the lab at pilates house


learn how to teach, train, educate, and empower in our pilates teacher training program.

WHAT IS IT?
Pilates House has partnered with THE LAB, a collaborative teacher training developed by Holly Swanson and Jacquelyn Brennan using their combined 25 years of teaching and industry experience. This PMA-approved program is designed to bring you both Classical and Contemporary exercises using traditional Pilates equipment: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, High/Ladder Barrel, and Magic Circle.

WHY BECOME CERTIFIED?
Becoming a certified Pilates instructor opens a new world of opportunities for you. You can make a life long career of teaching, or just teach part-time as a side hustle. Even if you’re not planning on teaching, going through our program will allow you to dive deeper into your practice and discover what your body is capable of.

WHAT MAKES THE LAB DIFFERENT?
Not only will you learn how to teach Pilates in our program, but you will learn how to become a GREAT instructor. Teaching is an art form. You’ll learn industry tips and tricks to challenge your clients, how to cue effectively, choreograph classes, and modify for injuries so that every person in your class feels successful. In addition to this you’ll learn what you need to do to become a SUCCESSFUL instructor.

2025 spring dates

  • Mat Training Weekend One: January 24th, 25th, and 26th
    Meeting Times: Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday 9AM-6PM

    • Opening Ceremony, History & Philosophy of Pilates, Professionalism, Scope of Practice, Ethics, Anatomy & Movement Principles, and Beginner Mat Exercises.

  • Mat Training Weekend Two: February 8th and 9th
    Meeting Times: Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday 9AM-6PM

    • Intermediate & Advanced Mat Exercises & Programming

  • Reformer Training Weekend One: February 22nd and 23rd
    Meeting Times: Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday 9AM-6PM

    • Beginner Reformer Exercises & Programming

  • Reformer Training Weekend Two: March 8th and 9th
    Meeting Times: Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday 9AM-6PM

    • Intermediate Reformer Exercises & Programming

  • Reformer Training Weekend Three: March 22nd and March 23rd
    Meeting Times: Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday 9AM-6PM

    • Advanced Reformer Exercises & Programming

  • Cadillac Training Weekend: April 12th & 13th

    Meeting Times: Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday 9AM-6PM

    • Cadillac Exercises & Programming

  • Chair & Barrels Training Weekend: May 3rd & 4th

    Meeting Times: Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday 9AM-6PM

    • Chair & Barrels Exercises & Programming

WHICH TRAINING SHOULD I CHOOSE?

-The Mat & Reformer Program is for you if you are looking to deepen your practice and teach group reformer and mat classes.

-The Mat Program is for you if you are interested in deepening your practice and knowledge of Pilates and plan to teach strictly on the mat.

-The Comprehensive Program is for you if you are interested in becoming a career pilates instructor.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Completion of this program is determined by how quickly hours are obtained outside of our in weekend training sessions. Please see the hour structure below for reference. On average it takes about six months to complete our Reformer & Mat Program. The 150hr Mat Program can be completed within three months from training. Our comprehensive program can take anywhere from eight to twelve months to complete.

HOW DOES THE TRAINING WORK?

There are 4 main components to THE LAB.

  • Studio Lectures: In studio we will cover Anatomy, History of Pilates, Scope of Practice, and a breakdown of each exercise according to choreography, muscle focus, and contraindications. We will also spend time learning how to put together private training sessions, and group classes.

  • Self Practice Hours: Each program will require you to spend a set amount of hours practicing in class, teaching yourself through your manuals, or practicing from approved online resources.

  • Practice Teaching Hours. Each program will require you to spend a set amount of time teaching others. We recommend you start practice teaching after your first training weekend. The more people and diverse populations you can teach, the more prepared you will be for your test out.

  • Observation Hours: Each program will require you to spend a set amount of time observing experienced teachers in group and private settings. This is one of the best ways to learn how to cue exercises and setup, program sessions, and accommodate clients with injuries.

  • Test Out: Upon completion of your hours, you will schedule a date to take you final exam. This exam will include both a written and practical section. If you pass both exams, you will become a Certified Pilates Teacher.

BEFORE YOU START:
Prerequisites: 20 classes at Pilates House or previous pilates training. 

MAT & REFORMER TRAINING
Includes all of the following..

  • History & Philosophy of Pilates 

  • Professionalism/Scope of Practice & Ethics 

  • Anatomy & Movement Principles 

  • Mat Instructor Training

  • Reformer Instructor Training - Course work, written and practical test 

  • Group Class Program Design Worksheets

  • 20 group classes at Pilates House

Cost $4900 paid by the beginning of weekend one.

MAT TRAINING
Includes all of the following..

  • History & Philosophy of Pilates 

  • Professionalism/Scope of Practice & Ethics 

  • Anatomy & Movement Principles 

  • Mat Instructor training

Cost $2000 paid by the beginning of weekend one.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN ALL MODULES?

  • Bound and Covered Manuals ($200 value).

  • Access to the Pilates House Studio to complete your self practice, observation, and teaching hours. Most studios charge $20/hr for trainee studio rental ($1500 value).

  • Test out study guide and test out process ($150 value)

  • 15% off of Pilates House 10-Class Packs.

  • Worksheets for four different types of class planning.

  • Worksheets for logging your self practice, teaching, and observation hours.

  • Mentorship under Pilates House lead instructor Ashley Shiner, and direct access via email for questions and on-going development and support.

TERMS & CONDITION:

  • Deposit of $1,000 is due upon registration.

  • Missed session are made up at $100/hr subject to availability with Ashley Shiner.

  • Deposit is non-refundable.

  • Full payment is due by the program start date.

  • Payment plans are available. Please inquire by contacting the studio.

  • No refunds. Sale is final.

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled training day.

  • Liability waiver and registration form must be completed before training begins.

  • You must have personal liability insurance to practice teach at Pilates House.

  • Please be courteous of classes or privates going on while completing your training at Pilates House.

  • While you are completing your training you are viewed as part of the Pilates House team. You are expected to tidy up and sanitize the studio post training sessions, and aid the teacher in setup and clean up.

  • After you have completed your training, if you wish to teach at Pilates House you must apply to our mentorship program. Completion of this program does not guarantee a teaching position at Pilates House.

interested? apply here.