Comprehensive Studio Instructor Training Program Level 1: Foundation & Beginner

The Level 1 Studio Comprehensive training is an extended course, held over two long weekends. Levels 2 and 3 are each held over a single, long weekend. Level 1 introduces Pre-Pilates exercises on the equipment during the first weekend and the second weekend incorporates the traditional, beginner exercises from the classical repertoire on all studio equipment (Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, Barrels and small equipment).

Prerequisites

Min. 20 Pilates Apparatus classes and Mat Level 1

Course Price

3550€

Non-refundable Deposit: 300€

Course Description

Comprehensive Studio Instructor Training Program Level 1: Foundation & Beginner

You learn to teach simple exercises on all apparatus and to prepare students for each exercise and modify for physical constraints. You’ll pay attention to correct alignment, spotting imbalances and compensations and learning how to address what you see.

At this level, the focus is on developing core strength and stability, incorporating the Pilates principles of concentration and control. As you learn transitions, the focus shifts to working with more fluidity, using the breath to accompany movement.

Safety is highlighted throughout, and you’ll practice safe, hands-on teaching techniques to guide and assist students.

As you progress through the course, you’ll learn to choose exercises from the range of apparatus to create unique, full body workouts to meet student needs.

A theory exam confirms your understanding of exercise objectives, teaching techniques and precautions for physical constraints.

A two-day Exam Workshop Weekend a couple of months after the course is the time to put into practice everything you have learnt, including execution of the exercises, teaching a collective class and teaching a full individual private class.

Timeframe

16 weeks

Duration

56 hours including practical exam

Exams

1 Theory Exams, 3 Workshop Exams

Skill Level

Foundation & Beginner

Language

English & French

Apprentice Hours

122 hours

Group exercise class with participants sitting on mats, holding rings above their heads, engaged in a core workout inside a bright room.

Hands-On Learning Essentials

Apprentice Hours Requirements

A crucial element of the Corpus Studios education program is Apprentice Instructor Trainer Hours. This is when you will truly learn Pilates, by watching experienced instructors, by practicing your teaching, and by doing the exercises yourself.

Classes taken at Corpus Studios™ or other studios approved by Corpus Studios; or Personal Practice alone. Execution of all exercises in the manuals.

At Corpus Studios™:

  • All Mat students will be credited 10 Mat classes for each Mat Course taken (for students intending to practice at Corpus Studios in Brussels; not guaranteed for host studios). These can only be used until the date of the practical exam.
  • Each class counts for 1 hour of personal practice in your Apprentice Instructor Trainer Hours.
  • Registration for class is based on availability; priority will be given to Corpus Studios™ paying clientele.
  • Credited classes must be used for your current level of study.

Family, friends and colleagues

  • Min 5 hours teaching collective classes at your level of study.
  • 55-minute private session format classes based on the level being examined.
  • Practice Teaching can be done at Corpus Studios™ only when open to the public and by reservation, not during busy periods (18.00-21.00).
  • Instructor Trainer Students from the program can only train in Corpus Studios™ facilities at no cost when practicing with other classmates.
  • A studio fee is payable when practice teaching with own students in Corpus Studios™ facilities.

It may be done at Corpus Studios, with a Corpus Pilates former student, or in an approved Pilates center.* You may also observe the Corpus Instructor Education videos, but 80% of observation hours should be completed in live classes.

At Corpus Studios™:

  • Observe a one-hour class at the level of study.
    – With prior approval from reception and/or the instructor (max 3 students may observe, per class).
    – The instructor or receptionist must confirm your attendance on your observation sheet.
  • Mat students can observe Mat classes only, not Privates.
  • Studio Pilates students may observe group apparatus classes or private classes, very discreetly with permission of the instructor and client.
Two people doing Pilates exercises on reformer machines with guidance from an instructor.
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Track Your Progress

Delegate Portfolio Requirements

To keep track of your own education and development, students are required to prepare a Delegate Portfolio at the start of the first training course and must build and maintain it throughout the entire program.

As the Portfolio builds, it becomes your own personal handbook.

For each course, the Portfolio must include:

The completed Portfolio must be submitted to the Master Trainer for review and approval after each course, before a Certificate of Completion will be awarded.

Test Your Skills and Knowledge

Course Exams

If you are unable to attend on the date of the exam, alternatives are available:

All written Theory exams are scheduled on a specific date.

  • 80% required to pass
  • Unsuccessful: retake as an oral exam with a Master Trainer, at your own cost (equivalent to 1 x private lesson)

Some courses require completion of an open-book, written exam – to be completed at home, over several weeks. This approach encourages research and self-study and the completed exam booklet serves as a useful reference guide for teachers.

  • 80% required to pass
  • Unsuccessful: retake at own cost

An in-depth practical exam must be taken for each course level. It is a valuable opportunity for clarification and discussion, for personal feedback and to learn from fellow students, as well as from the Master Trainer.

The practical exam assesses your ability to:

  • Execute the exercises – modifying appropriately if needed
  • Teach a collective and private class

Depending on the course and level, the practical exam is spread over 2 days or 1 full day.

  • 80% required to pass
  • Unsuccessful: retake at own cost
  • All students are required to register for exams on our online booking system (min 2 weeks in advance).
  • A fee is payable for each practical exam or each re-sit of a written exam.
  • The fee must be paid in advance of the exam.
  • All exams for a course level must be completed successfully.
  • All Apprentice Hours must be completed successfully before progressing to the next level.
  • In addition to successful exams and apprentice hours, a completed portfolio must be submitted before a Corpus Pilates™ Certificate of Completion or Diploma will be awarded.
Person holding a notebook and pencil, with pages open showing text and diagrams, in a sitting position indoors.

Success Stories

From Students to Instructors

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Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

All statements of completion and diplomas are valid for 2 years from date of last exam and will be reissued upon proof of continuing education or an update course with Corpus Pilates.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our instructor education and expect our teachers to keep up-to-date. There is no requirement for Corpus Pilates Teachers to repeat the training every 2 years, but they must continue to educate themselves to stay at the top. Teachers must complete a minimum of 10 hours Continuing Education Credits (CEC) within 2 years after they receive their Certificate of Completion or diploma. This can be done through workshops or specific updates at Corpus Studios (minimum 50% of the 10 hours) and hours of proven self-study (e.g. a Pilates workshop or specialization in the Pilates field somewhere else).

You may stop at any time you wish and pick up the next year or year after.

You will be required to pay to retake on another day and will have one month to prepare.

You are required to retake the exam at your own expense, no later then 1 month from last exam and will not be accepted into any further course until the exam is completed and passed.

You will receive an Certificate of Completion for each course at each level, after your exams are passed and your apprentice hours are received and accepted.

Upon successful completion of the Mat Level 3 course

There is a one-time cost paid to Corpus Studios to register you. Thereafter, annual membership renewal and payment is handled directly with EREPS.

When you have completed all 3 levels of the Comprehensive Studio course. After the Comprehensive Mat course you are a Pilates Mat instructor, but not a full diploma-qualified Pilates Studio Instructor.

You may teach after you have passed your first exams at the first level and all apprentice hours are received and accepted.

You are required to be present and participate 100% of the time. If you cannot be at the course for any reason, it is up to you to make arrangements with the trainer to make up the hours at your expense. If it is a travelling trainer this could be difficult, so try to prepare yourself physically and mentally before the course.

Corpus Studios is a recognized Instructor Education Center and its education program and certification is recognized by EREPS (European Register of Exercise Professionals) and EuropeActive. With these approvals, your Corpus Certification will permit you to teach Pilates anywhere in the European Union, and it will give you credit in other countries. Corpus Studios offers both a repertoire in Classical “Traditional” and Contemporary Pilates with a very strong approach to teaching and programming for the individual or for class needs. You will learn about remedial and regular approaches designed to make you an intelligent and thoughtful instructor.

When at a Corpus Studio you can work out individually or with fellow students during any non-peak hours. If you are at another facility you will need to discuss this with the owner or management.

It is advisable to participate, the course is directed towards teaching movement and is very useful even for an experienced physiotherapist. You will have to sit and pass the exam and purchase the required manual.

Two private classes offer students the opportunity to experience what it is like to be taught a session format by an experienced instructor. It is a chance for correction and to better understand the power of a private session. Two sessions are needed for both the student and the instructor to go deeper, to give feedback and for homework. A second class will review how the information was integrated. They are invaluable classes for the student to appreciate the strength and depth that is possible through a one-on-one session.