Do Pilates and Movement Teachers Really Need Anatomy & Physiology Qualifications?
If you’re thinking about training as a Pilates or movement teacher, you’ve probably run into some confusing (and sometimes conflicting) advice around Anatomy & Physiology.
Do you have to have it?
Does it need to be a specific level?
And can you study A&P on its own, without already holding a Pilates certification?
The short answer is: yes, A&P matters — but the pathway to getting it is much more flexible than people are often led to believe.
There’s no single rulebook for Pilates training
One of the things that surprises many people is that Pilates doesn’t have a single global governing body. That means there isn’t one legally mandated route you must follow to become a teacher.
Instead, expectations are shaped by:
training providers
insurance companies
studios and employers
What they’re generally looking for isn’t a specific brand of qualification, but reassurance that you understand how bodies work and can teach safely.
That’s where Anatomy & Physiology comes in.
What level of Anatomy & Physiology is usually expected?
For most movement practitioners — Pilates teachers, yoga teachers, fitness instructors — the required level of anatomy is foundational rather than medical.
In practical terms, this usually means:
a vocational-level A&P qualification (often Level 5 or equivalent)
or a recognised functional anatomy course designed for movement professionals
You don’t need a university degree or clinical training to teach Pilates.
What does matter is having a working understanding of:
bones, joints, and muscles
basic biomechanics
how bodies respond to load, repetition, and exercise
how to apply anatomy knowledge when cueing, adapting, and teaching real people
Good anatomy education should make teaching clearer and safer — not more intimidating.
Do you need a previous Pilates certification to study A&P?
No.
Anatomy & Physiology is often treated as a prerequisite or co-requisite for teacher training, but it doesn’t require you to already be a qualified Pilates teacher.
Many people complete A&P:
before starting any movement certification
alongside their first teacher training
as a standalone qualification
This is actually one of the most accessible ways into the profession, especially for people who haven’t felt comfortable or welcome in traditional training environments.
Are standalone A&P courses available?
Yes — and they’re widely used.
There are plenty of Anatomy & Physiology courses that are:
offered independently of Pilates training
designed specifically for fitness and movement practitioners
available online or via blended learning
recognised by insurers and training providers
These courses allow students to meet anatomy requirements without being forced into a particular training pathway or environment.
For many people, that flexibility makes a real difference.
Accessibility matters in anatomy education
For some movement practitioners — particularly plus-size teachers — traditional training routes haven’t always felt accessible.
Barriers can include:
cost
body judgement or scrutiny
weight-loss-focused language
assumptions about what a “teacher’s body” should look like
When Anatomy & Physiology can be studied separately, it creates more entry points into teaching and reduces unnecessary gatekeeping.
Accessible anatomy education isn’t about lowering standards.
It’s about meeting standards without harm.
How this applies to Reformer Pilates teacher training
Many contemporary Reformer Pilates trainings now:
include A&P within the programme
accept standalone anatomy qualifications
don’t require mat Pilates certification as a first step
This reflects the reality that:
Reformer work can be an accessible starting point for many bodies
anatomy knowledge is more important than the order in which qualifications are completed
confident teaching comes from education and support, not rigid pathways
When anatomy is taught clearly and applied thoughtfully, teachers are better prepared — regardless of where they started.
Choosing the right A&P pathway
If you’re looking at Anatomy & Physiology courses, it’s worth asking:
Is this qualification recognised?
Is it relevant to movement and exercise?
Does it focus on function rather than pathology?
Does the learning environment feel respectful and inclusive?
If you’re designing a teacher training yourself, clarity goes a long way:
be explicit about what level of A&P is needed
recognise equivalent qualifications
explain how anatomy supports safe teaching
Transparency builds trust — with students, insurers, and employers alike.
Final thoughts
Anatomy & Physiology is an important part of being a responsible movement teacher.
But there is no single “correct” route to studying it.
Standalone A&P courses are common, recognised, and often a good fit — especially for people who need more accessible pathways into teaching.
Ethical training doesn’t come from rigid rules.
It comes from thoughtful structure, clear scope, and respect for the people learning.
