Introduction to Maine Pilates Teacher Training Program

The Maine Pilates Mat Teacher Training Program is a flexible and hybrid Contemporary Pilates education program that offers in-person and virtual, independent, group, and online learning. Participants gain lifetime access to proprietary educational materials and studio facilities from the date of enrollment. This program equips graduates with the skills needed to thrive as Pilates instructors in various settings worldwide, including group fitness classes, one-on-one sessions, gyms, small boutique studios, and of course the Maine Pilates family of studios. Upon completion, graduates are fully prepared to successfully sit for our industry's only accredited National Pilates Mat Certification Exam.

Training Structure

This 8 week instructor training program focuses on Pilates Mat & Anatomy. Pilates mat exercises increase core strength & stabilization, build muscle tone and a long lean physique, and improve coordination, balance and flexibility. In this course, we will take a deep dive into human anatomy centered around safe movement patterns, gain an understanding of different Pilates philosophies, approaches, styles and learn core choreography and exercises of the practice. You must complete the course in its entirety and successfully pass the final exam to receive your teaching certificate and satisfy the prerequisite needs for the national mat exam. 

In Studio

The studio in Brunswick and Norway serve as the locations for participants to engage in on-site learning, practice, and teaching. During these hands-on interactive experiences, participants are encouraged to come prepared for extended periods of physical activity by wearing suitable exercise attire. To maintain energy levels throughout the session, it is recommended to bring snacks and a water bottle. The studio provides amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave, tea, coffee, and filtered water for your convenience.

Program Objectives

Deepen your personal practice and understanding of your own body

Learn the Essential exercises and Pilates Mat Choreography

Learn the basics of anatomy

Become a skilled public speaker and communicator

Learn the most common modifications so you can accommodate all levels in your classes

Learn about the history of Pilates and classical exercises

Learn about room set up including: audio/visual logistics and digital or technical equipment. 

Program Completion Requirements

20 HOURS ONLINE LEARNING

These hours consist of lectures, online assignments, reading, videos, and quizzes. All online hours can be completed anytime, anywhere, which allows participants to complete their hours at their own pace and schedule. 

12 HOURS IN-STUDIO LEARNING

In-studio hours are completed in person at a studio. Each weekly session will be 1.5 hours long. Your Trainer will review materials from the online lectures and study assignments providing deeper discussions and exercise applications. Participants are required to attend all in-studio days to complete the program. If an in-studio session must be missed, it can be made up at a later time by viewing the session recording, scheduling a private session, or during the weekly mentoring time. 

20 HOURS OBSERVATION

Participants observe (online or in studio) an instructor teaching to 1 or more clients. An Observation Form must be completed for each 45 - 50 min observation. Forms are due to satisfy the record of achieving 20 hours of observation. 

30 HOURS SELF-PRACTICE

It is equally important to ensure your body is prepared for the increased challenge at each level of repertoire as you move through your Maine Pilates Instructor Training. Participants may begin logging self-practice hours the same day as enrollment. These hours consist of time spent physically practicing the Pilates Method. Reflection forms are due as records of self-practice. Physically performing the exercises learned and reviewing course material is very important to ensure full understanding within your own body first, before attempting to teach someone else. Self-Practice hours can be completed at home, in studio classes, private training sessions, or another environment. We encourage you to visit and support other studios by taking classes from as many different instructors as possible. 

Class and private training session fees for self-practice requirements will apply as an instructor-in-training rate and are not included in the total tuition paid for the Teacher Training program. We will also provide resources to free virtual videos to satisfy 30 hours of completion.  

20 HOURS PRACTICE TEACHING

Participants are encouraged to meet (in person or virtually) to co-practice and co-teach the Pilates Method to each other. Practice teaching can also be fulfilled by cueing and modifying the pilates method to family or friends. 

3 HOURS ASSISTANT TEACHING

Assistant teaching hours are logged when the participant assists an approved instructor during a live class. Student liability insurance is required at this point in the program to protect the clients, insturctor, participant, and the studio. 

4 HOURS MENTORING (30 min or less per week) 

Participants receive up to 4 hours in the Mat Teacher Training Program with a mentor. Mentor will lead the session utilizing the time virtually or in-studio to focus on program guidance and support. 

FINAL EXAM

1 Hour Written Exam 

1 Hour of Practical Exam

Program Enrollment

Participants can sign up online by visiting https://mainepilates.onbookee.com/courses or by contacting their host studio. Participants can start self-practice, observation, as soon as enrollment is complete. 

Tuition Options

1. Full Tuition Price: $895 

2. Payment Plan Option: $100 non-refundable deposit and 7 monthly payments of $113.57 per month 

Program Perks

Free in studio or virtual space for self practice and self-teaching

20% Discounted Class Package rates

20% Discounted Private Lessons

Missed Make-up Day Sessions

1-1 check-ins and support

Lifetime Program Alumni 

Optional Add-Ons not included in tuition costs:

Private lessons

Studio classes 

Professional Liability Insurance

Pilates Method Alliance Membership

National Pilates Certification Exam

Printed Manual 

Final Exam Retake

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Apply the six principles of Pilates in their personal practice and teaching.

Understand the foundations of classical and contemporary Pilates

Demonstrate execution of classical and contemporary mat Pilates repertoire

Recall and present mat exercises using effective programming progressions.

Demonstrate an understanding of the mat repertoire using anatomical terms and reference points.

Tailor their teaching  by providing modifications, props, and cues to ensure all students' needs are respected. 

Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 80% or higher.

Teach 1:1 mat sessions and 1:3 mat classes.

Graduate Requirements 

All hours and assignments indicated in the online learning portal, quizzes, final written exam, and final practical test out are required to complete the program requirements to be a recognized graduate and lifetime alumni of Maine Pilates Mat Teacher Training Program. 

Certification

Participants will receive a certificate of completion honoring total accomplishments and readiness to teach upon completion of all requirements and fees paid. This Certificate demonstrates you have completed the prerequisites to sit for the national certification mat exam. Your certification from NCPA is recognized worldwide as a verification of competency of your instruction skills.

Refunds & Terminations 

All payments are considered final and non-refundable. Completion of program does not guarantee employment, instructor position, or an apprenticeship. Participants who violate safety, etiquette, or behavioral expectations are subject to immediate termination without refund. 

Apprenticeship 

A participant enrolled in the Maine Pilates Teacher Training program may be eligible for our Apprenticeship Program once 10 practice teaching hours and 1 Assistant teaching hours are satisfied. An evaluation process by Maine Pilates is completed to determine eligibility for the Apprentice program. 

Apprentice instructors are paid employees or independent contractors of Maine Pilates, which means apprenticeship is not a guaranteed pathway during or after Mat Training. The position of an apprentice instructor does not guarantee employment or contracts as an instructor with Maine Pilates. 

Apprentice Program is a skill enhancement pathway to teaching. This individualized program can focus on one or more of the following with the apprentice. 

Teaching Skills Development: Enhance teaching methods and techniques.

Observation and Correction Skills Development: Improve observation and provide effective corrections.

Program Design Skills Development: Create tailored fitness programs for clients.

Assessment and Progress Tracking: Evaluate clients' progress and track achievements.

Understanding Client Interactions: Build rapport and establish a strong client-trainer relationship.

Business Acumen: Develop fundamental business skills, including marketing, finance, and customer service.