Why Train With Upstate

A positive state of mind, for you and your students

We train instructors the way we run our studios: real, supportive, energetic, and built on genuine connection. Here’s what sets an Upstate cert apart.

20AUSactive CECs
$35–70Per hour, typical
LifeCertified, once

Upstate staff and members chatting at studio reception

What makes us different

More than a certificate

Backed by real studiosLearn from a working studio brand: the theory is proven on the floor every day.
Real human mentoring1:1 educator mentoring and live monthly sessions: support, not just self-serve videos.
A real communityA private crew and monthly Q+As so you’re never doing it alone.
Practice-teaching networkIn-person students teach in real Upstate studios.
Printed + digital resourcesA course manual plus the online Learning Hub.
The Upstate energyPositive, friendly, fun: training that actually feels good.
AUSactive
Accredited
20 CECs

AUSactive National Awards Program 2026, CPD Provider of the Year finalist

Recognised + respected

Every Upstate certification is accredited through AUSactive and earns you 20 CECs, recognised across the fitness industry, so you’re good to go in studios, gyms or your own private classes. And we’re a 2026 AUSactive National Awards finalist for CPD Provider of the Year.

The career

A career you’ll love

In Australia, most Pilates instructors charge between $35 and $70 an hour. Running classes full-time, you could earn around $75,000–$95,000 a year (depending on where you’re based and what you teach).

Teach in studios, gyms, or your own private classes
Flexible hours that fit around your life
Turn a passion into genuine income

An Upstate educator cueing a class

The team

Meet your educators

The people who’ll be in the room with you, across Melbourne and Geelong.

Sienna Doolan, Head of Pilates Education, Upstate StudiosSienna DoolanHead of Pilates Education

Sienna leads Upstate’s Pilates Education program and has extensive training across Mat, Reformer, pre and postnatal Pilates, pelvic floor, anatomy, biomechanics and strength-based movement. She is passionate about helping new instructors build confidence, understand the “why” behind their teaching and find their own voice in the room.

Bec Phillips, Head of Reformer Sequence Training, Geelong, Upstate StudiosBec PhillipsHead of Reformer Sequence Training, Geelong

Bec is an experienced Pilates and group fitness instructor with over 8 years in the industry. With training across Mat, Reformer, boxing, strength, pre and postnatal movement, and classical and contemporary Pilates, Bec brings intelligent sequencing, clear cueing and strong education to the training space.

Sasha Jones, Head Sequence Trainer, Upstate StudiosSasha JonesHead Sequence Trainer

Sasha is Upstate’s Head Sequence Trainer with over 8 years of experience across Pilates, yoga, fitness, corporate wellness and studio operations. She brings a strong understanding of sequencing, class flow, energy and instructor development to the Pilates Instructor Training team.

Lily Howard, Melbourne Educator + Student Support, Upstate StudiosLily HowardMelbourne Educator + Student Support

Lily is a Pilates educator, yoga teacher and Upstate Sequence Trainer with an Advanced Diploma in Contemporary Pilates and extensive training across yoga, Reiki and bodywork. She brings a calm, supportive and deeply knowledgeable presence to teacher training.

Caz Howard, Principal Pilates Educator, Melbourne, Upstate StudiosCaz HowardPrincipal Pilates Educator, Melbourne

Caz is a principal Pilates trainer, yoga teacher and health coach with over 25 years of experience. With a broad background across Pilates, yoga, remedial massage, health coaching and movement education, Caz brings depth, care and incredible industry knowledge to the training room.

Georgie Edgar, Geelong Pilates Educator, Upstate StudiosGeorgie EdgarGeelong Pilates Educator

Georgie is a Pilates educator with a Bachelor of Nutrition, Masters of Dietetics and Certificate III and IV in Fitness. As an Upstate Pilates Instructor and Sequence Trainer, she brings a warm, practical and evidence-informed approach to teacher training.

Madison Browne, Geelong Pilates Educator, Upstate StudiosMadison BrowneGeelong Pilates Educator

Madison is a Pilates educator, qualified primary teacher, certified health coach, professional netballer and Upstate Head Boxing Trainer. With 6 years of Pilates teaching experience, she brings energy, clarity and strong coaching skills to the education space.

Rachel Marti, Geelong Pilates Educator, Upstate StudiosRachel MartiGeelong Pilates Educator

Rachel is a Pilates educator with a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion, along with Mat, Reformer and Certificate III Fitness qualifications. As an Upstate Mat Pilates Sequence Trainer, she brings a thoughtful, science-informed and empowering approach to teaching.

From our grads

In their words

“I would recommend Upstate’s instructor course because the education team are just so incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and when you’re learning from someone like that, the experience is just wonderful and so inspiring.”

Anya · Upstate graduate

“The educators, Sienna and Lily, were thorough, fun, and informative.”

Laura · Upstate graduate

Come train with us

Find your Upstate

Ready to make it happen? Choose the path that fits you.

A smiling cartoon sun with boxing gloves touching one another, together illustrating a lighthearted and cheerful vibe
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