Pilates Reformer Instructor Education

Reformer Training Modules I, II & III
Prerequisite: Movement Principles


  1. Completion of Anatomy; Movement Principles; Mat I and II modules and having taken 20 Reformer classes.                                           
  2. Following completion ofAnatomy and Movement Principles requirements, 1 year of teaching movement, and having taken 20 reformer classes.   

Reformer training includes 5 modules in total: Movement Principles* and Anatomy and Reformer I, II, and III. With each module you will receive a certificate of attendance. Your full qualification will require personal teaching hours, proof of Anatomy, and passing the final exam.

Reformer I (16 Hours )
Introduction to Reformer & Beginning Exercises and Pilates Principles
Prerequisites:  Movement Principles, 1 year of experience teaching movement or a related field, or 20 Pilates Reformer classes or personal training sessions

Includes an introduction to the Pilates Reformer, including setup and safety, beginning exercises, program sequencing, and teaching tips for group classes. By the end of the course, you will be able to teach a beginning Reformer class or personal training session.

Reformer II (16 hours)
Intermediate Exercises
Prerequisite: Reformer I

Reformer II includes intermediate exercises and modifications designed for group and individual instruction. Teaching successful classes and sessions to clients at different levels of ability is emphasized. Included are a variety of programs designed to keep your clients inspired.

Reformer III (16 hours)
Advanced and Sport-Specific Exercises
Prerequisite: Reformer II

Reformer III includes advanced exercises plus modifications for sport-specific activities, tips for training the advanced client, and programs designed for specific sports.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Balanced Body Pilates Program Requirements:

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body® Reformer Instructor, students must complete the following:

  • Balanced Body® Movement Principles* (16 hrs)
  • Balanced Body® Reformer I, II and III Instructor training modules (48 hrs)
  •  Anatomy, or outside equivalent (12-16 hr approved by Balanced Body Educational Department.

*Students entering program prior to 2019 are not required to take the Movement Principles course, although it is highly recommended.

Successful completion of each module includes coursework and written and practical examinations. The written is a take-home examination given on the first day of the course; the practical is successful demonstration of a teaching segment on the second day of the course.

If you have completed a mat program from another training provider, it is possible to apply previous mat work toward your training requirements. Please call 1-800-PILATES to see if you are exempt from additional mat requirements…or contact MI STUDIO with any queries. 

Practical Hours
Practical experiential hours are an integral part of the learning process. The coursework is designed to introduce movement concepts, exercises and exercise adaptations but it is equally as important that students practice on themselves (personal sessions), watch other instructors (observation hours) and begin the process of teaching potential clients (student teaching hours) to embody the materials that are presented in the courses. Courses alone give you the tools: experiencing the work makes you an instructor.

Personal Sessions
Students can count any classes or Pilates personal training sessions they have already taken. Online class resources such as Pilates Anytime may count toward personal sessions. Developing and committing to a personal Pilates practice is an essential part of becoming an effective and inspiring teacher.

Observation Hours
Observation hours include watching experienced instructors teach group classes of private sessions. Online resources such as BB Podcasts and Pilates Anytime count toward observation hours. Observation is a great way to understand verbal and manual cueing, program sequencing, and to hone your teaching skills.

Student Teaching Hours
Teaching hours include any Pilates teaching either as an employee at a fitness center or Pilates Studio or for family and friends.

Reformer Practical Hours = 150
50 personal sessions; 100 student teaching hours -or-
30 personal sessions; 90 student teaching hours; 30 observation hours