March 4–9 at Pilates Fit Studio, Pewee Valley
Course Fees
-
Studio Fee: $300
-
Non-refundable
-
Required to reserve your spot
-
-
Course Tuition: $1,050
-
Paid directly to the Master Instructor on the first day of the course
-
Tuition does not include the studio fee
-
Course Description
The Gyrotonic Level 1 Pre-Training Course is the essential first step in the Gyrotonic Teacher Training Program. This 6-day course provides a strong foundational understanding of the Level 1, Progression I exercises and prepares students physically and mentally for the Gyrotonic Level 1 Foundation Course.
Students will work through the official Pre-Training exercise list, developing confidence, precision, and a personal connection to the Gyrotonic method.
Prerequisites
Participants must:
-
Be experienced Gyrotonic students with a basic understanding of Level 1, Progression I exercises
-
Have completed a minimum of 10 Gyrotonic sessions with a Licensed Gyrotonic Trainer before enrollment
Purpose of the Course
This course is designed to help students:
-
Build a strong foundation in Level 1 material
-
Deepen their personal understanding of Gyrotonic movement principles
-
Prepare physically for the demands of the Foundation Course
Successful completion of this course is required before advancing in the Gyrotonic Teacher Training Program.
Upon Successful Completion
Students who complete the Pre-Training may proceed to the Gyrotonic Level 1 Foundation Course.
Important Timeline:
-
The Foundation Course must be taken within 3 months of Pre-Training.
-
Students needing more time will require an official extension.
Upcoming Foundation Course
We are excited to host the
Gyrotonic Level 1
Foundation Course in June 2026 with Master Instructor Rich O’Connor.
Students completing the March Pre-Training will be eligible to
enroll.
OVERVIEW
The Educator’s ROI Weekend is a
3-day intensive with 23
hours of education designed for the next generation of
Pilates teachers and studio owners. ROI means Return on Investment—and this
weekend is built to be a direct return on the time, energy, and
money you invest in your craft. Inspired by Joseph Pilates’
Return to Life, this is
not just another continuing education weekend—it’s an immersive,
skills-and-strategy experience packed with learning and
immediate
implementation so you leave with tools you can use with
clients on Monday.
Flexible payment options
available (3 plans).
PRESENTERS
Nicole Smith —
Headlining Educator, MetroPlex Pilates & Romana’s Pilates
International; Owner, Core Love Culture
Erica Walters — Owner, Pilates Fit Studio; Lead
Teacher Trainer (Real Pilates®), GYROTONIC®
Method Teacher.
Kristen Davis — Co-Owner, Pilates Lab St. Louis;
Lead Teacher Trainer (Real Pilates®)
Juan Estrada — Lead Teacher Trainer (Real
Pilates®) Certified, Romana’s Pilates International & Power
Pilates
SCHEDULE
Friday
8:00 AM — Kickoff Mat Class: Kathy Grant’s Before the 100
(Kristen)
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM — Making Space in the Pilates Studio:
Programming for Size Inclusivity
(Kristen)
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM — The Chair Family Tree: From Arm Chair to
Ped-O-Pul (Juan)
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM — Progressive Overload for Spine & Bone
Health (Erica)
Saturday
7:00 AM — Mat Class (Instructor
TBD)
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM — Boxes of the Body
(Nicole)
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Branding for Pilates Professionals: Standing
Out in a Saturated Market + Studio Automation Strategies
(Erica)
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM — When Things Go Haywire: Teaching Strategies for the Unexpected (Kristen)
Saturday Bonuses!
-
45-minute Lunch & Learn for Studio Owners with Marylee Bussy
-
12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM — Private Lessons (Nicole & Kristen)
Semi-Private Session (Juan) -
6:00 PM — Socialize, Sip, and Eat at
Malone’s (private room)
Hosted by Pilates Fit Studio (and covered by Erica)
Sunday
8:00 AM — Mat Class with
Nicole
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Working from the Pelvis
(Nicole)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM — The Men’s Method: Mobility → Power →
Performance (Juan)
3 CECs
How to teach Arm Chair, Wunda Chair, Electric Chair + Ped-O-Pul with purpose and progression.
Workshop Description
The Arm Chair, Wunda Chair, and Electric Chair are a powerful
family of Pilates apparatus that help clients build strength with
precision and control. The Ped-O-Pul is the big sister of the Arm
Chair and becomes a next-level tool for posture, alignment, and
standing organization. In this 90-minute workshop, Juan will teach
you how to use each piece with purpose, how to choose the right
chair for the right body, and how to progress clients from
supported work into standing strength and balance.
You will learn why the Arm Chair should never be underestimated, even with lighter springs, and how to use it for beginner programming, older clientele, neck injuries, and clients building abdominal strength without head and neck strain. You will also learn how to program strength and control on the Wunda Chair for intermediate to advanced clients, how to use the Electric Chair to find muscles fast and build lower body power with precise alignment feedback, and how to integrate it all on the Ped-O-Pul for deep core engagement, postural correction, spinal decompression, and balance.
Objectives
-
Teach chair-based programming using a clear progression system from beginner through advanced clients
-
Choose the right apparatus for the client in front of you based on needs, limitations, and goals
-
Coach strength safely through spring resistance while improving posture, stability, and alignment
-
Progress supported strength work into standing integration with confidence and clarity
What You’ll Learn
-
How to use the Arm Chair to build upper body strength, stabilize the shoulder girdle, refine posture, improve alignment, and develop abdominal strength without neck strain
-
How to teach the Wunda Chair to build deep core strength, balance, functional fitness, and full-body control through targeted strengthening and lengthening
-
How to use the Electric Chair to build quad and glute strength, functional leg power, stability, and cleaner alignment with precise feedback
-
How to teach the Ped-O-Pul as a standing progression tool for center, organization, shoulder stability, breath control, posture, spinal decompression, and balance
What You’ll Walk Away With
-
A repeatable chair progression template you can use immediately in privates, semi-privates, and small groups
-
Actionable sequencing strategies that move clients from supported to standing work in a logical way
-
Practical modifications for beginners, older clientele, neck concerns, athletes, and strength-focused clients
-
Cueing strategies that create better alignment, better control, and faster client results
The Better Back® is an advanced continuing education workshop for certified Pilates teachers who want clear, evidence-informed strategies for safely programming Classical Pilates for clients with osteoporosis, osteopenia, disc degeneration, and bone spurs.
This workshop centers on progressive overload and how to apply it within the Classical Pilates system with confidence and integrity. Learn how to recognize contraindications, modify the repertoire by apparatus, and build smart progressions using springs, body weight, and functional strength patterns.
Rather than focusing on choreography, this training emphasizes programming systems and teaching strategy. You will leave with repeatable tools you can use immediately in private sessions and group classes to support posture, strength, balance, and long-term functional independence.
Learning
Objectives
- Explain key bone health considerations related to osteoporosis
and spinal degeneration
- Identify and apply contraindications within the Classical Pilates
repertoire
- Design bone-safe sessions using progressive overload
principles
- Use apparatus-based modifications to protect the spine while
building strength
- Apply sequencing strategies to improve stability, stamina, and
mobility
- Teach functional strength patterns that support fall prevention
and daily movement
Instructor: Erica
Walters
Pilates Fit Studio Owner, Exercise Scientist, Level 3 Classical
Pilates Instructor, Lead Instructor Trainer Real Pilates®,
Certified GYROTONIC®
Method Teacher, Creator of The Better Back®