What is the Difference Between Fitness Pilates and Level 3 Pilates?

What is the Difference Between Fitness Pilates and Level 3 Pilates?

This is a question that comes up regularly, so here is a simple overview of the key differences between the two.

If you or your team are keen to train in either comment below we have all of our 2025 dates available for booking.

1. Fitness Pilates (Brand & CPD Course)

What It Is:

• A modern, functional group fitness adaptation of Pilates principles
• Created by Rachel Holmes in 2002 and taught widely across the UK Over 3500 teachers trained
• Delivered as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course
• Endorsed by CIMSPA
• Learners have to be a mimum of Level 2 to attend and must be up to date with CPD & have insurance to teach,

Content Covers:

• Pilates history & understanding of the 34 Mat exercises.
• How to modify the exercises and link back to the original 34 exercises.
• Understand The Pilates Principals.
• Learn the Fitness Pilates modified exercises and how to adapt them for group.
• Learn how to plan and deliver a safe and effective Fitness Pilates class
• Soft teaching skills and advanced coaching techniques
• Small equipment integration (e.g. bands, mini balls, blocks)
• Modification and adaptation strategies for group settings
• Class planning and inclusive programming

Who It’s For:

• Group exercise instructors, PTs, and fitness professionals
• Must hold a Level 2 Group Fitness or ETM qualification

Outcome:

• Trained in the Fitness Pilates method
• Can teach group Fitness Pilates sessions
• Endorsed by CIMSPA (10 CPD points) and covered by industry insurers

2. Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates (Matwork Qualification)

What It Is:

• A nationally regulated UK qualification
• Titled: Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates
• Awarding Organisation is Active IQ and recognised by CIMSPA and insurance providers
• Meets the required industry standard for formal Pilates instruction

Content Covers:

• Anatomy and physiology at Level 3 standard
• Classical matwork Pilates based on the original Joseph Pilates method & teachings
• Postural assessment, client screening, and programme design
• Health conditions, contraindications, and safe practice
• Individual and small group class planning
• Break down of the 34 mat exercises – How to progress and regress the exercises.

Who It’s For:

• Fitness professionals or individuals seeking a formal, regulated Pilates qualification
• Suitable for teaching in all settings
• Level 3 Mat Diploma is required before teaching or embarking on the Level 3 Reformer

Outcome:

• Fully qualified to teach traditional matwork Pilates at Level 3
• Recognised across the fitness and health sector

Upcoming Pilates live and online course dates:

Fitness Pilates Training Course ( online via Zoom):

12th December 2025

17/18 January 2026

28 Feb/ 1st March 2026

18/19 April 2026

Level 3 Pilates Matwork Diploma (Online via Zoom)

• 28th / 29th / 30th November 2025
• 9/10/11th Jan 2026
• 20/21/22 Feb 2026
• 20/21/22 March 2026
• 10/11/12 April 2026

Train to TEACH FITNESS PILATES REFORMER

Online or Face To Face in our Derbyshire Studio

Next Fitness Pilates Reformer Teacher Training: 

Face to Face in Derbyshire with Rachel

26th November online face to face

Friday 5th December face to face

17th December online

Saturday 13th December 10 – 4 face to face

Friday 2nd January face to face

21st January online

Friday 23rd January 2026 face to face

26th February 2026 face to face

Next Level 3 Reformer Courses:

11th December 2025 face to face

22nd January 2026  face to face

Friday 27th February 2026 face to face

HOT Fitness Pilates training course face to face

 27 November 2025
 18 December 2025
 9 January 2026

Level 4 Pilates 

Start right away with Kelly one to one