Become a Comprehensive Classical Pilates Teacher
The Real Pilates Teacher Training Primary Certification is a rigorous, 30-week program comprising of 600 hours of academic study and practical experience.
Presented through four seminar weekends and a progressive weekly schedule, the program prepares you to teach the complete Classical Pilates system—not simply a collection of exercises. You will study the Reformer, Mat, Cadillac, Chairs, Barrels, and other apparatus created by Joseph Pilates, along with anatomy, alignment, injuries, special populations, program design, and the practical application of the method.
The Pilates Lab is proud to serve as a host studio for Real Pilates Teacher Training in St. Louis. Graduates earn a comprehensive certification designed to prepare them for a professional teaching career.
How to Apply
1. Submit Your Application
Begin by submitting your application directly to Real Pilates Teacher Training.
2. Receive Information from Real Pilates
After applying, you will receive an email and informational video from Real Pilates explaining the program, its requirements, and what to expect from the certification process.
3. Complete an Interview and Assessment
Next, you will meet with Susan Bange and Kristen Davis at The Pilates Lab for an interview and movement assessment. This allows us to learn more about your experience, goals, and readiness for the demands of the program.
Depending on your previous Pilates experience and the results of your assessment, you may be required to complete additional Pilates sessions before the program begins. These sessions are designed to help you develop the foundational strength, movement experience, and familiarity with the Classical Pilates system needed to begin teacher training successfully.
4. Receive Your Acceptance Letter
Following approval from Susan and Kristen, you will receive a formal acceptance letter confirming your place in the Real Pilates Teacher Training program at The Pilates Lab.
Program Requirements
The Primary Certification includes:
- Four seminar weekends
- Weekly academic assignments, case studies, and quizzes
- Weekly private and small-group training sessions
- Self-practice
- Observation
- Practice teaching
- Anatomy and alignment
- Program design
- Safe spotting and hands-on instruction
- Monthly meetings
- Practical assessments
- Assisted teaching
- The business of Pilates
- Opportunities for paid teaching as trainees become ready
Trainees should expect to devote approximately 18–22 hours per week to the program.
Program Breakdown
- 72 hours of seminar instruction
- 180 hours of practice teaching
- 80 hours of online coursework
- 85 hours of observation
- 95 hours of self-practice
- 55 hours of private and semi-private training
- 5 hours of observed practice teaching
- 13 hours of testing
- 15 hours of additional program requirements
Total: 600 hours
Tuition and Training Costs
Total program cost: $10,250
- Real Pilates Teacher Training tuition: $5,750
- Mandatory training package at The Pilates Lab: $4,500
The mandatory training package is separate from tuition and includes 60 training sessions—two sessions per week throughout the 30-week program.
Real Pilates tuition includes the apprenticeship, all four seminar weekends, training manuals, and examinations.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities may be available through Real Pilates.
2027 Seminar Dates
- Beginner: February 26–28, 2027
- Intermediate I: April 9–11, 2027
- Intermediate II: May 21–23, 2027
- Advanced: July 9–11, 2027
Seminars meet from 1:00–7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Now accepting applications for the February 2027 Primary Certification.
Pilates Is a System
Comprehensive training teaches you how the exercises, apparatus, order, and transitions work together as one complete method.
At The Pilates Lab, trainees learn how to:
- Set appropriate goals for each client
- Sequence exercises strategically
- Design individualized programs
- Recognize and improve anatomical alignment
- Apply anatomy to movement
- Use safe, effective hands-on instruction
- Develop clear and increasingly advanced cueing
Train on Classical Apparatus
To understand and teach the Classical Pilates system, trainees must experience the equipment as it was originally designed.
The Pilates Lab is equipped with Gratz apparatus, whose designs preserve the dimensions, proportions, and function of Joseph Pilates’ original equipment.
Start Your Teacher-Training Journey
Ready to begin? Submit your application to Real Pilates Teacher Training.
Questions? Contact Us.