Teacher Training FAQs

Below are the questions we hear most often.  If you have a question that is not answered below please contact us.

Getting Started

Yes, some Pilates experience is required, but you don’t need to be an advanced practitioner. We require at least 10 Pilates classes or private sessions before beginning Teacher Training. More important than having an advanced practice is coming into training with a basic familiarity with Pilates and a willingness to learn, practice, and deepen your understanding of the method.

Before beginning Teacher Training, you’ll need to complete at least 10 Pilates classes or private sessions, including at least one class or session at ID Pilates. You’ll also need to complete Anatomy coursework before your training begins. If you haven’t previously completed an Anatomy course, we offer an Anatomy video through the ID Pilates Online Studio that fulfills this requirement.

These prerequisites are designed to give you a foundation in the Pilates method and a basic understanding of anatomy before you begin learning from a teacher’s perspective.

No! You don’t need to be a current or regular ID Pilates client to enroll in our Teacher Training Program. We welcome trainees with experience from other studios and Pilates backgrounds. We do require that at least one of your prerequisite Pilates sessions be completed at ID Pilates so you can experience our teaching approach and studio environment before training begins.

Absolutely not. Teacher training isn’t about performing every exercise perfectly or having the most advanced Pilates practice in the room. You’ll learn how exercises work, why we teach them, how to modify and progress movement, and how to work with different bodies and abilities. A willingness to learn, practice, and stay curious is much more important than being able to perform advanced exercises.

You may be more ready than you think. If you enjoy Pilates, are curious about the method, and want to understand movement on a deeper level, teacher training can be a great next step. You don’t need to know everything before you begin—that’s what the training is for. If you’re unsure which training or module makes sense for your experience and goals, we’re always happy to help you determine where to start.

Yes. While our Teacher Training Program prepares you to become a Pilates teacher, not everyone begins training with the same goal. Some trainees know they want to teach professionally, while others want to deepen their personal practice, better understand the Pilates method, or explore teaching before deciding whether it’s the right path for them. Teacher training can be valuable even if you’re still figuring out where Pilates fits into your future.

Choosing Your Training

Mat Teacher Training focuses on teaching the Pilates Mat repertoire and is divided into Mat 1 and Mat 2. Reformer Teacher Training focuses specifically on teaching Pilates using the Reformer, including equipment setup and safety, exercise repertoire, cueing, modifications, progressions, and class sequencing.

Comprehensive Teacher Training provides a broader education across the Pilates method and includes training on Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Wunda Chair, and Barrels. It’s a great option for someone who wants the versatility to work with clients across the full Pilates system.

No. While you can enroll in the full Comprehensive Teacher Training Program from the beginning, you don’t have to commit to the entire program at once. We understand that everyone’s goals, schedules, and budgets are different, so there are multiple ways to approach your training.

Yes! Our Teacher Training Program is designed to give you flexibility. You can enroll in individual modules and gradually build toward Comprehensive Training at a pace that works for you. For example, you might begin with Mat or Reformer and add additional apparatus trainings as you’re ready.

If you think Comprehensive Training may ultimately be your goal, we’re happy to help you map out your training path.

Mat 1 is the foundation of our Teacher Training Program and is required before you can teach Reformer. Mat 1 introduces essential Pilates principles, movement concepts, and teaching skills that you’ll continue to build on throughout your Reformer and equipment training.

From there, your training path can depend on your goals. You may choose to continue with Mat 2, move into Reformer training, or work toward Comprehensive Teacher Training over time. If you’re not sure which path is right for you, we’re happy to help you plan your next steps.

Our Comprehensive Teacher Training Program includes Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Wunda Chair, and Barrels. Training across the Pilates system gives you a larger movement vocabulary and helps you learn how different pieces of equipment can be used to support, challenge, and adapt movement for a wide variety of clients.

Yes. Mat Teacher Training can be completed on its own without enrolling in Reformer or equipment training. It’s a great option if you’re interested specifically in teaching Mat Pilates, want to deepen your understanding of the Mat repertoire, or simply want to begin your teacher training journey there. You can always choose to add Reformer or other equipment modules later.

The Training Experience

Teacher training weekends combine movement, discussion, observation, and hands-on teaching practice. You’ll learn the exercise repertoire while also exploring the “why” behind the movement, including anatomy, biomechanics, modifications, progressions, cueing, and how to work with different bodies.

You’ll also have opportunities to practice teaching and receive feedback so you can begin developing your own voice and confidence as an instructor.

Most of our Teacher Training Program is offered in person, giving you the opportunity to work directly with your teacher trainers, fellow trainees, and Pilates equipment. We also offer select virtual trainings, including virtual Mat training opportunities.

Check our training pages for upcoming dates.

Because each training includes a required number of educational hours, attendance is important. If you know you’ll need to miss part of a training, please contact us before enrolling so we can discuss your options. Depending on the training and amount of time missed, additional make-up work or a private session with a teacher trainer may be required.

Certification

No. Completing your training weekends is an important part of the process, but additional requirements must be completed before you receive your certification.

Depending on your training, these requirements may include observation, self-practice, practice teaching, and a final practical and written exam. Your teacher training provides the foundation; the certification process gives you time to apply and strengthen what you’ve learned.

Required certification hours vary depending on the module you’re completing. These may include observation, self-practice, and practice-teaching hours in addition to the educational hours completed during your training.

You’ll receive the specific hour requirements and instructions for tracking them as part of your Teacher Training Program, and they can also be viewed here.

Observation hours give you an opportunity to watch experienced Pilates teachers work with clients and classes. You’ll begin noticing things like cueing, sequencing, modifications, client interaction, and how an instructor responds to different bodies and situations.

Self-practice hours are dedicated to practicing the repertoire in your own body. Experiencing the exercises yourself helps you better understand how they feel, what they’re designed to accomplish, and what you may eventually need to communicate to a client.

Practice-teaching hours give you experience actually teaching the material you’ve learned. This is where you begin putting your knowledge into practice by cueing exercises, creating sessions, working with different bodies, and developing confidence as an instructor.

There isn’t one timeline that works for everyone. How quickly you complete certification will depend on your training, schedule, access to practice opportunities, and how much time you’re able to dedicate to completing your required hours.

We encourage trainees to work consistently rather than rushing through the process. The goal isn’t simply to complete your hours—it’s to use that time to become a knowledgeable, confident, and thoughtful teacher.

Your training materials will outline any timelines associated with completing your certification requirements. We encourage trainees to begin their hours soon after training and work on them consistently while the material is still fresh.

If circumstances make it difficult to complete your requirements within the expected timeframe, reach out to your teacher trainer so you can discuss your options.

Once you’ve completed your required training and certification hours and feel prepared, you’ll work with your teacher trainer to determine whether you’re ready for your final assessment.

The test-out is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the repertoire, Pilates principles, safe and effective teaching, cueing, modifications, and your ability to work with the person in front of you. Your teacher trainer will provide information about what to expect and how to prepare.

Yes. ID Pilates is an NPCP Verified Teacher Training Program. This means our program has met the National Pilates Certification Program’s standards for inclusion in its directory of verified teacher training programs.

NPCP verification and NPCP certification are separate. Completing an ID Pilates teacher training prepares you through our program and certification process, while the NPCP offers an independent national certification exam for Pilates professionals.

Cost + Enrollment

Tuition depends on the training path you choose. Because you can enroll in individual modules or pursue Comprehensive Teacher Training, the total investment varies based on your goals.

Current tuition and upcoming training dates can be found on our Teacher Training pages. If you’re unsure which option makes the most sense for you, we’re happy to help you map out your training path and associated costs.

Yes. Payment plan options are available for select Teacher Training programs. We want trainees to understand both the training commitment and financial commitment before enrolling, so please contact us if you’d like to discuss the payment options available for the program you’re considering.

Yes. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your place in Teacher Training. Your deposit is applied toward the total cost of your training.

Yes. If you’re completing your training one module at a time, you can enroll and pay for individual modules rather than paying for the entire Comprehensive Teacher Training Program at once.

This can be a great option if you’d like to spread your training out over time or aren’t ready to commit to Comprehensive Training from the beginning.

We offer limited work-study and scholarship opportunities for qualifying trainees enrolling in eligible programs. Availability can vary, and an application may be required.

If cost is a barrier to pursuing teacher training, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about current opportunities and eligibility requirements.

Yes. Graduates may have the opportunity to audit trainings they’ve previously completed at a reduced rate. Auditing can be a great way to refresh your knowledge, revisit repertoire, strengthen areas you haven’t used recently, or experience the material again with a new perspective.

Contact us for current audit availability and pricing.

After Teacher Training

Our goal is to give you the knowledge, practice, and teaching experience you need to begin working as a Pilates instructor. However, becoming a great teacher is an ongoing process.

Completing your certification means you’ve demonstrated the foundational competencies required to teach safely and effectively. From there, your confidence, teaching style, and ability to work with a wide variety of clients will continue to develop through experience and continuing education.

Graduating from our Teacher Training Program does not guarantee employment at ID Pilates, but we love having the opportunity to continue working with graduates who may be a good fit for our studio.

Teaching opportunities depend on factors such as studio needs, availability, experience, and demonstrated teaching competencies. Graduates interested in teaching at ID Pilates are encouraged to stay connected with us as they complete their certification.

Yes. ID Pilates offers an Apprenticeship Program designed to help developing teachers bridge the gap between completing teacher training and confidently working with clients in a studio setting.

The apprenticeship experience may include observation, assisted teaching, independent teaching, mentorship, feedback, and competency evaluations. Each apprentice’s path is individualized based on previous training, experience, and demonstrated readiness.

Participation in the Apprenticeship Program is separate from completing Teacher Training and is not guaranteed, but graduates interested in additional support and real-world teaching experience are encouraged to learn more and apply.

Your ID Pilates certification can prepare you to pursue teaching opportunities at Pilates studios, fitness and wellness facilities, gyms, community programs, or in your own independent practice.

Individual employers may have their own education, certification, experience, or insurance requirements, so we always recommend checking the qualifications required by the places where you’re interested in teaching.

Certification is the beginning of your development as a Pilates teacher, not the end. Continuing education can help you deepen your understanding of the method, expand your repertoire, work more effectively with specific populations, and continue developing your teaching skills.

ID Pilates offers workshops, continuing education opportunities, and additional Teacher Training modules that allow you to keep learning throughout your career. You can also return to audit eligible trainings you’ve previously completed as a way to refresh and deepen your knowledge.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help- just reach out!