FULL COMPREHENSIVE CERTIFICATION

The 500-Hour Comprehensive Pilates Certification
Our most advanced training—designed for those who want to teach at the highest level. Master every apparatus, refine your teaching craft, and gain the depth, precision, and confidence to lead with expertise with this nationally recognized certification.

What to expect

Our in-depth, in-person Pilates Teacher Training is designed to give you both the knowledge and the practical skills needed to become a confident, capable, and impactful instructor. Upon successful completion of the Full Comprehensive program you will be eligible to take the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) Exam. Here’s what you’ll experience during your studio-based training:

  • — Anatomy for Pilates
    Learn the essential anatomy relevant to Pilates movement—understand how muscles, joints, and alignment affect exercise and technique.

    — Posture & Postural Assessment
    Develop the ability to assess posture and movement patterns to tailor sessions for safety, effectiveness, and results.

    — Pilates Principles, History & Ethics
    Explore the classical principles of Pilates, the evolution of the method, professional scope of practice, and instructor ethics.

    — Contraindications & Modifications
    Understand when and how to modify exercises safely for different populations and individual needs.

  • — Mat (Classical & Contemporary)
    Master a complete mat repertoire with variations, modifications, and progressions—plus how to sequence and teach flowing, purposeful mat classes.

    — Reformer
    Explore classical and contemporary Reformer work, including transitions, cueing, modifications, and advanced sequencing techniques.

    — Cadillac / Trapeze Table
    Learn how to use this versatile piece for spinal mobility, core strength, and injury-friendly support. Includes spring work, push-through bar, trapeze, and more.

    — Chair
    Train in one of the most dynamic and strength-focused apparatuses. You’ll learn how to use the pedal, springs, to develop balance, control, and power.

    — Ladder Barrel
    Deepen your understanding of spinal articulation, flexibility, and core integration through creative and therapeutic movement on the barrel.

    — Spine Corrector
    Learn how to use this tool for core work, stretching, and alignment—ideal for both beginner clients and advanced movement training.

  • — Apprentice & Community Classes
    Gain real-world teaching experience by leading supervised community classes. Apply your skills in a safe, supported environment.

    — Observation, Practice Teaching, & Class Participation
    Accumulate essential training hours by:

    • Observing experienced instructors

    • Teaching peers and real clients

    • Participating in a variety of classes to deepen your embodiment of the work

    — Structuring a Class
    Learn how to build a complete and balanced Pilates session—from warm-up to cooldown—with intelligent sequencing and flow.

    — One-on-One Coaching
    Receive personalized mentorship throughout your training journey to support your growth, technique, and confidence as an instructor.

  • Full Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Curriculum

    Fall 2025 | Arizona Pilates Studio – Gilbert, AZ

    In-Studio Lecture Series – 108 Hours

    Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    September 12th – October 19th

    Weekend 1: September 12th, 13th & 14th

    Weekend 2: September 19th, 20th & 21st

    Weekend 3: September 26th, 27th & 28th

    Weekend 4: October 4th and 5th (12-5pm)

    Weekend 5: October 10th, 11th & 12th

    Weekend 6: October 17th, 18th & 19th

    Held at Arizona Pilates Studio, this immersive lecture series lays the academic and practical foundation of your training. Through interactive lectures, discussions, and live demonstrations, you’ll study:

    • Anatomy, Biomechanics & Functional Movement
      Develop a strong understanding of the body’s systems and how movement principles apply to Pilates practice and cueing.

    • Professionalism & Instructor Code of Conduct
      Learn how to represent yourself as a qualified and confident fitness professional, uphold industry standards, and build trust with clients.

    • Contraindications & Special Populations
      Gain the skills to safely support clients with injuries, physical limitations, and diverse movement needs while understanding your scope of practice

    • History of Pilates & Joseph Pilates
      Explore the origins of Pilates, classical principles, and how the method has evolved over time.

    • Equipment Safety & Class Programming
      Learn to program thoughtful, creative, and safe sessions using the full range of Pilates apparatus.

    • Comprehensive Equipment Training
      Hands-on instruction and cueing for:

      • Mat

      • Reformer

      • Cadillac/Trapeze Table

      • Wunda Chair

      • Ladder Barrel

      • Spine Corrector

      • Magic Circle & Props

    • Written Exam
      A knowledge check to ensure you're ready for practical integration.

    Additional Certification Requirements (To be completed within 1 year of the program start date)

    Observation Hours – 95 Hours

    Observe certified instructors in action to sharpen your teaching eye and build your class library.

    • Attend live, in-person classes at Arizona Pilates Studio (or another approved studio)

    • Watch a curated selection of approved online Pilates classes featuring varied formats,  and teaching styles

    Practice Hours – 260 Hours

    • Self Practice
      Use studio time to refine your skills, rehearse exercises, and become confident on the apparatus.

    • Class Participation
      Take a variety of Pilates classes in person and online to deepen your understanding of sequencing, flow, and cueing.

    • Apprentice Teaching
      Teach live, public classes at Arizona Pilates Studio while receiving feedback from mentors and peers to elevate your teaching presence, voice, and client support.

    Anatomy Case Study Project – 35 Hours

    This in-depth project reinforces your anatomy knowledge through real-world application. You will:

    • Choose a case study from a provided list (e.g.,hyperlordosis, postnatal, spinal fusion)

    • Conduct research on the condition's anatomical, biomechanical, and movement-related considerations

    • Write a comprehensive report including:

      • A summary of your research

      • A proposed class or session strategy

      • Modifications, contraindications, and goals for progression

      • Reflections on how Pilates can support this client’s unique needs

    This project helps bridge the gap between theory and practice—preparing you to support a wide range of clients with confidence and care.

    Final Testouts & Flow Submissions – 8 Hours

    To demonstrate your teaching competency, you’ll submit pre-recorded and live testouts:

    • Pre-Recorded Mat Class Flow
      Submit a full-length video showing your teaching skills, including:

      • Effective cueing

      • Transitions and flow

      • Progressions and regressions

      • Embodiment of Pilates principles

    • Live Reformer Testout
      Teach a full Reformer class live at the studio to demonstrate your integration of everything you’ve learned.

    • Apparatus covered:

      • Cadillac/Trapeze

      • Chair

      • Ladder Barrel

      • Spine Corrector

      • Magic Circle & Props

NEXT TRAINING

September 2025

  • In Studio Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12-6pm

    Weekend 1: September 12th, 13th & 14th

    Weekend 2: September 19th, 20th & 21st

    Weekend 3: September 26th, 27th & 28th

    Weekend 4: October 4th and 5th (12-5pm)

    Weekend 5: October 10th, 11th & 12th

    Weekend 6: October 17th, 18th & 19th

  • Full Comprehensive Tuition Cost: $5,000.

    $500 Deposit required to reserve your spot goes towards tuition.

    Payment Plans Available upon request.

Not only do we empower you with the tools to teach successful Pilates classes, mentorship and development support, so you leave not just certified—but confident, inspired, and fully prepared to build a thriving Pilates career, you’ll also gain exclusive access to:

What sets us apart

— Premium Online Video & Digital Resources: With step- by-step instructions, designed to enhance your learning experience.

— A Pilates Membership to Arizona Pilates Studio: Unlock access to a variety of classes designed to strengthen, energize, and elevate your Pilates practice in a supportive studio environment.

— Studio Access for Practice Hours: Enjoy exclusive use of our fully equipped studio, giving you the freedom to explore, refine and grow your skills.

— Pilates Anytime Account Included: Stay inspired with 24/7 access to world-class instruction through a complimentary Pilates Anytime subscription during training—perfect for practicing anytime, anywhere.

— On-the-Go Learning with the Arizona Pilates Studio App: Access a curated library of digital resources, class schedules, and tools all in one place, designed to keep you connected and supported throughout your journey.

— Expert-Crafted Instructor Manuals & PDFs: Elevate your learning with professionally designed manuals and guides that provide clear, in-depth instruction and support.

"Every moment of our life can be the beginning of great things." 

— Joseph Pilates

Full Comprehensive Training Includes Mat, Reformer and additional Pilates Apparatus like the Cadillac/Trapeze, Chair and Ladder Barrel:

  • The Pilates Cadillac, also known as the Trapeze Table, is one of the most iconic and versatile pieces of Pilates equipment. Originally developed by Joseph Pilates, it was inspired by the need to help bedridden patients maintain strength and mobility. Today, it’s used to support rehabilitation, athletic training, and advanced Pilates practice.

    The Cadillac is a raised table (like a bed) with a metal frame structure overhead. Attached to this frame are a variety of springs, bars, straps, and a trapeze, allowing for a wide range of exercises in multiple planes of motion.

  • The Pilates Chair, also called the Wunda Chair (originally named by Joseph Pilates), is one of the most compact yet deceptively challenging pieces of Pilates apparatus. Despite its small size, it delivers powerful results—especially in building core strength, upper/lower body control, and balance.

    The Pilates Chair looks like a padded box or upright seat with a spring-loaded pedal at the base. The pedal can often be split into two (in modern versions), allowing for independent arm or leg work. Springs with adjustable resistance make it adaptable for all fitness levels.

  • The Pilates Ladder Barrel is a beautifully simple yet powerful piece of apparatus that focuses on spinal mobility, core control, flexibility, and back extension. It’s especially beloved for its ability to facilitate deep stretching and lengthening of the body, while also challenging stability and strength.

    The Ladder Barrel combines two key components:

    1. Curved Barrel: A padded, arched surface where the body lies, curves, or stretches.

    2. Ladder Rungs: A vertical frame with horizontal bars (like a small ladder) opposite the barrel.

    These two components are connected with a sliding base, allowing you to adjust the distance between the barrel and the ladder for different body types and exercises.