Pilates Instructor Training

Program Details

We offer a full range of Pilates instructor training programs. Whether you are interested in teaching Mat classes, Reformer classes or Pilates personal training sessions on the Reformer, Trap Table, Chair and Barrels, we have the resources you need to succeed.

The Balanced Body Pilates instructor training program at the EHS Pilates Institute is designed to create thoughtful, creative and successful Pilates teachers. Our curriculum emphasizes the principles underlying each exercise. Our faculty members have a wide variety of Pilates backgrounds from classical to contemporary to fitness and bring their exceptional depth of experience to the training.

Our program is designed in modules so you can take your first course now and continue your training next week, next month or next year. Each module is self contained so you can take them as quickly or as slowly as your schedule and budget allow. In addition to our instructor certification program, we offer a number of additional modules as well as workshops Balanced Body Education Catalog

Prerequisites: Anatomy and Body Conditioning Preparatory Program or a Entrance Evaluation with an EHS Faculty member before starting your journey.

In order to be the best Pilates instructor you can be, a solid foundation in Anatomy and in the principles of Pilates are required as well as the movement foundations in the Pilates Method. Strongly recommended for Mat 1 & 2 and required for Reformer and Apparatus courses. Includes an introduction to the key elements of the musculoskeletal system including the bones, joint structure and function, and the primary muscles involved in movement. Specifically geared toward Pilates and movement teachers and includes practical exercises on the functions of the muscles and joints allowing you to embody the information more effectively.

Call today to book an appointment with one of our Pilates Education advisors to help plan your Pilates future 415-285-5808

Pilates Mat | Pilates Reformer | Requirements | Schedule

Pilates Mat Instructor Training Program

Modules: Mat I and Mat II - $1008

The Balanced Body Pilates Mat instructor training includes the complete Pilates Mat repertoire as well as an introduction to the movement principles that make Pilates such a successful exercise program. Modifications and variations are included to help you successfully teach a wide range of clients. Balanced Body Pilates Mat instructor training will empower you to become a successful, creative and transformative Pilates teacher.

Our Mat instructor training program includes:

Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates Mat repertoire
A comprehensive manual consistent with current national standards
Cueing, coaching and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
Safety information for teaching older adults, pre- and post-natal clients, and clients with, back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions
Tips on teaching successful group programs

Mat I (16 hours) - $504
Introduction to Pilates & Beginning/Intermediate

Prerequisites: 1 year experience teaching movement, anatomy, 20 Pilates Mat class sessions

Mat I includes an introduction to the history and principles of Pilates, beginning and most intermediate level exercises with modifications, lectures on class order and programming in a group setting, and guidelines for teaching seniors, and pre- and post-natal classes.

Mat II (16 hours) - $504
Intermediate/Advanced Exercises

Prerequisites: Mat I

Mat II includes the remaining intermediate and advanced level exercises as well as essential movement principles and training tips for advancing clients to the higher levels. Pilates for sports specific activities are also covered. Balanced Body Pilates Mat Instructor Training Certificate. Requirements for Completion

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body® Mat Instructor, students must complete the following:

Anatomy
Balanced Body Mat 1 - Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
Balanced Body Mat 2 - Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
25 Mat Personal Sessions and 45 Mat Student Teaching Hours or
20 Mat Personal Sessions, 15 observation hours and 35 student teaching hours
Final written and practical test

Total hours for completion of Mat program: 102 hours (not including anatomy)
Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body® Mat Instructor will be issued. Download Test Out Application

Pilates Reformer Instructor Training Program

Modules: Reformer I, Reformer II, Reformer III- $1512

The Pilates Reformer is an extraordinarily flexible piece of exercise equipment allowing resistance and support for exercises involving every part of the body. Our program gives you a thorough understanding of how to use the Reformer to develop core and extremity strength, stability,flexibility, coordination and balance. The wide range of exercises provides a stimulating workout for clients at any level of ability.

Our Reformer instructor training program includes:

Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates Reformer repertoire
A comprehensive manual consistent with current national standards
Cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
Guidelines for teaching older adults, pre- and post-natal women, and clients with back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions
Program design for clients at every level including sports specific lessons
Equipment safety and maintenance

Reformer I (18 hours) - $567
Introduction to Reformer & Beginning Exercises and Pilates Principles

Prerequisites: 2 years experience teaching movement, anatomy, 30 Pilates Reformer classes or personal training sessions

Reformer I includes an introduction to the Pilates Reformer including set up and safety, plus beginning exercises, program sequencing and teaching tips for group classes. By the end of the course you will be able to teach a beginning Reformer class or personal training session.

Reformer II (16 hours) - $504
Intermediate Exercises
Prerequisites: Reformer I

Reformer II includes intermediate exercises and modifications designed for group and individual instruction. Teaching successful classes and sessions to clients at different levels of ability is emphasized. Included are a variety of programs designed to keep your clients inspired.

Reformer III (14 hours) - $441
Advanced Exercises & Sports Specific Programs

Prerequisite: Reformer 2

Reformer 3 training includes the advanced Reformer exercises, plus sports specific programming tips and strategies for teaching the more challenging exercises safely and effectively. Advanced level programming is included to challenge any client. Balanced Body Pilates Reformer Instructor Training Certificate Requirements for Completion

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body® Reformer Instructor, students must complete the following:

Anatomy
Balanced Body Mat Instructor training or equivalent
Balanced Body Reformer 1 - Course work, written and practical test (18 hours)
Balanced Body Reformer 2 - Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
Balanced Body Reformer 3 - Course work, written and practical test (14 hours)
50 Personal practice hours and 100 Teaching hours or
30 Reformer personal sessions, 30 observation hours and 90 teaching hours
Practical test

Total hours for completion for Reformer program: 198 hours (not including anatomy)

Total hour for completion of Mat & Reformer program: 300 hours

Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body® Reformer Instructor will be issued. Download Test Out Application

Trapeze Table/Cadillac (18 hours) - $567

Prerequisite: Reformer II or Reformer certification

Provides a thorough introduction to Trapeze Table exercises as well as applications for beginning, post-rehabilitation and advanced clients. This training is appropriate for students working with the Allegro Tower of Power®, Half Trapeze and Wall Tower as well as those working with full Trapeze Tables. Sequencing programs using multiple pieces of equipment are covered as well as equipment set up, safety and maintenance.

Pilates Chair (12 hours) - $441

Prerequisite:: Reformer II or Reformer certification

Includes exercises and variations for both the original Wunda chair and the Split Pedal Combo Chair. The chair is great for doing strengthening work with athletic clients and as an addition to group programming in combination with the Mat. This course includes exercises and programming for both personal training sessions and classes.

Pilates Barrels (6 hours) - $189

Prerequisite: Reformer II or Reformer certification

Includes exercises and variations for the Ladder Barrel, Step Barrel, and Magic Circle. The Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel add variety to personal training sessions or classes, the Magic Circle adds a challenge to wide variety of exercises and the other small apparatus are useful for working with clients with particular issues. Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Training Certificate. Requirements for Completion

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body® Pilates Instructor, students must complete the following requirements

Total for all modules: $3906

Anatomy (required)
Balanced Body Mat Instructor training or equivalent
Balanced Body Reformer Instructor training or equivalent
Balanced Body Cadillac/Tower - Course work (18 hours)
Balanced Body Chair - Course work (14 hours)
Balanced Body Barrels - Course work (6 hours)
45 Personal practice hours and 105 Teaching hours or
35 Personal sessions, 20 observations hours and 95 teaching hours
Practical test

Total hours for completion of Apparatus: 188 hours
Total hours for completion of full program: 488 hours
Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body University® Pilates Instructor will be issued. Download Test Out Application

Students who have completed a Pilates certification program through other organizations and are interested in obtaining a Balanced Body certification should contact our office to inquire about our bridge program.

Reformer and Other Apparatus Final Exam and Certificate of Completion

Once instructors have completed all of the Reformer and/or Apparatus course work and hours, they must pass a practical exam demonstrating their teaching ability. EHS Faculty members are available for test out regardless of where initial instruction was received. If instructors are not able to test out due to geographical challenges, testing out by video can be arranged. If a student is completing both the Reformer and the Apparatus sequence, they will not need to test out separately on the Reformer and the Apparatus.

The final test out consists of:

Observation of a session with a client or an apparatus class. The specific requirements will be determined prior to the testing.

During the exam we will be observing and rating the instructor’s skills in the following areas:

Correct set up and execution of the exercises
Client safety
Appropriate sequencing
Appropriateness of the exercises to the client or class
Understanding and application of the principles
Cueing and the ability to communicate with your client or class

If the instructor does not pass on the first try, we will discuss what they need to focus on in order to pass and set up a timeline for completion Download Test Out Application

Personal Sessions

Students can count any classes or Pilates personal training session they have already taken. Developing and committing to a personal Pilates practice is an essential part of becoming an effective and inspiring teacher.

Observation Hours

Observation hours include watching experienced instructors teach group classes or private sessions. Observation is a great way to understand verbal and manual cueing, program sequencing and to hone your teaching skills.

Student Teaching Hours

Teaching hours include any Pilates teaching either as an employee at a fitness center of Pilates Studio or for family and friends. EHS has a unique studio culture with vibrant instructor in training program to assist and guide students in client retention, group class instruction, observation hours, marketing, as well as helping you to establish yourself as an independent contractor.

Cancellation Policy

$100.00 fee if written notice of cancellation is received by Balanced Body up to five (5) days before class start date or a $50.00 transfer fee to transfer from one course to another course.
$250.00 or the full course fee, whichever is less, if written notice of cancellation is received by Balanced Body within five (5) days before class start date or a $50.00 transfer fee to transfer from one course to another course.
No refund is given for any cancellation received once the class begins.
NOTE: These policies may not apply to any training offered outside the USA.