Classical Pilates Certification

600-hour Comprehensive, Mat and Reformer teacher training - in studio worldwide or online - since 1989

The Classical Pilates Method

Power Pilates teaches Classical Pilates - the original method of Joseph Pilates, passed to us directly through his chosen successor Romana Kryzanowska. Every Classical Pilates certification we offer covers the complete original system: over 500 controlled, precise movements in their original order, designed to stretch and strengthen muscles without adding bulk. These exercises follow Joseph Pilates' six principles:

CENTERING CONTROL CONCENTRATION FLOW BREATH PRECISION

In 10 sessions you will feel better
In 20 sessions you will look better
In 30 sessions you will have a whole new body
- Joseph Pilates

Get Certified to Teach Classical Pilates

This is your roadmap to a Classical Pilates certification: learning to teach over 500 controlled and precise Classical Pilates exercises in the original order, following the six Pilates principles. There are two ways in. The Mat path builds your foundation on the Mat before adding apparatus. The Reformer path is for teachers who want to lead Reformer classes first - the Reformer Intensive and Online Reformer Academy formats include the matching Core Mat level, so nothing is skipped and both paths lead to the Comprehensive certification.

Core Mat 1 - Classical Mat certification, beginner level

MAT PATH

STEP 1 - Core Mat 1: Classical Mat Certification (Beginner)

Anyone interested in becoming a Classical Pilates teacher may enroll in Core Mat 1. This is the first level of Classical Mat certification and provides the knowledge needed to teach the beginner Mat exercises, in their original sequence, to beginner clients. Upon enrollment, you'll receive a free Classical Mat Pilates video for practice preparation.

Choose the learning environment that works best for you:

IN-STUDIO TRAINING Online Training

You'll receive a Core Mat 1 Classical Pilates Beginner Teacher Certificate upon successful completion. Most studios require Core Mat 2 certification for employment.

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REFORMER PATH

ALTERNATE START - Reformer Intensive 1 or Online Reformer Academy 1: Classical Reformer Certification (includes Core Mat 1)

Want to teach group Reformer classes first? You can begin here with no prior certification. The Reformer Intensive 1 (in studio) and the Online Reformer Academy 1 both include Core Mat 1, so you learn the Classical Mat foundation and the Reformer repertoire together and finish holding both certificates.

Choose your Level 1 learning environment:

In-Studio Reformer Intensive 1 Online Reformer Academy 1

Level 2 and 3 are taught in studio today.

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Core Mat 2 - Classical Mat certification, intermediate level

MAT PATH

STEP 2 - Core Mat 2: Classical Mat Certification (Intermediate)

Core Mat 1 graduates may register for Core Mat 2. This level of Classical Mat certification provides the knowledge needed to teach beginner and intermediate exercises to all clients. This certificate is typically required to teach Classical Pilates Mat classes at studios, gyms, or community centers.

Choose your Core Mat 2 learning environment:

IN-STUDIO TRAINING Online Training

You'll receive a Core Mat 2 Classical Pilates Intermediate Teacher Certificate upon successful completion.

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STEP 3 - Comprehensive Classical Pilates Certification (600 Hours)

Core Mat 2 graduates - including Reformer Intensive 2 graduates, whose program includes it - may enroll in the Comprehensive program. This is the fastest pathway to becoming a fully certified Classical Pilates instructor. You'll learn to teach classes, private and semi-private formats on all the original Pilates apparatus, including the Cadillac, Reformer, Wunda Chair and Barrels.

The Power Pilates Comprehensive program is the industry-leading Classical Pilates certification, taught in the direct lineage of Joseph Pilates and Romana Kryzanowska since 1989. This prestigious certificate provides the knowledge to teach in any Pilates studio worldwide, and our graduates are listed in the world's largest registry of certified Classical Pilates instructors.

Full Comprehensive Classical Certification (600 Hours)

Alternative Path: Classical Apparatus Training (Levels 1, 2 & 3)
The Comprehensive Classical Pilates certification can be completed in three separate apparatus levels for more flexibility.

Apparatus Training

The Comprehensive certification is taught in studio only. Apparatus training requires hands-on work with a Teacher Trainer; there is no online option for this level.

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Classical Pilates Certification Flowchart

Classical Mat & Reformer Certifications

Focused Classical Pilates certifications for a single piece of apparatus. Master specific, valuable teaching skills while saving time and money, and credit your training toward the Comprehensive certification later.

COMPLETE CLASSICAL MAT CERTIFICATION

Receive a Complete Classical Mat certification, covering all 80+ Mat exercises from beginner to advanced, by enrolling in the Complete Mat program or progressing through Core Mat 3 after completing Core Mat 2.

Complete Mat Academy - Earn your Classical Mat certification entirely online, with live coaching from Power Pilates Teacher Trainers.

Online Complete Mat

Core Mat 3 - For Core Mat 2 graduates wanting to teach the advanced Classical Mat exercises.

In-Studio Core Mat 3 Online Core Mat 3

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CLASSICAL REFORMER CERTIFICATION

Earn a Complete Classical Reformer certification through the Complete Reformer program or by progressing through Reformer 1, 2 and 3. You'll learn the full Classical Reformer repertoire, beginner through advanced, in the original order and with the original spring settings. Two formats at each level: the Reformer Intensive (and the Online Reformer Academy) includes the matching Core Mat level, so no prior certification is required to begin; the shorter Reformer 1, 2 and 3 Certifications cover the Reformer repertoire only and require that Core Mat level first. Core Mat graduates who choose the Online Reformer Academy have their Mat modules credited and pay a reduced graduate price.

Complete Reformer Program - 300 hours of lecture and hands-on Classical Reformer practice, in studio.

Complete Reformer

Sequential Training - Complete each Reformer level progressively, in studio at locations worldwide.

Reformer 1 Reformer 2 Reformer 3

Online Reformer Certification - Earn the Reformer 1 Classical Reformer certification online: 18 modules, 100 hours, weekly live study halls with Teacher Trainers, 25 hours of hands-on Reformer practice on your own equipment or at a partner studio, and a final exam with a certified Teacher Trainer. Same curriculum and same credential as the in-person Reformer Intensive 1.

Online Reformer Academy - Reformer 1

Reformer 1 is available online through the Online Reformer Academy and in studio. Reformer 2 and 3 are taught in studio today; their online versions arrive Fall 2026, completing the first online Classical Reformer certification.

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What Makes a Pilates Certification Classical?

The word "Classical" is used by many training programs. Here is what it means at Power Pilates, so you can compare any Classical Pilates certification on the same terms:

Direct lineage

Our curriculum was co-authored with Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates' chosen successor, and our founding faculty trained with her directly. Every Teacher Trainer can trace their training back to Joseph Pilates. Read our history.

The original order

You learn the complete repertoire - Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels - in the sequence Joseph Pilates designed, with the original transitions and spring settings, rather than a selection of exercises rearranged for a modern class format.

The full system

A Classical Pilates certification covers the whole system at every level, from beginner to advanced, so you can teach any client on any apparatus - not only group Reformer classes. That is why our graduates fill the world's largest registry of certified Classical Pilates instructors.

Assessed by a person, not a quiz

Every level, in studio or online, is assessed one-on-one by a certified Power Pilates Teacher Trainer, in your body and in your teaching.

Start or continue your teaching journey now. Whether you are just starting out as a teacher or have a Pilates certificate from a contemporary organization and are looking for foundational Classical Pilates education, a Power Pilates Classical Pilates certification is among the most respected in the world - held by more than 24,000 instructors in over 50 countries.

Get educated, cultivate a following and spread the benefits of Classical Pilates to your clients. Every graduate is listed in the Power Pilates International Registry of certified Classical Pilates instructors.

Classical Pilates Certification - Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Classical Pilates certification?

Core Mat 1 and Core Mat 2 each take a weekend in studio or 4-8 weeks through the Online Mat Academy. The Online Reformer Academy Reformer 1 certification is a 100-hour program most students complete in 3 months. The Comprehensive Classical Pilates certification is 600 hours and most students complete it in 6-12 months. See how long it takes to become a Pilates instructor for a full breakdown.

Can I get a Classical Pilates certification online?

Yes. Core Mat 1, 2 and 3 (the Complete Classical Mat certification) are available fully online through the Online Mat Academy, and Level 1 Reformer certification (including Core Mat 1) is available through the Online Reformer Academy, with online coursework, weekly live study halls, 25 hours of hands-on Reformer practice on your own equipment or at a partner studio, and a final exam with a certified Teacher Trainer. Core Mat 1 graduates receive credit for the Mat modules and a reduced price. The Comprehensive certification is taught in studio at locations worldwide.

Is a Power Pilates certification recognized internationally?

Yes. Power Pilates has trained more than 24,000 Classical Pilates instructors in over 50 countries since 1989, and graduates are listed in the Power Pilates International Registry, the world's largest directory of certified Classical Pilates instructors. Training is held at studios worldwide, including our own in New York, Verona and Seoul.

What is the difference between a Classical and a Contemporary Pilates certification?

A Classical Pilates certification teaches Joseph Pilates' original exercises, in their original order, on the original apparatus, within a documented lineage. A Contemporary certification adapts or adds to that repertoire. Power Pilates certifications are Classical, in the direct lineage of Joseph Pilates through Romana Kryzanowska. Read the full comparison: Classical vs. Contemporary Pilates.

I am already certified by another organization. Can I bridge to a Classical Pilates certification?

Yes. Experienced instructors with a certificate from another organization can join the Comprehensive program through the Bridge/Transfer Program (Mat, Reformer or Comprehensive), or begin with Core Mat 1 to learn the Classical Mat order from the start.

What does a Classical Pilates certification cost?

Pricing varies by level and location. Core Mat certifications are the most affordable entry point; the 600-hour Comprehensive certification is the full investment in a teaching career. See current dates and pricing on the registration page, or contact a student support associate for pricing in your region.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Don't hesitate to contact a student support associate if you'd like to learn more about Power Pilates Classical Pilates certifications. Contact via phone, email, chat or WhatsApp.

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