FÔLD Academy Launches Unique Pilates Certification Programme

FÔLD and Create today announce the launch of FÔLD Academy, a new education partnership designed to set a higher standard for Pilates education.

The partnership launches with a fully accredited Reformer Pilates Course delivered in a blended format, combining e-learning with four in-person workshop days and a dedicated in-person assessment day. The programme runs over approximately a 12-week period, offering a structured, high-quality pathway from learning to certification.

Reformer Pilates is rising in popularity (a 57% rise in Google searches since late 2024) and demand for reformer studios with expertly skilled and accredited instructors is high. To address this, Create and FÔLD developed and delivered the FÔLD Academy, which provides a complete, certified training pathway, from foundational Mat Pilates to advanced Reformer Pilates, recognised at Level 3 certification standards.

“We see a real opportunity to build a certification programme that carries genuine weight in the industry,” said Matt Harras, Co-Founder of FÔLD.

Our ambition is for a FÔLD Academy certified instructor to be recognised as among the best; Technically strong, deeply knowledgeable, and ready to teach with confidence. Our Original FOLD Reformer with Easi-Fold™ was created to democratise Reformer Pilates and now FÔLD Academy continues this by making training accessible and fitting into real schedules through a hybrid of online and in-person learning. Introducing what we hope will be an industry standard is a natural next step for us – reinforcing trust not only in our immediate FÔLD community but in the Pilates space across the UK as a whole as it grows and grows.

Raising the bar for Pilates education

The launch of FÔLD Academy marks a needed change for Pilates training in the UK. By offering a blended format of online learning with in-person workshops and assessments held nationwide, without compromising on quality or accreditation, the partnership makes Reformer certification accessible to those wanting to train as teachers across the country, while maintaining the depth and rigour expected of in-person training.

Learners can progress from Mat to Reformer certification, gaining full instructor status through a flexible, supported pathway that fits around other commitments like work, study and family.

“This partnership creates a clear route into Reformer Pilates accreditation,” said Adam Rhodes, Founder of Create. “It allows people to qualify to industry-recognised standards, with the support and tools they need to actually build a career.”

The drive to launch this partnership has come from the ongoing reality in the industry that there is no regulation for pilates instructors. 

“Reports of injuries are becoming more frequent, with participants experiencing falls, fractures, and other accidents due to improper equipment and insufficient instructor training.” – Go Physio.

Leading on from this, insurance companies are also quickly moving towards only covering studios and instructors with the correct certifications.

Partnership benefits and community structure

The collaboration between FÔLD and Create is designed to deliver shared value for educators, studios, and learners. Key partnership benefits include:

• Exclusive discount on Create courses for FÔLD customers
• Exclusive discount on The Original FÔLD Reformer with Easi-Fold™ for Create learners
• Access to the FÔLD App for all learners to support ongoing practice which features 100+ classes from across reformer, mat and barre.
• Complimentary FÔLD socks and tote bag for every learner

The partnership also introduces flexible “Become a Teacher” packages, bundling FÔLD Reformer equipment with Create education and payment plans to help learners train, qualify, and begin teaching with minimal financial barriers.

Course rollout and certification

The first FÔLD Academy courses will launch in London in early 2026, with national expansion to follow. Confirmed and provisional locations include:

London, Southampton, Birmingham, Bath, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle and Glasgow.

Provisional 2026 London dates:

• Mat Workshops: 7–8, 14–15, 22 February
• Mat Assessment: 11–12 April
• Reformer Workshops: 9–10, 16–17 May
• Reformer Assessment: 11–12 July

Courses will be available to book via both the FÔLD and Create websites.

On Wednesday 21st January, FÔLD and Create will host two launch sessions introducing the FÔLD Academy qualification, featuring a seated presentation, live reformer demo, expert talks on instructor pathways and workforce upskilling, followed by Q&A, networking and refreshments.