Pilates Mat Teacher Training
Beginning March 28th 2026
BECOME A CERTIFIED PILATES MAT INSTRUCTOR
Learn to teach Pilates the way it was meant to be taught.
This comprehensive program blends authentic Classical methodology with movement analysis and somatic principles, equipping you with the depth, precision, and hands-on skills to guide truly transformative mat classes.
What You’ll Learn
-
The history and philosophy of Joseph Pilates – Understanding the origins and principles that make this method transformative, not just exercise
-
Eve Gentry's Movement Fundamentals - a preparatory series of movements to assist in understanding the core principles and concepts of Pilates.
-
Classical Pilates Mat repertoire – complete beginner, intermediate, and advanced sequences of all 34 Mat exercises from Return to Life with authentic cueing and progressions
-
Movement analysis – How to observe and assess movement patterns in your students' bodies
-
Hands-on teaching skills – Effective adjustment and guidance techniques that support without forcing
-
Anatomy and biomechanics – Functional understanding of the pelvis, hip, spine, shoulder girdle, and breath mechanics as they relate to Pilates movement
-
Modifications and adaptations – How to work therapeutically with diverse bodies, injuries, and special populations
-
The mind-body connection – teaching Pilates as a holistic practice that integrates body, mind, and spirit
Certification Requirements
To earn your certification, you'll complete a comprehensive balance of training, practice,
observation, and teaching:
​
-
45 hrs – Practical training with Claudette
-
35 hrs – Self-practice to embody the work
-
15 hrs – Observation
-
20 hrs – Student teaching
-
Written and practical exams – Demonstrating your knowledge and teaching skills
​
Total Training Hours: 115
​
Four In-Person Training Weekends Saturdays & Sundays
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM​​
Dates for Spring 2026
March 28-29 | April 18-19 | May 2-3 | May 21-22
What Sets This Training Apart
This Pilates Mat Teacher Training offers something increasingly rare: direct lineage to Joseph Pilates' work combined with a deep understanding of how movement truly functions in the body and mind.​ Joseph Pilates' method is not just a fitness regimen—it is a holistic approach to the development of the body, mind, and spirit in complete coordination with one another.
​
Claudette completed an intensive certification training in the Eve Gentry lineage through Michele Larson, and studied with two of Joseph Pilates' original disciples—Ron Fletcher and Kathy Grant. You'll learn authentic Classical Pilates methodology rooted in direct lineage.
Beyond traditional Pilates, you'll gain insight into movement analysis, functional anatomy, and somatic principles drawn from the Feldenkrais Method, Laban-Bartenieff Fundamentals, myofascial functioning, and over 25 years of hands-on practice. This training emphasizes skilled observation and precise, effective hands-on adjustments—tools that will set you apart as an instructor.
This Training is for
Those seeking authentic mastery
If you want to teach with depth, precision, and genuine understanding—not just memorize sequences—this program will give you the foundation to meet each body where it is and guide it toward lasting change.
​
Fitness professionals expanding their skills
Yoga teachers, personal trainers, massage therapists, and movement professionals who want to add classical Pilates to their practice with proper training and lineage.
​
Career changers passionate about movement
Individuals looking to transition into a meaningful career helping others move better, feel better, and live with greater ease and awareness.
​
Current Pilates instructors deepening their knowledge
Teachers who want to understand the true classical method and refine their skills with lineage-based training.
​
Students wanting to deepen their knowledge
Those already practicing Pilates who want to understand the method more deeply and potentially pursue teaching.
Meet Your Teacher
Claudette Thomas
Claudette brings over 25 years of experience in classical Pilates, trauma-informed somatic therapy, and transformational movement education. Her formal Pilates training began in 1997 with Stott Pilates, followed by an intensive two-year certification in the Eve Gentry lineage with Michele Larson. She studied with two of Joseph Pilates' original disciples—Ron Fletcher and Kathy Grant—establishing a direct connection to the source of the method. This rare lineage, combined with her extensive somatic training in the Feldenkrais Method, Laban-Bartenieff Fundamentals, movement analysis, The Gyrotonic Method, The Madeline Black Method, myofascial release & somatic emotional release bodywork, and child developmental movement patterning, gives Claudette a unique depth of understanding that goes far beyond standard Pilates instruction.
Claudette is known for her exceptional ability to see movement patterns, her precise, effective verbal cues and hands-on adjustments, and her gift for helping students understand not just what to do, but why and how movement works in the body. She teaches from a holistic perspective, honoring Joseph Pilates' original vision of developing body, mind, and spirit in complete coordination.
​
When you train with Claudette, you're learning from someone who embodies the work—not just teaches it.
What You Will Receive
​​​
-
History, philosophy, and principles of Pilates
-
Eve Gentry’s Movement Fundamentals
-
Mastery of all 34 Classical Pilates Mat repertoire: beginner, intermediate, and advanced
-
Teaching methodology, cueing, sequencing, and progressions.
-
Movement analysis — how to observe and assess body movement patterns in students.
-
Training in efficient movement re-patterning.
-
Hands-on teaching skills, including effective adjustments and guidance techniques.
-
Functional anatomy and biomechanics relevant to Pilates Mat work
-
How to tailor Pilates to diverse bodies (modifications & adaptations), including work with injuries and special populations.
-
5 months of unlimited Pilates mat classes!
-
Ongoing private mentoring via in-person, text, and voice messaging throughout your training
-
Supervised observation, self-practice, and student teaching
-
Written and practical assessments
Tuition
Payment Plan Available:
$500 deposit + 4 monthly payments of $425
We offer scholarships
The scholarship program is designed to support dedicated students who demonstrate commitment, integrity, and readiness to teach. It is offered as a partial tuition reduction combined with a post-training work exchange, creating a pathway for both professional development and meaningful contribution to the studio community.
Pilates Mat Teacher Training Scholarship
We Move Denison offers a limited number of partial scholarships for the Pilates Mat Teacher Training program. This scholarship is designed to support dedicated students who demonstrate commitment, integrity, and readiness to teach, while creating a meaningful pathway into professional practice.
Scholarships provide a 25–50% tuition reduction and include a post-training work exchange, allowing recipients to integrate their learning through real-world experience within the studio community.
Scholarship recipients are expected to:
​
-
Complete all training requirements and assessments
-
Commit to a post-training work exchange (3–6 hours per week for 6–12 months, depending on scholarship amount)
-
Maintain professional conduct and uphold studio values
​
This program does not guarantee employment, but offers mentorship, experience, and practical integration for those ready to step into teaching with clarity and care.
​
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A brief application and interview are required.