Pilates Teacher Training
Here are the top reasons to pursue a Pilates certification through industry leader Balanced Body:
Comprehensive Curriculum – From anatomy intros to apparatus routines to teaching labs, Balanced Body’s 500+ training hours deliver expertise spanning Pilates foundations unanimously.
Gold-Standard Credibility & Employability – As the first nationally accredited Pilates teacher program, Balanced Body certifications are universally endorsed at top studios and gyms.
Pilates Lineage – Founded by a first-generation Pilates Master, programs preserve traditional principled foundations while leading evolving industry advancements.
Cutting-Edge Continuing Education – Annual workshops and summits offer graduates skill refreshers in applying science/research to cement excellence.
Unparalleled Teacher Support – Mentorship networks, business accelerators, and peer groups reinforce confidence.
Flexibility and Diversity – Self-paced online options suit working schedules. Various niche certificates diversify specialties.
Balanced Body faculty and alumni have shaped Pilates instruction excellence for decades through nuanced movements grounded in human biomechanics. Completing their esteemed certification signals distinct mastery.
Through the Balanced Body Pilates certification program. You will learn the classical Pilates work and how to program Q, give hands-on corrections, and adapt the classical exercises to the person in front of you.
You will be taught how to modify exercises for people who are not quite ready for the full version of the exercise and given variation options to make the work more challenging for those who are ready for that.
Although it is recommended to start with movement principles, it is just fine to start with mat one or reformer one instead. You must take mat one before mat two and three and reformer one before reformer two and three.
You can take movement principles and anatomy at any time before the test out.
In addition to the modules, you must complete personal practice, observation, and student teaching hours. These hours are outside coursework that are expected to be done independently on your own. However, if you join the mentor program at our ALIGN Pilates Studios, you will be guided through these hours and supported through the mentor program, which will help you stay on track and complete your hours in a more timely manner.
Once you complete the Balanced Body Pilates certification program, you will be a sought-after certified Pilates instructor, making you highly desirable to teach at studios in Austin, anywhere in the country, and the world.
You can choose to get certified as a Balanced Body Mat Pilates instructor, a reformer Pilates instructor, a Mat and reformer Pilates instructor, or a fully comprehensive lease certified Pilates instructor.
Each module costs around $550. You can receive a discount if you go through our Pilates Teacher Training program and register 30 days before the start of the module. This discount is $50 per module.
In order to become fully comprehensively certified, you must complete movement principles nine module courses, including all of the Mat, reformer, and apparatus modules and the anatomy course. At roughly $550 per module, you can expect to spend around $6,500 for the module work if you do not register early. If you register early, you can expect a discount of around $600 in total if you register early for all of the modules.
If you complete your certification program while juggling another full-time job, you can expect the entire certification process to take around two years. If you are part of our mentor program and are not juggling a full-time job, and you can commit to teaching in our Pilates Teacher Training Center as much as possible, we have seen people complete their certification in one year. There is no time limit to complete your hours and test out. So you can move as quickly as possible through your modules and independent work, or take as much time as you need.
If you are part of our mentor program, you can utilize our ALIGN east studio location, our Teacher Training Center, to fulfill your hours within the peer group and possibly have the chance to become an employee at our Teacher Training Center, where you have the opportunity to teach privates in classes and get paid while you are fulfilling your hours.
If you are not part of our mentor program, you will ask your friends, your family, and anyone you know to let them teach you so that you can fulfill your student teaching hours. Anytime you take a Pilates class anywhere, either online, within a studio, or on your own, you can count those towards your personal practice hours. You must also fulfill observation hours, so you will reach out to studios around town to see if you can come to observe or watch classes online to meet these hours. Often studios outside our Teacher Training Center will require you to pay a rental fee to use their studio equipment to fulfill your student teaching hours.
Depending on your market and where you live, this will vary. If you were in the Austin area, you could expect to get paid anywhere from $30 to $70 per session, depending on the type of session you are teaching and your skill set.
As you gain more experience, you can expect the base pay to increase accordingly. For example, Pilates teachers who have been teaching for around 10 years can expect to make a $50 base pay per session plus class attendee bonuses, making your pay for classes potentially up to $85 per class.
If you are certified through another Pilates certification program, you can apply for the bridge program program to become Balanced Body Pilates certified. Balanced Body will review the certification program you went through and determine which modules you will need to take Balanced Body to test out and then become a Balanced Body Pilates certified instructor.
Once you’ve completed all of your modules and the required personal practice, student teaching, and observation hours, you will submit a test-out application to a balanced body. If you have taken most of your modules with one master educator, you will likely test out with that educator. If you are taking your modules at ALIGN with Brooke Bowersock, you can expect to have conversations with her regularly to help you make a test-out plan and test-out date goal.
Once approved for test out, you will schedule your test with your master educator.
During the test, you will take a written exam that usually takes a little over an hour. This written test is based on your manuals, the PowerPoint accompanying each module, the videos accompanying your manuals, the test for each module, etc.
In addition to the written test, you will also perform a practical exam. This practical exam will be one hour and will be based on the path that you have chosen. For example, if you are becoming a mat Pilates instructor. Your practical test will include movement, principles of anatomy, Mat exercises, and so on, depending on which path you choose for certification.
You will be given a list of exercises one week before your test out exam. You will be required to put these in an order that you feel represents your teaching style and the person you will teach during your practical exam. You can practice the entire week with the person you will be bringing in to test during your practical exam. This person may not be a Pilates instructor or anyone in the Pilates certification program. You’ll be expected to modify the exercises for the person in front of you and teach all of the exercises on the list based on their injuries and needs.
On the test day, you will introduce your master educator to your student. You will let the master educator know about their goals and their injuries. The master educator will then give you 2 to 3 additional exercises you must throw in on the spot when you see they fit into your program. You will not be able to use notes, and you must teach your practical exam from memory.
If you do not pass your written or practical, you must retake that particular portion.
Yes! At ALIGN, we offer online-only intensive for Balanced Body Mat Pilates teachers, training certification, and Reform Pilates teacher training certification. You can also take movement principles and anatomy online as well.
At ALIGN Pilates Studios, These modules are taught only to online participants, allowing us to connect with each person online and give you the support and guidance you need to become a certified Pilates instructor through our online learning options.
All our online Pilates teacher training certification modules must be joined online live.
You must be present, have your camera on, and participate during the entire module. Everyone taking our online modules is only taking online, and people join us for these online Pilates certification modules worldwide. The fact that we teach these only online live allows us to display our participants in a large format, which makes the experience very similar to in-person modules.
You can expect to connect to everyone online in the training program and form friendships you will carry on in your Pilates teacher training journey. You also have the opportunity to join our online mentor program, which will help you stay on track to fulfill the required personal practice, student teaching, and observation hours necessary to apply to test out.
Our mission is to guide and support our online learners just as we do with our in-person learners. Separating the two learning methods has proven to be a very effective way to learn all the necessary skills to become an excellent Pilates instructor, whether you choose our online option or in person.
Jump Class
This Pilates reformer class will add in the Pilates jumpboard to bring in a cardio Pilates feel.
In this class, expect to sweat, to be pushed, and to get your heart pumping. You will leave feeling like you worked your entire body. Not appropriate for those with injuries.
Burn Class
Are you a seasoned Pilates pro looking for a challenge? Look no further than our BURN Pilates reformer classes! Our BURN class at ALIGN Pilates Studios is perfect for those without injuries and will give you an intense workout that will make you sweat.
You’ll learn advanced Pilates techniques and functional movement patterns, such as squats, lunges, and planks.
Our Pilates reformer will add an extra challenge to these exercises, taking your workout to the next level. We’ll also use props like weights, magic circles, and bands to intensify the experience.
In just 50 minutes, you’ll feel energized and unstoppable. Please note that this class is challenging and recommended for those with some experience. If you’re new to Pilates or have injuries, we suggest trying a different signature class such as ALIGN, FLOW, or RESTORE first.
Equipment Class
At ALIGN Pilates Studios East, all classes are categorized as general “Pilates Equipment Classes” unless specified otherwise on our schedule.
Our classes are designed for intermediate-level students and take place in a fully equipped studio with enough reformers, chairs, and towers for each participant. This provides a wide range of exercises and endless opportunities for variations and challenges during the class. In addition, our instructors offer modifications for beginners and advanced variations for those who want to take the class to the next level.
Pilates Classes
If you are new to Pilates our Beginner-level classes are perfect for you!
In this class, you will learn the fundamentals at a slower pace, which will enable you to succeed in our general Pilates equipment classes by teaching you proper form, equipment setup, and more.
This Pilates reformer class incorporates the Pilates jumpboard to add a cardio element to your workout.
Be prepared to sweat and be challenged as you work your entire body and get your heart pumping.
Please note that this class is not suitable for individuals with injuries.
At ALIGN Pilates Studios East, all classes are categorized as general “Pilates Equipment Classes” unless specified otherwise on our schedule.
Our classes are designed for intermediate-level students and take place in a fully equipped studio with enough reformers, chairs, and towers for each participant. This provides a wide range of exercises and endless opportunities for variations and challenges during the class. In addition, our instructors offer modifications for beginners and advanced variations for those who want to take the class to the next level.
Our RESTORE Pilates class is designed to help you stretch and mobilize your body through Pilates reformer exercises.
Whether you’re a beginner or a Pilates enthusiast, this class is perfect for you. It’s also ideal for those who want to balance out their bodies from other sports and activities.
This class (formerly called ALIGN) is a perfect Pilates experience for everyone, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Our CONNECT reformer classes are tailored to suit all skill levels whether you are new to Pilates or a Pilates pro.
CONNECT classes are designed to help you improve your posture, technique, and core strength while using the Konnector® straps, a unique single-rope pulley system that enhances your Pilates experience to a level unlike any other studio in town.
Our CONNECT classes are a full-body workout that provides continuous proprioceptive feedback and stronger core activation. We focus on functional movements, balance, and symmetry to ensure you get a great workout and improve your daily life outside of the studio as well.
This Pilates reformer class will add in the Pilates jumpboard to bring in a cardio Pilates feel.
In this class, expect to sweat, to be pushed, and to get your heart pumping. You will leave feeling like you worked your entire body. Not appropriate for those with injuries.
The FLOW class is our signature Pilates class. It is the heart of our West Austin Pilates Studio. In this Pilates reformer class, you will move the entire time and “flow” from one move to the next.
Several times throughout the class you will feel as though you are right at the edge of your limits. We will safely and gently push you just a little further so that you can learn what you are capable of and start to see the changes that you are looking for both mentally and physically.
This class is taught at a strong intermediate level, but our expert instructors will give modifications as well as extra challenge options for those who need them.
This class is appropriate for all fitness levels (including soon-to-be momma’s). If you are recovering from injuries, we recommend that you chat with us first to make sure it is the right fit.
Are you a seasoned Pilates pro looking for a challenge? Look no further than our BURN Pilates reformer classes! Our BURN class at ALIGN Pilates Studios is perfect for those without injuries and will give you an intense workout that will make you sweat.
You’ll learn advanced Pilates techniques and functional movement patterns, such as squats, lunges, and planks.
Our Pilates reformer will add an extra challenge to these exercises, taking your workout to the next level. We’ll also use props like weights, magic circles, and bands to intensify the experience.
In just 50 minutes, you’ll feel energized and unstoppable. Please note that this class is challenging and recommended for those with some experience. If you’re new to Pilates or have injuries, we suggest trying a different signature class such as ALIGN, FLOW, or RESTORE first.
Connect
This class (formerly called ALIGN) is a perfect Pilates experience for everyone, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Our CONNECT reformer classes are tailored to suit all skill levels whether you are new to Pilates or a Pilates pro.
CONNECT classes are designed to help you improve your posture, technique, and core strength while using the Konnector® straps, a unique single-rope pulley system that enhances your Pilates experience to a level unlike any other studio in town.
Our CONNECT classes are a full-body workout that provides continuous proprioceptive feedback and stronger core activation. We focus on functional movements, balance, and symmetry to ensure you get a great workout and improve your daily life outside of the studio as well.
Flow Class
The FLOW class is our signature Pilates class. It is the heart of our West Austin Pilates Studio. In this Pilates reformer class, you will move the entire time and “flow” from one move to the next.
Several times throughout the class you will feel as though you are right at the edge of your limits. We will safely and gently push you just a little further so that you can learn what you are capable of and start to see the changes that you are looking for both mentally and physically.
This class is taught at a strong intermediate level, but our expert instructors will give modifications as well as extra challenge options for those who need them.
This class is appropriate for all fitness levels (including soon-to-be momma’s). If you are recovering from injuries, we recommend that you chat with us first to make sure it is the right fit.
Restore Class
Our RESTORE Pilates class is designed to help you stretch and mobilize your body through Pilates reformer exercises.
Whether you’re a beginner or a Pilates enthusiast, this class is perfect for you. It’s also ideal for those who want to balance out their bodies from other sports and activities.
Jumpboard Class
This Pilates reformer class incorporates the Pilates jumpboard to add a cardio element to your workout.
Be prepared to sweat and be challenged as you work your entire body and get your heart pumping.
Please note that this class is not suitable for individuals with injuries.
Beginner Equipment Class
If you are new to Pilates our Beginner-level classes are perfect for you!
In this class, you will learn the fundamentals at a slower pace, which will enable you to succeed in our general Pilates equipment classes by teaching you proper form, equipment setup, and more.
Mentor Program
If you are part of our mentor program, you can utilize our ALIGN east studio location, our Teacher Training Center, to fulfill your hours within the peer group and possibly have the chance to become an employee at our Teacher Training Center, where you have the opportunity to teach privates in classes and get paid while you are fulfilling your hours.
If you are not part of our mentor program, you will ask your friends, your family, and anyone you know to let them teach you so that you can fulfill your student teaching hours. Anytime you take a Pilates class anywhere, either online, within a studio, or on your own, you can count those towards your personal practice hours. You must also fulfill observation hours, so you will reach out to studios around town to see if you can come to observe or watch classes online to meet these hours. Often studios outside our Teacher Training Center will require you to pay a rental fee to use their studio equipment to fulfill your student teaching hours.
Our ALIGN East, Pilates studio is a dedicated Teacher Training Center. One of the only dedicated Teacher Training centers in the United States. At this studio, we offer students going through through our program the opportunity to become employees at the studio and get paid while you are teaching your practice teaching hours. This is somewhat unheard of as you typically have to rent space from a studio to teach sessions for free to your practice students at our Teacher Training Center.
At ALIGN Pilates Studios East we also offer a very unique mentor program to accompany you during your certification process. This mentor program is optional, but you can take classes from our principal educator three times a week, which all count towards your personal practice hours.
You will also have the opportunity to utilize our Pilates Teacher Training Center for open studio hours where you can come in and practice on your own or practice teaching within the peer group of our mentor program. We also have multiple times-a-week sessions where you practice teaching, and Brooke gives you feedback on your teaching.
This unique opportunity to teach at our Teacher Training Center makes you an excellent instructor while you are fulfilling your required hours for certification. People who go through this mentor program come out of their certification miles ahead of those who do not take advantage of this opportunity. Brooke is there to support you as much as you would like along the way. Ultimately, it’s up to you to put what you want into the program while you are going through your certification process. We make this Teacher Training Center a safe place for you to gain confidence, get support, and become an excellent instructor.
All our online Pilates teacher training certification modules must be joined online live.
You must be present, have your camera on, and participate during the entire module. Everyone taking our online modules is only taking online, and people join us for these online Pilates certification modules worldwide. The fact that we teach these only online live allows us to display our participants in a large format, which makes the experience very similar to in-person modules.
You can expect to connect to everyone online in the training program and form friendships you will carry on in your Pilates teacher training journey. You also have the opportunity to join our online mentor program, which will help you stay on track to fulfill the required personal practice, student teaching, and observation hours necessary to apply to test out.
Our mission is to guide and support our online learners just as we do with our in-person learners. Separating the two learning methods has proven to be a very effective way to learn all the necessary skills to become an excellent Pilates instructor, whether you choose our online option or in person.
Teacher Training Center
Our ALIGN East, Pilates studio is a dedicated Teacher Training Center. One of the only dedicated Teacher Training centers in the United States. At this studio, we offer students going through through our program the opportunity to become employees at the studio and get paid while you are teaching your practice teaching hours. This is somewhat unheard of as you typically have to rent space from a studio to teach sessions for free to your practice students at our Teacher Training Center.
At ALIGN Pilates Studios East we also offer a very unique mentor program to accompany you during your certification process. This mentor program is optional, but you can take classes from our principal educator three times a week, which all count towards your personal practice hours.
You will also have the opportunity to utilize our Pilates Teacher Training Center for open studio hours where you can come in and practice on your own or practice teaching within the peer group of our mentor program. We also have multiple times-a-week sessions where you practice teaching, and Brooke gives you feedback on your teaching.
This unique opportunity to teach at our Teacher Training Center makes you an excellent instructor while you are fulfilling your required hours for certification. People who go through this mentor program come out of their certification miles ahead of those who do not take advantage of this opportunity. Brooke is there to support you as much as you would like along the way. Ultimately, it’s up to you to put what you want into the program while you are going through your certification process. We make this Teacher Training Center a safe place for you to gain confidence, get support, and become an excellent instructor.
Movement Principles
Movement principles are the foundation of everything that we teach in Pilates. In this module, you will learn pre-Pilates exercises essential to understanding the Pilates exercises. You will also gain a basic understanding of anatomy, why we do what we do, and why these pre-Pilates exercises and movement principles are essential to everything you teach in every session.
In addition to movement principles, you are required to take an anatomy course. Balanced Body offers anatomy for movement professionals and in 3-D as options for the anatomy module. If you have taken anatomy in college or through another certification such as yoga, etc., these count towards your anatomy requirement. You must submit your transcript or course description to Balanced Body to be approved to skip the Balanced Body Anatomy module.
Balanced Body
If you are certified through another Pilates certification program, you can apply for the bridge program program to become Balanced Body Pilates certified. Balanced Body will review the certification program you went through and determine which modules you will need to take Balanced Body to test out and then become a Balanced Body Pilates certified instructor.
Yes! At ALIGN, we offer online-only intensive for Balanced Body Mat Pilates teachers, training certification, and Reform Pilates teacher training certification. You can also take movement principles and anatomy online as well.
At ALIGN Pilates Studios, These modules are taught only to online participants, allowing us to connect with each person online and give you the support and guidance you need to become a certified Pilates instructor through our online learning options.
All our online Pilates teacher training certification modules must be joined online live.
You must be present, have your camera on, and participate during the entire module. Everyone taking our online modules is only taking online, and people join us for these online Pilates certification modules worldwide. The fact that we teach these only online live allows us to display our participants in a large format, which makes the experience very similar to in-person modules.
You can expect to connect to everyone online in the training program and form friendships you will carry on in your Pilates teacher training journey. You also have the opportunity to join our online mentor program, which will help you stay on track to fulfill the required personal practice, student teaching, and observation hours necessary to apply to test out.
Our mission is to guide and support our online learners just as we do with our in-person learners. Separating the two learning methods has proven to be a very effective way to learn all the necessary skills to become an excellent Pilates instructor, whether you choose our online option or in person.
Test Out
Once you’ve completed all of your modules and the required personal practice, student teaching, and observation hours, you will submit a test-out application to a balanced body. If you have taken most of your modules with one master educator, you will likely test out with that educator. If you are taking your modules at ALIGN with Brooke Bowersock, you can expect to have conversations with her regularly to help you make a test-out plan and test-out date goal.
Once approved for test out, you will schedule your test with your master educator.
During the test, you will take a written exam that usually takes a little over an hour. This written test is based on your manuals, the PowerPoint accompanying each module, the videos accompanying your manuals, the test for each module, etc.
In addition to the written test, you will also perform a practical exam. This practical exam will be one hour and will be based on the path that you have chosen. For example, if you are becoming a mat Pilates instructor. Your practical test will include movement, principles of anatomy, Mat exercises, and so on, depending on which path you choose for certification.
You will be given a list of exercises one week before your test out exam. You will be required to put these in an order that you feel represents your teaching style and the person you will teach during your practical exam. You can practice the entire week with the person you will be bringing in to test during your practical exam. This person may not be a Pilates instructor or anyone in the Pilates certification program. You’ll be expected to modify the exercises for the person in front of you and teach all of the exercises on the list based on their injuries and needs.
On the test day, you will introduce your master educator to your student. You will let the master educator know about their goals and their injuries. The master educator will then give you 2 to 3 additional exercises you must throw in on the spot when you see they fit into your program. You will not be able to use notes, and you must teach your practical exam from memory.
If you do not pass your written or practical, you must retake that particular portion.