CLASSICAL PILATES TEACHER TRAINING

Learn to teach Pilates through our comprehensive program based on the original method created by Joseph Pilates. You will learn how to teach all skill levels and body types in a safe and effective way using Classical Pilates apparatus: the Reformer, Cadillac, High Chair, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Magic Circle, Pedipole, and more. This program will provide the education, training and mentorship for you to become an exceptional certified Instructor!

Two women doing Pilates on Reformer machines in a fitness studio with instructor guiding exercises.

The Program

  • TEACHER TRAINING SCHEDULE

    All weekends listed below are required for the Comprehensive Teacher Training program.

    Training Weekends:

    Sat & Sun (9-6pm)

    BEGINNER MAT & PROPS
    -September 12-13

    INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED MAT
    -October 3-4, 2026

    COMPREHENSIVE APPARATUS
    -October 3-4, 2026
    -November 7-8, 2026
    -December 5-6, 2026
    -January 9-10, 2027
    -February 6-7, 2027

  • Beginner Mat:
    The Beginner Mat Training is a 16-hour course that is a pre-requisite to all further CPE programs. In this weekend course, students will learn the foundation of the method, pilates history, basic anatomy, teaching skills, and Beginner Mat exercises. By the end of the weekend course, students will have the knowledge to teach a Beginner Pilates Mat class. Pre-requisite: experience 10 Classical Pilates Mat classes

    Intermediate Mat:
    The Intermediate Mat Training is an 18-hour course enhances the skills introduced in the Beginner Mat Training. In this weekend course, students will learn the intermediate mat exercises, how to modify and progress exercises, and how to incorporate props in the workout. By the end of the weekend course, students will have the knowledge to teach a multi level Intermediate Mat class. The Intermediate Mat, included in the

    Comprehensive Program, is also pre-requisite to the Advanced Mat training. Pre-requisite: Beginner Mat Training.

    Advanced Mat:
    The Advanced Mat Training is an 8-hour course which is often taught during day one of the Comprehensive Advanced Weekend. The Advanced Mat polishes the teaching skills reviewed in the Beginner and Intermediate Mat weekends. In this day long course, students will explore how to take the beginner and intermediate exercises to the advanced level and will learn the advanced mat exercises; how to spot, modify and progress them. The Advanced Mat is included in the Comprehensive Program. Pre-requisite: Beginner and Intermediate Mat Training.

    Comprehensive Program:
    The Comprehensive Training is a 600 hour course that includes 5 mandatory training weekends, monthly meetings, and test-outs. In addition to the mandatory sessions, students must complete a log of observation, practice, home-study, and workout hours on a weekly basis. Students learn to teach private and group pilates on all of the Classical Pilates apparatus including Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, High Chair, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector/Small Barrel, Pedipul, Magic Circle, Foam Roller, Ball, and more. In addition, students learn Anatomy of Movement, and how to teach Pilates to individuals of any gender, age, fitness level, injury, or condition (ie prenatal, overweight, children). Students are given free access to online videos that accompany the Comprehensive manual.

    Pre-requisite: Beginner Mat Training. Note the Intermediate Mat is included in the Comprehensive.

  • Beginner Mat & Props — $500

    Complete Mat (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) — $1200

    Complete Mat & Comprehensive Apparatus - $5500

    Bridge Complete Mat & Comprehensive (must be previously comprehensively trained) -$4000

    EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $500 OFF
    *Comprehensive Register by August 15th

  • Prospective students must meet the following criteria:

    • Age limit: Must be 16 years or older to participate.

    • Level of education: Recommended high school diploma.

    • Have no injuries that would prevent performance of challenging exercises during the course of the program.

    • No applicant will be denied on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability,

    gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

    • Level of proficiency in the Pilates method:

    a. Beginner Mat Pre-requisite: 10 Classical Pilates Mat Classes.

    b. Intermediate Mat Pre-requisite: Beginner Mat Training.

    c. Advanced Mat Pre-requisite: Beginner & Intermediate Mat Training.

    d. Comprehensive: Beginner Mat Training & at least 20 sessions of Classical Pilates apparatus sessions.

    • Receive practical training in a busy, enjoyable, local Pilates studio

    • Train under the expert guidance of Teacher Trainer, Stuart Browning and Bambi Watt.

    • Gain a Comprehensive Certification in the Pilates Method in 7-12 months (pending completion of all course material & requisites)

    • Eligibility to sit for the National Pilates Teacher Exam upon completion of the program

    • 20 free group classes ($300 value)

    • Free Essential MVMT On-Demand Membership

    • Discounted Privates with Stuart

    • Full access to the studio to practice and observe

    • 30% Discount on Studio Memberships for one year following training

  • Application Requirements:

    • Complete the Application Form

    • Once accepted, complete Registration and payment (linked below)

    • Complete a minimum of 25 Pilates classes on your own prior to training

    • Read Return to Life by Joseph Pilates prior to start of training

TEACHER TRAINING APPLICATION FORM
Questions? Contact Us

Meet Our Teacher Trainers

STUART BROWNING, NCPT
Teacher Trainer & Studio Owner

Bambi Watt
Teacher Trainer

Four women participating in a Pilates class on reformer machines, with one woman assisting another in a side plank pose, in a brightly lit studio with large windows.

What’s Next?

Are you ready to take your first step to becoming a Pilates Teacher? Email to register at info@classicalpilateseducation.com

Testimonials

A photo of Angela Dunning, one of our CPE student.

ANGELA DUNNING

  • What Training at Essential MVMT has meant to me…. WOW! As cliché as it sounds, teacher training has changed my life.

    For several years I have wanted to deepen my knowledge of Pilates but just never pursued the idea.  I was a runner and a heavy weightlifter who thought I knew what my body needed.  Boy was I wrong!  Approximately 8 years ago I began to take regular Pilates classes and some private reformer sessions all along.  In 2019 I decided I wanted more.  I began looking into various Pilates training programs but before I could really decide on any Covid took over our lives, so my idea of certification went to the back burner. 

    I will turn 50 on December 30, of this year!   My goal is to finish my final test and 600 hours before then.  I am currently on track to do just that! However, it has not been easy at my age to learn a new life path.  It has not only been challenging mentally but also physically.  I was, by many years, the oldest person in my training but I still had to be able to perform the exercises I was learning to teach.  I have grown such mental and physical strength over the past 11 months through this training.  Many times, my mind would tell me I shouldn’t but when my body connected, I knew I could!  When I started my training last January, I had no true intention of teaching.  I ordered a Reformer and a Wunda Chair and planned to use them for my own practice.  Needless to say, that changed!  I started practicing on people to prepare for my test outs and realized just how much I love sharing the magnificence of Pilates with others.

    What I love most about this training is the knowledge I now have and will always have.  The core principles of Pilates never change.  I will be able to practice and teach what I have learned until the day I die.  I have confidence in the knowledge I have obtained through my training.  I am not afraid or nervous when any body type client comes in for a private.  When I teach a mat class, I feel like I have been a Pilates teacher my whole life.  Training at EM did this for me!  The first few meetings were scary, and I was perplexed as to why it wasn’t all coming together.  Now I understand the value of requiring 600 hours.  I count it an honor to say that I am a Classical Pilates Education student and very soon to be a fully certified Pilates instructor at the ripe young age of 50!!

    A huge THANK YOU to Stuart Browning for her patience and willingness to help me see this through!

MARIA SEALY

  • Training with Stuart was incredible. She is not only deeply knowledgeable, but also incredibly supportive and flexible. I truly appreciated how accommodating she was with scheduling — whether it was adjusting training weekends or coordinating test-outs. Her background in exercise science and her strong foundation in anatomy brought so much depth to the program. Anytime we had anatomy-related questions, she didn’t just give us an answer — she helped us understand the “why” behind it. That level of expertise made me feel confident that I was learning Pilates the right way, from someone who truly understands the body.

    This program absolutely challenged my dedication, time management, and prioritization skills. It’s not something you can coast through — it requires real commitment. There were moments where I had to dig deep and stay disciplined, but that’s exactly what made it so rewarding. It shaped me by pushing me to take my education seriously and to show up consistently, even when it was tough.

    My confidence has grown tremendously. I feel equipped not just with choreography, but with true understanding. My skill set expanded beyond teaching exercises to assessing movement, making thoughtful modifications, and communicating more effectively. It shifted my perspective from “teaching a workout” to guiding someone through intentional, informed movement.

    What would you say to someone considering this training?

    I would tell them this program is no joke — in the best way possible 😂. There’s a common perception that Pilates teacher training is quick — maybe a month and around 100 hours — but this is not that. You have to be genuinely committed to learning the practice. It requires time, effort, and focus. But if you’re serious about becoming a knowledgeable, confident instructor, I couldn’t recommend Stuart and Essential MVMT more. The investment is absolutely worth it.

A photo of Therese McCaw, one of our CPE student.

THERESE McCAW

  • I went into training at Essential MVMT with years of practice in contemporary pilates. I wasn’t seeing much growth in my pilates practice and I wanted a comprehensive course I could build off of. I looked through options but I am SO glad I chose this course! The training with Stuart not only taught me ways to improve my own practice, gave me all the tools needed to teach, and made me appreciate pilates on a deeper level, but it also brought me closer to a group of woman who truly inspire me - I am forever grateful for this sweet community! I would absolutely recommend Stuart’s teacher training course to anyone who is wanting to be a knowledgeable teacher, feeling like they have hit a plateau in their practice, or just wanting to connect with those who share a similar love for classical movement. I would do it all over again if I could!

A photo of Nikki Stanford, one of our CPE student.

NIKKI STANFORD

  • My name is Nikki Stanford, I am an artist, a mother, and, thanks to CPE, a Pilates Instructor. I loved every minute of training with Classical Pilates Education! I have had the privilege of learning from Stuart Browning at Essential MVMT in Alabama. Stuart has an incredible gift of teaching and creating a welcoming environment (which was so important to me)! Because of this program, I have fallen in love with helping others feel stronger, improve their posture, and achieve their personal goals through movement in Pilates. My goal is to teach more frequently once my kids have grown and I have more time in my schedule. Many thanks to CPE and Stuart!

A photo of Hope Sewell

HOPE SEWELL

  • I recently completed my Pilates certification training with Stuart Browning at Essential MVMT, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the experience. From start to finish, the program was impeccably organized and thoughtfully designed. Stuart’s expertise in Pilates is evident, and her passion for teaching shines through every lesson.

    Stuart’s approach to the training is both comprehensive and approachable. She balances rigorous academic instruction with hands-on practice, ensuring that every aspect of Pilates is covered in depth. Stuart’s ability to break down complex concepts into manageable, understandable components made the learning process smooth and enjoyable.

    What really sets this training apart is Stuart’s personalized attention. She takes the time to address individual questions and challenges, providing valuable feedback that helps refine technique and build confidence. Her supportive and encouraging demeanor creates a positive learning environment where every participant feels valued and motivated.

    The facilities at Essential MVMT are top-notch, providing a perfect backdrop for learning and practicing. The curriculum is thorough and up-to-date, reflecting the latest advancements in Pilates and fitness.

    Overall, I highly recommend Stuart Browning’s Pilates teacher training at Essential MVMT to anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in Pilates. It’s a fantastic investment in both personal and professional growth, and I’m grateful for the transformative experience.