Find your Classical Pilates teacher training path.

Founded by Holly Murray, the Pi Teacher Training Academy is one of the United Kingdom's longest-established Classical Pilates teacher-trainingprogrammes. Rooted in the lineage of Joseph Pilates through RomanaKryzanowska, the Academy is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the original method while preparing teachers for a lifetime of thoughtful, skilled practice.

Fully Comprehensive Teacher Training

A 600-hour apprenticeship-ledprogrammedelivered across four modules. Students train on the complete Classical Pilates system—including Reformer, Cadillac,WundaChair,High Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Small Barrel, Ped-o-Pole, and auxiliary apparatus—through a flexible learning pathway supported by four practical assessments. (for Bridge and New Students)

Training takes place on Gratz apparatus within a fully equipped Classical Pilates studio. Our apprenticeship-led approach combines strong technical education with extensive hands-on studio experience, enabling students to develop not only a deep understanding of the repertoire, but also the observation, confidence, and teaching skills required to become exceptional instructors. Pi is intentionally designed as a supportive, challenging, and enjoyable environment in which to learn. 

Students experience the method as an integrated system rather than a collection of individual exercises. Alongside the repertoire, the programme explores the principles, philosophy, and artistry that underpin Joseph Pilates' original work, encouraging teachers to embody the method rather than simply teach it. 

Today, Pi graduates teach throughout the United Kingdom and internationally, carrying forward the Classical Pilates tradition with integrity, precision, and respect for its lineage. 

For more than two decades, Real Pilates has educated teachers in the Classical Pilates method through a comprehensive apprenticeship-based training program rooted in the lineage of Joseph Pilates and Romana Kryzanowska.

Founded by Alycea Ungaro, Real Pilates has become known for its commitment to preserving and teaching the Classical system while helping future instructors develop the knowledge, discipline, and confidence required to teach it effectively. 

The program emphasizes understanding Pilates as a complete system, where each exercise, apparatus, and progression works together to support the development of the individual. 

Learning through practice

Teacher training at Real Pilates combines personal practice, observation, hands-on experience, and guided mentorship. 

Throughout the program, apprentices deepen their understanding of: 

• Mat work  
• Reformer  
• Cadillac  
• Wunda Chair  
• Barrels  
• Auxiliary apparatus  
• Exercise progressions  
• Teaching skills  
• Program design  
• Observation and analysis  

Students are encouraged to develop both technical knowledge and the ability to communicate the work clearly and effectively to others. 

Training on Gratz Apparatus 

Real Pilates studios are equipped with Gratz apparatus, allowing apprentices to learn on equipment designed to support the Classical Pilates method. 

Throughout their training, students gain experience working with the apparatus as an integrated system while developing an understanding of the dimensions, spring tensions, and equipment specifications that have long been associated with Classical Pilates instruction. 

This hands-on experience helps prepare future instructors to teach with greater confidence and consistency. 

The Apprenticeship Experience 

A defining aspect of the Real Pilates Teacher Training program is the apprenticeship model. 

Students learn not only through formal instruction, but also through observation, practice teaching, self-practice, and ongoing mentorship from experienced teachers. 

This process encourages apprentices to develop a deeper understanding of the work while gaining practical experience in a studio environment. 

A Community of Teachers 

Over the years, Real Pilates has helped educate and mentor instructors who now teach throughout the United States and around the world. 

The program creates opportunities for students to learn alongside fellow apprentices, experienced teachers, and members of the broader Classical Pilates community. 

These relationships often continue long after graduation, providing valuable support throughout an instructor's teaching career. 

Begin Your Teacher Training Journey 

Whether your goal is to become a professional instructor or to deepen your understanding of the Classical Pilates method, Real Pilates Teacher Training provides a structured pathway for immersive study and professional development. 

To learn more about upcoming training opportunities, program requirements, and locations, visit Real Pilates. 

Learning the Classical Pilates Method 

The Classical Pilates Academy was established to educate the next generation of Classical Pilates instructors through a structured, apprenticeship-based training program rooted in the original method of Joseph Pilates. 

The program is designed to help apprentices develop a deep understanding of Pilates as a complete system. Through study, observation, personal practice, and hands-on teaching experience, students learn how the exercises, apparatus, and principles work together to create lasting results. 

A Structured Path of Study 

Training is divided into progressive levels that allow apprentices to build knowledge and experience over time. Each stage introduces new exercises, concepts, and teaching responsibilities while reinforcing the foundations of the method. 

Students are encouraged to develop not only technical proficiency, but also the observation skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence required to become effective teachers. 

Learning Through Apprenticeship 

The Classical Pilates Academy follows an apprenticeship model that emphasizes learning through experience. 

Apprentices participate in: 

• Personal practice 
• Observation hours 
• Private instruction 
• Practice teaching 
• Independent study 
• Mentorship from experienced instructors 

This combination of study and practical application allows students to experience the method from multiple perspectives while developing their own teaching skills. 

Training on Gratz Apparatus 

Built from the original designs and specifications associated with Joseph Pilates' work, Gratz apparatus has long been recognized as the standard for Classical Pilates instruction. The dimensions, spring tensions, and exercise relationships found throughout the equipment play an important role in how the method is taught, practiced, and understood. 

At the Academy, apparatus is viewed as an essential component of the Classical Pilates system. Students learn the work on Gratz equipment from the beginning of their education, allowing them to develop a consistent understanding of the method and the unique relationship between the exercises and the apparatus. 

By training exclusively on Gratz, apprentices gain firsthand experience with the equipment that has helped preserve the Classical Pilates method for generations. 

Studying the Complete System 

The curriculum introduces students to the full range of Classical Pilates apparatus and exercises, including: 

• Mat 
• Reformer 
• Cadillac 
• Wunda Chair 
• High Chair 
• Small Arm Chair 
• Ladder Barrel 
• Spine Corrector 
• Small Barrel 
• Pedi Pole 

Rather than approaching each apparatus as a separate discipline, students learn how every piece contributes to the larger Pilates system and supports the development of the body as a whole. 

Preserving the Tradition 

The goal of the Classical Pilates Academy is not simply to prepare students for certification. It is to cultivate instructors who understand the history, principles, and responsibilities that come with teaching the Classical Pilates method. 

Through dedicated study, mentorship, and experience, apprentices develop the knowledge and skills needed to share the work with future generations while helping preserve the integrity of the method. 

Making Classical Pilates Education Accessible 

Everybody Pilates was founded with a simple goal: to make high-quality Classical Pilates education accessible to students and instructors at every stage of their journey. 

Whether you are exploring teacher training for the first time, transitioning from a contemporary background, or seeking a comprehensive certification, Everybody Pilates provides a structured pathway designed to help you develop confidence, knowledge, and practical teaching experience. 

Rooted in the original work of Joseph Pilates and informed by a direct teaching lineage through founder Amy Kellow, the program combines traditional apprenticeship principles with a supportive learning environment that welcomes students from a variety of Pilates backgrounds. 

Learning Through Lineage and Mentorship 

The Everybody Pilates Teacher Training Program is guided by instructors committed to preserving and sharing the Classical Pilates method. 

Founder Amy Kellow is a second-generation Classical Pilates instructor who trained with Pilates elder Jay Grimes. She remains committed to ongoing professional development and draws continual guidance and inspiration from leading presenters and educators within the global Classical Pilates community.   

Throughout the program, students receive ongoing mentorship designed to help them develop not only technical knowledge, but also the confidence and teaching skills needed to work effectively with clients. 

Training Pathways for Every Stage 

Recognizing that every student's goals are different, Everybody Pilates offers multiple pathways into Classical Pilates education. 

Students may begin with a Fundamentals Certification designed to introduce foundational concepts and teaching skills, pursue a Level 3 Matwork Diploma, or complete the Full Comprehensive Certification program covering the complete Classical Pilates system. 

For instructors already certified through contemporary training programs, the Bridge Programme provides a focused pathway into the Classical method without requiring students to start their education from the beginning. 

This flexible approach allows apprentices to choose a route that aligns with their experience, goals, and schedule. 

Understanding the Complete System 

The Comprehensive Certification Program is designed to guide apprentices through the full Classical Pilates repertoire. 

Students develop experience across the complete system, including: 

• Mat 
• Reformer 
• Tower 
• Cadillac 
• Wunda Chair 
• High Chair 
• Spine Corrector 
• Ladder Barrel 
• Additional Classical apparatus 

Rather than approaching each piece of equipment independently, apprentices learn how the entire system works together to support strength, control, coordination, flexibility, and overall movement efficiency. 

Training on Gratz Apparatus 

Students train on Gratz apparatus throughout the program, giving them the opportunity to experience the Classical Pilates method on equipment designed specifically for the work. Whether beginning with Fundamentals, pursuing Comprehensive Certification, or transitioning from a contemporary background through the Bridge Programme, apprentices develop familiarity with the apparatus while building confidence across the Classical system. 

Why Gratz? 

"Because it completes the System. 

At Everybody Pilates, we choose Gratz because it completes the Classical Pilates system. The dimensions, spring tensions, and physics of the equipment were designed to work together, helping you feel how each exercise connects to the next. For example, movements like the Up Stretch on the Reformer share the same principles and sensations as the Pull Up on the Wunda Chair, allowing your body to recognise and build on familiar patterns across different pieces of apparatus.  

This connection is what makes Classical Pilates feel like a true system rather than a collection of exercises. Gratz apparatus helps you understand the movements more deeply, move with greater precision, and experience the method the way it was originally designed. It gives us the tools to feel the difference bringing clarity and consistency to the work.”  

Supporting Continued Growth 

Education at Everybody Pilates extends beyond initial certification. 

Graduates are encouraged to continue their development through workshops, continuing education opportunities, mentorship programs, and advanced training experiences. This commitment to ongoing learning helps instructors refine their teaching skills while remaining connected to the broader Classical Pilates community. 

Building the Next Generation of Classical Pilates Teachers 

At its core, the Everybody Pilates Teacher Training Program is dedicated to developing thoughtful, knowledgeable instructors who understand the Classical Pilates method and can share it with confidence. 

Through mentorship, practical experience, structured education, and training on Gratz apparatus, apprentices gain the tools needed to build a lasting teaching career while helping preserve the integrity of the Classical Pilates method for future generations. 

A Mentorship-Based Approach to Pilates Education 

The Hilary Opheim Teacher Training Program is designed to help aspiring instructors develop a deep understanding of the Pilates method through mentorship, apprenticeship, and hands-on experience. 

Based in Los Angeles, California, the program provides a comprehensive educational experience rooted in the original work of Joseph Pilates. Rather than focusing solely on choreography and memorization, apprentices are encouraged to explore the principles, relationships, and problem-solving skills that support effective teaching. 

Through a supportive learning environment and ongoing mentorship, students develop the confidence, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to build a successful teaching career.  

Learning Through Apprenticeship 

At the heart of the program is a mentor-apprentice model that emphasizes learning through observation, practice, teaching, and discussion. 

Students participate in: 

• Personal practice 
• Observation hours 
• Assisted teaching 
• Apprenticeship hours 
• Mentorship sessions 
• Study groups and case discussions 

This immersive approach allows apprentices to gain experience in real teaching environments while developing a deeper understanding of the Pilates system and how it applies to individual clients. 

Understanding the "Why" Behind the Work 

The Hilary Opheim Teacher Training Program is built on the belief that great teachers understand more than exercises. 

Throughout the program, apprentices are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, identify movement patterns, analyze client needs, and understand the relationships between exercises, apparatus, and programming decisions. 

By focusing on both the "how" and the "why" of the method, students learn to become adaptable instructors capable of meeting clients where they are while remaining grounded in the principles of the Pilates system. 

Training on Gratz Apparatus  

As a Gratz Teacher Training Partner, Hilary Opheim incorporates Gratz apparatus throughout the educational experience. Apprentices use the apparatus as a tool for observation, exploration, and problem-solving, helping them better understand not only how the exercises are performed, but why they are taught in a particular way. 

Studying the Complete Pilates System 

The comprehensive curriculum introduces apprentices to the full Pilates system and the relationships that exist between the exercises and apparatus. 

Students gain experience across the traditional apparatus while learning how to guide clients through progressive programs designed to build strength, control, coordination, flexibility, and confidence. 

This systems-based approach helps prepare instructors to teach a wide variety of clients while maintaining the integrity of the method. 

Mentorship Beyond Certification 

A defining characteristic of the program is its commitment to ongoing mentorship and professional development. Graduates remain connected to a community of teachers through continuing education opportunities, workshops, advanced study, and the Traditional Pilates Movement Collective, a collaborative community that supports the ongoing study, preservation, and evolution of the Classical Pilates method. Through continued mentorship and shared learning, graduates are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the work while building meaningful connections with fellow instructors. The goal is not simply to prepare students for certification, but to support their growth throughout their teaching careers. 

Developing Confident, Adaptable Teachers 

The Hilary Opheim Teacher Training Program is dedicated to developing instructors who understand the Pilates method as a complete system and can teach it with clarity, confidence, and purpose. 

Through apprenticeship, mentorship, practical experience, and training on Gratz apparatus, apprentices gain the tools necessary to build a lasting career while continuing the tradition of Classical Pilates for future generations. 

Preserving the Classical Pilates Method Through Education 

The Flex Studio Teacher Training Program is designed for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Classical Pilates method through structured study, practical experience, and mentorship. 

Led by Heather Thomas, the program emphasizes precision, integrity, and a deep respect for the original work of Joseph Pilates. Apprentices are encouraged to develop not only technical proficiency, but also the critical thinking and observation skills necessary to become confident and effective teachers. 

Through a combination of education, practice, and mentorship, students learn to understand Pilates as a complete system and gain the tools needed to share the work with others. 

Learning Through Mentorship 

At the heart of the program is a commitment to mentorship and individualized guidance. 

Throughout their studies, apprentices work closely with experienced instructors while developing their own teaching skills through observation, personal practice, and practical application. This supportive learning environment encourages students to ask questions, deepen their understanding, and build confidence over time. 

The goal is not simply to complete a certification, but to cultivate thoughtful instructors who can teach with clarity and purpose. 

Understanding the Method 

The Flex Studio Teacher Training Program encourages students to look beyond individual exercises and develop a deeper understanding of the principles that connect the entire Pilates system. 

As apprentices progress through their education, they explore exercise relationships, progressions, programming, and the ways in which the apparatus supports movement and development. This systems-based approach helps students understand not only what to teach, but why the method works. 

Training on Gratz Apparatus 

Training at Flex Studio takes place on Gratz apparatus, giving apprentices the opportunity to experience the Classical Pilates method through the equipment that has long been associated with its teaching and preservation. 

Throughout the program, students use the apparatus as a tool for exploration, observation, and refinement. As their understanding grows, they learn not only how to perform the exercises, but how to recognize movement patterns, guide clients effectively, and teach with greater precision. 

By combining mentorship, practical experience, and training on Gratz apparatus, Flex Studio helps apprentices build the confidence and understanding needed to teach the Classical Pilates method with clarity and purpose. 

Developing Confident Teachers 

The program is designed to help apprentices evolve from dedicated practitioners into capable instructors. 

Through observation, study, practical teaching experience, and ongoing feedback, students develop the skills necessary to communicate the method effectively and adapt their teaching to the needs of individual clients. 

The emphasis remains on creating teachers who understand the work deeply and can share it with confidence while maintaining the integrity of the Classical Pilates method. 

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning 

Teacher development does not end at certification. 

Flex Studio encourages continued growth through ongoing study, mentorship, workshops, and participation within the broader Classical Pilates community. This commitment to lifelong learning helps instructors continue refining their skills while contributing to the preservation of the method for future generations. 

Continuing the Tradition 

The Flex Studio Teacher Training Program is dedicated to developing knowledgeable, thoughtful instructors who are committed to preserving and sharing the Classical Pilates method. 

Through mentorship, practical experience, and training on Gratz apparatus, apprentices gain the foundation necessary to teach with confidence while carrying the tradition of Classical Pilates forward. 

The Art and Science of Contrology® (ASCPIT®) is a comprehensive Contrology teacher training program dedicated to preserving the original work of Joseph and Clara Pilates through the lineage of Romana Kryzanowska. Directed by Second-Generation Teacher Simona Cipriani, the program combines authentic Contrology education with anatomy, movement science, and practical teaching methodology to prepare instructors for long-term professional success. 

Built around the belief that Pilates is a complete system rather than a collection of exercises, ASCPIT® emphasizes precision, progression, observation, and critical thinking. Apprentices learn not only the repertoire, but also how to assess movement, adapt exercises to individual needs, and teach with clarity and confidence while maintaining the integrity of Contrology. 

Full Apparatus Instructor Certification 

The Full Apparatus Certification is a 650-hour comprehensive apprenticeship covering the complete Contrology system. Students study the full repertoire on the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Ped-O-Pul, Guillotine, Magic Circle, and additional traditional apparatus. 

The curriculum is delivered through three progressive instructional levels that move from beginner through advanced work. Each level combines classroom instruction with practical application, allowing apprentices to steadily develop both technical knowledge and teaching confidence. 

Throughout the program, apprentices complete extensive hours in: 

• Observation of experienced instructors 
• Personal practice on the apparatus 
• Guided teaching experience 
• Apprentice meetings and mentorship 
• Practical and written examinations 
• Independent study and professional development 

Rather than simply memorizing exercises, students learn why each exercise exists within the system, how every piece of apparatus supports the next stage of progression, and how to create individualized programs while remaining true to Contrology. 

Comprehensive Apprenticeship Model 

ASCPIT® is structured as a true apprenticeship program. Students spend hundreds of hours observing experienced teachers, refining their own movement practice, and gradually assuming greater teaching responsibility under supervision. 

Observation is considered an essential part of the learning process, allowing apprentices to study different teaching styles, recognize movement patterns, improve exercise sequencing, and develop the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of clients. Teaching hours increase throughout the program as students gain confidence and mastery of the repertoire. 

Monthly apprentice meetings provide additional opportunities for case discussions, exam preparation, professional mentorship, and business development, helping graduates transition successfully into professional teaching careers. 

Educational Philosophy 

ASCPIT® approaches Contrology as both an art and a science. The curriculum integrates: 

• Functional anatomy 
• Biomechanics 
• Movement analysis 
• Hands-on cueing techniques 
• Exercise modifications and progressions 
• Verbal communication skills 
• Teaching methodology for diverse populations 

Students are encouraged to think critically about movement while maintaining the sequence, intention, and precision that define Contrology. The program emphasizes not only how to teach exercises, but how to help clients move more efficiently, safely, and with greater body awareness. 

Additional Certification Pathways 

In addition to the Full Apparatus Certification, ASCPIT® offers programs designed to meet instructors at different stages of their professional journey. 

Mat Certification 

The Mat Certification provides focused instruction in the complete Contrology Mat repertoire. Students explore the Six Principles of Pilates, movement fundamentals, anatomy, exercise progression, and teaching techniques while learning to confidently lead mat classes. The curriculum incorporates traditional small apparatus, imagery, rhythm, and hands-on teaching skills to support effective instruction. 

Bridge Certification 

Designed for instructors who have previously completed another Pilates certification, the Bridge Program offers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Contrology system through a focused 325-hour apprenticeship. Participants refine their teaching skills, strengthen their knowledge of the original repertoire, and develop a more complete understanding of how the apparatus function together as one integrated method. 

Continuing Education 

Learning continues beyond certification. Graduates are encouraged to participate in ongoing continuing education, advanced workshops, and mentorship opportunities to further refine their teaching and remain connected to the evolving Contrology community. The program emphasizes lifelong learning while preserving the traditions and standards established by Joseph Pilates and passed down through Romana Kryzanowska. 

A Global Community 

ASCPIT® offers instructor training at its headquarters and through affiliated training locations internationally, creating a worldwide network of instructors committed to preserving authentic Contrology. Graduates leave with the technical knowledge, practical experience, and confidence to teach the complete Classical system while carrying forward the principles of Contrology for future generations. 

Learning the Principles Behind the Method 

The Uno Pilates Certification Program is designed for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the Pilates method through observation, practice, study, and mentorship. 

Developed by Miguel Silva, the program encourages apprentices to look beyond individual exercises and develop a greater understanding of movement, biomechanics, and the principles that guide effective teaching. Students learn how to analyze movement, identify patterns, and apply the Pilates method to a wide variety of bodies, goals, and challenges. 

The result is an educational experience focused not only on what to teach, but why. 

A Comprehensive Educational Journey 

The Uno Pilates Certification Program is structured as a progressive educational experience that combines theoretical study with practical application. 

Throughout the program, apprentices work through a series of seminars designed to develop both technical knowledge and teaching ability. Coursework explores the Pilates system from foundational concepts through advanced applications, helping students build a deeper understanding of movement and human function. 

Students are encouraged to approach learning as an ongoing process of observation, experimentation, and refinement. 

Learning Through Observation and Practice 

A core component of the Uno Pilates approach is the belief that meaningful learning occurs through experience. 

In addition to seminars and coursework, apprentices participate in: 

• Personal practice 
• Observation hours 
• Apprenticeship training 
• Case studies 
• Instructor mentorship 
• Practical teaching experience 

This combination of study and hands-on application helps students develop the confidence and critical thinking skills required to become effective instructors. 

Principles of Guidance 

For experienced instructors, Uno Pilates also offers the Principles of Guidance program, an advanced course designed to deepen teaching skills and expand understanding of the Pilates method. 

The program focuses on developing a teacher's ability to observe, assess, and guide movement with greater precision. Through detailed exploration of movement principles and apparatus work, participants refine their understanding of stability, mobility, control, and efficient movement patterns. 

Rather than focusing solely on exercises, the program emphasizes the decision-making process behind effective teaching and the ability to adapt the work to the needs of the individual. 

Training on Gratz Apparatus 

Gratz apparatus serves as an important part of the learning environment at Uno Pilates. As students explore movement principles, biomechanics, and teaching strategies, the apparatus provides consistent feedback that helps apprentices better understand movement patterns, exercise relationships, and the practical application of the Pilates method. 

Developing Teachers, Not Just Technicians 

The goal of the Uno Pilates Certification Program extends beyond learning exercises or completing required hours. 

Students are encouraged to become thoughtful instructors capable of analyzing movement, solving problems, and helping clients move more efficiently in everyday life. Through mentorship, apprenticeship, and continued practice, apprentices develop the skills necessary to teach with confidence while maintaining a commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. 

Continuing the Study of Movement 

At its core, the Uno Pilates Certification Program is an exploration of movement and the principles that govern it. 

By combining Classical Pilates, observation, practical experience, and critical thinking, the program helps prepare instructors to approach teaching with greater understanding, adaptability, and purpose. 

Preserving the Original Method Through Teacher Education 

For decades, Romana's Pilates International has been dedicated to preserving and teaching the Pilates method as it was passed from Joseph and Clara Pilates to Romana Kryzanowska. 

After the passing of Joseph and Clara Pilates, Romana devoted her life to sharing the work, educating future generations of teachers, and preserving the integrity of the method around the world. Today, that commitment continues through Romana's Pilates International and its global network of instructor trainers, studios, and training centers.  

The Instructor Training Program is designed for individuals who want to study the Classical Pilates method through an immersive apprenticeship experience rooted in mentorship, observation, practice, and hands-on instruction.  

Learning Through Apprenticeship 

Romana's Pilates International follows an apprenticeship model that emphasizes learning through direct experience. 

Rather than focusing solely on coursework, apprentices develop their understanding of the method through: 

• Personal practice  
• Observation  
• Practice teaching  
• Individual instruction  
• Seminars  
• Ongoing mentorship  

Throughout the program, students work closely with experienced instructor trainers while developing the skills required to teach the complete Pilates system.  

A Complete Understanding of the Pilates System 

The program is designed to develop instructors who understand Pilates as a complete and interconnected system. 

Apprentices study: 

• Mat work  
• Reformer  
• Cadillac  
• Wunda Chair  
• Barrels  
• Auxiliary apparatus  
• Exercise progressions  
• Teaching skills  
• Observation and analysis  

Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency across the full range of apparatus rather than focusing on a single piece of equipment.  

Guided by Experienced Teacher Trainers 

Romana's Pilates International instructor trainers are selected through a process of long-term observation, mentorship, and demonstrated commitment to the method. 

The organization continues the teaching lineage established by Romana Kryzanowska and carried forward through leaders including Sari Mejia Santo, Juanita Lopez, and Cynthia Lochard. Instructor trainers are chosen based on their experience, dedication, and ability to preserve and teach the work at a high level.  

This mentorship-driven approach helps ensure that apprentices receive guidance from teachers who have spent years studying, practicing, and teaching the Classical Pilates method. 

Training on Gratz Apparatus 

Many Romana's Pilates International training centers utilize Gratz apparatus as part of the educational experience. 

Training on Gratz allows apprentices to develop familiarity with apparatus built to support the Classical Pilates method and its traditional specifications. Through daily practice and instruction, students gain experience working within the complete Pilates system while developing the confidence and precision required for teaching.  

A Global Community of Teachers 

Romana's Pilates International maintains a worldwide network of instructor training facilities and certified instructors. 

With training centers located across multiple countries, apprentices become part of an international community committed to preserving and sharing the Classical Pilates method. The organization also supports continuing professional education, encouraging instructors to continue refining their skills throughout their teaching careers.   

Continuing the Tradition 

Becoming a Romana's Pilates International instructor is more than completing a certification program. It is an opportunity to study the method through a lineage that traces directly back to Joseph and Clara Pilates, while learning from instructors dedicated to preserving the work for future generations.  

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the Classical Pilates method, the Romana's Pilates International Instructor Training Program offers a pathway grounded in mentorship, experience, and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the work. 

Building the Next Generation of Classical Pilates Instructors 

The Classical Pilates USA® Teacher Certification Program has expanded internationally to further help apprentices learn the Classical Pilates Method. Through the program, U.S. Pilates LLC educates and mentors future instructors through a comprehensive apprenticeship-based approach to learning the Classical Pilates method.  

The curriculum is based entirely off of the original work of Joseph Pilates and Romana Kryzanowska. Through observation, practice, teaching and assisting, Apprentices form a deep understanding of the full Classical Pilates repertoire. By developing a strong foundation, they also learn a variety of progressions and modifications that will help prepare them to meet the needs of their clients. The Principals of U.S. Pilates™ are all Second Generation Instructors and provide mentorships and guidance to the Apprentices throughout their journey to ensure optimum opportunity for learning.  

A 600 Hour Apprenticeship Experience  

The Classical Pilates USA® Teacher Certification Program is comprised of a 600-hour apprenticeship designed to immerse students in every aspect of the Classical methodology.  

Throughout the program, apprentices participate in:  

• Observation  
• Personal Training 
• Independent Teaching 
• Assisted Apprentice teaching  
• Three System workshops  
• Instructor mentorship  

Teacher Trainers provide a hands-on approach that allows apprentices to develop both technical understanding and real-world teaching experience. This helps apprentices build their knowledge and confidence while working on the apparatus and in a studio environment.

The curriculum is organized into a series of workshops covering all apparatus and mat work, divided into three segments: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. This approach helps apprentices develop a thorough understanding of the system and its progressions.

Learning Through Mentorship

A defining feature of the Classical Pilates USA® Teacher Certification Program is its commitment to mentorship.

Apprentices work closely with experienced Teacher Trainers and Second Generation Instructors who provide guidance throughout the certification process. This mentorship-based approach helps apprentices refine their teaching skills, gain valuable insights, and build confidence in the Classical methodology. By combining structured education with ongoing mentorship, apprentices receive support throughout every stage of their development.

Training on Gratz Apparatus

Many Classical Pilates USA® training centers use Gratz apparatus as part of the educational experience. Training on Gratz allows apprentices to study the method in an environment that reflects the traditions and standards passed down through generations of Classical Pilates instructors.

Understanding the Complete Pilates System

The Classical Pilates USA® Teacher Certification Program emphasizes understanding Pilates as an interconnected system.

Apprentices study the relationships among exercises, apparatus, and progressions while learning how each component supports their clients’ overall goals. Rather than focusing on a single piece of equipment, apprentices develop a comprehensive understanding of the Classical Pilates repertoire and how it can be adapted to meet a variety of individual needs.

This systems-based approach prepares instructors to teach with clarity, consistency, and purpose.

Continuing Education and Professional Growth

Learning does not end upon certification.

Classical Pilates USA® places a strong emphasis on continuing education and professional development. Certified instructors are encouraged to refine their skills, expand their knowledge, and participate in ongoing educational opportunities that support the preservation and advancement of the Classical Pilates methodology.

This commitment to lifelong learning helps ensure that the work continues to be taught with integrity for future generations.

Preserving the Classical Method

Classical Pilates USA® is dedicated to preserving the traditions, standards, and methodology that define Classical Pilates while preparing instructors to share the work with confidence and professionalism.

Through hands-on apprenticeship and ongoing mentorship, apprentices become part of a community committed to carrying the Classical Pilates method forward for generations to come.

Pilates at the Core is proud to offer an exceptional Teacher Training Program led by Penelope Barrow, a second-generation classical Pilates teacher who trained directly with the renowned Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates' chosen protégé. 

During Romana's teaching prime in the mid-1990s, Penelope was selected as one of only a few independent study apprentices, receiving intensive, hands-on mentorship in the authentic Pilates method. She later became Director of The Pilates Studio at Atlanta Ballet, the first recognized Pilates certification studio and teacher training center in the Southeastern United States. In this role, she worked alongside Romana and her daughter, Sari Mejia Santos, assisting with teacher training programs and gaining invaluable experience in both preserving the classical method and developing exceptional instructors. 

For more than 25 years, Penelope has educated and certified classical Pilates teachers throughout the United States. She has developed her own comprehensive training manual and is widely respected for her hands-on teaching style, deep knowledge of the original method, and commitment to mentoring each student individually. 

The Teacher Training Program at Pilates at the Core is a boutique, apprenticeship-style program designed to provide personalized instruction and an immersive educational experience. Students receive exceptional training in the authentic Pilates method exactly as Joseph Pilates intended. 

Our studio is fully equipped with Gratz apparatus, manufactured to the original specifications passed from Joseph Pilates to Mr. Gratz and faithfully preserved through generations. Because the equipment is integral to the method, students learn on the same designs that have supported classical Pilates instruction for decades. 

This comprehensive 600-hour certification program provides an in-depth education in the Pilates system, combining rigorous practical instruction, individualized mentorship, and a deep respect for the integrity of the work. Our mission is not simply to certify instructors, but to cultivate teachers who are prepared to carry Joseph Pilates' legacy forward with knowledge, confidence, and authenticity. 

As first-generation teacher Jay Grimes so eloquently said: 

"We do not change the work. The work changes us."