Pilates Apparatus Teacher Training

Pilates Apparatus Teacher Training
Tuition $100 x 5 Labs = $500 Total Tuition to Pilates Apparatus Teacher Training.
Students must attend five out of the six sessions in the series for certification. Due to limited space, no refunds may be granted. Additional home practice and required reading for the full 40 hour training program.

Learn to teach an 18-exercise Pilates sequence using the apparatus to support controlled movement, balance, and body awareness. This training explores accessible preparations and progressions for a studio class, with clear instruction and efficient transitions.

The apparatus stays centered on the mat throughout the sequence, with the low padded step facing the foot end. Students change position around it while the equipment remains in place. Movements stay narrow, with forward arm reaches and compact leg patterns suited to students practicing beside one another.

Training content includes:

• Apparatus setup, orientation, and stable points of support.
• Breath, alignment, abdominal engagement, and movement control.
• Demonstration and teaching practice for all 18 exercises.
• Clear setup cues, movement instructions, and gradual progressions.
• Observation of student positioning and common compensations.
• Adaptations for different levels of strength, mobility, and balance.
• Class sequencing and transitions between seated, supine, prone, and side-lying positions.

The exercise sequence includes apparatus-supported adaptations of The Hundred, Roll Up, One Leg Circle, Rolling Like a Ball, Single Leg Stretch, Double Leg Stretch, Scissors, Lower Lift, Criss-Cross, Spine Stretch Forward, Corkscrew, Saw, Swan Prep, Single Leg Kick, Side Kick Series, Teaser, Seal, and Forearm Plank.

Rolling Like a Ball and Seal are taught as seated preparations with controlled pelvic movement and balance work. Other adaptations use supported heels, compact rotations, narrow reaches, and small leg movements to maintain contact and control.

Participants will practice delivering concise verbal cues, recognizing when to simplify a movement, and choosing progressions that preserve alignment and steady support. The emphasis is on thoughtful teaching, purposeful movement, and a cohesive apparatus class.

Info: Setup: Keep the apparatus centered lengthwise on the mat, with the low step facing the foot end. Lie on your back on the foot-end side of the apparatus, with your head toward the foot end, knees bent, and both heels resting on the padded step.
Movement: Reach your arms toward your feet and pump them in small vertical movements. Inhale for five counts and exhale for five, keeping your pelvis steady and both heels supported.
Progression: Begin with your head resting on the mat. Add a comfortable chest curl and gradually build toward 100 pumps, keeping your neck long and arms close to your sides.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end of the mat with the raised curve behind you. Bend your knees, ground both feet, and hold behind your thighs.
Movement: Exhale to tilt your pelvis backward and round your lower back toward the curve. Pause, then exhale to return upright, keeping your seat supported and both feet grounded.
Progression: Reach both arms forward instead of holding your thighs. Increase the backward range only while you can return smoothly without reclining over the top of the apparatus.

Info: Setup: Lie on your back on the foot-end side of the centered apparatus, with your head toward the foot end. Rest one heel on the low padded step and raise the opposite leg with its knee softly bent. Keep your arms close to your sides.
Movement: Trace a tiny circle with the raised leg while keeping your pelvis still. Keep the moving foot within your narrow movement space. Reverse direction, then change legs.
Progression: Gradually straighten the raised knee without enlarging the circle. Keep the supported knee softly bent and avoid pressing forcefully through that heel.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end with the raised curve behind you. Keep your knees close together, feet grounded, and hands behind your thighs.
Movement: Round your spine gently and make a small backward pelvic rock toward the curve. Return with abdominal control, maintaining contact between your seat and the apparatus throughout.
Progression: Pause briefly in the backward position before returning. Keep your feet grounded and the movement small, without rolling over the apparatus.

Info: Setup: Lie on your back on the foot-end side of the centered apparatus, with your head toward the foot end. Position yourself close enough to touch the low padded step with a bent-knee heel reach. Bring both knees over your hips.
Movement: Hold one knee toward your chest while lowering the opposite heel gently to the step. Bring that leg back and change sides, keeping your pelvis steady and elbows close.
Progression: Begin with your head resting on the mat. Add a comfortable chest curl and gradually lengthen the reaching leg while maintaining a light heel touch.

Info: Setup: Lie on your back on the foot-end side of the centered apparatus, with your head toward the foot end. Bend your knees, rest both heels on the low padded step, and reach your arms toward your thighs.
Movement: Inhale to reach both arms toward the ceiling and, if controlled, toward overhead. Exhale to return along the same narrow path toward your thighs, keeping your ribs quiet and heels supported.
Progression: Gradually increase the overhead reach while keeping your head resting on the mat. Keep both arms parallel and shorten the reach if your ribs lift or your neck strains.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end with the raised curve behind you. Bend your knees, ground both feet, and hold behind your thighs. Lean back slightly with abdominal support.
Movement: Extend one knee so that foot reaches forward. Bend the knee and replace the foot before changing legs, keeping your seat centered and the moving leg aligned with its hip.
Progression: Gradually straighten the moving knee farther while keeping the other foot grounded. Maintain a steady torso rather than leaning farther backward with each repetition.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end with the raised curve behind you. Bend your knees, ground both feet, and hold behind your thighs. Lean back slightly toward the curve.
Movement: Exhale to float one bent knee toward your torso. Inhale to return the foot gently to the mat, then change sides without shifting your seat or widening your knees.
Progression: When alternating lifts are steady, briefly float both feet with knees bent and lower them together. Keep the movement small and return to alternating lifts if your lower back arches.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end. Keep both feet grounded and knees bent. Cross your hands over your chest with elbows close to your ribs.
Movement: Rotate your rib cage slightly toward one knee while keeping your pelvis centered. Return through the middle and change sides, keeping the rotation small and your arms contained.
Progression: Add a small lift of the knee you are turning toward. Lower that foot before changing sides, maintaining a steady seat throughout.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end with the raised curve behind you. Place your feet forward and parallel, no wider than the apparatus. Bend your knees enough to sit upright and reach both arms forward.
Movement: Exhale to nod your head and round your upper and middle back into a small forward reach. Keep your seat supported, then inhale to return upright.
Progression: Move your feet farther forward and gradually straighten your knees while maintaining comfortable seated alignment. Keep your arms parallel and avoid reaching beyond your balance.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end with the raised curve behind you. Lean back slightly, hold behind your thighs, and keep both feet grounded with knees close together.
Movement: Float one bent leg and trace a tiny circle with that knee while keeping your torso still. Reverse direction, replace the foot, and change sides.
Progression: If steady, float both bent knees together and make a very small circle. Return your feet to the mat between repetitions, keeping your seat supported throughout.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end. Keep your feet parallel, close together, and grounded with knees softly bent. Reach both arms forward with your hands together.
Movement: Rotate your rib cage slightly toward one knee and round forward, reaching both hands toward that shin. Return upright and through the center before changing sides, keeping both sides of your seat supported.
Progression: Reach a little farther along the shin while keeping your hands together and within your narrow movement space. Avoid shifting your seat or sweeping your arms sideways.

Info: Setup: Lie face down on the foot-end side of the centered apparatus, facing the low step with your legs extending toward the foot end. Rest both forearms fully on the padded step, keeping your elbows within its edges and your pelvis and legs grounded.
Movement: Press gently through your forearms and lengthen your chest forward into a small lift. Keep your pelvis heavy and your neck in line with your spine, then lower with control.
Progression: Add a brief pause at the top. Increase the lift only while your forearms remain fully supported and your shoulders and lower back remain comfortable.
14.

Info: Setup: Lie face down on the foot-end side of the centered apparatus, facing the low step. Support both forearms on its padding, lift your chest modestly, and keep your pelvis grounded with legs reaching toward the foot end.
Movement: Bend one knee for two gentle heel-toward-seat pulses. Lengthen that leg and change sides, keeping your thighs parallel and your pelvis still.
Progression: Gradually increase the knee bend while maintaining secure forearm support. Keep the chest lift modest and avoid widening your knees or swinging your feet sideways.

Info: Setup: Lie on your side on the foot-end side of the centered apparatus, with your head near the low step and feet toward the foot end. Support your lower forearm on the step with your elbow beneath your shoulder. Ground your lower hip, bend your bottom knee slightly, and lengthen your top leg.
Movement: Lift your top leg a few inches toward the ceiling, then lower with control. Keep your top hand on your hip and your lower hip grounded. Repeat on the other side without moving the apparatus.
Progression: Pause at the top, slow the lowering, or add tiny circles within your narrow movement space. Keep your lower hip grounded and avoid broad forward-and-back kicks.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end with the raised curve behind you. Bend your knees, ground your feet, and hold behind your thighs. Lean back slightly while keeping your chest open.
Movement: Float one foot, return it to the mat, and change sides. Keep your seat centered and avoid rocking sideways as you explore the balance.
Progression: Briefly float both feet with knees bent. When steady, reach both arms forward or straighten one knee at a time, lowering your feet before balance is lost.

Info: Setup: Sit in the padded well of the centered apparatus, facing the foot end with the raised curve behind you. Bend your knees and hold behind your thighs with elbows forward. Keep your knees and feet within the width of the apparatus.
Movement: Round your spine gently and shift your pelvis backward a small amount while keeping your seat supported. Return with control, maintaining a narrow knee position.
Progression: Briefly float both feet and add a tiny heel tap together when steady. Return your feet to the mat between attempts without rolling over the apparatus.

Info: Setup: Kneel on the foot-end side of the centered apparatus, facing the low step. Rest both forearms fully on its padding and interlace your fingers. Keep your elbows beneath your shoulders and inside the step edges.
Movement: Walk your knees backward to create a long line from your head to your knees. Press evenly through your forearms and breathe steadily without sinking through your shoulders or lower back.
Progression: When the apparatus remains stable and your forearms fit securely, extend one leg and then the other into a full plank. Maintain a long line from head to heels, then lower your knees before resting.

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