Mat Teacher Training Program

Why Choose the Mat Teacher Training Program

This classical Pilates mat teacher training program teaches the traditional Pilates method, teaching techniques, basic anatomy, advancements, modifications, and fundamentals. Our 165-hour program is structured to provide a hands-on experience, with trainees actively participating in group exercises and demonstrating their understanding and application of the techniques. Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, trainees refine their practice and develop the ability to deliver clear and effective instruction.

The mat program is the beginning of our comprehensive training program. You can continue onto the comprehensive traninig, or you can stop at the mat training and have a successful career teaching mat pilates. How you choose to move forward with the program is up to you. There are many rewarding options with just a mat certification, including teaching classes at local studios or gyms, starting an online platform, or even hosting retreats. The possibilities are endless.

We understand that there are a lot of options out there. Yet, here’s what makes our workshop truly unparalleled:

  • In the rapidly growing health and wellness domain, Pilates stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking a holistic approach to fitness. With the right mentorship, you can transform your own life and touch the lives of many who seek pain relief, flexibility, or strength in the art of movement.

  • Learn from Heather L. Rex, owner of MBS Pilates and a seasoned practitioner. With her vast knowledge of Classical Pilates and energy work, Heather ensures that every participant receives tailored instruction.

    Trainees acquire the skills to offer modifications, progressions, and variations through practical sessions and supervised teaching practice, ensuring safe and effective sessions for their future clients. Please note that this training is the first step toward completing the Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training program.

  • After concluding your certification, the teacher trainer will have the education to successfully complete the National Mat Pilates Certification Program Exam. With that, you will be a highly sought-after instructor at any studio or gym teaching mat Pilates.

Wondering Where to Start?

Join us for an information session about the MBS Pilates Mat Training courses.

You'll chat with our Teacher Training team, receive an overview of the program, and have the opportunity to ask questions!

Education is the center of our fitness programming and training methodology. To get started, fill out the form below.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

  • Introduction to Pilates & Fundamental Exercises

    The Fundamentals form the foundation of the Pilates method. This course includes an introduction to the history and principles of the Pilates method, teaching strategy, fundamental exercises, anatomy intro, postural deviations, and functional movement patterns. Each exercise includes training on modifications, challenges, and the purpose of the exercise.

    This module is offered in person only.

    Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-5 pm (16 hours)

    Prerequisite: 10 Pilates Mat (beg/int) Classes

  • Beginner Mat Exercises & Anatomy

    Mat 1 teaches beginner-level Mat exercises, continues anatomy training, and introduces special populations to ensure a continued understanding of a Pilates Mat program and its layers. Lectures include skill development to create successful Mat classes. We discuss common misalignments you may see during exercises and guidelines for pre– and postnatal clients.

    This module is offered in person only.

    Saturday and Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm (16 hours)

  • Intermediate/Advanced Mat & Anatomy

    Mat 2 teaches intermediate and advanced-level classical Mat exercises for a complete understanding of the Classical Pilates Mat program. We finish anatomy training and review the muscle movements and how they play a role in pilates instruction. Lectures include how to layer exercises from beginner to advanced and train clients to achieve the advanced level successfully. This module is offered in person only.

    Saturday and Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm (16 hours)

  • Props, Special Populations & Final Exam Prep

    Mat 3 introduces props by adding magic circles, foam rollers, thera-bands, and balls to the classical Mat exercises. We discuss myofascial release in-depth and its importance to functional movement. We finish with special populations and learn any precautions for injuries, as well as how to modify for each. We close with a review of the exam and all necessary study guides needed to pass. This module is offered in person only.

    Saturday and Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm (16 hours)ion

How our Program is Different

Aspiring instructors gain comprehensive knowledge and enjoy hands-on experience under the close guidance of our founder, Heather Rex—a distinguished educator. Here, teaching goes beyond the routine; it's a dynamic exchange that shapes not only bodies but also the future of Pilates instruction. Whether you're looking to further your career or deepen your existing expertise, we look forward to fostering your growth and unleashing the Pilates teacher within you.

Meet Heather
Principle Instructor

Heather is the owner of MBS Pilates. She currently instructs advanced classes and private sessions. Heather is an NCPT Certified Pilates Instructor completing the 780-hour Classical Pilates certification program through Pilates Sense. Her focus is on quality instruction, effectiveness, and safety. She is committed to continuing her education to expand her knowledge of the Pilates method and bodywork.

Teacher Training Mentorship

MBS’s Mentor Program is truly exceptional. We do our best to ensure you stay on track during your certification journey, develop the necessary skills, and confidently meet your required hours. With real-time feedback on your teaching practice, unlimited access to our studio, intensive workshops, and one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, you’ll have everything you need to become an exceptional Pilates instructor.

  • You can observe our teachers in action as they teach in our studios. As a participant, you will be a silent observer during class while assisting the instructor with greeting clients, setting up equipment, and experiencing firsthand what goes on in a real-life studio setting. This experience will provide you with ideas for teaching and cueing and fulfill your required observation hours.

  • Take advantage of our well-equipped studio to practice at your convenience. We offer open studio hours, allowing you to schedule your own time and come in to practice. You can use our space (which counts towards your self-practice hours), practice your own programming to see how it flows (also self-practice hours) or collaborate with other peers in the program to practice your teaching skills (these count towards your practice teaching hours). This offer is exclusively for local residents.

  • Assisted teaching allows you to get experience without the pressure of teaching an entire 55-minute class. You will be brought in to teach a few exercises (decided before class) to get comfortable with communication, imagery, and cueing.

  • Join us for our workshops, where we delve into common injuries, Pilates for pregnancy, when to advance clients, tips for retaining clients, and more. These workshops provide an opportunity to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills.

FAQ’s

  • You will learn the classical Pilates work, how to give hands-on corrections, and adapt the classical exercises to the person in front of you.

    You will be taught how to modify exercises for people who are not quite ready for the full version of the exercise and given variation options to make the work more challenging for those who are ready for that.

  • You must complete the mat program before you start the comprehensive program.

    If youcompleted a mat program elsewhere, we can discuss how to move forward on n individual basis.

  • In addition to the weekend workshops, you must complete personal practice, observation, and student teaching hours. These hours are outside coursework that are expected to be done independently on your own. We do our best to help you stay on track and complete your hours in a timely manner.

  • Once you complete the mat or comprehensive certification program, you will be a sought-after certified Pilates instructor, making you highly desirable to teach at studios/gyms anywhere in the country, and the world.

  • If you complete your mat certification program while juggling another full-time job, you can expect the entire certification process to take around one year. If you are not juggling a full-time job, and you can commit to teaching in our studio as much as possible, we have seen people complete their certification in 6 months.

    If you complete your comprehensive certification program while juggling another full-time job, you can expect the entire certification process to take around two years. If you are not juggling a full-time job, and you can commit to teaching in our studio as much as possible, we have seen people complete their certification in 1 year.

    There is no time limit to complete your hours and test out. So you can move as quickly as possible through your modules and independent work, or take as much time as you need.

  • Depending on your market and where you live, this will vary. If you were in the Chicago area, you could expect to get paid anywhere from $30 to $70 per session, depending on the type of session you are teaching and your skill set.

    As you gain more experience, you can expect the base pay to increase accordingly.