The Foundation

Mat Pilates

24-Week Program: next cohort COMING SOON

Our Instructor Training program is designed to build upon itself, with all of the foundational skills covered in the first half of the program and built upon in the second half when we introduce the equipment.

We realize this is an unconventional schedule for Pilates teacher training and that our program is much longer than most Mat trainings.

However, we have found that by really spending time with the anatomy, lecture materials, special populations and all of the foundational topics, our students have been much better prepared to teach mat Pilates, and are better able to learn the exercises and how to apply them. They’re also in a much stronger position to continue their learning into the Pilates equipment.

The best part of our training program is that we include real-life hands-on experience with clients as part of the training program. You will learn on real bodies as they apply to the various modules.

submit your application for instructor training

Pilates Foundations + Mat Pilates

24-Weeks

The Foundation is a 24-week program and includes all of the following topics. Modules are typically 2 hours each, and depending on the schedule, we may hold 1-2 modules per week.

  • Pre-Pilates/Pilates Fundamentals

  • Balance & Proprioception

  • 35 Original Mat Pilates Exercises: Basics, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

  • The History of Pilates

  • Fundamentals of Breathing

  • Neutral Spine

  • Anatomy: Breathing, Pelvic Floor, Spine, Shoulder, Leg and Foot, Anterior Chain, Lateral Chain and Posterior Chain

  • Anatomical Landmarks and Planes of Movement

  • Postural Anatomy, Posture & Body Types

  • Introduction to the PhysicalMind Parasetter, Tye-4 and Minis

  • Introduction to the Magic Circle

  • Alignment During Exercise

  • Cueing and Creating an Inclusive Studio Space

  • Using Modifications & Variations Effectively

  • How and Why we Choose Pilates Exercises: Principles and Practical Applications

  • Tips for Training Privates, Groups, and Duets

  • Common Injuries + Sports Injuries

  • Working with Special Populations: Osteoporosis and Aging Clients, Children and Teenagers, Athletes, Men, Hypermobility and hEDS, prenatal + postnatal

  • Creating Initial Assessments and New Client Intake Protocols

  • Setting up Your Pilates Business

*At the end of this lecture series, all students in both tracks will take the Mat exams. Comprehensive students will continue on to the Equipment Intensive. Mat students are welcome to continue on to the Equipment portion of training.

Here’s what you’ll get with The Foundation Training Program

Program Details

NPCP Mat Pilates Instructor Training Program 150-Hour Mat Training Two Trainers Dedicated to your program Small Group Cohort: 2-6 Participants Access to 2 Studios & Diverse Instructor Styles Trauma-Informed Safe Training Environment 9 Months to Complete the Program

Training Materials and Hours

  • The Anatomy of Pilates Manual

  • Pilates Matwork Student Manual

  • 61 In-Person Classroom Lecture Hours

  • 8 Group Mat Classes w/ a certified instructor

  • 4 Private Sessions w/ a certified instructor

  • 2 Mentorship Hours

  • 1 Hour Observation & Critique

  • 1 Written and 1 Practical Exam

Everything included in Tuition

Your tuition covers everything you need for certification: manuals, lectures, mentorship, group classes, privates and exams. The only additional cost is liability insurance, which we ask all instructors and trainees to carry.


  • Trainees will receive

    Anatomy of Pilates

    Anatomy Coloring Book

    Applicable exercise manuals

  • All of the required classroom lecture hours are included in tuition, as well as mentor hours with your teacher traineers.

  • Your tuition includes 8 group Mat classes at either Pilates Plus or Pilates Native.

  • Your tuition includes four private one-one-one Mat Pilates sessions with an instructor at one of our studios.

  • You are welcome to use the studio for self practice as well as complete any observation hours needed to complete your program.

  • Your exams are included in your tuition and are taken at either Pilates Plus or Pilates Native.

submit your application for instructor training

Training Hour Requirements

As part of our 150-Hour program, trainees will be expected to complete the following:

  • Attend 61 Classroom Lecture Hours (modules are typically 2.5 hrs each)

  • Attend 8 60-min Mat Group Classes

  • Attend 4 One-on-One sessions

  • Attend 2 Hours of Mentorship Meetings with one of your instructors

  • Complete 1 Hour of Teaching Observation and Critique

  • Take a 1 Hour multiple choice Written Exam, completed at the studio

  • Take a 1 Hour Practical Exam, completed at the studio

  • Submit a completed take-home exam

  • Complete at least 21 Hours of Self Practice

  • Complete at least 30 Hours Observation (20 Hours Pilates Mat, 10 Hours Other)

  • Complete at least 17 Hours Student Teaching (practice teaching others)

  • Complete 3 Hours Assistant Teaching with your Instructor during one of their client sessions

Do you have more questions or want to tour the studios before submitting your application?

We know our program is structured very differently than the industry norm and respect that it's a big investment in time, energy and money. We’re happy to chat with you about our program and see if we’re a good fit. Send an email or text to Pilates Native and we’ll arrange a call or an in-person meeting.