The Pilates Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about becoming a certified Pilates instructor

About Our Programs

What programs do you offer?

We offer three certification tracks: Mat Pilates (220 hours, ~90 days), Mat + Reformer (350 hours, ~120 days), and Comprehensive (450 hours, ~150 days). Every program includes personal mentorship, weekly group Practice Labs, and a structured plan — there’s no DIY option. You always have a team supporting you.

Every week you receive a complete task package: video lessons to watch, exercises to practice, and assignments to submit. Twice a week you meet your personal mentor for 1-on-1 sessions. Once a week you join a group Practice Lab. The only thing you do alone is watch the videos.

 If you’re just starting out or want to test the waters: Mat Pilates. If you want to be marketable at most studios and earn more: Mat + Reformer. If you want the full professional certification to teach anything anywhere: Comprehensive. Not sure? Contact us — we’ll help you decide.

Mat covers floor exercises only. Mat + Reformer adds the reformer apparatus. Comprehensive covers everything: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels. Each level builds on the previous one. You can always upgrade later — your previous work counts.

 Absolutely! Many students start with Mat and upgrade later. Your previous coursework fully counts toward the next level. You continue from where you left off — no starting over.

 Yes! All our certifications meet NPCP (National Pilates Certification Program) and PAA (Pilates Alliance Australasia) standards. Our Comprehensive program qualifies you for the NCPT national exam. You can teach anywhere in the world.

Schedule & Flexibility

How long does each program take?

Recommended timelines: Mat ~90 days, Mat + Reformer ~120 days, Comprehensive ~150 days. But these are recommendations, not deadlines. You set your own pace — your mentor adapts with you.

Mat: ~17 hours/week. Mat + Reformer: ~21 hours/week. Comprehensive: ~22 hours/week. This includes video lessons, personal practice, mentor sessions, and assignments. Some weeks you’ll do more, some weeks less — and that’s perfectly fine.

Many of our students work full-time, are mothers, or both! That’s why we built this program with flexibility. You receive weekly tasks and work through them when it fits your schedule. Evenings, early mornings, weekends — whatever works for you.

 Life happens. If you need to slow down or take a break, just let your mentor know. We’ll be here when you’re ready to continue. There are no rigid deadlines or penalties for adjusting your pace.

Yes! We use rolling enrollment — you can start any day. No waiting for a cohort start date.

Your mentor sessions are scheduled based on mutual availability. We have mentors across different time zones to accommodate students worldwide.

Mentorship & Support

Is the 1-on-1 mentorship really included?

YES! This is our biggest differentiator. Personal mentorship is included in every program — it’s not an extra fee or upsell. You get 2 personal sessions per week + 1 group Practice Lab per week. We believe you can’t become a great instructor by watching videos alone.

Our mentors are experienced, certified Pilates instructors who have been trained in our methodology. Each student is assigned a dedicated mentor who follows their progress from day one to graduation.

You practice teaching! Your mentor watches your form, gives feedback on your cueing, helps you understand modifications, and answers your questions. It’s hands-on learning with someone who knows your strengths and areas to improve.

Weekly sessions where you practice teaching alongside other students. You teach, observe, give and receive feedback. It builds real confidence because you’re teaching actual people, not just practicing alone

Prerequisites & Equipment

Do I need previous Pilates experience?

We recommend 6-12 months of Pilates practice. You don’t need to be advanced — just familiar with basic exercises. Brand new to Pilates? Contact us and we’ll advise you.

For Mat: a Pilates mat, basic props (band, ball, roller), webcam, and internet. For Mat + Reformer: all of the above plus regular access to a Reformer. For Comprehensive: all of the above plus access to Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels. Not sure about equipment? Talk to us before enrolling.

No academic prerequisites. You need to be at least 18 years old and have the physical ability to demonstrate Pilates exercises. Modifications are taught for instructors with limitations.

Payment & Investment

What are the payment options?

We offer full payment and installment plans for all programs. Contact our team for current pricing and payment plan details.

Please contact us for details about our refund and guarantee policies.

Our graduates start teaching and earning back their investment within months. Unlike cheaper alternatives that leave you with a certificate but no confidence, you graduate truly ready to teach. And mentorship is included — many other programs charge $50-100 per session on top of tuition.

After Graduation

What can I do after graduating?

Teach at studios and gyms, offer private sessions (in-person or online), work in corporate wellness, senior living, sports performance — or start your own Pilates business. Your certification opens all doors.

Yes! Unlike programs that hand you a certificate and send you off, you’ll have practiced teaching real people throughout your certification. By graduation, you’ll have the skills AND the confidence to start working.

You join Go Pilates Club — our free community for all Pilates instructors. Weekly tips, app discounts, course promotions, and professional networking. You also keep lifetime access to all course materials.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help! Reach out anytime:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (646) 461-0631

Join the academy’s mentor community! Learn More