FLEXIBILITY. STRENGTH. ENDURANCE
California's Leading Studio for Superior
Pilates Training
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Certification Program
The Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program is perfect for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of movement, anatomy, and the Pilates method while gaining the skills to teach with confidence. Whether you're looking to start a new career, expand your fitness credentials, or enhance your personal practice, this program provides the knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional guidance needed to become a skilled and inspiring Pilates instructor.
COMPREHENSIVE PILATES TEACHER
TRAINING PROGRAM
Our Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program is a 500-hour course of study designed to prepare graduates to teach confidently and effectively across the full Pilates system.
The program is divided into two phases. Students may complete Phase One as a stand-alone Mat, Reformer & Special Populations Certification, or continue into Phase Two to complete the full Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program.
PHASE ONE: MAT, REFORMER & SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Phase One establishes the foundation of Pilates teaching and movement education.
Students will study: • Essential and intermediate Reformer repertoire • Classical and contemporary Mat repertoire • Pilates principles, history, and foundational theory • Breath mechanics, spinal articulation, and core integration • Group and private session programming • Prenatal and postnatal considerations • Common injuries and musculoskeletal conditions • Adaptive programming and inclusive instruction Upon completion of Phase One, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Mat, Reformer & Special Populations and will be eligible to continue into Phase Two.
PHASE TWO: COMPREHENSIVE APPARATUS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Phase Two expands upon the foundation established in Phase One and introduces the remaining Pilates apparatus, advanced programming concepts, movement analysis, and professional teaching skills.
Students will study: • Cadillac / Trapeze Table • Chair • Barrels and auxiliary equipment • Advanced exercise programming • Movement assessment and analysis • Client progression strategies • Professional teaching skills and communication • Advanced cueing and lesson design • Teaching practicum and instructor development Upon successful completion of both phases and all required program hours, students will earn a Certificate of Completion for the 500-Hour Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program.
PROGRAM HOURS
The Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program consists of:
In-Studio Training: 70 Hours
Online Coursework & Educational Materials: 150 Hours
Assistant Teaching: 20 Hours
Mentored Professional Development Hours: 260 Hours
Total Program Hours: 500 Hours
MENTORED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS
Mentored Professional Development Hours are designed to bridge the gap between learning Pilates and becoming an exceptional instructor.
Working in collaboration with a Master Trainer, students will complete individualized professional development activities that reinforce classroom learning and cultivate the practical skills necessary for a successful teaching career.
These hours may be completed through a combination of: • Observation of experienced instructors • Practice teaching and peer teaching • Self-practice and repertoire review • Case studies and client assessments • Lesson planning and program design • Studio mentorship • Apprenticeship opportunities • Independent study and professional growth activities Students will work closely with their Master Trainer to create an individualized plan for completing these hours based on their experience, career goals, and available opportunities.
APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Students enrolled in the Comprehensive Program may be eligible for paid apprenticeship opportunities through participating studios and training partners.
Apprenticeships provide valuable hands-on experience assisting classes, observing experienced instructors, developing teaching confidence, and gaining practical experience within a professional studio environment.
Availability varies based on studio needs, student readiness, and scheduling. Students interested in apprenticeship opportunities should consult with their Master Trainer regarding placement options, expectations, and eligibility.
OBSERVATION & PRACTICE TEACHING
Observation and practice teaching are essential components of instructor development.
Students will observe a variety of teaching styles, client populations, and class formats while gradually building confidence and competency through supervised teaching experiences.
This process helps trainees refine their communication skills, improve movement analysis, develop effective cueing strategies, and learn how to create safe and successful Pilates experiences for their future clients.
NCPT EXAM PREPARATION
This Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program is designed to support students in preparing for the Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) examination administered by the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP).
The NCPT credential is recognized throughout the Pilates industry as a benchmark of professional competency. The examination evaluates a candidate's knowledge of Pilates principles, anatomy, biomechanics, program design, teaching methodology, professional ethics, and safe application of Pilates across a variety of populations. As part of this training, students will receive educational guidance and support to help prepare for the examination process. Official candidate handbooks, exam preparation materials, eligibility requirements, registration information, and testing policies are provided directly through the NPCP. Please note that registration fees, examination fees, and any materials purchased directly through the NPCP are not included in the tuition for this training program and are the responsibility of the participant. While this program is designed to help students prepare for the NCPT examination, certification is awarded independently by the NPCP and is not guaranteed upon completion of this course alone. Completion of Phase One, Phase Two, and all required program hours fulfills the requirements for graduation from the 500-Hour Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program.
TRAINING DATES & SCHEDULE
PHASE ONE: MAT, REFORMER & SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Desert Dream Dance, located at 1515 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA.
Weekend 1: July 31 – August 2, 2026
Weekend 2: August 7 – August 9, 2026
Fri.: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sat. and Sun.: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Total contact hours: approximately 34 hours across both weekends.
PHASE TWO: COMPREHENSIVE APPARATUS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Registration for Future Sessions Opening Soon
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Life changing!
Surreyya's training gave me the tools to find strength and stability where I thought I had none. She has a lifetime of experience. Now, I can share these tools to help others find their strengths. It's truly rewarding and an excellent investment in oneself. It feels good to be able to turn down work for a change and in control of my income. - Jill Baker, Pilates Instructor
The joy of teaching
is in my heart
thank you to Core for being such a beacon of light in my career development. I have never been so happy in my job as when I walk into the studio every day!! Jeanette’s no-nonsense approach to movement has helped me adopt a solid teaching style and I am finding my voice. - Joy Lewis, Pilates Apprentice Teacher
“Jeanette is my
“go-to”
whenever I have wellness questions and need advice on how to approach an injury and develop a program for my private clients. Her knowledge is priceless! Her comprehensive is the best gift I have ever given myself!”- Natasha Fischer