy, she offers a comprehensive Pilates teacher training program, hands-on mentorship, and business coaching for instructors ready to build purpose-driven, sustainable careers. Known for her evidence-based, heart-centered approach, Anita helps teachers move beyond memorization to truly understand the method as a complete system.

Based between Malta and Spain, Anita travels internationally to teach, speak, and mentor. With a deep commitment to quality, community, and integrity, she continues to inspire and elevate a new generation of Pilates leaders around the world.