At Balanced Pilates, we believe great teachers are developed through knowledge, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
Our teacher training pathway is designed for individuals who want a clear, comprehensive Pilates training experience in a supportive, boutique studio environment. Led by Martina Sprague, this program emphasizes anatomy-informed movement, intelligent programming, and a comprehensive mentorship component.
Whether you are starting your Pilates teacher training journey or completing your teacher training, our mentorship based training helps bridge the gap between coursework and real world teaching.
This program is ideal for:
- Aspiring Pilates instructors beginning their training journey
- Fitness Professionals looking to expand into Pilates
- Current Pilates instructors who have not completed Pilates training (i.e., completed Reformer, but still need to complete Matwork, or Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels)
What is included with your teacher training at Balanced Pilates:
- In-person training seminars for Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels
- Assessments throughout training so that you are familiar with the testing and exam process
- Physical manuals for in-person training, in addition to online materials
- Online library of exercises
- A studio to complete your practice teaching and observation hours
- Access to a senior teacher for guidance and mentorship
- Weekly check-ins and assignments
- Weekly office hours and supervised teaching
- Clients with whom you can observe and practice teaching
- Online comprehensive anatomy course
- Fundamentals workshop
Apprenticeship
In addition to in-person seminars, weekly guided assignments, and online coursework, trainees complete a comprehensive apprenticeship designed to develop confidence and real-world teaching experience.
- Mat & Reformer Certification: 300 apprenticeship hours
- Comprehensive Certification (Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrel): 450 apprenticeship hours
The apprenticeship is divided into the following categories:
- Observation (10%) – Learn by watching experienced instructors, analyzing movement, and developing your eye for teaching.
- Self-Practice (20%) – Experience Pilates in your own body. (Yes—your personal Pilates classes count!)
- Self-Study (20%) – Review course materials, complete assignments, and deepen your understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and programming.
- Practice Teaching (50%) – Teach real clients under the guidance of a mentor while developing confidence, communication skills, and professional teaching ability.
This structured apprenticeship bridges the gap between learning the material and becoming a skilled, confident Pilates instructor.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Our Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program blends classroom instruction, hands-on learning, supervised teaching, and independent study to create confident, knowledgeable instructors.
Throughout the program, trainees develop a thorough understanding of:
- Pilates principles and philosophy
- Functional anatomy and biomechanics
- Classical repertoire across all Pilates apparatus
- Exercise analysis and programming
- Client assessment and movement screening
- Modifications for special populations
- Professional teaching skills and communication
- Safe, effective cueing and hands-on instruction
The curriculum progresses from foundational movement concepts to advanced repertoire while emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and safe teaching practices. Extensive observation, self-practice, supervised teaching, and apprenticeship hours ensure every graduate demonstrates competency before certification.
| Curriculum Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Pilates Principles & History | Joseph Pilates’ philosophy, Contrology, movement principles, breath, concentration, control, centering, precision, and flow. |
| Functional Anatomy & Biomechanics | Skeletal and muscular systems, joints, posture, gait, spinal mechanics, movement analysis, contraindications, and common pathologies. |
| Mat Pilates | Beginner through advanced repertoire, exercise objectives, modifications, progressions, cueing, sequencing, and teaching methodology. |
| Reformer | Equipment setup and safety, spring selection, repertoire, programming, spotting, and teaching skills. |
| Cadillac / Trapeze Table | Equipment safety, spring setup, repertoire, programming, contraindications, and advanced applications. |
| Chair | Equipment safety, repertoire, balance training, functional movement, progressions, and programming. |
| Barrels & Spine Corrector | Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Barrel repertoire, modifications, and programming. |
| Teaching Methodology | Verbal and tactile cueing, observation skills, lesson planning, communication, class management, and adapting to different learning styles. |
| Program Design | Session planning, goal setting, private and group programming, progressive exercise selection, and individualized programming. |
| Special Populations | Older adults, prenatal/postpartum clients, osteoporosis, scoliosis, low back pain, joint replacements, neurological conditions, athletes, and post-rehabilitation guidelines. |
| Professional Practice | Ethics, scope of practice, client screening, informed consent, documentation, referrals, professionalism, and continuing education. |
| Assessment & Movement Screening | Postural assessment, movement analysis, identifying compensations, and exercise selection. |
| Observation & Self-Practice | Structured observation, reflective learning, movement competency, and personal practice. |
| Practice Teaching & Apprenticeship | Supervised teaching, mentor feedback, client communication, lesson planning, competency assessments, and real-world teaching experience. |
| Written & Practical Assessments | Written examinations, anatomy testing, practical teaching evaluations, repertoire testing, and final comprehensive assessment. |
Our goal is not simply to prepare you to pass a certification exam; we prepare you to become a confident, knowledgeable, and highly skilled Pilates instructor. Through extensive mentorship, hands-on teaching experience, and individualized feedback, you’ll graduate ready to teach safely, effectively, and with confidence.
If you are interested in becoming a Pilates instructor or advancing your teaching, we would love to speak with you. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about upcoming training!