*

Teacher Training

Mat & Reformer Certification · 2027

At Foundation Pilates, our teacher training programs blend classical Pilates principles with the Foundation Pilates Method, a modern, intentional approach focused on functional movement, precision, and confident teaching. Both certifications are structured as weekend intensives and supported by weekly instructor-led studio hours, included in tuition, so trainees can observe, practice, and take classes throughout the program.

The Method starts with the classical Pilates exercises and adds movements we created ourselves. Every exercise can be done at three levels of difficulty, so beginners and experienced clients can take the same class. It is based on exercise science, so you learn to explain why you chose each exercise and how to build classes of your own.

Training Dates 2027

Mat Certification

Start DateJuly 17, 2027

ScheduleSat & Sun, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Duration5 weekends, plus 1 break weekend

Weekend Breakdown

July 17 and 18Anatomy & Foundations

July 24 and 25Mat 1

July 31 and Aug 1Mat 2

Aug 7 and 8Break, No Training

Aug 14 and 15Mat 3

Aug 21 and 22Foundation Pilates Method: Mat

Reformer Certification

Start DateSeptember 18, 2027

ScheduleSat & Sun, 10:30am to 6:00pm

Duration6 weekends, plus 1 break weekend

Weekend Breakdown

Sept 18 and 19Reformer 1

Sept 25 and 26Reformer 2

Oct 2 and 3Reformer 3

Oct 9 and 10Break, No Training

Oct 16 and 17Foundation Pilates Method: Reformer, Weekend 1

Oct 23 and 24Foundation Pilates Method: Reformer, Weekend 2

Oct 30 and 31Foundation Pilates Method: Reformer, Weekend 3

Mat Certification is required to enroll in Reformer Certification.

What You'll Learn

Each weekend covers one part of the program. Here is what you study in each one.

Mat Certification

Mat Pilates is done on the floor on a mat, using your own body weight.

Anatomy & FoundationsThe basics of how the body moves and which muscles do what, the history and principles of Pilates, how breathing works in Pilates, and how to cue clients so they use the right muscles.

Mat 1The first group of classic Pilates mat exercises, from beginner to intermediate. You learn how to do each exercise, how to teach it to a beginner, and how to put exercises together into a class.

Mat 2The advanced classic mat exercises. You learn how to teach harder exercises safely, how to offer easier versions, and how to help clients work up to them over time.

Mat 3Mat exercises done with props such as bands, weights, rings, and balls, along with the signature movements we created. You learn how to use each prop and how to build a class around a theme.

Foundation Pilates Method: MatThis weekend brings everything together. You learn our three class levels, how to make any exercise easier or harder, how to order a class, and how to move smoothly from one exercise to the next. You build and teach a full class in the Foundation Pilates Method.

Reformer Certification

The reformer is a Pilates machine with a sliding carriage, springs that add resistance, and straps.

Reformer 1The beginner reformer exercises. You learn how to set up the springs, footbar, headrest, straps, and boxes for each exercise, how to teach each one, and the safety checks to make before every exercise.

Reformer 2The intermediate reformer exercises, taught in the classic order. You learn how to do each exercise, how to teach it, and which springs and settings to use.

Reformer 3The advanced reformer exercises, taught in the classic order, with the same focus on setup, springs, teaching, and corrections.

Foundation Pilates Method: ReformerThree weekends on how we teach the reformer. You learn how the springs, carriage, and straps change which muscles work and how hard, what research shows builds each muscle group, our signature reformer movements, and how to build and teach a full class.

AnatomyThere is no separate anatomy weekend for the reformer. You learn anatomy throughout the course, as the muscles come up in each weekend's exercises.

How You Certify

Mat Certification

Log 90 hours at the studio: 30 hours watching classes, 40 hours practice teaching, and 20 hours practicing on your own.
Pass a written exam. You need 80% to pass.
Teach a 30 minute class of classical mat exercises to an educator, who scores your teaching on a rubric.

Reformer Certification

Log 120 hours at the studio, all on the reformer: 40 hours watching classes, 50 hours practice teaching, and 30 hours practicing on your own.
Pass a written exam. You need 80% to pass.
Teach two 30 minute classes to an educator, one classical and one in the Foundation Pilates Method. The educator also picks exercises at random and asks you to teach them on the spot.

Studio hours happen alongside the training weekends. Weekly instructor-led studio time is included in tuition, so most of your hours are already scheduled for you.

What's Included

Weekend intensive training with experienced educators
Weekly instructor-led studio hours for observation, practice, and classes
Practice teaching with feedback from an educator
Open studio access for independent practice
Use of all studio equipment and props
Access to our instructor community

Tuition & Pricing

Program	Standard	Early Bird
Mat Certification	$1,500	$1,300
Reformer Certification	$3,200	$3,000
Mat + Reformer Bundle	$4,400	$4,000

Bundle saves $300 off standard tuition. Early Bird pricing is available through January 31, 2027. Save $200 on each program when paid in full by that date. Discounted rates apply to full-price Mat, Reformer, or Bundle enrollments.

Payment Policies

A deposit is required to hold your spot

A $500 deposit is required to reserve your place. Your spot is not held until the deposit is paid. The deposit is applied toward your tuition.

The deposit is refundable only if Foundation Pilates cancels the training. In all other cases, the deposit is nonrefundable.

Bundle enrollments must be paid in full.
Standard tuition may be paid in installments over 3 to 6 months.

Example: Reformer Certification at $3,200 is approximately $550 per month for 6 months.

Additional Costs

Training manuals, purchased separately, approximately $200 to $400 per course (Mat or Reformer)
Optional discounted props available for purchase
Exam and certification fee at program completion: $100 (Mat only) or $200 (Mat & Reformer)

Why Choose Foundation Pilates

Exclusive MethodYou learn the Foundation Pilates Method, which is taught only at our studio. It combines the classical exercises with signature movements we created.

Classical FoundationYou learn the classical exercises first, in their traditional order, before moving on to our own work. The Method builds on classical Pilates and does not replace it.

LayeringEvery exercise can be made easier or harder in three steps. A first-timer and a strong regular can take the same class, and you learn how to teach that way.

Exercise ScienceThe Method is based on anatomy, biomechanics, and research. You learn why an exercise works and what it does for the body, so you can explain your choices to clients.

Cueing That WorksYou learn to start with plain directions about what the body should do, such as where to press or reach, and then add which muscles are working. Clients understand the movement faster that way.

Honest TeachingWe teach what the research supports and say so when traditional Pilates teaching is out of date. You learn to tell clients plainly what Pilates does well without overselling it.

Your Own Teaching StyleWe do not train you to copy us. Educators mentor you as you find your own voice, your own pace, and the kind of class you want to teach, so you finish with a clear identity as an instructor.

Real-World SkillsYou learn how to screen new clients, adjust exercises for pregnancy, injuries, and other needs, and run your teaching as a business. There is more than one path in this work, and we help you find the one that fits you, whether that is teaching at a studio, working with private clients, or starting your own business.

Hands-On LearningYou watch classes, practice teaching real clients, and get feedback from an educator along the way. Training is on weekends, so you can keep your job during the program.

Mentorship & CommunityWeekly instructor-led studio hours give you ongoing guidance from educators, and you join a network of instructors. We do not certify anyone before they are ready, and we keep supporting you until you are.

Ready to Begin?

Spaces are limited to ensure individualized attention.

A $500 deposit holds your spot. For questions or to reserve your place:

Email us at hello@foundation-pilates.com Call 949-886-1393