In-Person Pilates Instructor Training

At Villa Pilates, our instructor training is from the FONV Association — a globally accredited Pilates education body originating from Korea.

FONV is known throughout Asia for its depth, rigour, and emphasis on real anatomical understanding. This isn’t surface-level learning. FONV’s approach trains instructors to teach with purpose — cueing effectively, programming intentionally, and adjusting students with both confidence and care.

What to Expect
❋ Over 80 hours of in-person training

Led by Villa's experienced Course Educators who are certified course-trainers by the FONV Pilates Association. Each Course Educator has undergone 150+ hours of training for the course.

❋ International Accreditation & Certification (PMA)

Our FONV Mat & Reformer Pilates (Level One) course is proudly accredited by the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) — the leading global authority for Pilates education standards.

This international accreditation ensures our graduates are trained to the highest level and recognised worldwide. As the official FONV training centre in Australia, Villa Pilates is part of a prestigious global network spanning Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore, providing internationally respected certification and a strong foundation for lifelong professional growth.

❋ Hands-on learning

Real-time teaching practice, cueing, corrections, and feedback.

❋ Opportunity to assist and observe across our three studios

There is a requirement of 10 hours of teaching a group class/private clients within our studios. We are one of few Pilates Instructor courses which allow you direct access to a studio for practice teaching. No need to find your own studio for placement — we prioritise all of our students and welcome them into our teaching community.

❋ LV1 Equipment Training

Full coverage of mat, reformer, and prop-based Pilates instruction. You will also learn Posture Analysis, which allows you to determine physical needs of individual clients, allowing you to tailor classes to specific body types.

❋ Structured

Structured mini-tests, practical teaching hours, and a final examination. Throughout the course, you have access to our exclusive student community, ongoing support, and post-course guidance to support your instructor journey. During the course, you are also allowed access during non-class hours to our studio to utilise our equipment and familiarise yourself with a studio space to build confidence.

“Pilates is not just something you practise — it’s something you learn to understand, refine, and eventually pass on.”
July Intake Schedule

Eight weekends of training

Our course consists of eight weekends of training with a four week break upon finishing the content to undertake 10 hours of practice teaching hours. During this time, you will have access to Villa Pilates’ studios to practice movements and teaching in a structured order.

Exam Period Breakdown

The examination period consists of two full days of workshops covering in detail 30-40 movements with hands-on correction, cueing and anatomical focuses. The last day will consist of a 60-minute written anatomy exam and a 60-minute physical examination of Pilates Instruction.

Apply for LV1 July 2026 Intake

Beginning Saturday 4th July 2026 and based across our CBD & Carlton studios. Be part of our seventh intake.

Cost: $6500 AUD

Become part of a growing Pilates Network (.fonv)

LV1 Course

Mat | Props | Reformer | Basic Anatomy | Postural Analysis

Begin your teaching journey with Villa Pilates’ Level 01 instructor course — a hands-on, in-person program held at our Melbourne studios and accredited by the globally recognised FONV Association (Korea).

This foundational training covers key elements including mat Pilates, reformer, Pilates props, basic anatomy, and postural analysis. You’ll learn the art of intelligent cueing, movement breakdowns, and class programming to confidently lead safe and effective group sessions.

Whether you’re a passionate Pilates client, aspiring studio owner, or fitness professional, this course offers a strong launchpad for a rewarding Pilates career. Graduates of Level 01 are eligible for international insurance coverage and can work globally — especially in leading Asian wellness markets like Seoul, Tokyo, and Singapore.

LV2 Course

Advanced Mat | Reformer | Cadillac | Chair | Barrel | Advanced Anatomy & Postural Analysis

Deepen your expertise and elevate your instruction with our advanced training program designed for certified instructors ready to move beyond foundational skills.

This in-person course explores detailed anatomy, advanced movement breakdowns, and introduces apparatus such as the Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel, giving you the confidence to lead intelligent, highly personalised one-on-one sessions. You'll gain the tools to address structural imbalances, postural deviations, and specific goals with tailored programming across all Pilates equipment.

Whether you're refining your craft or preparing for a career in clinical or high-performance settings, this course bridges the gap between group teaching and premium private instruction.

Entry Requirements
To enrol, you must have:
• Completed Level 01: FONV Essentials OR
• Proof of previous training in Basic Anatomy, Mat & Reformer from another institution AND
• Passed the FONV Bridging Exam

If you're transitioning from another program, please contact us via WhatsApp to book your bridging exam.

Local & Global Seminars

FONV graduates receive access to both local and international seminars, with 25% off all future training. Topics include pre- and postnatal Pilates, and ongoing specialised education to support your development as an instructor.

Upcoming Courses

LV1 July 2026

TBC

LV1 March 2027

TBC

LV1 September 2026

TBC

LV2 April 2027

TBC

FAQs

  • The Pilates Essential Course comprises 28 hours of theory, 20 hours of practice, and 76 hours of training. These sessions are conducted through a blend of online classes and in-person training. Our in-person sessions provide the optimal environment for receiving personalized feedback from instructors, fostering confidence as an instructor.

  • What Are the Main Pilates Instructor Qualifications in Australia/NZ?

    There are three main qualification pathways:

    1. Pilates Certificate Course

    2. Certificate IV in Pilates (nationally recognised)

    3. Diploma of Pilates

    These are all valid and accepted across studios in Australia & New Zealand — each varies in cost, duration, depth, and career pathway. Some advanced programs may offer an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor degree in Pilates, but they’re not essential for starting your journey.

    You can become a Pilates Instructor from studying our course, which is accredited by Korean Fitness standards. By completing the course, you can apply for national Pilates Instructor insurance which then allows you to teach at a Pilates studio.

    The only benefit of studying at a Certificate IV/III is if you’re looking to work as a Pilates Instructor in an Australian gymnasium, which usually requires this particular certification.

    Most boutique studios, wellness centres, and clinics accept certificate-trained instructors — especially if they’ve trained with reputable programs like FONV Academy.

    You only need a Certificate III/IV in Fitness if you plan to work at commercial gyms like Fitness First or Goodlife. These chains often have internal policies that require fitness qualifications for insurance purposes.

  • Our comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including Pilates fundamentals, teaching of the reformer, mat, and props, as well as anatomy. The anatomy component is led by experienced instructors, ensuring a deep understanding of the body's mechanics and enhancing your ability to teach Pilates effectively and safely. Additionally, the course includes specialized instruction in addressing medical conditions and prenatal Pilates, providing you with a diverse skill set for a successful career in Pilates instruction.

  • With our course certification, you can pursue various career paths in the Pilates industry. You can work as a group Pilates instructor for mat or reformer classes, offering both group sessions and private lessons to clients. Additionally, the certification may open doors to opportunities where you can train and mentor aspiring Pilates instructors, shaping the next generation of professionals in the field. Our certification also allows you to work as an instructor in studios globally, providing flexibility and opportunities for international experience. The Pilates teachers' community is known for its supportive and encouraging atmosphere, offering flexible work hours and locations. Whether you have kids or other commitments, you can choose the hours you want to work, and the compensation is fair and competitive.

  • The FONV Level 1 course is $6500 AUD.

  • As we have a close knit team and small intake, we can only allow two sessions missed within the fees of the $5500 course.

    We will offer make-up sessions during apprenticeship month.

    If more than 2 sessions are missed then any subsequent make up sessions will incur a $150 lesson fee.

  • With your certificate you may apply for positions at Pilates Studios of your choice. Villa Pilates requires all graduates to interview at the studio alike other applicants.

    As Villa Pilates is the official FONV education centre in Melbourne, there are career opportunities to become a FONV educator in Melbourne.

    • Aspiring Pilates instructors (no fitness background needed)

      • Allied Health professionals (Physiotherapists, Osteos, etc.)

      • Certified instructors wanting deeper hands-on training

      • International students looking to study with a respected studio brand in Australia