What to expect from our course
In-depth teaching seminars
30 hours of seminar time across 3 weekends: 4 hours on Saturdays (2.30pm - 5.30pm) and 6 hours on Sundays (10.00am - 4.00pm) at our studio in Kensington, London.
Exclusive studio time
Up to 40 hours of supervised practice with our teachers and studio teaching observations/apprenticeship time at our prestigious studio.
Certified practical exam
There will be one practical exam lasting 60 - 90mins. Certified teachers will receive an elaborate certification outlining completed hours and levels, signed by UK's Pilates guru, Gordon Thomson.
6-week Reformer Teacher Training Programme
Next course begins: Saturday 7th February 2026
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Master 62 Reformer exercises, including classical repertoire and advanced variations.
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Learn key teaching principles, body alignment, breathing, and technique refinement.
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Deeper understanding of how Reformer supports the body to develop enhanced skills with safety
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Learn to look at the whole body and its subtleties, rather than just what's on paper.
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Exclusive access to our studio and experienced teachers.
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Recognised accreditation plus all hours are CPD Certified.
Course time: 70 hours
Practical exam: 1 – 1.5 hours
Course price: £1,240
Perfect for Pilates teachers ready to elevate their Reformer skills.
Why train with us?
We focus on teaching you more than the basics and what's on paper. At Pilates Education and Research (P.E.A.R.), we encourage students to develop intuition, observation skills, search for subtleties and fine tune their bodies. You will learn how to teach individuals rather than a set format of Pilates exercises. We help you to become an outstanding teacher, not just another teacher.
Founder of our studio, Ellie Ioannidou, is one of the UK's most recognised voices in Pilates teacher training. With decades of experience and multiple mentions in the historical record of Pilates in the UK, Ellie brings deep respect for tradition together with a fresh, evidence-informed approach to movement education. P.E.A.R. studio offers a training environment that is rigorous yet personal, rooted in classical principles but open to evolving. Our mission is to deliver teacher education of the highest standard — not just to certify instructors, but to shape reflective, confident, and adaptable professionals.
Our Teaching Philosophy
Learn to See, Not Just to Do
You’ll learn to refine your own movement, sharpen your observation, and adapt your teaching to meet individuals — not just deliver routines. We focus on nurturing intuition, clarity, and creative responsiveness.
Practice Principles
With time, consistency, and curiosity, you’ll learn how to support recovery, improve function, and deepen awareness through movement. Our rich and varied repertoire is always rooted in core principles: relaxation, alignment, breath, focus, and awareness.
Pilates is Personal
We believe great teachers emerge through experience and mentorship. That’s why our training is small-group, feedback-rich, and deeply personal — helping you build confidence, and a grounded teaching voice.
Meet your Teachers
Pilates Education and Research (P.E.A.R) has been at the forefront of remedial and advanced Pilates tuition in South Kensington, London for over 20 years. Our Founder, Ellie Ioannidou also co-founded Pilates Body Europe in 2006 and has since designed and taught many Pilates educational programmes on equipment (Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda chair, remedial apparatus). Our Reformer teaching course is taught by Ellie herself, and signed off by renown Pilates guru Gordon Thomson.
Ellie Ioannidou
Founder & Director, Pilates Education and Research
Co-founder of Pilates Body Europe
Ellie has certified many teachers and enriched the technique of even more, both nationally and internationally. Founder of our studio, Ellie, has been shaping the next generation of Pilates professionals since 2007. Known for her deep expertise and innovative curriculum, Ellie has trained hundreds of teachers across Europe on Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, along with workshops on Barrels and other apparatus. Her students return year after year for mentorship and advanced study. ​Ellie's personal background as a professional athlete in Rhythmics Gymnastics has led to her refined and efficient way of teaching both remedial and advanced Pilates.
Gordon Thomson
UK's 1st Pilates Mat Book Publisher, Founder of Body Control Pilates, Co-founder of Pilates Body Europe
After training in Classical and Contemporary dance, Gordon was one of the first to be trained in the Pilates technique by Alan Herdman, the original guru of Pilates in the UK. He has over forty years experience of teaching Pilates since opening his first London studio in 1981. Gordon introduced Pilates to Ipswich Town Football Club before they were promoted to the Premiership and is a head coach to two football league teams in North London. Gordon’s publications include 12 Body Control Pilates books with Lynne Robinson, and numerous contributions to magazines and football journals following his sports industry achievements.
"The level of detail in their teaching is outstanding. The teachers are supportive and full of experience. Clients all have different bodies and needs, you can tell that P.E.A.R. teachers really care and think about that. I resonated with their teaching principles so much that I became a teacher at their studio."
Hayden Woodcock
Pilates Teacher and former course student
Teaching Course Requirements
Have you attended a Reformer Pilates class before and thought, "I'd like to teach this"?
This course is appropriate for you if you hold a Pilates Mat Instructor qualification* or have completed our P.E.A.R. Foundation/Bridging Course. General Pilates and/or Reformer class experience is necessary.
*If you are not Pilates Mat qualified, you can complete our Mat Principles and Practice training course before taking the Reformer Teaching Course (details below). Please direct your enquiries about qualifications to: college@pilateseducationandresearch.london
Upcoming Course Dates
Limited spots available
From 12 September 2026: Pilates Mat Principles and Practice
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For those that have yet to obtain their Pilates Mat qualification
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​2 weekends of seminars: 3 hours on Saturday 2.30 - 5.30pm; and 4 hours on Sundays 10 - 4pm
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Taught by Pilates Remedial Specialist and Osteopath, Richard Budd.
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Cost: £840​
From 24 October 2026: Reformer Teacher Training Course (6 weeks)
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Master 62 Reformer exercises
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3 weekends of seminars
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One practical exam lasting 60 - 90mins
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Includes studio time to observe and practice pre-exam
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Taught by Founder and Director, Ellie Ioannidou.
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Cost: £1240
Teaching training packages are available for Reformer, Cadillac, Barrels and Advanced Mat. Please see our other courses for bundle pricing options.
Why Reformer Pilates?
J. Pilates designed the Reformer in his New York studio in the '60s, mainly aimed at dancers. The repertoire is rich, flowing and graceful so no wonder this is the most popular piece of equipment.
The Reformer training is an important part of pilates teacher training. The leg alignment it teaches us is unparalleled. It's an important rehabilitation tool for hips, low back and it enhances greatly the core stability. Deep strength, agility, balance, advanced technique, and complex dynamics are some of the highlights.
Sign up for the full Pilates Teacher Training brochure
Expect more insights about our teaching principles; see what other courses we have to offer; and receive exclusive discounts when signing up to more than one.