Pilates Teacher Training

make Pilates your career

You know Pilates has changed your life — and now you’re curious about teaching.

But the road to becoming an instructor can feel confusing and even intimidating. With so many programs out there, how do you know what’s right for you?

You might be wondering:

  • “How will I make the time for this?”

  • “Will I really be ready to teach when it’s over?”

  • “Do I need to know a lot of anatomy first?”

At MBS Pilates, we get it. Life is full. That’s why our training blends required in-person workshop weekends with a self-paced schedule for practice hours, observation, and study. You get the structure you need and the flexibility to make it fit your life — without sacrificing depth, mentorship, or quality.

A woman in a red t-shirt and dark pants assisting a person on a reformer Pilates machine at MBS Pilates fitness studio, with exercise balls and mirrors in the background.
Group of women doing yoga stretches on mats in MBS Pilates, smiling and reaching upwards, with mirrors and exercise equipment in the background.

Maybe you’ve taken every class on the schedule.

You’ve dabbled in online workshops or read all the Pilates books on your shelf. You’ve watched endless instructor videos on Instagram, wondering how they got there.

You might have even considered a certification program in the past — but felt overwhelmed by the time commitment, unclear prerequisites, or impersonal approach.

The truth? Most programs either move too fast with little mentorship or drag on with no real structure. And while you’re passionate about Pilates, you need a training path that actually works for your life.

That’s where MBS Pilates Teacher Training comes in.

A woman is receiving physical therapy on a reformer Pilates machine with the help of a therapist at MBS Pilates, Downer's grove IL.

Our program is built with real life in mind. Whether you're looking to become a fully certified Pilates instructor or start with the Mat training as a stepping stone, we've created a path that’s flexible, supportive, and comprehensive.

Our training combines in-person weekend workshops with self-paced hours so you can learn deeply and keep living your life. You’ll be guided by experienced instructors, gain hands-on teaching practice, and graduate feeling confident, capable, and ready to lead.

Whether you're dreaming of teaching in studios, launching your own online classes, or adding Pilates to your yoga or fitness credentials — this is your launchpad.

A woman with glasses and tattoos performing a yoga pose with a partner on a yoga mat in a studio, while another person stretched on a green yoga chair in the background.
Two women in a fitness class at MBS Pilates, performing stretching exercises on yoga mats, holding blue yoga blocks, in a studio with green walls and large windows.

At MBS Pilates, we offer two fully immersive teacher training paths designed to meet you where you are—and support you where you’re going.

The Full Journey (12-Month Comprehensive Program)

COMPREHENSIVE PILATES TEACHER TRAINING

$4,500

A 500-hour certification that covers all classical exercises across all apparatus and mat.

What’s included:

  • All Mat, Reformer, and Apparatus Modules

  • In-depth training on all apparatus: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, Chair, Barrels, and Pedi-Pole

  • Detailed instruction on teaching all body types and experience levels

  • Anatomy, special populations, and exam preparation

  • Hands-on practice, observation, and self-paced study

  • Prepares you to sit for the full National Pilates Certification Exam

Who it’s for:
Ideal for anyone looking to become a comprehensively certified instructor with the ability to teach across all equipment in any setting—studios, rehab, private, or group.

Your Own Path (Flexible, Self-Paced Modules)

  • Women doing Pilates on Pilates reformer machines in MBS Pilates, with mirrors, exercise balls, and digital screens on the wall.

    Pilates Reformer Teacher Training

    $1,800

    A 250-hour certification that includes the full classical reformer repertoire.

    What’s included:

    • Full reformer repertoire (beginner through advanced)

    • Equipment setup, safety, and spring configurations

    • Cueing, programming, and teaching for all levels

    • Functional movement patterns and adaptations for special populations

    • Observation, practice teaching, and mentorship

    Who it’s for:
    Those looking to explore teaching, pick up a side gig, become a substitute instructor, or deepen their Pilates knowledge.

  • Group Pilates class using wall-mounted spring equipment, with participants extending their arms forward for strength and alignment exercises at MBS Pilates studio.

    Pilates Apparatus Teacher Training

    $1,800

    A 100-hour certification that includes the repertoire on Cadillac/Tower, Chair, Barrels, and Pedi-Pole.

    What’s included:

    • Repertoire on Cadillac/Tower, Chair, Barrels, and Pedi-Pole

    • Programming and safe setup across apparatus

    • Functional anatomy and movement for special populations

    • Observation, practice teaching, and mentorship

    • Prepares you for the Comprehensive exam pathway when combined with Mat + Reformer. Must complete Reformer first

    Who it’s for:
    Reformer graduates or those pursuing the Comprehensive certification.

  • A group of women participating in a fitness class at MBS Pilates, supervised by an instructor.

    Pilates Mat Teacher Training

    $1,800

    A 150-hour stand-alone certification (and also the first part of our comprehensive program).

    What’s included:

    • Training in the full classical Pilates mat repertoire

    • Teaching techniques, cueing, anatomy fundamentals, and movement principles

    • Modification and progression strategies for all body types

    • Hands-on practice, observation hours, and guided teaching support

    • Eligibility to sit for the National Pilates Certification Exam: Mat

    Who it's for:
    Perfect for anyone wanting to teach mat Pilates, add on to a yoga or fitness certification, or start an online Pilates business.

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What You’ll Gain from Our Teacher Training

  • We get it—life is full. Our training lets you complete your hours on your schedule, while still showing up for powerful, in-person workshop weekends.

  • You’ll never be left guessing. Our team is deeply involved, giving you real-time feedback, mentorship, and encouragement every step of the way.

  • Whether you stop at Mat or go all the way to Comprehensive, you’ll gain a deep, well-rounded understanding of the method and how to apply it to real clients.

  • From private clients to group classes, beginners to athletes, you'll leave ready to teach effectively across all experience levels and body types.

  • You're not just joining a program—you’re joining a community. One that’s invested in your growth, celebrates your progress, and is ready to cheer you on.

What Results Can You Expect?

  • You’ll graduate with confidence and clarity.
    Whether you’re teaching your first mat class or cueing advanced clients on the Reformer, you’ll feel grounded in your knowledge and prepared to lead with purpose.

  • You’ll understand bodies—really understand them.
    You’ll learn anatomy, alignment, and how to read movement, so you can teach to the person in front of you and adapt with ease.

  • You’ll build a career with flexibility and freedom.
    Teach in-studio, online, part-time, full-time—your certification opens doors. You’ll be qualified to apply for a wide variety of Pilates teaching roles or even launch your own business.

  • You’ll walk away with a strong foundation for long-term success.
    We don’t do shortcuts. Your training will be deep, personalized, and practical—setting you up to thrive as a teacher, not just pass a test.

  • You’ll join a community that keeps cheering you on.
    Our grads become part of the MBS family. That means ongoing support, referrals, mentorship, and connection that doesn’t end when the program does.

Person setting up hopscotch rings on the floor in an indoor space, with cushions in the foreground and storage shelves in the background at MBS Pilates.

Ready to start your Pilates teaching journey?

Let’s find out if our training is the right fit for you!

 Book a FREE 20-minute discovery call to ask questions, talk about your goals, and explore the next steps together.
We’ll help you decide whether to start with the Mat training or dive into the full Comprehensive program.

Women participating in a fitness class, bending over and lifting light blue rings during exercise in MBS Pilates, Downer's Grove IL.

Why Learn with Us?

At MBS Pilates, you're not just getting certified—you’re joining a passionate, welcoming community led by experienced instructors who live and breathe this work every day.

Our program is led by Heather, studio owner and lead educator, who has spent over two decades studying movement, teaching Pilates, and mentoring new instructors. With a background in anatomy, classical Pilates, and real-world experience running a successful studio, Heather brings both depth and practicality to your training.

A group of women participating in a fitness class, doing side plank exercises with dumbbells at MBS Pilates studio.

What sets our faculty apart?

  • We teach real people, not just textbook-perfect movers.

  • We believe in clarity, connection, and hands-on guidance.

  • We meet you where you are—and help you grow beyond what you thought was possible.

Our fully certified team brings years of teaching, professional development, and continuing education into every session. Whether you're just beginning or deepening your career, you're learning from a crew that’s been exactly where you are—and will walk beside you every step of the way.

MBS Pilates Instructor assisting a woman with a ballet stretch, with mirrors and exercise equipment in the background.

FAQs

  •  Nope! You just need to love Pilates and be ready to learn. We’ll teach you everything—from foundational principles to advanced repertoire. If you're consistent in your own practice and curious about the method, you're ready.

  • Yes! You’ll learn the full classical Pilates repertoire across Mat and apparatus. You'll also learn how to give hands-on corrections, adapt classical exercises for different body types, and offer progressions or modifications to meet each client’s needs—no matter their level.

  •  The weekend workshops are mandatory, but everything else—your personal practice, observation hours, and student teaching—is self-paced. You can complete your hours in a way that fits your life and schedule.

  • It depends on your schedule and availability:

    • Mat Certification: About 6 months (but you have up to 12)

    • Reformer Certification: About 6 months (but you have up to 12)

    • Apparatus Certification: About 4 months (but you have up to 12)

    Comprehensive Certification: About 12–24 months
    If you're working full-time, it may take longer. If you're teaching regularly and focused on completing the program, you can finish more quickly. There’s no expiration—so take the time you need.

  • The workshops are just one part of your training. To successfully complete your module or the full Comprehensive Program, you’ll also need to complete:

    • Self-Practice: Time spent doing the repertoire on your own body.

    • Practice Teaching: Logging hours teaching peers, clients, or fellow trainees.

    • Observation Hours: Watching experienced instructors teach, taking notes on cueing, progressions, and client interaction.

    • Mentorship: One-on-one or small group guidance with a qualified teacher trainer.

    • Written & Practical Exams: To demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, repertoire, teaching skills, and safety.

    • Additional Anatomy Course (Comprehensive Only): Must be completed before the end of the program.

    These elements ensure you don’t just know the exercises—you can confidently teach, adapt, and apply them for different bodies and situations.

  • Yes! Our Teacher Training Program is modular and can serve as a stand-alone program for those who want to start teaching Pilates, complement another fitness certification, or develop online Pilates offerings. It’s also the foundation of our full Comprehensive program—so you can continue with the full 500-hour certification at any time.

  • The modules are designed to give you flexibility. Mat can be taken on its own or at any time—it is not a prerequisite for Reformer or Apparatus. The only sequence requirement is that Reformer must be completed before Apparatus.

  • You can absolutely take all three modules individually, and by completing them you’ll cover the full comprehensive curriculum. The difference comes down to cost and commitment:

    • Comprehensive Program: If you know you want the full certification, committing up front saves you $900 compared to paying for modules individually.

    • Individual Modules: You can register module by module, giving you flexibility and self-pacing, but it is the more expensive route overall.

  • Full payment and monthly payment plans are available for all options.

  • Yes—our training prepares you to teach confidently in Pilates studios, gyms, and wellness centers. However, there are some important distinctions depending on the track you choose:

    • Mat Module Only: Completing the Mat Module qualifies you to sit for the NPCP Mat Exam, a nationally recognized credential.

    • Comprehensive Program: Completing all three modules qualifies you to sit for the NPCP Comprehensive Exam, the gold standard certification in Pilates.

    • Reformer Module Only: Completing the Reformer Module gives you an MBS Pilates certification, but there is currently no national exam for Reformer alone. Because of this, some studios may require you to complete a bridge program if you want to meet national exam qualifications in the future.

    While the NPCP exam is optional, we highly recommend it. It’s one of the only standardized measures of Pilates teaching competency, and passing it demonstrates that you are a fully qualified instructor—credentials that make you employable almost anywhere.

  •  Yes! We emphasize real teaching skills throughout your training, and we’ll support you through practice, mentorship, and feedback. You’ll leave the program feeling confident, capable, and ready to lead classes and private sessions.

  • The Comprehensive Program includes anatomy as it relates to each module (functional movement patterns, imbalances, special populations), but it also requires one additional anatomy course. This course is taken separately and must be completed before the end of the program.

    The additional course ensures you have the deeper knowledge needed to confidently:

    • Identify imbalances and movement dysfunctions.

    • Communicate with healthcare providers (doctors, PTs).

    • Read and understand imaging and reports.

  • Rates vary based on location and setting. In the Chicago area, instructors can expect to earn $30–$70 per session, depending on experience, format (group vs. private), and studio policies. Your rate will increase as you gain experience and build your clientele.

  •  For local trainees, we offer open studio hours to help you complete your personal and practice teaching hours. Come solo to work on your own programming (counts as self-practice) or meet up with others in the program to team-teach and hone your skills (counts as teaching hours). It’s flexible, accessible, and included as part of your training experience.

  • No. Certification tuition covers your workshops, manuals, mentorship, observation, practice teaching, and exams. A regular studio membership for taking group classes is not included in the training cost.

This is for you if...

  • You’ve fallen in love with Pilates and want to take your passion to the next level

  • You dream of teaching in a way that helps real people move better, feel stronger, and live with less pain

  • You’re a yoga teacher, trainer, or coach looking to expand your skill set

  • You want a program that’s flexible, supportive, and rooted in deep, classical training

  • You’re not interested in cookie-cutter certifications—you want to understand the “why” behind the movement

  • You want to join a community that’s warm, encouraging, and obsessed with the details (in the best way)

Women participating in a fitness class, some lifting dumbbells and standing with hands on hips, smiling and engaging in the workout at MBS Pilates.
Two women smiling and hugging during a yoga class at MBS Pilates, Downer's Grove IL.

  • <autoplay speed=3></autoplay>“I’ve never felt stronger — and I actually look forward to working out. That’s never happened before!”

    — Rhiannon D.

  • “MBS isn’t just a studio, it’s a community. The instructors are knowledgeable and genuinely care about your progress.”

    — Ivana T.

  • “I had chronic shoulder pain when I started — now it’s gone. The instructors helped me build strength the right way.”

    — Jessica M.

  • “It’s welcoming, non-intimidating, and fun. The variety of classes keeps things fresh, and the people keep me coming back.”

    — Heather J.

  • “I was totally new to Pilates and kind of nervous, but I felt supported from day one. Now I’m hooked!”

    — Jeff S.

2025-2026 Schedule

Ready to take the leap?

Let’s find out if our training is the right fit for you!

Whether you're starting with the mat or diving into the full comprehensive program, your journey to becoming a confident, skilled Pilates instructor starts here. Book your discovery call and let’s find the training path that’s right for you.