• YOUR PILATES INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

    Learn from the experts, develop your unique skills and teaching style, and prepare to become a certified Pilates Instructor.

    DOWNLOAD PROGRAM GUIDE
    Pilates Instructor Training
  • Move Wellness Instructor Training
  • INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

    Learn from the experts, develop your unique skills and teaching style, and prepare to become a certified Pilates Instructor.

    DOWNLOAD PROGRAM GUIDE

PILATES INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

At MOVE, you can complete a comprehensive Pilates Instructor Training Program or individual modules, become an apprentice, and take classes to continue your movement education. With a variety of payment options, we aim to make your training as accessible as possible.

Studio owner Elaine Economou leading a Pilates Instructor Training session

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Building on the innovative fitness that began with Joseph Pilates, the MOVE Pilates Instructor Training Program will provide you a depth of Pilates knowledge that prepares you for a career as a trainer. You’ll complete modules including Pilates: Mat, Reformer, and Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels. Staying true to our values of excellence, integrity, community, mindfulness and joy, the MOVE Pilates Instructor Training Program offers teachers the opportunity to join a network of individuals committed to changing lives through movement.

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PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The MOVE Pilates Instructor Training Program prepares students to sit for certification through the National Pilates Certification Program. It consists of three in-person modules scheduled over a six or nine-month period; mentorship; practice teaching, personal practice, and observation hours; access to the MOVE studio and apprenticeship. Program Director Elaine Economou is a seasoned instructor with a movement degree and additional training in kinesiology, anatomy and other systems of movement. She is joined by a team of knowledgeable and passionate Instructor Trainers including Lauren Miller and Jane Sheets. 

Elaine Economou on the Pilates Cadillac
MOVE Pilates instructors in training learning to teach Mat Pilates

MAT TRAINING

  • Introduction to the history and principles of Pilates.
  • Learning to teach the complete mat repertoire with modifications for injuries and special populations.  
  • Session sequencing and teaching cues for group classes.
  • Using props for advancing clients or for providing appropriate modifications and proprioceptive support.  
  • An overview of anatomy, postural analysis, and movement principles.

REFORMER TRAINING

  • Learning to teach the complete Reformer repertoire with modifications for injuries and special populations. 
  • Session sequencing and teaching cues for group classes.
  • Modifications and techniques for teaching clients at different levels for group classes and individual instruction.
Program director Elaine Economou guiding a Pilates instructor in training on the reformer
A MOVE Pilates instructor in training learning exercises on the Chair

CADILLAC, CHAIR + BARRELS

  • Learning to teach the complete Cadillac, Chair, Barrel and Magic Circle repertoire with modifications for injuries and special populations. 
  • How to integrate the apparatus and repertoire in a session or class.
  • Learning to apply the Cadillac exercises on the Spring Wall and Reformer Tower.

ANATOMY

  • Human musculoskeletal anatomy, anatomical actions and terms needed for National Pilates Certification Program exam.
  • An introduction to movement principles beyond musculoskeletal anatomy including fascia, current understandings of posture and alignment, and introductory concepts in neuro science and movement. 
A MOVE Pilates Instructor stretching with bands
MOVE Pilates trainer guiding a client in an exercise

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

At MOVE we believe that great Pilates instructors combine knowledge, experience, and independent thinking to train and inspire their clients. Through our program, you’ll experience a modern and comprehensive perspective on the original functional fitness program and learn to teach from your own informed, curious, and intelligent point of view. 

WORK STUDY AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

We understand that training is an expensive undertaking, and we want to make it accessible to all passionately committed students like you. Ask us about our work study options, payment plans, or a modified program schedule. In addition, students taking the course will receive special rates for MOVE classes and private sessions and full access to the studio and equipment during the course. We are sometimes able to offer a partial diversity scholarship. Reach out for more information.

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SCHEDULE

Our comprehensive program runs annually in September and January.

Winter/Spring 2024

Mat Module

January 26 – 28, 2024  |  February 2 – 4  |  February 9 – 11

Mat Exam: February 24th

Reformer Module

March 15 – 17, 2024  |  March 29 – 31  |  April 5 – 7

Reformer Exam: April 20th

Cadillac, Chair & Barrels Module

April 26 – 28, 2024  |  May 3 – 5  |  May 17 – 19

CCB Exam: June 8th

Fall/Winter 2024-2025

Mat Module

September 13 – 15, 2024  |  September 27 – 29  |  October 25 – 27

Mat Exam: November 2nd

Reformer Module

November 8 – 10, 2024  | November 15 – 17  |  December 6 – 8

Reformer Exam: Jan 11th, 2025

Cadillac, Chair & Barrels Module

January 24 – 26, 2025  |  February 7 – 9  |  February 21 – 23

CCB Exam: March 15th

Course Times

Fridays 3 – 7pm  |  Saturdays 9 – 5pm  |  Sundays 9 – 5pm

*times may be subject to change

BENEFITS OF MOVE’S PILATES INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

Unparalleled curriculum designed by our expert Instructor Trainers

Competitive edge in the Pilates world and fitness industry

Prepare for the National Pilates Certification Program Exam

Opportunity to apply for the MOVE Wellness Apprentice Program

Located in vibrant Ann Arbor, Michigan

Training in a supportive and encouraging environment

Manageable schedule with options for training

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

Anybody with a passion for movement.

Pilates trainers can be any age, gender, body size, or body type. Some trainers have backgrounds in dance, gymnastics, and other athletics. Some trainers had no prior connection to sports or movement systems before discovering Pilates. Many have worked as physical therapists and fitness professionals. Others have worked as teachers, lawyers, or librarians and come from a range of unrelated fields. What they all have in common is an understanding of what Pilates can do for a person’s health and wellbeing, and a desire to share it with others.
Anyone interested in pursuing professional training and work as a Pilates instructor should be self-motivated, enthusiastic about Pilates as a movement system, and committed to obtaining professional certification and building their career.

You must be 18 or older to participate. We do consider motivated candidates of high school age, but you must be 18 to sit for the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) exam.

We recommend seeking out as much personal experience with Pilates as possible prior to beginning the MOVE Instructor Training (MIT) program. Instructor candidates can join our MOVE Prep program in the months leading up to the training program.

The MOVE Prep program allows you to take unlimited online classes and weekly private sessions through MOVE at a reduced rate with the goal of increasing your strength, stamina, and knowledge of Pilates before starting your instructor training. Anyone who has committed to joining the instructor training program by completing the MIT application and paying the tuition deposit of $500 can join the prep program.

After you have completed the MIT program, you will need to prepare for the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) exam. You must pass this exam to start teaching Pilates professionally.

In preparation for the exam and to provide you with the structure and support you might need as a new Pilates instructor, MIT program participants are invited to become MOVE Apprentice trainers. Through the apprenticeship, you’ll receive: one-on-one sessions and support from a MOVE mentor, access to MOVE clients for training, promotional and networking opportunities via MOVE communications, and opportunities to learn more about the logistics of pursuing a professional career in Pilates and running a movement and wellness business.

You may choose to take the comprehensive course or individual modules. Talking with our Program Director will help you choose the timeline and outcome that will support you in your career objectives. At MOVE we can accommodate your individual goals.

If possible, we recommend beginning with the Mat module (followed by Reformer) since that is where you will receive foundational information for the rest of your training. Mat and Reformer classes are often the most in- demand types of instruction at Pilates studios and gyms.

To sit for the NPCP exam, you will need to learn repertoire for all of the Pilates equipment. As of the end of 2023 the NPCP is offering a mat-only certification exam with plans to offer a Reformer-only certification exam in 2024. Schedule a call with us and we can help you make a plan.

The MIT program consists of four successive modules scheduled over a nine-month period. Participants are required to complete a minimum of 450 hours of instructor training as part of the comprehensive program. Training hours consist of class instruction, observation of other certified trainers, personal practice at home or in the studio, and practice teaching sessions. You can view our current schedule HERE.
The typical program schedule is as follows:

MODULE 1, Mat training: 60 hours including three weekends of classroom instruction

MODULE 2, Reformer training: 60 hours including three weekends of classroom instruction

MODULE 3, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels (CCB): 60 hours including three weekends of classroom instruction

MODULE 4, Anatomy: Two-day workshop, 10 hours

If you’re committed to pursuing a career as a Pilates instructor, we’re committed to helping you get there. Please let us know if program costs are a potential barrier for you and we’ll talk through possible options to help you pursue your training. We currently offer the following programs to help finance tuition:

MOVE Pilates Diversity Scholarship (partial and full scholarships available): Contact office@movewellness.com for more information.

MOVE Work Study Program: Interested students can apply to come work for MOVE in exchange for reduced tuition. Contact office@movewellness.com for more information.

Payment Plans: We will work with you to create a payment plan that works for you and budget. Contact office@movewellness.com for more information.

Absolutely. While you are required to learn and understand the full version of each exercise, you are not required to physically execute everything in order to learn and teach it. Many program participants modify certain exercises as they are learning in order to accommodate their own bodies just as they would do with their own clients, which is one of the many beautiful aspects of this movement system. That being said, the program is physically rigorous and it will be helpful to build your strength and stamina in the weeks and months before beginning the program.

At the end of the program, you will be issued a certificate of completion, but you will still need to take and pass the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) exam.
Our expectation is that program participants pass the NPCP within six months of completing the MIT program.
If your goal is to become a certified Pilates instructor at MOVE Wellness, here are the steps to get there:


Gain experience with Pilates either on your own or by enrolling in the MOVE Instructor Training Prep program.

Enroll in and complete the MOVE Instructor Training program.

Become a MOVE apprentice trainer and begin teaching.

Prepare for and take the NPCP or other nationally recognized Pilates certification exam.

Some gyms and movement studios will hire instructors-in-training as long as they are on track to finish and plan on completing certification. At MOVE Wellness, we have an apprentice program that offers mentorship and teaching opportunities so you have the support and opportunities you need to develop your competence and confidence.

One of the great things about pursuing a career as a Pilates instructor is that you can shape it into whatever you want and need it to be. Some trainers teach full-time while many others teach part-time alongside other full- or part-time jobs. Pilates instruction is also a great, in-demand complementary skill set to careers in physical therapy, dance, massage therapy, athletic coaching, and more.

How much you can make as an instructor varies considerably depending on your experience, levels of certification, geographic location, and preferred teaching schedule.
Newer trainers can expect to earn around $15-$20 per hour, while experienced trainers with additional certifications and areas of specialization can earn much more. The average salary for a certified trainer in the US is $33.13 per hour.

Yes, Pilates instructors should expect to enroll regularly in continuing education courses. Further developing your overall knowledge base and expertise, as well as developing additional areas of specialization will allow you to better serve your clients, broaden your client base, and increase the amount of money you can make over time.
Most instructors take at least one course per year, and most certifications require that you take a course at least once every two years. Courses can be as short as a one-day or weekend workshop, while others might take place over the course of a week or two.

What Students Are Saying

“With her gentle guidance, deep passion, and profound knowledge of Pilates, Elaine and her wonderful team of instructors led me through one of the most challenging, but by far, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

“As an experienced, passionate certified fitness and personal training instructor, adding Pilates to my repertoire has greatly enhanced my skill set allowing me to reach my clients in a smarter, more methodical and balanced way. The bonus of personal growth and new like minded friends I met along the journey was a blessing!”

“The MOVE instructor training was the best, most comprehensive training I’ve encountered. The program is full of the most caring and beautiful people. I felt so accepted, supported, and empowered.”

“The instructors are smart, encouraging, and have so much information on the body, movement, and personal experience with clients. It has given me the confidence to go out and teach on my own knowing I will have the information to teach them.”

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? ASK US ANYTHING!

PILATES INSTRUCTOR TRAINING AT MOVE WELLNESS

MOVE Wellness offers a comprehensive Pilates instructor training program in our Ann Arbor, MI, studio. Led by experienced Program Director Elaine Economou, our program is designed to teach you the repertoire for all of the Pilates equipment, develop your skills with hands-on experience, and prepare you for the National Pilates Certification Program Exam in a supportive and encouraging environment. 

To make Pilates training as accessible as possible, we offer a variety of payment options, including scholarship, work study, and payment plans.

Check out our FAQ above for more information on our program and contact us to learn more. We’re happy to talk through any more questions you may have!