Pilates for Kids: Where To Start

Teaching Pilates to children requires a different approach

Have you been thinking about teaching Pilates to children but are not sure where to start?
If you’re considering Pilates for kids, knowing where to begin can make all the difference.

After more than ten years working with children, I can say it has been the most rewarding part of my Pilates journey and certainly one of the most challenging. Working with children involves understanding regulations, making thoughtful adaptations, and taking the time to deepen your knowledge of child development and educational approaches.

When teaching children, the decision-makers are the parents, not the children themselves. I began this work at a time when Pilates was far less known, so my focus was on helping parents understand its benefits for their children. As demand for Pilates has grown, this landscape has shifted, creating more opportunities to introduce children to the method.

To help guide your approach, I’ve put together answers to four key questions based on my experience.

Why Pilates for children?

“In childhood, habits are easily formed, good and bad.” — Joseph Pilates

Many of the adults we work with today are dealing with issues that began in adolescence. Pilates offers something different: it develops body awareness, helping individuals take control of how they move. In turn, this builds strength and supports pain relief through improved movement patterns.

Now more than ever, encouraging physical activity in children is essential. Sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time, and poor posture are contributing to musculoskeletal issues from an early age. This is where Joseph Pilates’s phrase “First educate the child,” from Your Health, becomes particularly relevant.

As Pilates instructors specialising in this area, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

What skills do you need as an instructor?

Teaching children requires more than technical Pilates knowledge. Key elements include:

• A genuine interest in working with children
• Patience and empathy
• A basic understanding of child development
• The ability to structure and repeat effectively
• Creativity to maintain engagement
• Consistency in communication and teaching

Providing children with clear guidance makes the process more effective for both instructor and student.

How do you teach Pilates to children?

Pilates requires concentration and precision, but children do not process these concepts in the same way as adults. The key is not to simplify the method, but to adapt how it is taught.

In my experience, effective classes include:

• A clear and consistent structure
• Progressive exercise sequences
• Visual tools such as flashcards
• Group dynamics that encourage participation

Rather than turning Pilates into a game, it is more effective to use play as a tool for learning.

Incorporating educational principles such as repetition, active participation, and collaborative learning helps children not only perform movements but also understand them. They respond best when they feel involved, capable, and able to progress.

As for the class content, I recommend starting with adaptations of the fundamental Pilates mat exercises.

What is the right age to start?

In group settings, children aged 7 to 12 tend to work best, as they have developed enough attention and discipline to follow structured sessions.

Keeping age ranges close—for example, 7–9 or 10–12—helps maintain engagement. In private sessions, children can start earlier, provided they can follow instructions and remain focused.

Where can you teach children?

Pilates for children can be delivered in a variety of settings:

• Schools and extracurricular programmes
• Pilates studios (primarily mat-based)
• Rented spaces near schools
• Private or online sessions

Each setting presents different challenges, but also valuable opportunities. Starting with what is most accessible allows you to build experience and expand over time.

Final thoughts

Teaching Pilates to children is not simply about adapting exercises. It is about developing an approach that combines movement, education, and communication.

It is also important to be aware of local regulations when working with children. In the UK, for example, you may require a DBS check and, depending on the setting, additional qualifications related to working with young people.

The path is challenging, but working with children is deeply rewarding. Their energy and engagement bring a unique dimension to the process. With a clear strategy and the right preparation, teaching Pilates to children can become a meaningful extension of your professional practice.

All ideas and assertions expressed in The CORE are those of the individual contributors, offered to spark conversation, enrich understanding/inspire growth and share diverse perspectives within our community. They may not necessarily reflect the views of Balanced Body®.