Matwork course · Level 3 · YMCA certified
Matwork Pilates Teacher Training.
Your foundation in teaching Pilates. Learn the original Contrology repertoire, functional anatomy, cueing, lesson planning and the business of teaching, delivered as blended learning with online study plus face-to-face practical workshops at our studios in Poole.
September 2026 intake, places limited
Course at a glance
Level 3
Qualification
YMCA
Certified courses
6 months
Typical duration
Blended
Online + in-studio
£1,495
Course fee
September 2026
Next intake
Course outline
What you'll learn.
M01
Foundations & history
The origins of the work, Joseph Pilates' principles, lineage and the modern landscape.
M02
Functional anatomy
Skeletal structure, muscles and fascia, living anatomy applied on the mat.
M03
Biomechanics & movement analysis
Read bodies, find restrictions and choose the right interventions.
M04
The original Contrology repertoire
The original Contrology matwork exercises with progressions and regressions for every body.
M05
Cueing & corrections
Verbal, visual and tactile cueing. When to step in, when to hold back.
M06
Lesson planning
Structuring a class, pacing, energy, intention and seamless transitions.
M07
Special populations
Pregnancy, post-natal, older adults, common injuries and absolute beginners.
M08
Observation block
Sit in on live studio classes and learn to see what a teacher sees.
M09
Supervised teaching practice
Lead real classes with peer and tutor feedback at every step.
M10
The business of teaching
Insurance, contracts, pricing, finding work and growing a practice.
Who it's for
Practitioners and professionals.
Regular practitioners
You've practised Pilates for around a year and you're ready to teach it.
Fitness professionals
You teach yoga, gym, dance or rehab and want Pilates as a recognised Level 3 qualification.
Your educator
Dawn McCarron
You'll train with Dawn McCarron, a fully comprehensive Level 4 Pilates educator with 34 years of industry experience. As a tutor and assessor, Dawn mentors every student from first principles to confident teaching.
Keep practising
Train where teachers teach.
The studio
Reformer and matwork classes in Poole
Deepen your own practice between workshops at the working studio behind the school.
See the class schedule ↗Live online
Live online matwork membership
Trainee teachers use the live online classes to build repertoire between workshops, taught in real time from the studio.
About live online classes ↗FAQ
Common questions about the Matwork course
What qualification do I get?
A Level 3 Diploma in teaching Pilates Matwork, a YMCA certified, internationally recognised qualification accepted across the UK by studios, gyms and insurers.
How much is the Matwork course?
£1,495 in total. You can pay in full or spread it across two interest-free instalments.
How long does the Matwork course take?
Around 6 months, blending online learning with face-to-face practical workshops at our studios in Poole.
Do I need teaching experience to start?
No. Most students come from a regular Pilates practice or another fitness discipline. We'll have a conversation with you before you enrol.
Can I get insured to teach with this qualification?
Yes. The Level 3 Matwork qualification is accepted by the major UK fitness insurers.