Where Pilates Practice Becomes Professional Skill
This page is for dedicated students ready to dive into the nuts and bolts of our teacher training program.
Pilates Curriculum
We’ve designed our School Curriculums to support both students who want to deepen their understanding for lifelong self-practice and those pursuing a career in teaching. That’s why our programs are divided into three distinct focus areas:
Becoming a proficient student with embodied knowledge of Pilates principles and repertoire
Learning to guide clearly and support others in a lighthearted, encouraging movement environment
Developing the skills to guide individuals with more complex or specialized movement needs
Each path builds on the one before, honoring both personal growth and professional development.
Our School curriculum emphasizes comprehensive knowledge in:
Traditional and Contemporary approaches to the Pilates Method
Evaluation skills for self-practice and somatic awareness
Research based pedagogy for teaching classes and private sessions
Language and facilitation for student-centric learning
Technical anatomy, biomechanics, neurology, and musculoskeletal physiology applied to teaching and performing the Pilates Method
Study of group movement social psychology and its impact on the fitness and wellness experience
Professionalism and ethics in the business of mindful movement
Learn More About the Three Phases of the Program
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By exploring both classical and contemporary Pilates, this program builds a deep and embodied understanding of the method—an essential first step for becoming an effective teacher. The curriculum lays the groundwork for confident, skilled instruction by helping future educators learn how Pilates works in their own bodies before learning how to guide others.
Over the course of eight weeks, students will dive into the mechanics, purpose, and progression of Pilates exercises, with a focus on how to teach them safely and effectively. The mat and reformer repertoire is prioritized and supported by in-depth musculoskeletal anatomy education. Additional tools—such as props, studio equipment, release techniques, and motor control strategies—are integrated to support intelligent teaching and responsive cueing.
This program is designed to prepare students for the next stages of certification, including the 300-hour General Educator Certificate or the 500-hour Pilates Professional Certificate.
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The Pilates General Education Certificate is a 100-hour program that follows the 200hr Pathway, bridging the gap between student and teacher. Blending pedagogy, motor control, and traditional Pilates theory, this focused track emphasizes practical application in real-world class settings.
Students will graduate with the confidence and capability to lead intermediate-level mat and reformer classes for the general public. Education in scope of practice, classical sequencing, and verbal cueing is prioritized, alongside applied understanding of demonstration techniques and the impact of environmental conditions on learning.
What’s Included:
Students receive an interactive manual and workbook tailored to mat and reformer repertoire, including:
Class planning templates that prioritize healthy movement experiences for diverse participants
Communication strategies to optimize practice environments
Foundations of feedback for maintaining safety and responsiveness in class
Teaching journal prompts to inspire reflection and professional growth
This program is ideal for those who want to teach as secondary job and have interest in supporting their community through movement.
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The Pilates Professional Certificate is designed for those pursuing a long-term career in Pilates, working with injury and illness, leading educational workshops, and teaching in diverse or clinical settings.
This advanced program focuses on critical thinking and assessment, preparing teachers to work confidently with individuals in private or specialized settings. Through deeper study of anatomy, neurology, and physiology, you'll learn to assess, adapt, and guide students through customized Pilates practices with precision and care.
Coursework includes a mix of independent study, required readings, and applied assignments, supporting self-paced integration of theory and practice.
The program concludes with a final practical and written exam to demonstrate mastery of the material.
Upon completion, you'll be invited to join the sub roster at The Practice Space, supporting your transition into professional teaching and offering real-world experience as you grow into a full-time role.
Requirments
In Person Learning
Each module for all phases of the program meets at the following times:
Wednesdays (Virtual, from home): 5:30–8:00pm
Fridays (In studio, Belmont St): 5:30–8:00pm
Saturdays (In studio, Belmont St): 1:30–5:30pm
To receive certification, students must attend at least 80% of all scheduled learning days. Any missed sessions must be made up through self-study assignments to ensure all course material is completed. This is a frequently asked question?
Self-Practice Requirements
Each module includes dedicated self-practice time, movement experienced in your own body is essential preparation for teaching others. Below are the self-practice requirements for each level of the program:
200-Hour Pathway
25 hours of mat classes
25 hours of reformer classes
25 hours of self-guided studio equipment practice
5 private sessions with a training instructor
300-Hour General Education Certification
10 hours of mat classes
5 hours of self-practice (mat repertoire)
10 hours of reformer classes
5 hours of self-practice (reformer repertoire)
500-Hour Pilates Professional Certification
25 hours of self-practice on studio equipment, including:
Barrels
Chair
Cadillac
Auxiliary apparatus
Observation of Other Teachers
Not all learning happens through movement. Some of the most valuable insights come from observing others teach. Our programs include dedicated observation hours to support deeper understanding of cueing, sequencing, and classroom dynamics.
200-Hour Pathway
Not required
300-Hour General Education Certification
20 hours observing mat classes
20 hours observing reformer classes
500-Hour Pilates Professional Certification
30 hours observing group classes
30 hours observing private sessions
Important Note:
At The Practice Space, we emphasize deliberate practice over passive observation. These hours are not fulfilled by simply sitting and watching. At least 50% of your observation time will include peer discussions, teaching analysis, and written assignments designed to actively engage you in the learning process.
Observation with intention is key to becoming a thoughtful, responsive teacher.
(Un)Supervised Teaching
Teaching is one of the most powerful ways to learn. Practicing how to observe, cue, and refine others not only deepens your understanding, it trains your eye and sharpens your voice as an educator.
200-Hour Pathway
Not required
300-Hour General Education Certification
20 hours of (un)supervised teaching
500-Hour Pilates Professional Certification
80 hours of (un)supervised teaching
Important Note: Many supervised teaching hours will occur during in-person training days. Not all hours must take place in the studio, flexibility is built in order to make all learning scenarios as optimal as possible.