This class prepares you to teach a broad range of exercises, variations and modifications performed on the Reformer – the key piece of resistance equipment used in pilates exercise. This course teaches you how to combine Mat- and Reformer-based workouts for increased variety and intensity. Upon completion of this course you are able to further motivate group classes and customize personal training sessions for a range of clients. In addition to the general course objectives you learn:
- Effective use of resistance to enhance torso stability and peripheral extremity conditioning
- How to develop effective Reformer and combined Mat-and-Reformer programs for personal and group classes
- Essential, intermediate and power workouts
- Effective communication, visual skills verbal cuing and imagery for performance enhancement and client motivation
Prerequisites: Anatomy, prior pilates experience, and 3+ years teaching movement or fitness.
Course Duration: 50 hours instruction and supervised teaching, plus minimum, 10 hours observation, 40 hours physical review, 25 hours practice teaching. Conducted over three weeks or four weekends.
CECs : 5.0 ACE
This course is intended for those already working in the fields of fitness or movement, as well as those who are unable to devote the time required in our Comprehensive Program due to work and/or scheduling issues. Conducted over 13 days. Building on your industry knowledge it teaches you to design and lead the Level 1 Essential and Intermediate STOTT PILATES Matwork repertoire, for personal or group training settings for a range of clients. You will leave with a solid foundation and required skills to develop effective and motivating Pilates Matwork programs. This course is held via Zoom.
- The STOTT PILATES Five Basic Principles
-Essential, Intermediate, Power workouts
- Flex-Band, Fitness Circle and Arc Barrel variations
- Effective communication and observational skills
- Verbal cueing and imagery for performance enhancement and client motivation
- Theory and practice of postural analysis
- 63 exercises plus modifications for specific body types, postural issues and conditions
- How to incorporate resistance equipment to support and intensify exercises
- Exercise layering related to effective program design
- Workout composition for personal and group training
Requirements of certification- 40 hours of instruction and supervised teaching
- Minimum of 10 hours of observation
- Minimum of 30 hours of physical review
- Minimum of 15 hours of practice teaching
- Total: 95 hours
The STOTT PILATES® Injuries & Special Populations (ISP) course equips you with the skills required to address a broad range of physical challenges among your clients. It is important to note that this course will NOT prepare students to diagnose or treat any specific injuries or conditions or prescribe exercises for these populations without consultation with an appropriate health practitioner (i.e. Physical Therapist, Physiotherapist or similarly recognized health care professional).
Completion of ISP is required for full STOTT PILATES certification.
General course objectives
- Discuss the Pilates instructor’s role in the rehabilitative process
- Examine the industry standards for screening clients and learn how to begin a Pilates program to safely and appropriately work with special populations
- Discuss the three-level muscle classification system
- Develop and be able to apply a rehabilitative approach based on current models of joint stability
- Examine optimal and dysfunctional biomechanical patterns in various regions of the body
- Review the most common injuries and special populations that may be encountered
- Review appropriate exercise progressions for those injuries and special populations
- Practice programming for specific injuries and special populations
NEW 2 day Professional Development Course. This lecture and practical session, developed by the Merrithew team, explores the anatomy and biomechanics of a healthy, functioning shoulder girdle region, and then applies these fundamentals to optimize its function. The theory-based component of this session reviews the musculoskeletal components, the integrated model of joint function and the sensorimotor implications within the context of the shoulder girdle region. Participants will learn how to apply the STOTT PILATES Principles to a variety of exercises and use them as an assessment tool to develop effective programming options. Modifications and variations are presented using a number of small props and tailored to individual scenarios.
Learning objectives
- Learn STOTT PILATES exercises relevant to optimizing function of the shoulder girdle region.
- Discover exercise goals, muscular initiation and movement sequencing to maximize outcomes.
- Gain effective communication, verbal cues and imagery for performance enhancement and corrective strategies.
- Understand the integrated model of joint stability and functional muscle classification system within the context of the shoulder girdle region.
- Review the functional anatomy of the shoulder girdle region.
- Learn how to apply STOTT PILATES Principles as an assessment and develop more effective exercise programs.
30 hours for 3.0 CECs
Mondays and Thursdays via Zoom
The classroom-style presentation utilizes visual aids and hands-on techniques providing students with a thorough review of anatomy basics which can be applied to all repertoire, as well as functional activities and movement.
Whether you’re preparing for certification or looking to enhance your current practice, this course is designed to strengthen your knowledge and support your growth as a student or professional.
The STOTT PILATES Anatomy & Exercise Fundamentals course gives you the tools to:
- Understand the connections between anatomy, fascia, biomechanics and movement
- Apply anatomy in real-world programming using case studies and small group learning
- Learn to design safe, effective programs that adapt to individual needs and group settings. Integrating STOTT PILATES Principles with modern movement science Functional anatomy is the foundation of every great instructor. This course ensures you not only learn the material but apply it with confidence and purpose.
Course Highlights
- Expanded content on fascia, motor control, and load management.
- A dynamic learning approach using case studies and problem-based learning (PBL) to connect theory to practice.
- Comprehensive student workbook with visuals, activities, and supplementary resources — included in digital format, with an optional printed copy available for purchase.
- Flexible delivery — available in person at Training Centers or online.
- Strongly recommended as a prerequisite for STOTT PILATES Intensive Reformer and Intensive Matwork Certification
Required text:
- NEW Anatomy & Exercise Fundamentals for Movement Professionals Manual-purchase through Bodycenter Studios