PROFESSIONAL COURSE

Comprehensive Pilates
Instructor Training

Ours is considered the best Pilates education for career-minded instructors for a reason.

Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Training is the gold standard of Pilates education. A comprehensively trained instructor understands the breadth and immeasurable value of the Pilates system and can apply the entire studio apparatus to support the goals and aspirations of individual clients.

The comprehensive approach adds diversity to training, expands movement options, and develops professional teaching skills and practice.

Consists of Balanced Body Movement Principles, 9 Apparatus Courses, and Anatomy.

Mat 1

Introduction to Pilates & Beginning / Intermediate Exercises

16 Hours

Mat 1 forms the foundation of the Pilates method. This course includes an introduction to the history and principles of Pilates, along with beginning and intermediate-level exercises. Each exercise includes instruction on modifications, challenges, purpose, and precautions for injuries and special populations. Class design and teaching strategies for group classes are covered, along with guidelines for teaching seniors and pre- and post-natal clients.

Prerequisites
• 10 Mat classes (recommended)
• 6 months’ experience teaching movement and anatomy (recommended)

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Mat 2

Intermediate / Advanced Exercises

16 Hours

Mat 2 teaches the remaining intermediate and advanced Mat exercises for a complete understanding of the Pilates Mat programme. Lectures include progressive skill development for advanced exercises, programming for intermediate and advanced classes, and creating successful Mat sessions.

Prerequisites
• Mat 1

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Mat 3

Enhanced Mat & Props

16 Hours

Enhanced Pilates Mat completes Mat training by incorporating rings, rollers, bands, and balls into traditional Mat exercises. Functional upper- and lower-body exercises expand Mat work beyond the core to develop full-body strength and flexibility. The Balanced Body Programming System is introduced to make class design easy, effective, and engaging. Adding props makes Mat classes more dynamic, creative, and accessible—and clients love the variety.

Prerequisites
• Mat 1 and 2, or successful completion of a comparable Pilates Mat programme.

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Reformer 1

Introduction to Reformer Beginning Exercises

16 Hours

This course introduces you to what Joseph Pilates called the ‘Universal’ Reformer, the centrepiece of the Pilates studio and an invaluable training tool. Reformer 1 teaches you how to safely use the Reformer and many of the beginning and intermediate Pilates Reformer exercises. It also covers common modifications and variations necessary for teaching the client in front of you, and explains the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’, developing critical reasoning skills from the very start of your training.

Prerequisite Recommendations
• 20 Reformer classes (recommended)
• 1 year teaching movement (recommended)

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Reformer 2

Intermediate Exercises

16 Hours

Reformer 2 expands Reformer potential with intermediate and advanced exercises, including safety protocols and modifications. Programmes for specific populations—such as pre- and post-natal clients, osteoporosis, and lower back concerns—are included. Class design, dynamic assessment, and correcting common dysfunctional movement patterns are also covered.

Prerequisites
• Reformer 1

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Reformer 3

Advanced Exercises & Programming

16 Hours

Reformer 3 represents the pinnacle of Reformer training, including advanced and super-advanced exercises. Progressive sequences are used to develop advanced movement skills. Principle-based programming guides instructors in creating safe, effective multi-level classes.

Prerequisites
• Reformer 1 and 2, or successful completion of a comparable Reformer programme.

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Apparatus 1

Introduction to Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Chair, and Barrels

Apparatus 1 introduces the Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Chair and Barrels to provide a complete education in the Pilates system. Apparatus 1 includes beginning and intermediate-level exercises on each piece of equipment, along with safety, set-up, and their role in the Pilates studio environment. Each piece of equipment provides a unique training environment to create a well-rounded experience for a client or class.

Prerequisites
• Mat 1
• Reformer 1
• 20 Pilates studio sessions (recommended)
• 1 year work experience in related field (recommended)

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Apparatus 2

Intermediate Exercises and Class Design for the Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Chair and Barrels

12 Hours

Apparatus 2 includes intermediate exercises on the Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels, as well as information on class design in the Pilates studio environment. It also covers working with special populations, including clients with lower back and shoulder problems.

Prerequisite
• Apparatus 1

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Apparatus 3:

Intermediate, Advanced and Super Advanced Exercises on the Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Chair and Barrels

12 Hours

Apparatus 3 completes the comprehensive Pilates teacher training programme with intermediate, advanced and super-advanced exercises on the Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels. The Balanced Body Movement Principles programming system is applied to the apparatus to create clear guidelines for class design.

Prerequisite
• Apparatus 2

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Alternative Coursework (in place of Apparatus 1–3)

Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower

Complete Trapeze Table and Tower Exercises

18 Hours

Comprehensive Trapeze Table and Tower training, including applications for beginners, post-rehabilitation, and advanced clients. Covers sequencing, programme design, equipment set-up, safety, and maintenance.

Prerequisites
• Mat 1
• Reformer 1
• 20 Pilates studio sessions (recommended)
• 1 year work experience in related field (recommended)

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Pilates Chairs

Exploration of the Wunda Chair, EXO® Chair and Split-Pedal Combo Chair

14 Hours

The Pilates chair is excellent for strengthening athletic clients and, as an addition to group programming. Any of the chairs can be used to incorporate standing and upright core work into a client’s studio experience. This course includes exercises, programming and variations for the original Wunda chair, the EXO chair, and the split-pedal Combo Chair.

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Pilates Barrels

Introduction to the Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel

6 Hours

This course includes exercises and variations for the Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel, both of which are excellent tools for enhancing spinal mobility and core strength. The Ladder Barrel is most commonly used in a studio setting, while the Step Barrel is a great addition to group classes.

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Comprehensive Pilates Programme Includes

Complete studio system repertoire: Trapeze/Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, and Barrels
Detailed, full-colour manuals with video support
Class design using Movement Principles and the Balanced Body Programming System
Cueing, coaching, and teaching skill development
Critical thinking and problem-solving for common conditions
Equipment set-up, safety, and maintenance

Requirements for
Completion

Movement Principles (16 hours)
Anatomy in Three Dimensions™ (16 hours) or anatomy equivalent
Mat instructor coursework
Reformer instructor coursework
Apparatus
- Trapeze Table/Cadillac (or Tower) coursework (18 hours)
- Chair coursework (14 hours)
- Barrels coursework (6 hours)
OR
- Apparatus 1 (14 hours)
- Apparatus 2 (12 hours)
- Apparatus 3 (12 hours)
20 Mat personal sessions
65 Reformer personal sessions
65 Observation sessions
220 student teaching hours
Final written and practical test

FROM THE COMMUNITY

I’ve been an instructor for nearly two years. It’s been incredible, and I love that it’s lifelong learning.

Sylvia P.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

I’ve been an instructor for nearly two years. It’s been incredible, and I love that it’s lifelong learning.

Sylvia P.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

I’ve been an instructor for nearly two years. It’s been incredible, and I love that it’s lifelong learning.

Sylvia P.

FAQs

Why should I become a comprehensively trained Pilates Instructor?

The comprehensive training is the gold standard in the industry. By being comprehensively certified with Balanced Body Education, you maximise your earning potential, your visibility and your ability to teach and train in just about any studio environment, anywhere in the world. As a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor, you will have a strong foundation in the Pilates repertoire across all apparatus, including the Reformer, have cultivated teaching skills that will help you retain clients, and learn how to critically reason and apply these skills to clients regardless of skill and ability.

What coursework do I need to be a comprehensively trained Pilates Instructor?

The Balanced Body comprehensively trained instructor must complete all of the Mat, Reformer and Apparatus (Trapeze Table/Cadillac, Chair and Barrels) coursework. In addition to coursework, successful completion of the programme requires student teaching hours, observation hours and self-practice hours.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Give us a call on 916-388-2838.