Navigating the Noise in the Modern Pilates Industry

The Pilates industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, and Ireland is no exception. Studios are expanding rapidly, reformer classes are selling out worldwide, and demand for qualified instructors continues to rise. Industry surveys show that Pilates teaching has become one of the fastest-growing sectors within movement and wellness education.

With this growth, however, has come a great deal of “noise” within the industry — debates over who teaches the “best” method, who has the “most authentic” approach, and which training programme is considered superior. Social media, branding, and marketing can often blur the lines between genuine educational depth and commercial popularity.

For someone considering a career in Pilates instruction, it is important to look beyond trends, personalities, and polished online content. A strong Pilates education should be grounded in the Pilates system, experience, professionalism, and a genuine passion for movement and teaching.

When choosing a Pilates teacher training programme, prospective instructors should look for:

  • Trainers with many years of practical industry experience
  • Highly qualified and educated educators with multidisciplinary backgrounds
  • Education in Pilates as a system
  • Degree-based or clinically informed movement education
  • Evidence of thousands of successful graduates and long-standing industry reputation
  • Strong testimonials and professional recommendations from former students
  • Small group training environments with high trainer-to-student ratios
  • Comprehensive anatomy, biomechanics, and movement analysis education
  • Mentorship and ongoing support beyond certification
  • Trainers who have spent years learning from, working with, and being mentored by respected industry professionals

The reality is that great Pilates teachers are rarely created through fast-track training alone. Depth of knowledge develops over years of observation, teaching, continued study, and practical experience.

While the industry continues to evolve, students should seek educators who value quality over quantity and who remain committed to the true principles of movement, critical thinking, and professional development.

In an industry full of noise, experience, integrity, and educational depth will always stand out.

PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy – Dublin, Ireland.

Why Train with Us?

  • Pioneering Heritage: We opened Ireland’s first fully equipped Pilates studio in the 1990s, BODYFIRM Studios, and remain the country’s leading training provider.
  • Unmatched Experience: Our tutor team brings together 60+ years of combined expertise in Pilates, physical therapy and rehabilitation.
  • Evidence-Based Approach: We integrate the latest exercise science and biomechanics research into every course we teach.
  • Small Group Training: Learn in intimate class settings where you receive personalised attention and support throughout your journey.
  • Comprehensive Pathways: From beginner certificates to advanced diplomas, we offer clear progression routes for every career goal.
  • Courses Accredited: Complementary Therapists Association

PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy – Pilates Instructor Training /Education in Ireland (Mat, Reformer & Functional Movement) | Dublin

PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy – A testimonial is a valuable gift.

A testimonial is one of the most valuable gifts a student can give a training course. It not only helps future students feel confident in choosing the right learning experience, but also allows us to continue growing, improving, and sharing our passion for movement education with others.

Your words may inspire someone else to begin their own Pilates journey

And that’s a wrap!
Plenty of learning, plenty of laughs, and definitely a few moments of realising how much detail goes into great movement coaching.
I’m leaving with a completely different appreciation for movement quality, flow, cueing and control.
Excited to keep refining my coaching and bring this into my classes and client work.
Back to being a student for a few days and honestly loved every minute of it.
It’s reminded me that good coaching is never finished evolving.
Very grateful for the patience, attention to detail and passion Joyce and Emma of the PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy, brought to every session.
Now time to practice, refine and keep building.
Safe to say the open leg rocker humbled me 😅

Alan Malone [Alan Malone Coaching] Pilates Mat Level I/II May 2026

PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy – Pilates Instructor Training /Education in Ireland (Mat, Reformer & Functional Movement) | Dublin

Pilates Jump Board- Learn the difference between Devant & Entrechat, and much more!

The Pilates Jump Board offers a dynamic and highly effective approach to movement training, combining cardiovascular conditioning with precision, control, and functional strength. Rooted in both Pilates principles and dance technique, Jump Board training develops what movement professionals describe as “distal mobility with proximal stability” — allowing freedom and agility in the limbs while maintaining core stability and alignment.

This intensive one-day Certificate Course, led by Dance and Pilates professional trainer Kyra Todd Hons BFA [York University, Canada], explores the relationship between movement quality, rhythm, and conscious body control.

Participants will learn the technical distinctions between classical dance movements such as Devant and Entrechat, as well as the mechanics of First, Second, Third & Fourt positions, and how these principles translate directly into Jump Board training.

The course emphasises concentration, control, flow, and rhythm, encouraging participants to move with awareness and precision. Every jump requires the body and mind to work together, making subtle adjustments from moment to moment. What works for a professional dancer, instructor, or client one day may not be appropriate the next — highlighting the importance of adaptability, observation, and intelligent movement practice.

With 80% of the course dedicated to practical training, participants should be prepared for a physically engaging and enjoyable learning experience. This course is ideal for Pilates instructors, dancers, movement educators, seeking to deepen their understanding of dynamic movement training while refining technique, coordination, and body awareness.

@Bodyfirm Studios

You will have your own Reformer / Jump-Board

Small groups – high levels of attention

Professional Instructors

Full certification following the course

Education by PROGRESSIVE Pilates Academy

email: pilateseducation@outlook.com / call 01 8684600

PROGRESSIVE Pilates Jump Board

Pilates Jump Board Course May 2026

An athletic, cardio styled conditioning class. 

“Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.” J.H. Pilates 

Joseph Pilates believed Pilates was /is, not just about great posture and a rock-hard core. It was / is more than just a physical exercise, and can radically enhance mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. 

Performing Pilates machine-based movements enhance – 
• Strength • flexibility • Balance • Control • Co-ordination 
 
The Jump board is the ultimate in ‘distal mobility with proximal stability’ 
Train with concentration, control, flow and rhythm – 

You must Jump with all body parts under ‘conscious control’ – the body and mind make subtle adjustments moment to moment – day to day. What worked yesterday for you the professional or your client – may not work today. 

Join us for this intensive but fun Certificate1 day course – 80% practical so prepare to work! 

In this Jump Board Course gain an understanding in: 

 • Four Elements of Efficiency 
• Foot positions 
• Proximal stability for distal mobility 
• Lag time 
• ‘Core Jumping’ 
• Precise Nomenclature for teaching 
• 3D movement for cardio / resistance class programming 

Numbers are limited and are on a first come first serve basis [€100 non-refundable deposit required] 

Your course facilitator Kyra Todd. 

Kyra is a graduate Movement Therapist specializing in Dance, Artistry, and Design from the prestigious York University in Toronto. York’s AMPD (School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design) is consistently ranked among the top three arts and media departments in Canada, renowned for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to creative education. 

Throughout her studies, Kyra immersed herself in a richly integrated curriculum that explored the many facets of dance, movement, and artistic expression. Her formal training includes the Cecchetti ballet technique, alongside studies rooted in the foundations of modern dance under pioneers such as Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham. This diverse background has shaped Kyra’s refined movement quality, embodied awareness, and expressive depth. 

Pilates was a central pillar of Kyra’s daily training and personal practice, seamlessly woven into her development as a mover and artist. This consistent, mindful engagement with Pilates not only supported her dance career but also laid the foundation for her evolution into the exceptional Pilates professional she is today. Kyra brings a rare blend of technical excellence, artistic sensitivity, and therapeutic insight to her work — guiding others toward strength, balance, and embodied freedom through movement. 

Next Course: 

Early Bird: Special – €250 [pay in full by May 12th

Full Fee: €295 
Date: May 23rd, 2026,   
Location: @Bodyfirm Studios, Dublin 

Email: pilateseducation@outlook.com  

Web: www.progressivepilatesacademy.com 

WhatsApp: 0035389 4971365 
Course Facilitator: Kyra Todd 

Complementary Therapists Association Course Provider P13709