8 Best Pilates Certifications in 2022 – Top Rated Teacher Training Programs
Posted By: Pamela Toy
Many of you will probably agree that choosing a Pilates Certification can be very overwhelming. With so many different options it can be really tough to make a decision…
And given the price of many certifications, it can be incredibly daunting to part with your cash without having any insight into any of them.
Which probably led you down this path…
Research, research, and more research.
And you probably came to the conclusion that becoming a Pilates Instructor doesn’t happen overnight. You really need to know what you’re doing to ensure you are able to safely teach your clients.
Not to mention…
There are different styles of Pilates (Classical vs Contemporary), and also different types of teacher training certifications like a Full Comprehensive Certification, or specialized Certs for Mat or Reformer Pilates…
So how do you determine which is right for you?
Good news.
We reviewed 8 different certifications for both Classical and Contemporary as well as Comprehensive and Specialized Certifications.
Our rating factored reviews, quality of content, and price.
Here are the 8 Best Pilates Certifications in 2022:
1. Stott Pilates
2. Power Pilates
3. Peak Pilates
4. Basi Pilates
5. Balanced Body
6. Polestar Pilates
7. Fletcher Pilates
8. Romana’s Pilates
Let’s go ahead and dive into each of them.
1. Stott Pilates
Stott Pilates education is known by many as the “Ivy League” of Pilates training. Their teacher training program is led by instructors with years of experience under their belts.
STOTT’s Comprehensive program teaches you the intermediate and essential exercises in a digestible period of time. This allows your body to adapt to the workouts slowly and effectively.
Many programs throw you to the wolves right away, but STOTT’s program takes a much more methodical approach.
Each exercise includes a full breakdown and you will learn the biomechanical principles of core stability, breathing, and alignment. They also include modifications to increase and decrease difficulty/intensity.
After completing the course, you will be recognized as a STOTT Pilates Certified Instructor.
We put this Certification at the very top of our list because of the quality and thoroughness of the overall instruction.
Pilates Style: Contemporary
Rating: 5/5 Stars
STOTT offers two Comprehensive Certification programs:
- Comprehensive Matwork & Reformer
- Comprehensive Cadillac, Chair & Barrels (CCCB)
Comprehensive Matwork & Reformer (CMR)
The Comprehensive Mat & Reformer (CMR) course teaches functional anatomy and the biomechanical principles of STOTT Pilates exercises.
The course generally takes around 12-15 weeks to complete, which is then followed by an apprenticeship. The course was intended to make you a competent teacher in mat and reformer Pilates.
Price: $2,890
Certification Length: 310 Hours
Comprehensive Cadillac, Chair & Barrels (CCCB)
The Comprehensive Cadillac, Chair & Barrels course generally takes 8 weeks followed by an apprenticeship. After the completion of the course, you should be able to teach both personal and circuit programs geared toward clients with general fitness and athletic conditioning goals.
Price: $1,520
Certification Length: 165 Hours
STOTT also offers other certifications, but these are their most popular.
2. Power Pilates
Power Pilates is a Classical Pilates style that offers a comprehensive training program that covers beginner, intermediate and advanced material.
Their program helps you to become competent in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, Ped-o-Pull, and Magic Circle. After completing the program, you should be able to work with students of all ages and levels.
Power Pilates breaks its program into three separate sections (Apparatus I, Apparatus II, and Apparatus III). You can either pay for the comprehensive program, which encompasses all three apparatus’ or pay separately for each different one.
We really like how each module is broken up because many students may have full-time employment or other responsibilities, so having three separate parts can be more economically viable.
Pilates Style: Classical
Rating: 4.9/5 Stars
Power Pilates Certifications:
- Comprehensive Program (Encompasses all)
- Apparatus I
- Apparatus II
- Apparatus III
Comprehensive Program
Their comprehensive program includes all three apparatus levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced content).
Price: $4,995.0
Certification Length: 600 hours
Apparatus I (Beginner Level)
Apparatus I is a beginner-level course designed to give students a fundamental understanding of mat, reformer, high chair, and Cadillac work. Students should be able to teach the basics after completion of this section.
Be prepared to attend 3 lecture days, and complete about 75 hours of observing, performing, and practicing teaching.
Price: $1,300
Certification Length: 1-3 Months
Apparatus II (Intermediate Level)
The Apparatus II program is their intermediate-level program and should be completed after Apparatus I. After completing this program, you should be able to demonstrate an understanding of progressions.
You are required to attend 6 lecture days (36-40 hrs estimated), practice 150 hours of teaching intermediate exercises, and 1 evaluation day (3-6 hours).
Price: $2,500
Certification Length: 2-6 Months
Apparatus III (Advanced/Multi Levels)
Apparatus II is their advanced-level program. You should be able to teach clients of all levels, understand Pilates Philosophy, anatomy, and history afterward.
Upon completion of Apparatus III, you will develop a proficiency in mat, reformer, Cadillac, Barrel, and Pedi Pole.
Be prepared to attend 3 lecture days (18-20 hrs), 250 hours of teaching, practicing, and observing instructors, and 1 final evaluation day.
Price: $1,300
Certification Length: 2-6 Months
3. Peak Pilates
Peak Pilates offers a Classical Pilates Certification Program. Their program is broken out into three-level Modular sections.
With a focus on building a strong foundation in Pilates, you will develop proficiency with mat, reformer, tower, chairs, barrels, and auxiliary equipment. We really enjoyed the thoroughness of their course and easy to follow program schedule.
The course was designed to be completed at your own pace, which is great if you have full-time employment or other responsibilities. However, you must put the work in and be 100 percent committed and self-motivated.
In order to earn the FULL Comprehensive Certification, you must complete each level. You can either pay for the course in full or pay for each individual module.
Pilates Style: Classical
Rating: 4.85/5 Stars
Level I (4 Modules)
Level I is broken into 4 different Modules. After completing the first module, you will come away with a better understanding of basic human anatomy and kinesiology.
Module 1: Focuses on introductory mat work and building blocks. It takes around 20 hours and is broken into a 5-part process.
Module 2: Focuses on the reformer, high ladder barrel, small barrel, cueing, and touch transitions.
Module 3: Beginner/intermediate Level Apparatus with low chair exercises, intermediate level reformer, and ladder barrel exercises. You will learn more advanced teaching techniques for identifying proper body alignment.
Module 4: This module is all about teaching, technique, and Assessments. You must complete high ladder barrel exercises, practice teaching, and review all exercises. Upon completing the 4th module, you will be rewarded with a Peak Pilates Level I certification.
Price: Check their website
Certification Length: 120 logged Hours
Level II (2 Modules)
Level II should be taken only after completion of Level I. This section consists of 2 modules total.
Module 1: This module consists of the intermediate-level mat, reformer, and Cadillac exercises. We really liked the strong emphasis on refining transitions and monitoring static body alignment.
Module 2: This module consists of intermediate level Chair, Barrel, Teaching Technique, and Assessments. Level II certification will be awarded after completion of Module 2.
Price: Check their website
Certification Length: 60 logged Hours
Level III (3 Modules)
Level III should be taken only after completion of Level I and II. This section consists of 3 modules total.
Module 1: This module consists of the advanced-level mat, reformer, and Cadillac exercises.
Module 2: This module consists of an advanced-level chair, barrel, Auxilary Equipment, Teaching Technique, and Assessments.
Module 3: The third Module includes a Final Comprehensive Assessment, which takes about 6 hours. This one-day assessment includes a written and practical exam, so make sure you study!
Price: Check their website
Certification Length: 60 logged Hours
4. Basi Pilates
Basi Pilates offers a Classical style Comprehensive Teacher Training Program. Their extensive program gives students strong foundational knowledge in Pilates theory, exercises, and skills.
Upon completion of Basi’s Certification, you should be able to teach beginner to advanced level students. Their course focuses on developing a strong proficiency on the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, F2 Spine Corrector, F2 Arm Chair, Ped-a-Pul, Mat, and other auxiliary apparatus.
We really liked the hands-on training and challenging exercises overall.
After completing the course, you should be ready to take the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) exam!
Pilates Style: Classical
Rating: 4.8/5 Stars
Basi splits their Certification program into two parts:
- Foundation Program
- Graduate Program
Foundation Program
Basi’s Foundation Program is broken into 6 different Modules. Afterward, you should come away with a strong understanding of applying basic principles of Pilates in teaching and demonstrations, recognize postural issues and teach individual and group sessions.
The program teaches a wide range of exercises on the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, and Wunda Chair.
Price: $2199
Certification Length: 500 Hours (check their site for specific breakdown allocation)
Graduate Program
The graduate program is the second half of their Comprehensive Program. Students must complete the Foundation program first and should have strong fundamentals on the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, F2 Spine Corrector, Wunda Chair, F2 Arm Chair, Ped-a-Pul, Mat, and other auxiliary apparatus.
After completion of the course, you should be able to teach advanced-level clients, provide solutions to client’s various physical issues, and be able to teach and demonstrate moves effectively.
Price: $1999
Certification Length: 500 Hours (check their site for specific breakdown allocation)
5. Balanced Body
Balanced Body Pilates offers a very strong Certification Program that provides a solid foundation and gives you a deep understanding of how the human body works. Their courses are highly stimulating and broken down into very digestible class sessions.
Pilates Style: Contemporary
Rating: 4.79/5 Stars
In order to become a fully qualified Balanced Body Instructor, you must complete the three courses below:
- Mat
- Reformer
- Comprehensive
Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Training
The Comprehensive Program incorporates Mat, Reformer, Chair, Barrels, and Apparatus. There are detailed manuals accompanied by video content for each session.
Price: Check Website
Certification Length: 520 Hours (check their site for specific breakdown allocation)
Reformer Instructor Training
The Reformer Instructor Training consists of 3 different modules and was designed to help you create powerful programs to optimize your clients’ potential. There are guidelines added for teaching older and pre and post-natal clients.
The Reformer Instructor training will take you through a variety of supine, seated, and standing exercises for beginner, intermediate and advanced students. We really liked their attention to detail when addressing Osteoperosis, lower back, and other injuries.
Be ready to work because each module gets progressively more challenging!
Price: Check Website
Certification Length: 214 Hours (check their site for specific breakdown allocation)
Mat Instructor Training
The Mat Instructor Training consists of 3 different modules with each one being roughly 16 hours. This program teaches you everything about Mat Pilates from the ground up.
The goal of the course is for you to design and teach private classes to practitioners of all ages and levels.
The course material also contains best practices for dealing with injuries and special populations. The training progresses and gradually incorporates rings, rollers, and bands to develop whole-body strength and flexibility.
At the end of the course, you are required to take a written and practical exam, so make sure to study up!
Price: Check Website
Certification Length: 134 Hours (check their site for specific breakdown allocation)
6. Polestar Pilates
Polestar offers a comprehensive teacher training program that serves both professional training and personal growth. Their program is broken into three segments (Polestar Principles Online, Mat Foundations, and Comprehensive Teacher Training).
Polestar teaches a Classical Pilates Style, so be prepared to learn how to think critically through concepts. The course material contains both online and in-person Modules.
The certification program will make you proficient with the Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair, Ladder Barrel and Spine Corrector. We also really enjoyed their Neuro-linguistic techniques and imagery used to give meaningful cues.
We probably would have rated this course much higher, but it was a lot more expensive than the previous certifications covered.
Pilates Style: Classical
Rating: 4.75/5 Stars
Price: $7600
Certification Length: 497 Hours (check their site for specific breakdown allocation)
7. Fletcher Pilates
The Fletcher Pilates Program offers comprehensive international pilates training. Their program was built off the back of Joseph and Clara Pilates’ work. It is also the only training program endorsed by Ron Fletcher.
Pilates Style: Classical
Rating: 4.7/5 Stars
The Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program is broken into four different courses:
- Preparatory Course
- Foundation Program
- Professional Program
Preparatory Course
Fletcher’s Preparatory Course is designed to give you insight from a student’s point of view. Their philosophy is knowing movement in the body.
Price: Unknown
Certification Length: 20+ Hours (check their site for specific breakdown allocation)
Foundation Program
After completing the Preparatory Course, their Foundation Program is the next course to take. This course consists of over 600 hours of content including classroom sessions, anatomy study, and evaluation sessions. Out of all the certification programs, this is definitely one of the longer ones out there, but definitely worth checking out given the thoroughness.
Price: Unknown
Certification Length: 600 Hours (check their site for specific breakdown allocation)
Professional Program
After completing the Foundation Program, their Professional Program is the next course to take. This course consists of over 400 hours of content including 90 hours of casework Practicum, 120 hours of Observation Assisting Practicum, 120 hours of classroom sessions and much more.
Price: Check the website
Certification Length: 400 Hours (check their site for specific breakdown allocation)
8. Romana’s Pilates
Romana’s Pilates is a classical style that offers a comprehensive instructor training program (ITP). All instructors are handpicked and guided by their Level I teachers.
The goal of the course is to prepare you for a lifetime of teaching Pilates. Their program is available in over 15 countries and they have 40+ training facilities worldwide.
The Romana style tries to stay as close to the original teachings of Joseph Pilates as possible. Be prepared to subscribe to the six principles of pilates being: Control, Centering, Concentration, Precision, Breath, and Flow!
In order to qualify for the ITP, you must complete an initial assessment. Each student will then be evaluated and given a personalized training plan to best fit their needs.
The instructor training program is broken into 3 “stages” which include the following:
-
- Stage I – “Basic”
- Stage II – “Intermediate”
- Stage III – “Advanced”
All Stages are comprised of 4 mandatory activities that must be completed successfully in order to advance. After completing all stages, you are required to take part in group seminars, independent studies, private lessons, and a stage assessment.
For those of you looking for a very authentic classical Pilates Certification, we recommend checking this one out!
Pilates Style: Classical
Rating: 4.65/5 Stars
Price: Check their site
Certification Length: 2 years +
Looking for in-person Pilates Training?
If you are more interested in getting personalized Pilates instruction in the Philadelphia area, click the link below to give us a call and we would love to work with you!
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