Meet the team
Neil Dimmock
Co-Founder
With over 25 years' experience in the fitness industry including 15 years teaching reformer pilates, Neil brings a passion for exercise science and functional movement to his courses.
Chloe Burton
Education Manager, Reformer
Originally trained in professional musical theatre and dance, Chloe began her teaching career in children's dance and drama before transitioning into Pilates. Chloe regularly teaches in top studios across London in addition to managing reformer education at LPA.
Kacie Shoulders
Associate Education Manager, Mat
Besides a love for pilates and over 10 years' teaching experience, Kacie holds qualifications in yoga and nutrition, bringing a holistic approach to wellness.
Zara Vanderman
Customer Service Associate
Bringing extensive experience in education, Zara transitioned to LPA from Kings College London where she managed the student education experience. She is on hand throughout the student journey for questions and support.
Frequently asked questions
Are London Pilates Academy certifications accredited and will potential employers recognise my achievement?
Yes. Our courses are accredited by CIMSPA and many are also backed by YMCA Awards. Unless your potential employer has a specific certification requirement, our courses will be recognised.
Why should I receive my training from London Pilates Academy?
At London Pilates Academy, all of our tutors are qualified to both teach trainers and assess. As importantly, we have all taught at the highest level, resulting in vast industry experience. You could say that our courses and workshops are written and delivered for trainers, by trainers. We understand the needs of the modern trainer and the demands of the modern clients that you are likely to encounter within your career.
Are there assessments attached to your courses?
It’s fairly safe to say that none of us enjoy undertaking assessments. However, to have a more robust certification, we must have a fair and transparent process of assessing the learner’s knowledge. We have both a multiple choice theory assessment and practical teaching assessment attached to the comprehensive training.
How long will it take to receive my results and certification?
We aim to give instant feedback. However, if you have the timeframe does depend on the course you're taking. For our Level 3 courses awarded by YMCA Awards, and extensive internal and external verification process is required which can take time.
I don’t have access to a reformer, is this a requirement to attend the online reformer course?
No, not the main content. However, you will need to have access to a reformer for the practical (teaching) component of your assessment.
You’ll also need to understand the basic principles of reformer exercise. Therefore, it would be helpful if you’re in an environment where you have access to the machine. It’s important for you to identify how much experience you have had with reformer exercise and indeed what type of learner you are. Some learners are comfortable with verbal and/or visual instructions and information. Alternatively, some learners need to use other senses like touch and feel to properly engage with the learning content.
Can you help me access a reformer for my course?
Firstly, It’s important for us to establish this before booking into our courses. You can simply contact us beforehand and together, we’ll work on a strategy together to help you gain access to a Reformer. LPA has many friends in various places around the world, who have also been in a similar position as yourself. Get in contact with us and we’ll work on this together.
My studio is on a different timezone to GMT. How can we meet so that LPA can deliver the course?
Not a problem. We’ll work on a strategy together, to provide a course on your timezone. We, too, have strong coffee in the UK!
What does it mean that your Functional Reformer course is not a standalone pilates qualification?
Plates qualification's generally take the form of a mat-based course and are measured against a different criteria to equipment-based courses. Therefore, in order to market yourself as a Pilates Teacher, you would firstly need to complete a certified mat-based qualification such as our Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates. The (mat-based) qualification of a level 3 standard would enable you to participate within higher learning, which includes equipment-based courses such as our Reformer course. If you are indeed a personal trainer with a level 3 certification, then you would be able to attend and certify as a Reformer teacher. However, unless completing a certified (mat-based) Pilates qualification, you are advised not to market yourself as a Pilates teacher.
Join our community. Get free classes
Our ambition is to create an open, inclusive community of fitness professionals where we can share information, learn together, and thrive. That's why we're offering free reformer classes, dropped regularly into the community. It's free to join, so help us build this together!