Pilates Teacher Training
Why Whole Body University?
The Whole Body Pilates Teacher Training is a hybrid program made to accommodate your schedule and your life while giving you high-level, in-depth training. We offer two formats: Zoom based and in-studio based trainings. For the Zoom based training, you will attend a few in-person classes at a studio local to you!
Our Program:
- Was designed by a Pilates instructor and a DPT, so it emphasizes safety and builds a strong foundation in Pilates, anatomy, and injury management.
- Enables you to take courses by individual equipment type or join for the full comprehensive program–you decide. All options are detailed below.
- Combines Classical and Contemporary approaches to Pilates teaching and training. You can obtain a first-time education in movement, or certify in a new modality if you’re already a movement-based professional, or specialize in as a medical service provider in our Medical/Professional Track for PTs, OTs, and other medical-based professions.
Information
Our program is designed to fit your schedule and budget while covering everything you need to know. Created by our lead instructors, Dana Dreifus, CPT; and Juliana Remer, DPT; and edited by Natalie Machado-Michaux, CPT, who have more than 50 combined years of Pilates teaching experience, our curriculum offers a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Dana, the lead instructor, has run 10 of trainings in two states and is excited to walk you through your training journey alongside Natalie Machado-Michaux, CPT, and all the long-tenured instructors at Whole Body! Juliana will lead the anatomy and physiology components of the training. We can offer the program at a much lower cost than comparable programs because we created it ourselves, meaning there aren’t any hefty third-party fees. Our program prepares you for the Certified Pilates Teacher exam, enabling you to teach globally with Whole Body credentials.
Teacher Training Teaser
About
Interested in our teacher training and want to see what we’re all about? Or just want to add a good abdominal series to your workouts or classes? Try us out with a low commitment learning experience with our abdominal series instruction mini course!
This course is for both practitioners of Pilates and instructors looking to add more skills to their teaching tool box!
Comprehensive
About
Our program is designed to fit your schedule and budget while covering everything you need to know. Created by our lead instructors, Dana Dreifus, CPT; and Juliana Remer, DPT; and edited by Natalie Machado, CPT, who have more than 50 combined years of Pilates teaching experience, our curriculum offers a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
Dana, the lead instructor, has run 10 of trainings in two states and is excited to walk you through your training journey alongside Natalie Machado, CPT, and all the long-tenured instructors at Whole Body! Juliana will lead the anatomy and physiology components of the training.
The Whole Body program is designed to teach you Classical and Contemporary exercises using Pilates equipment–Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, High/Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Magic Circle–all while keeping the most up-to-date movement science in mind!
Since one of our programs creators is a PT, there’s lots of post-rehabilitation information. Our extensive manuals are supplemented with a full video library, allowing you to revisit any part of the training whenever you want!
Our program prepares you for the Certified Pilates Teacher exam, enabling you to teach globally with Whole Body credentials.
We can offer the program at a much lower cost than comparable programs because we created it ourselves, meaning there aren’t any hefty third-party fees.
Duration and Scope
The Whole Body Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training is a 500-hour program includes 5 weekends of online, Zoom-based training. Our program includes: 95 hours of self-practice, and 120 hours of practice teaching.
- In-Studio Lecture (100 hours): Over 5 weekends, you’ll learn basic and more in-depth Anatomy, History of Pilates and Scope of Practice, and a breakdown of every exercise according to breath, muscle focus, and contraindications and modifications.
- Self-Practice Hours (95 hours): A minimum number of hours practicing on your own or in a class or private lesson.
- Practice-Teaching Hours (130 hours): Case studies to hone your teaching voice and apply advanced concepts.
- Observation Hours (95 hours): Watch classes and private sessions in-studio and online.
- Anatomy and Physiology (20 hours): Study anatomy and movement principles with Juliana.
- Online Videos, Testing, and Homework (60 hours): Complete all relevant training videos and testing.
Upon passing both a written and practical exam, you will be a Certified Pilates Teacher!
Training Includes
- Comprehensive access to the online manual and video library
- Access to our fully equipped Pilates studio in Denver
- Access to the Whole Body Studios Online Video Library
- Mentorship and support with Dana and Natalie
- 10% off all class and private packages
Whole Body Studios Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program does NOT include printed manuals.
*Space is limited. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mat
About
Our mat Pilates teacher training program is designed to fit your schedule and budget while covering everything you need to know.
This program prepares you for the Mat Certified Pilates Teacher exam, enabling you to teach Pilates mat globally with Whole Body credentials.
Duration and Scope
The Whole Body Mat Pilates Teacher Training is a 100-hour program and includes one weekend of online, Zoom-based training.
- Online Lecture (20 hours)
- Self-Practice Hours (20 hours)
- Practice Teaching Hours (20 hours)
- Observation Hours (20 hours)
- Online Videos, Testing, and Homework (20 hours)
Upon passing a written and practical exam, you will be a Certified Mat Pilates Teacher!
*Space is limited. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reformer
About
Our reformer Pilates teacher training program is designed to fit your schedule and budget while covering everything you need to know.
This program is designed to teach you Classical and Contemporary exercises on the reformer, while keeping the most up-to-date movement science in mind! Since one of our programs creators is a PT, there’s lots of post-rehabilitation information. Our extensive manuals are supplemented with a full video library, allowing you to revisit any part of the training whenever you want! Our program prepares you for the Reformer Certified Pilates Teacher exam, enabling you to teach Pilates reformer globally with Whole Body credentials.
Duration and Scope
The Whole Body Reformer Pilates Teacher Training is a 100-hour program and includes one weekend of online, Zoom-based training. Our program includes: 20 hours of self-practice, and 20 hours of practice teaching. There are videos and assignments to complete and written tests are taken in the video platform. The physical test-out is taken online with a lead instructor.
- Online Lecture (20 hours): Basic Anatomy, History of Pilates, Scope of Practice, and breakdown of every mat exercise with breath, muscle focus, contraindications, and modifications. Includes session planning for private sessions, duets, group classes, and class templates, plus case studies and movement principle applications.
- Self-Practice Hours (20 hours): Minimum hours practicing on your own or in class/private to learn the movement in your body.
- Practice Teaching Hours (20 hours): Case studies to hone your teaching voice and apply advanced concepts. Minimum 5 hours per case study required.
- Observation Hours (20 hours): Watch classes and private sessions in-studio and online.
- Online Videos, Testing, and Homework (20 hours): Watch all relevant training videos and complete testing and homework.
Upon passing a written and practical exam, you will be a Certified Reformer Pilates Teacher!
Training Includes
- Full access to online manual and video library (case studies, templates, exercise videos, tests)
- Access to fully equipped Pilates studio in Denver for all observations, self-practice, and practice teaching hours
- Access to Whole Body Studios Online Video Library
- Mentorship and support with Dana and Natalie
- 10% off all class and private packages during the program
Does NOT include printed manuals (available online; $25 each). Space limited. Requires access to a reformer.
Chair
About
Our Chair Pilates teacher training program is designed to fit your schedule and budget while covering everything you need to know.
This program is designed to teach you Classical and Contemporary exercises on the chair, while keeping the most up-to-date movement science in mind! Since one of our programs creators is a PT, there’s lots of post-rehabilitation information. Our extensive manuals are supplemented with a full video library, allowing you to revisit any part of the training whenever you want! Our program prepares you for the Chair Certified Pilates Teacher exam, enabling you to teach Pilates chair globally with Whole Body credentials.
Duration and Scope
The Whole Body Chair Pilates Teacher Training is a 100-hour program and includes one weekend of online, Zoom-based training. Includes 20 hours self-practice and 20 hours practice teaching. Videos, assignments, and written tests are online; physical test-out online with lead instructor.
- Online Lecture (20 hours): Basic Anatomy, History of Pilates, Scope of Practice, breakdown of every chair exercise with breath, muscle focus, contraindications, modifications, session planning, case studies, and movement principles.
- Self-Practice Hours (20 hours)
- Practice Teaching Hours (20 hours)
- Observation Hours (20 hours)
- Online Videos, Testing, and Homework (20 hours)
Upon passing exams, you will be a Certified Chair Pilates Teacher! Pilates Mat is a pre-requisite.
Training Includes
- Full access to online manual and video library
- Access to Denver studio for observations, self-practice, practice teaching
- Access to Whole Body Studios Online Video Library
- Mentorship and support with Dana and Natalie
- 10% off class/private packages during program
Does NOT include printed manuals ($25 each). Space limited. Requires access to a chair.
Cadillac
About
Cadillac Pilates teacher training program designed to fit your schedule and budget while covering everything you need to know.
Teaches Classical and Contemporary exercises on the Cadillac, integrates up-to-date movement science, includes post-rehabilitation information, extensive manuals with video library, prepares for Cadillac Certified Pilates Teacher exam.
Duration and Scope
100-hour program with one weekend online Zoom training, 20 hours self-practice, 20 hours practice teaching. Videos, assignments, written tests online; physical test-out online with lead instructor.
- Online Lecture (20 hours)
- Self-Practice Hours (20 hours)
- Practice Teaching Hours (20 hours)
- Observation Hours (20 hours)
- Online Videos, Testing, and Homework (20 hours)
Upon passing, you will be a Certified Cadillac Pilates Teacher! Pilates Mat is a pre-requisite.
Training Includes
- Full access to online manual and video library
- Access to Denver studio for observations, self-practice, practice teaching
- Access to Whole Body Studios Online Video Library
- Mentorship and support with Dana and Natalie
- 10% off class/private packages during program
Does NOT include printed manuals ($25 each). Space limited. Requires access to a Cadillac.
Auxiliary
About
Auxiliary Pilates teacher training program designed to fit your schedule and budget while covering everything you need to know.
Teaches Classical and Contemporary exercises using large and small barrels, ped-o-pul, magic circle, integrates up-to-date movement science, includes post-rehabilitation information, extensive manuals with video library, prepares for Comprehensive Certified Pilates Teacher exam.
Duration and Scope
100-hour program with one weekend online Zoom training, 20 hours self-practice, 20 hours practice teaching. Videos, assignments, written tests online; physical test-out online with lead instructor.
- Online Lecture (20 hours)
- Self-Practice Hours (20 hours)
- Practice Teaching Hours (20 hours)
- Observation Hours (20 hours)
- Online Videos, Testing, and Homework (20 hours)
Upon passing, you will be a Certified Auxiliary Equipment Pilates Teacher! Pilates Mat is a pre-requisite.
Training Includes
- Full access to online manual and video library
- Access to Denver studio for observations, self-practice, practice teaching
- Access to Whole Body Studios Online Video Library
- Mentorship and support with Dana and Natalie
- 10% off class/private packages during program
Does NOT include printed manuals ($25 each). Space limited. Requires access to barrels and ped-o-pul.
Anatomy
About
Provides instructors with in-depth musculoskeletal anatomy knowledge to understand movement mechanics and apply safer, effective Pilates techniques. Recorded course required for full teacher training. Includes advanced anatomy discussion and coloring book exercises.
Duration and Scope
10-hour program, online pre-recorded training. Videos, assignments, written tests online. Anatomy coloring book required for homework.
- Online Videos, Testing, and Homework (10 hours)
- Completion of Anatomy Coloring Book
Training Includes
- Mentorship and support with Dana and Natalie
- 10% off class/private packages during program
Does NOT include printed manuals ($25 each).
Mat Training Starting May 8th
Course Schedule
Tuesday: 6:30 – 8:30 PM MT
Sunday: 3:00 – 5:00 PM MT
Dates & Curriculum
Week 1
Pre-Pilates & Mat Fundamentals
Week 2
Beginner Mat Repertoire
Week 3
Intermediate Mat Repertoire
Week 4
Advanced Mat & Programming
Week 5
Teaching Skills, Special Populations & Final Assessment
Sign Up for $199 OFF
Our cohorts are small and spots are limited. Classes starting the first week of March.
Program Overview & Objective
The Whole Body Pilates Mat Teacher Training is a 100-hour hybrid program designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in Pilates Mat instruction. The program combines live instruction, practice teaching, observation, self-practice, video-based learning, and written homework to support skill integration and real-world application.
Program Format & Hour Breakdown
- 20 hours live online instruction
- 20 hours practice teaching
- 20 hours observation
- 20 hours self-practice
- 10 hours recorded educational videos
- 10 hours homework and written assignments
- Total Program Hours: 100 Hours
Completion Requirements
Successful completion of the Pilates Mat Teacher Training requires completion of all program hours, active participation in live sessions, and fulfillment of practice teaching, observation, self-practice, video modules, and homework assignments.
Full Pilates Mat - Course Outline
-
INTRODUCTION
27 lessons- Orientation
- Liability and Waiver Information and Introduction to Whole Body
- Table of Contents
- Course Requirements
- Course Hour Breakdown
- Philosophy of Safety
- Practice Hour Log
- Levels of a Pilates Class
- Sample Classical and Contemporary Class Formats
- Levels of a Pilates Class
- Creating A Class Format
- Classical VS Contemporary
- Build Your Own Class Templates
- Case Study
- Basic Anatomy of Pilates
- Dance Terminology and Vocabulary - Foot Positions
- Dance Terminology and Vocabulary - Lower Extremity Positions
- Dance Terminology and Vocabulary - Arm Positions
- Patterns of Motion
- Nine Lines of Movement
- Definition of Stretching and Application to Pilates
- Viewing & Assessing Movement
- Common Alignments
- Basic Joint Ranges
- Pilates Small Props
- How to Read This Manual
- Live Session - Philosophy of Safety and Basic Terminology
-
Pre-Pilates
13 lessons- Head Lifts
- Listening Heads
- Breath
- Doorknob Legs
- Pelvic Clock
- Piston Legs
- Sand Tunnels
- Rib Cage Arms
- Side Lying
- Leg Lifts From Prone
- Cat-Cow
- Crossovers
- Live Session - “Before the 100” Exercises
-
LEVEL I-II
14 lessons- Footwork - All Positions
- The Hundred
- Live Session - Mat Exercises
- Roll Up
- Single Leg Circles
- Rolling Like a Ball
- Abdominal Series
- Spine Stretch Forward
- Saw
- Side Lying Series
- Seal
- Ceiling Stabs
- Tick Tock
- Live Session - Practice Teaching with Partner
-
LEVEL II-III
13 lessons- Open Leg Rocker
- Corkscrew 1
- Swan
- Swan Dive
- Live Session - Mat Class
- Single Leg Kick
- Double Leg Kick
- Grasshopper
- Teaser
- Can-Can
- Cat-Cow - Knees Off
- Push Up
- Live Session - Basic Anatomy
-
LEVEL III
7 lessons- Neck Pull
- Shoulder Bridge
- Spine Twist
- Roll Over
- Jack Knife
- Hip Circles
- Live Session - Mat Exercises
-
LEVEL IV
6 lessons- Corkscrew 2
- High Scissors/Bicycle
- Side Bend
- Leg Pull Front
- Control Balance
- Live Session - Practice Teaching with Partner
-
LEVEL V
7 lessons- Leg Pull
- Crab
- Rocking (On Stomach)
- Boomerang
- Big Twist
- Handstand/Headstand
- Live Session - Mat Class
-
TEACHING
6 lessons- Teaching Tips
- Common Learning Styles
- The Art of Cueing & Assisting
- How to Spot & Observe
- Code of Ethics / Fitness Professionalism
- Live Session - Written Test Out Quiz
North Carolina and Beyond
 
 