Issa Launches First Reformer Pilates Certification Amid Surging Demand

The fitness education giant is introducing new online Pilates certifications as gyms and studios continue to embrace the modality, fueling more demand for qualified instructors

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is making a bigger play for the booming Pilates market, launching its first-ever reformer Pilates instructor certification as demand for the modality continues to surge.

ISSA has opened a waitlist for three new credentials: Mat Pilates Instructor Certification, Reformer Pilates Instructor Certification and a combined Mat + Reformer certification pathway.

The new offerings will replace ISSA’s previous mat Pilates certification while marking the organization’s first entry into reformer-specific education, positioning it to capitalize on the growing need for qualified instructors as reformer Pilates expands beyond boutique studios and into mainstream commercial gyms.

The certifications will be offered entirely online, with self-paced coursework designed to make Pilates education more accessible. ISSA hasn’t yet announced when enrollment will open.

The standalone reformer certification covers equipment safety, spring mechanics, cueing and a 27-exercise repertoire. It’s open to instructors who already hold a mat Pilates certification from ISSA or another nationally recognized program.

The reformer curriculum was developed with Pilates master trainer Josh Vela, who has more than 18 years of experience across studios, gyms and digital fitness.

“Pilates is one of the fastest-growing areas in fitness,” Andrew Wyant, who recently returned as ISSA’s CEO, said, pointing to the importance of well-trained instructors as participation increases.

ISSA’s expansion comes as Pilates continues to gain popularity across the fitness industry, with major gym operators increasingly adding reformer studios and programming to capitalize on consumer demand.

According to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, 13.8 million Americans participated in Pilates in 2025, up from 12.9 million in 2024 and 9.9 million in 2020.

The number of core participants, defined as those practicing Pilates at least 50 times annually, also climbed to 3.38 million in 2025, up from 3.1 million the previous year.

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