Program Details

Balanced Body® offers a full range of Pilates instructor training programs, whether you are interested in teaching Pilates Mat classes, Reformer classes or Pilates personal training sessions on the Reformer, Trap Table, Chair and Barrels.

The Balanced Body Pilates instructor training program is designed to create thoughtful, creative and successful Pilates teachers. The 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.

The 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.

Prerequisites: Anatomy and Pilates Movement Principles

In order to be the best Pilates instructor you can be, a solid foundation in Anatomy and in the principles of Pilates are required. The following courses are offered for students who do not have the appropriate background or who join the program after Mat 1. Not all students will be required to take these courses.

Balanced Body® Introduction to Anatomy (12 hours)

Strongly recommended for Mat 1 & 2
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. Balanced Body Anatomy is taught at Suncoast Pilates host site, you may take a traditional anatomy course or you may take Anatomy in Clay™ workshop at select Pilates on Tour or certain locations. 

Modules: Mat I and Mat II

The Balanced Body Pilates Mat instructor training includes the complete Pilates Mat repertoire as well as an introduction to the movement principles. 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 women, and clients with back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions
• Tips on teaching successful group programs

Mat I (16 hours)
Introduction to Pilates & Beginning/Intermediate Exercises

Prerequisites: 3 years 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, pre-, and post-natal classes.

Mat II (16 hours)
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 Hoursor
• 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.

Pilates Reformer Instructor Training Program

Modules: Reformer I, Reformer II, Reformer III

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)
Introduction to Reformer & Beginning Exercises and Pilates Principles

Prerequisites: 3 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)
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)
Advanced Exercises &
Sport Specific Programs

Prerequisites: Reformer II

Reformer III includes advanced exercises plus modifications for sports specific activities, tips for training the advanced client and programs designed for specific sports.

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.

Pilates Apparatus Instructor Training Program

Modules: Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, Chair, Barrels and Small Equipment

The Balanced Body Pilates Apparatus instructor training program completes the full Pilates instructor certification program. Included is the complete repertoire on the Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, the Pilates Chair, the Barrels and small equipment. Completing the additional apparatus training gives you a great variety of tools to use when working with clients and qualifies you to take the national Pilates certification exam.

Our Apparatus Certification program includes:

• Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, Pilates Chair and Barrels and Small equipment is included
• A comprehensive manual for each piece of equipment consistent with current national standards
• Cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
• Program sequences for classes and personal training sessions
• Equipment safety and set up

Trapeze Table/Cadillac (18 hours)

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)

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 & Small Apparatus (6 hours)

Prerequisite: Reformer II or Reformer certification

Includes exercises and variations for the Ladder Barrel, Step Barrel, Ped-o-Pull, Ring, Foot Corrector and Toe Corrector. 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:

• Anatomy (required)
• BBU Mat Instructor training or equivalent
• Balanced Body Reformer Instructor training or equivalent
• Balanced Body Cadillac/Tower – Course work, written and practical test (18 hours)
• Balanced Body Chair – Course work, written and practical test (14 hours)
• Balanced Body Barrels – Course work, written and practical test (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.

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. Exams will be regularly scheduled in different areas of the world. 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.

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 teaching.

Observation Hours

Observation hours include watching experienced instructors teach group classes of 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 or independent contractor at a fitness center or Pilates Studio or for family and friends.

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.