Pilates Instructor Training
Our comprehensive, high-quality training program is known for producing highly sought-after instructors. We offer a supportive learning environment where students gain in-depth knowledge of Pilates principles, functional movement, and effective teaching strategies for both private sessions and group classes. With a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of Pilates, along with ongoing mentorship, our students are well-prepared to excel in the field.
If you are currently gearing up for instructor training, an instructor trainee, or a current instructor; check out all of our online education material at The Onyx Method!
A 30% deposit of any course is due upon registration to hold your position in the course. Remaining payments can be chosen in a variety of payment plans.
UPCOMING TRAINING DATES
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Anatomy, Biomechanics, & Posture Analysis
JANUARY 18 & 19, 2025
*Prerequisite
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Mat I & II
JANUARY 25 & 26, 2025
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Reformer I & II
FEBRUARY 8 & 9 and 15 & 16, 2025
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Cadillac I & II
FEBRUARY 28, 2025
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Barrels I & II
MARCH 1, 2025
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Chair I & II
MARCH 2, 2025
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Pilates Academy International
The Pilates Academy International is committed to helping dedicated and qualified individuals gain the knowledge and teaching skills they need to become excellent, sought-after Pilates instructors.
A great Pilates instructor must have four essential skills:
Solid understanding of anatomy, biomechanics and postural issues
Strong command of the Pilates exercise repertoire
Ability to see the need for modifications and adjust accordingly
Ability to inspire and motivate clients to reach their fitness goals
Without all of the above skills, Pilates instructors cannot provide their clients with the best instruction they could receive and thus prevent the client from reaping all the benefits Pilates has to offer. Our program not only teaches students to analyze and assess a variety of conditions quickly-from the simple to the complex-but also instills students with a wide range of modifications of traditional Pilates exercises. Modifications preserve the intended goal of the exercises, making them accessible to all ages, body types and fitness levels.
As clients embark on their journey to discover healthier movement patterns and find more freedom in their bodies, our students are prepared to help them meet their unique fitness goals.
Each course has its own criteria, all of which can be found under Course Requirements. In summary, to become a fully trained Pilates instructor, over 200 classroom hours are required in addition to personal review, practice teaching and observation hours. Information on all of our courses can be found on the Course Descriptions.
The Core Curriculum
All Pilates Academy International courses will focus on the following:
Fundamental execution of each exercise
Anatomy and biomechanics of each exercise
Exercise modification skills
Cueing and correcting skills
Workout design skills
Transition skills
Progression skills
Program Information
Pilates Academy International offers a full range of Pilates instructor training programs. Compared to the top leaders in the Pilates industry we pride ourselves in offering a flexible schedule giving you full focus on each individual Mat, Reformer or any other Apparatus courses to insure confidence as you pursue your passion.
Our program is designed in two separate modules:
We start with the first 3 tier levels in the All Populations l courses continuing with the last 2 tier levels in the All Populations ll courses. This allows flexibility with your schedule and budget. Additional workshops and special trainings including CoreAlign® and SilkSuspension™ are also available to any Pilates Academy International students.
PAI Course Descriptions
Anatomy, Biomechanics and Posture Review (ABP) - 15 hours
This course reviews the structures (bones, muscles, joints, etc.) that form the support of the human body. An emphasis will be placed on "ideal" posture and "ideal" biomechanics of each joint while helping students learn how to detect abnormalities both statically and dynamically. Open to all personal trainers, this course is invaluable in helping you provide lasting results for your clients and increase your marketability.
This course is CEC Approved. CEC's: (ACE) 1.2
All Populations Mat I (APM I) - 35 hours
What makes great buildings? Great foundations! This course teaches the first three tiers of the Pilates Mat repertoire and how to modify exercises for all age groups and fitness levels. Emphasis is placed on maintaining variety and providing small challenges while safely progressing a client in order to avoid monotony. Students leave the course confident and capable of creating safe and effective workouts for today’s diverse client. 68 Exercises.
Prerequisite: ABP or equivalent
This course is CEC Approved. CEC's: (ACE) 3.0
All Populations Mat II (APM II) - 5 hours
This course teaches the last two tiers of the full Pilates Mat repertoire, a necessity for students pursuing full Pilates certification with the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). Students learn how to assess when a client is ready to be challenged and then how to progress the client safely and effectively.
Prerequisite: APM I
All Populations Reformer I (APR I) - 50 hours
This course teaches students the Reformer exercises needed to be ready to customize workouts for all ages and fitness levels. Covering the first three tiers, Fundamental through Intermediate, All Populations Reformer also teaches the "physics" of the reformer so that students understand both the way the reformer operates and the safety concerns. Emphasis is placed on the differences between Pilates machine work versus regular gym equipment so that instructors are prepared to meet the needs of clients from all backgrounds.
Prerequisite: ABP
All Populations Reformer II (APR II) - 18 hours
This course teaches students how to teach clients the intermediate advanced and advanced exercises to complete the full repertoire on the Pilates Reformer. Care is taken to ensure each student understands the "benchmarks" a client should accomplish before an advanced exercise is attempted, which may include exercises on other equipment. All Populations Reformer II is a necessary component for students pursuing full Pilates certification through the Pilates Method Alliance.
Prerequisite: APR I
All Populations Cadillac I (APC I) - 30 hours
This course teaches students the fundamental first three tiers (through Intermediate) of exercises conducted on the Cadillac/tower. The Cadillac is an excellent piece of equipment on which to focus on isolated joint movements to strengthen the joint properly and correct faulty movement habits. Emphasis will be placed on the benefits of Cadillac exercises as stepping stones to more challenging exercises.
Prerequisite: ABP
All Populations Cadillac II (APC II)- 12 hours
Building on the previous course, this course teaches the final two tiers in the full Cadillac repertoire so you may challenge your clients safely and effectively. Some of these exercises challenge core strength significantly. Thus students will be taught the "benchmarks" for assessing when to progress a client.
Prerequisite: APCadillac I
All Populations Barrels l (APB l) - 8 hours
This course must be preceded by the All Populations Mat course. Students will learn the first three tiers of exercises on the spine corrector and ladder barrel, and, more importantly, how to incorporate the barrel into a client's workout, and use it as a support or a challenge, depending on the exercise.
Prerequisite: ABP
All Populations Barrels ll (APB ll) - 4 hours
This course builds on the material learned in the All Populations Barrels l course, adding the final two tiers of the full repertoire. Students will learn how to use these exercises to challenge both their core strength and their own body awareness and control.
Prerequisite: APBarrels
All Populations Chair l (APCh l) - 15 hours
This course teaches the first three tiers of Chair exercises from Fundamental I through Intermediate. Students will be taught the many merits of the chair and how to integrate this often under-used piece of equipment into clients' workout routines.
Prerequisite: ABP
All Populations Chair ll (APCh ll) - 12 hours
This course builds on the material learned in the All Populations Chair l course, adding the final two tiers of the full repertoire.Students will not only learn the new exercises, but also how to progress their clients carefully, delivering optimal results in strength and control.
Prerequisite: APChair
Pilates Academy International Course Requirements
The Pilates Academy International upholds course requirements commensurate with other Pilates teachers training programs around the world.
In the chart, prospective students will find the hours required of them both in the classroom and out, as observation, personal practice and practice teaching are all necessary components of becoming a successful Pilates instructor.
PAI Hour Requirements
Class | Practice Teaching | Observation | Personal Study | Total | |
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ABP | 15 | – | – | – | 15 |
APM I | 35 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 75 |
APR I | 50 | 25 | 15 | 15 | 105 |
APCad I | 30 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 60 |
APCh I | 15 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 45 |
APB I | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 |
APM II | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 20 |
APR II | 18 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 48 |
APCad II | 12 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 20 |
APCh II | 12 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 27 |
APB II | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 10 |
Continuing Education and Workshops
Workshops are a great way to bring new content to your clients, brush up on your own practice or just re-charge your batteries!
The Pilates Academy International offers a variety of workshops teaching new exercises using various Pilates props as well as workshops hosted by industry professionals on popular topics of interest such as scoliosis, osteoporosis, pregnancy and breast cancer.
The PAI Pilates workshops are a great way for Pilates instructors and other fitness professionals to expand their knowledge and sharpen their teaching skills.
Our workshops are approved (or are in the process of being approved) for PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) credits, ACE (American Council on Exercise) credits and NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) credits. Additionally, our students have experienced great success submitting PAI workshops they have taken to their original Pilates teacher training programs for CEC credits.
Below is our full list of Workshops and Continuing Education Offered at Provision Studio:
While we are in the process of applying for CEC credits for ALL workshops through both PMA and ACE. The workshops currently approved are as follows:
*ACE Approved
^PMA Approved
PILATES MAT BASED WORKSHOPS
ActivMotion ^*
Stability Ball I ^*
Foam Roller I
Bosu I ^*
Corps Physique I ^*
Small Ball I ^*
Exercise Band I ^
Well Toned Traveler
Band & Light Weight Workshop
Stretch-eze® Workshop ^
Have a Ball! The Stability Ball, Small Ball, and Weighted Ball Workshop
Pilates for Breast Cancer Survivors ^*
Mini Body Bar Workshop I
Pilates Ring Workshop I ^*
PILATES EQUIPMENT BASED WORKSHOPS
Arc Barrel Workshop
Tower Workshop I
Programming for Results on All Equipment
Jumpboard Workshop I plus Corps Physique Reformer Extras ^
PILATES SPECIALTY WORKSHOPS
Golden Pilates (Pilates for Seniors)
Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Pilates ^*
Pilates for Golf and Racquet Sports
Stretch-Eze® I & II
ActivMotion® Bar Training
CARDIOLATES® "Rebound Workshop"
CARDIOLATES® Rebounding – Full Course * "Rebound Workshop" ^
CARDIOLATES® Circuit
CARDIOLATES® on the Reformer with Jumpboard
CARDIOLATES® Barres & Belles
POST-REHABILITATION PILATES
Foundations of Post-Rehabilitation Pilates
Neck and Shoulder (includes Cadillac, Reformer & Chair)
Lower Back & Lumbar Stabilization (includes Cadillac, Reformer & Chair)
Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot (includes Cadillac, Reformer & Chair)
Diseases, Disorders and Disabilities
MAT BASED ADVANCED WORKSHOPS
Stability Ball II ^*
Foam Roller II
Bosu II
Corps Physique II
Small Ball II
Stretch Band II
Mini Body Bar Workshop II
Pilates Ring Workshop II
EQUIPMENT BASED ADVANCED WORKSHOPS
Tower Workshop II