Northern Ireland named UK’s most sedentary workforce as new Pilates teacher training hub launches in Holywood
Northern Ireland has the most sedentary workforce in the UK, with six in ten employees (60%) saying their job has led to a sedentary lifestyle – the highest rate of any UK region.
The findings come from a UK-wide study of 2,000 employed adults and reveal the physical toll modern working patterns are having across the region. Among Northern Ireland respondents, 62% say they have experienced increased aches or stiffness, 43% have noticed reduced energy levels and 38% have experienced poor posture or back painas a result of sedentary work.
Northern Ireland workers are also among the most likely in the UK to want a career change (60%), ranking just behind London (61%), and are the second most likely region to want to pursue a career that supports better physical and mental wellbeing.
The research was commissioned by London Pilates Academy (LPA), the UK’s leading accredited Pilates training provider, which is now launching a full-time dedicated teacher training studio in Holywood, just minutes from Belfast City Airport and a short drive from Belfast city centre.
The new studio will be led by Nadine McCann, a Belfast local and experienced Pilates teacher trainer, she said: “I’m delighted to be bringing London Pilates Academy to Holywood. There is a growing appetite here for movement, wellbeing and professional development. It’s exciting to finally offer accredited Pilates teacher training right on our doorstep.
“This studio creates an opportunity for people across Northern Ireland to retrain locally, gain recognised qualifications and join a supportive professional community. I’m incredibly proud to be leading this next chapter for Pilates education in the region.”
LPA’s full Pilates teaching diploma at Belfast equips students to become confident, fully qualified mat Pilates teachers and is structured to blend online foundational learning with in-person training days at the Holywood studio.
For those who already hold a Level 3 teaching qualification in mat Pilates or equivalent, the LPA Reformer certification course builds specialist skills in equipment-based teaching. Both courses include unlimited access to the online learning portal, practice classes, tutorials and tutor support, preparing graduates for a wide range of teaching environments. To make training more accessible, interest-free payment plans are also offered.
Neil Dimmock, Founder of London Pilates Academy, said: “We are seeing a fundamental shift in how people think about work. The research shows that in Northern Ireland, sedentary jobs are not just common - they’re having a poor impact on people’s health and energy levels.
“Our role is to provide a credible, regulated pathway for those who want to retrain into a profession that promotes movement, resilience and long-term wellbeing. This isn’t about a short-term trend, it’s about equipping people with sustainable skills for a growing industry.”
You can sign up and find out more information here: https://www.londonpilatesacademy.com/lpabelfast
About LPA:
London Pilates Academy is the UK’s leading Ofqual accredited Pilates training provider, delivering studio-ready teacher education across mat, reformer, and specialist populations. As a CIMSPA 3-star Enhancing Education Partner, LPA supports graduates worldwide with training, recruitment, and professional development opportunities.