Why Instructor Training Matters

Photography Heather Gillich Studio

After more than 15 years of teaching movement and eight years owning a studio, I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. But one thing that has never changed is the importance of proper instructor education. If you're taking classes—or thinking about teaching one day—this is something you deserve to understand.

Being Certified to Teach Doesn’t Mean You Can Train Teachers

There’s a big misconception in the fitness world: Just because someone is certified to teach barre, Pilates, or yoga doesn’t mean they’re qualified to train others to become instructors.

To become a Master Trainer—someone who can officially train and certify instructors under a reputable program—you must go through extensive additional education, hands-on mentorship, and evaluation. This distinction ensures instructors are trained safely, thoroughly, and to industry standards.

Unfortunately, some studio owners begin training instructors without proper qualifications. That can lead to gaps in safety, consistency, and credibility—both for the instructors being trained and for the clients they serve.

My Path to Master Trainer

At The Yoga Barre Pilates Studio, I take instructor education seriously. I’m proud to be a Master Trainer for The Pilates Evolution Teacher Training Program, where I train and prepare instructors to certify in both classical and contemporary reformer Pilates. This title is more than a credential—it's a commitment. Every instructor I train and test has gone through an intentional process built on depth, structure, and high standards. To become a Master Trainer for The Pilates Evolution, I completed 150 hours of training exclusively in reformer Pilates, completed a live classical repertoire test out, completed a contemporary test out, as well as a written exam.

My Yoga and Barre Credentials

While I don’t currently offer yoga or barre teacher training, I’ve completed advanced training and earned certification in both disciplines:

I am a Yoga Alliance 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). My training lasted an entire year and included written exams, coursework, and a live practical test out, where I demonstrated my teaching ability in real time. That process officially moved me from “trained” to certified by Yoga Alliance.

I am also a certified barre instructor. I began with a rare two-day, in-person barre certification—something that’s increasingly hard to find today. I followed that with a second barre certification program to expand my education. As with yoga, I completed a live test out to demonstrate competency, which elevated me from “trained” to fully certified in barre instruction.

Since then, I’ve created my own signature barre style, blending music, alignment, strength, and intention into a format that is unique to The Yoga Barre Pilates Studio.

A Studio That Upholds High Standards

The Yoga Barre Pilates Studio is a proud member of both Yoga Alliance and Barre Alliance, two respected organizations that support professional standards in yoga and barre education. Our affiliation with these organizations reflects our commitment to excellence and continued learning—for both instructors and clients.

We don’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in doing things right, from the ground up.

Helping Future Instructors Find the Right Path

I’m often asked how to become a certified yoga or barre instructor. While I don’t currently offer trainings in those formats, I’m always happy to guide aspiring instructors to reputable, nationally recognized programs that offer quality education and legitimate certification. I want to help future teachers start their journey the right way—with proper structure, mentorship, and support.

Why This Matters

Whether you're taking classes or considering teaching, working with certified, qualified professionals ensures:

Safety – Proper cueing, modifications, and form correction
Credibility – Certifications that are recognized beyond one studio

Growth – A solid foundation to teach anywhere with confidence

At The Yoga Barre Pilates Studio, We Do Things Right

Our studio has been voted Best Yoga, Barre & Pilates Studio on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for six consecutive years. That recognition reflects our deep commitment to quality—not just in our classes, but in the education and experience behind every instructor.

If you're ready to take the next step in your Pilates journey, I’d love to welcome you into The Pilates Evolution Teacher Training Program— the only in-person Pilates training on the MS Gulf Coast. Visit our Teacher Training tab on our website to learn more information about The Pilates Evolution Teacher Training. The modules do not have to be taken in order so you can hop in at any time. Don’t let these rare in-person Pilates training opportunities pass you by.

See you at the studio,
Sandi Anderson
Owner - The Yoga Barre Pilates Studio

Master Trainer - The Pilates Evolution Master Trainer