Choosing the Right Pilates Certification

Clinical Pilates vs Pilates Instructor Certification: What’s the Real Difference for Aspiring Instructors?

 

In a world where everyone seems to be jumping on the Pilates bandwagon, how do you stand out as a Pilates Instructor? Is mastering hundreds of exercises enough to help someone in pain walk better, sleep better, or regain confidence in their body? Or is there something more impactful than just learning a repertoire? Understanding the difference between Clinical Pilates and Pilates instructor programs is key if you want to help people improve posture, reduce pain, and move better in everyday life.

This brings us to a crucial comparison: Pilates Instructor Courses vs the Clinical Pilates Instructor Program offered at Abbysan Wellness Centre by Dr. Abhishek Agrawal.

If you’re passionate about movement and serious about helping people, not just get fit but actually transform, this deep dive will help you choose the right path for your teaching career.

 

1. Purpose and Philosophy: A Different Starting Point

Traditional Pilates training—classical or contemporary—focuses on preserving or adapting the original Pilates method. The goal is to help clients build strength, flexibility, and body awareness using a set repertoire of exercises on the mat and machines.

The Clinical Pilates Instructor Program, on the other hand, starts with a different question:

“How can we use movement to correct posture, reduce pain, and restore function in people with real physical limitations?”

Rather than fitting people into exercises, you learn how to use exercises as tools to fit the person. That’s a game-changer.

 

2. Anatomy & Biomechanics: Theory vs Practical Integration

Most Pilates instructor courses teach anatomy of each exercise—what muscles are working and what joints are involved. But in real-world teaching, especially when someone comes in with back pain or postural misalignment, this isn’t enough.

In the Clinical Pilates Instructor Course, you’ll:

  • Learn practical, real-life anatomy through hands-on assessments.
  • Understand biomechanics in motion, not just in textbooks.
  • Spot functional dysfunctions and movement syndromes that others miss.

This allows you to guide people not just into exercises, but into progress.

 

3. Real Clients, Real Conditions, Real Results

Let’s be honest—most Pilates certifications prepare you to teach group classes or work in boutique fitness studios.

They don’t fully prepare you for working with:

  • Seniors with limited mobility
  • Postnatal women recovering from abdominal separation
  • Cancer survivors regaining strength
  • Desk workers with chronic neck and back pain
  • Clients with scoliosis, disc injuries, or trauma

That’s where Clinical Pilates makes all the difference.

You don’t just learn what to teach—you learn who you’re teaching, why they need it, and how to deliver it. From the first day, your training is based on real-world problems, not hypothetical case studies.

 

4. Teaching Method: Repertoire vs Rehab-Centred Programming

In traditional Pilates training, the goal is often to learn a list of exercises and how to cue them correctly. While this structure has value, it is rigid, and the client is often made to fit into the method.

But when someone is in pain, recovering from surgery, or limited by fear or fatigue, you need to adapt quickly.

That’s exactly what the Clinical Pilates Instructor Program teaches you to do.

You learn how to:

  • Assess movement patterns and postural deviations.
  • Design programs that restore function before building strength.
  • Use breath and alignment to create deeper, lasting support.
  • Layer progression that feels safe and empowering, not overwhelming.

It’s not just another workout—it’s movement therapy with measurable impact.

 

5. Structure & Delivery: One-Time Certification vs Ongoing Climb

Many popular pilates instructor programs break their certifications into multiple expensive and time-consuming modules:

  • Mat Certification
  • Reformer Certification
  • Cadillac/Chair/Barrels
  • Injuries & Special Populations

By the time you’re certified across the board, it could take years and cost thousands of dollars, most of which you’ll rarely get to apply with actual clients.

Instead of chasing levels, why not focus on realistic, immediately applicable skills that make a difference from day one?

The Clinical Pilates Instructor Program is structured in just two focused levels, each with 100 hours of hands-on practice, observation, and teaching:

  • Level 1 – Posture Pilates: Learn to assess posture, identify movement issues, and guide clients through Mat and Reformer-based pain relief and recovery exercises. You’ll also gain confidence in leading safe, personalised sessions for individuals and small groups.
  • Level 2 – Advanced Clinical Pilates: Support clients recovering from injuries, trauma, or chronic conditions using advanced Reformer and Tower work. Learn to apply movement corrections and tailor programs for diverse needs, including post-surgery and special populations.

You graduate fully equipped to support people from all walks of life without needing endless certifications.

 

6. Master Trainer Access: Classroom vs Mentorship

In larger institutes, exposure to master trainers is limited. Students often learn in groups, watch demo videos, and receive minimal hands-on feedback.

But when you train directly under Dr. Abhishek, you’re not just another student in a crowd.

You get:

  • Live observation of how he treats real clients.
  • 1-on-1 mentorship that includes breakdowns of actual cases.
  • Feedback on how you teach, assess, and apply knowledge.
  • Ongoing support to facilitate your development after certification.

This kind of intimate mentorship is rare and priceless, especially for those looking to move beyond group class teaching into clinical or rehabilitation settings.

 

7. Career Outcome: Fitness Coach or Movement Specialist?

Let’s face it—the wellness industry is crowded. There are hundreds of Pilates instructors in every city.

But how many of them can:

  • Confidently assess someone’s posture and design a rehab-based plan?
  • Work with physiotherapists and doctors to support recovery?
  • Prevent injury recurrence and optimise movement efficiency?
  • Deliver life-changing outcomes in 3–6 sessions?

That’s the gap the Clinical Pilates Instructor Program fills.

You don’t just become a Pilates Instructor.

You become a:

  • Posture specialist
  • Movement therapist
  • Postnatal and Rehab therapist
  • Holistic wellness facilitator

This position allows you to work in clinics, rehabilitation centres, and corporate wellness programs or create your speciality studio, which offers high-value services that truly change lives.

 

8. Certification & Recognition: Brand-Driven vs Purpose-Driven

Power Pilates, BASI, and STOTT are recognised worldwide, mostly within the Pilates or fitness communities.

The Clinical Pilates Instructor Certification is offered by Abbysan Yoga & Wellness in Thailand, with American Accreditation Association (approval in progress). But beyond the name, what matters more is the depth of skill you gain and the real-world impact you can make.

The industry is shifting—from “how fit are you” to “how well can you move and live without pain.” This course prepares you to thrive in that future.

 

Conclusion: Which Path Is Right for You?

If you love Pilates and want to run group classes, build a studio, or stay within traditional fitness, a BASI, STOTT, or Power Pilates certification may be right.

But if you’re someone who also;

  • Wants to work with injured, ageing, or postnatal populations…
  • Believes that movement can be medicine…
  • Seeks a deeper, more clinical understanding of how to help people heal…

Then the Clinical Pilates Instructor Program may be your calling.

 

Next Steps:

Explore the curriculum, ask questions, or click here to schedule a chat with Dr. Abhishek or WhatsApp us directly at +66 62547 5107 or call 0625322588

Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to expand your expertise, choose a path that empowers you to make real change.

Mythology of Stretching Hamstrings

The hamstrings are a group of muscles located at the back of the thigh that are responsible for flexing the knee and extending the hip. Stretching these muscles can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, and prevent injury. However, there are several myths surrounding the practice of stretching the hamstrings that need to be addressed.

Myth #1: Stretching the hamstrings will prevent muscle tears.

While stretching can help improve the range of motion of your muscles, it is not a guarantee that you will not suffer a muscle tear. In fact, muscle tears can happen when the muscle is subjected to a sudden and unexpected load that it is not prepared for. The best way to prevent muscle tears is to engage in proper warm-up and cool-down routines, as well as gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts.

Myth #2: Stretching the hamstrings will improve performance.

While stretching can help improve flexibility and range of motion, it is not necessarily going to improve your performance in activities that require explosive power or speed. In fact, excessive stretching can actually reduce muscle strength and power. It is important to find a balance between stretching and strengthening the hamstrings to optimize performance.

Myth #3: Stretching the hamstrings will prevent lower back pain.

Tight hamstrings are often blamed for lower back pain, but this is not always the case. In fact, lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, weak core muscles, and even psychological stress. Stretching the hamstrings can help alleviate muscle tightness, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for lower back pain.

Myth #4: You should stretch your hamstrings every day.

It is important to include stretching as part of your regular fitness routine, but it is not necessary to stretch your hamstrings every day. In fact, overstretching can lead to muscle imbalances and even injury. It is important to listen to your body and only stretch as far as is comfortable for you.

In conclusion, while stretching the hamstrings can have several benefits, it is important to be aware of the myths surrounding this practice. Stretching should be incorporated into your fitness routine in a balanced and mindful way to help improve flexibility and prevent injury.

MOVE. BREATHE. NOURISH.
Get unlimited access to on-demand Yoga videos starting from US$ 21 per month.
SIGN UP NOW
Intuitive Eating Course
The free video course will help you see that there is more to life than diets and obsession with food.
WATCH NOW
Myofascial Pain Relief Program
The program is design to help you release the knots in your muscles, making you flexible and reduce general stiffness.
Learn More
Previous slide
Next slide

How much flexibility is enough?

I like to start by answering a simple questions and at the end of this post I have a list of 5 questions you can self reflect on. 

Okay, here we go…

Do you want to be Flexible or Functional?

They are not the same.

Flexible can translate to being pliable; or bending without breaking.

Functional however refers to working conditions; being able to move with ease.

A functional body is naturally both flexible and strong.

Let’s take two common scenarios of flexibility to understand this better:

  1. A gymnast 🤸‍♀️ needs the highest amounts of flexibility which comes from joints distraction. Compromising joint integrity by the excessive joint range of motions.
  2. We are naturally born both flexible and functional and mostly stay that way till the age of 6-8 which comes from less resistance in the muscles, which keeps the joint’s range of motion optimal.

And as most of us are born naturally flexible when we involve in various functional activities/sports (except gymnastics and similar activities that promote hyper-flexibility) our body develops accordingly.

If you are involved in tennis from a young age your body will develop one-sidedly.

If you are involved in running or similar sports you will develop certain muscles more than others and so on. You get the idea.

So unless you are competing in Olympics as the best gymnast, aiming for a highly flexible body is not necessary. (And of course, that is your decision to make)

But, in my opinion, the best option is to be both.

Flexible + Strong = Functional

Sound simple?

It’s not that simple; because there is a limitation to measuring the level of flexibility and strength someone needs to go by the day and it differs from person to person.

And if you are stiff like wood then that just shows how much you screwed up your posture over the years.

And randomly stretching a tight muscle is not the right solution, perhaps the worse. Most people don’t know the difference between tight and overworked muscle.

Let’s try to understand this with an example;

It’s most obvious you feel tense and overworked when you have to do the job of 2 people just because your boss hasn’t found a replacement for the employees he fired last month. (Yes you can handle it for a few weeks or months but what happens afterward)

We can also debate on stretching helps relax the overworked muscle. Same as you need to get a massage on a weekend or grab a drink after work or have a smoke during work breaks to relax your mind.

You see all that is just temporary and you need to look for a long term solution; hire the people so you don’t have to do their job and you can be more efficient.

Same as improving your posture by training the right muscles to do their job to maintain a good posture.

That’s going to ultimately reduce the stress and tension and you won’t feel an urge to become flexible.

See the problem with becoming flexible or feeling the need for stretching is an addiction.

And not different than a person lifting weights playing sports running hiking all day, every day. (Perhaps they are only good at doing that!) and

That’s just an addictive behavior that comes from limiting beliefs. Many of our behaviors are shaped by our limiting beliefs.

How many times have you got a suggestion from your friend, girlfriend, wife, or colleague to try yoga?

…You either tried yoga, loved it, and still doing it…

…Or you did once and said it’s not for you…

…Or perhaps you did so much that now you are the yoga teacher yourself…

No matter where you are at now in your yoga journey it’s important to look back and remember the primary reason and reflect on it for a few minutes.

Now self reflect or answer these questions.

  1. What level of flexibility have you achieved?
  2. How long did it take to get there?
  3. What has changed in your body since then that has directly improved your physical ability to do something with ease?
  4. Do you feel functional or just flexible?
  5. Are you satisfied with your current posture?

And if you are looking for accountability send your answers to info@abbysan.com

MOVE. BREATHE. NOURISH.
Get unlimited access to on-demand Yoga videos starting from US$ 21 per month.
SIGN UP NOW
Intuitive Eating Course
The free video course will help you see that there is more to life than diets and obsession with food.
WATCH NOW
Myofascial Pain Relief Program
The program is design to help you release the knots in your muscles, making you flexible and reduce general stiffness.
Learn More
Previous slide
Next slide

What Is Yoga?

What-is-Yoga-header_abbysan-1160x653-1024x576

Dr Abhishek founded Abbysan in 2007, he did so with a vision to create a comfortable studio atmosphere for clients to attain Yoga mastery away from the pressure of daily life.

Continue reading

Hip, Knee & Ankle Issues

The most common injury, ankle sprain or simply the lack of optimum range of motion in your ankle can set a series of imbalances and dysfunctions in your body. The most common of all is change in gait pattern, which eventually can make yours legs week, causing hip and back pain. The most acquired prolonged sitting habits are very common among high school teenagers, office or desk-job develop the joint pain for being inactive. On the contrary the cyclists, runners, sprinters, gymnasts, high jump athletes and other sports players suffer from overuse injuries of either one of the three important joints in the lower body.

If you are looking for a simple, more effective way to deal with your knee issues, hip impingements and sciatica started due to prolonged sitting habits, bad movements techniques, or posture; come and get a free assessment and movement screen or start with one of the classes from the recommendations below to help overcome your knee, ankle or hip issues.

Remember, every part of your body is inter-connected and re-building that connection takes time and effort.

Hip, Knee & Ankle Issues (Lower Body Dysfunction)

MUST ATTEND ANY OF THE CLASSES BELOW (2-3 times/week)

MAY ATTEND ANY OF THE CLASSES BELOW (2-3 times/month) 
Total Body Reset
This online program can help you reset and realign your body by releasing various muscles including the ones in shoulder, neck hips and lower back.
Learn More

Lower Back Issues

Lower back and sacrum issues are very common among office or desk-job, cyclists, runners, high jump athletes at some point in their lives tend to develop lower back pain and stiffness due to repetitive movements in the single plane.

If you are looking for a simple, more effective way to deal with your back issues started due to prolonged sitting habits, bad movements techniques, or posture; or inappropriately body position for lifting and carrying your newborn baby, come and get a free assessment and movement screen or start with one of the classes from the recommendations below to help overcome your back issues.

Lower Back Issues (Core Dysfunction)

MUST ATTEND ANY OF THE CLASSES BELOW (2-3 times/week)

MAY ATTEND ANY OF THE CLASSES BELOW (2-3 times/month) 
Total Body Reset
This online program can help you reset and realign your body by releasing various muscles including the ones in shoulder, neck hips and lower back.
Learn More