Mat & Reformer Instructor Training
While Mat work is the foundation of the Pilates method, it’s our iconic Reformer that often gets all the glory! Experience, understand, and embrace both in our Mat & Reformer Instructor Training. This comprehensive program features the full repertoire of Pilates exercises along with variations for clients of all ages and abilities. It will support you in becoming the creative, transformative teacher you know you can be.
Below are the module descriptions and prerequisites to earn the Mat & Reformer Certification:
This introductory course lays the foundation for our education program. Movement Principles teaches you how to recognize, improve, and instruct fundamental movement patterns. Designed for both new and experienced instructors, it helps refine your understanding of the body in motion. You'll gain essential knowledge to become a truly transformative instructor. This course provides a solid base for teaching in all settings and with any equipment. You’ll leave with a full toolbox to help clients recover from injury, improve fitness, and enhance performance. Prerequisites: None.
This course introduces the history and principles of the Pilates method along with beginning and intermediate Mat exercises. You’ll learn modifications, challenges, the purpose of each exercise, and precautions for special populations. You’ll also gain guidance on how to design and teach group classes, including sessions for seniors and pre/postnatal clients. Prerequisites: Movement Principles, 10 Mat classes (recommended), 6 months of teaching experience and anatomy knowledge (recommended).
Mat 2 completes the Mat repertoire with the remaining intermediate and advanced-level exercises. It includes lecture topics on skill progression, class programming, and how to create successful Mat classes. Prerequisite: Mat 1
This course adds rings, rollers, bands, and balls to traditional Mat exercises. It also includes functional movements for the upper and lower body, extending the benefits of Mat work beyond the core. You’ll be introduced to the Balanced Body® Programming System, which helps design effective, creative classes. Adding props makes classes more dynamic, fun, and accessible—clients love the “toys”! Prerequisites: Mat 1 and Mat 2, or completion of a comparable Pilates Mat program.
Learn how to safely use what Joseph Pilates called the “Universal Reformer,” the centerpiece of the equipment studio. This course introduces foundational Reformer exercises and covers common modifications and teaching strategies to help you work with diverse clients. You'll gain the why behind the what, fostering strong critical thinking skills from the start. Prerequisites: Movement Principles, 20 Reformer classes (recommended), and 1 year of teaching movement (recommended).
This course builds upon Reformer 1, introducing intermediate and advanced exercises along with essential safety modifications. Special focus is given to working with specific populations, including pre/postnatal clients, those with osteoporosis, and clients with low back pain. You’ll also learn dynamic assessment skills and how to correct common movement dysfunctions. Prerequisite: Reformer 1
The final Reformer course features advanced and super-advanced exercises. You’ll learn to challenge clients with progressive sequences that develop advanced movement skills. Our principle-based programming model supports the creation of safe, effective multi-level classes. Prerequisites: Reformer 1 and 2, or completion of a comparable Pilates Reformer program.
This hands-on, comprehensive anatomy course uses a multi-sensory approach to help you build the body from the inside out. Taught by Balanced Body® Educator Lizbeth Garcia and our worldwide team, this course explores bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in depth. You'll construct muscles on a 28.5" (69 cm) skeleton while learning about their structure, function, and actions. Coverage includes the torso, hips, thighs, shoulders, arms, and spine. A powerful experience that bring anatomy to life. Prerequisite: None
Number of Units: 1.0 - 10.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours. Please choose unit selection upon checkout.
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Tilcia Studios Participants.
To enroll in this course please ensure you have registered with Balanced Body: https://www.pilates.com/
Directions to Enrolled Participants for University Credit: Submit your Certificate of Completion by email to [email protected] after enrolling for credit and completing the course.
University of San Diego – Academic Credit Information
The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level academic credit. To receive credit, participants must first register and complete coursework through the external program provider.
Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.
Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.
Transcript Delivery Timeline:
Audience: Pilates students, group exercise instructors, personal trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists
Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, minus a $25 processing fee, if requested within 30 days of the enrollment date. No refunds will be issued after the 30-day period.
Enrollment Open Through: July 18, 2025 – December 14, 2026 (11:59pm PT)
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
High-quality, career-building courses to choose from
In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics
Career advancing certificates
Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.
The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.
Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.
Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.
Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.
Learn practical skills from expert instructors to boost your resume or succeed in your current role.