Pilates Mat Teacher Training

Contemporary Style Classical Values

Pilates Mat Teacher Training with Erika Ferguson

This training is a structured, in-depth introduction to becoming a Pilates Mat instructor. The focus is on learning the Classical Mat series as Joseph Pilates developed it, while also exploring select contemporary variations and applications. Props such as the magic circle, hand weights, and the small barrel will be introduced to expand your teaching options.

Erika Ferguson, a 3rd Generation Classical Pilates Teacher with lineage to both Jay Grimes and Romana Krysanowska. In addition to these lineages, she has a over 19 years of teaching experience, leads this course. She brings both Classical lineage and a contemporary teaching perspective, preparing you to teach with skill, confidence, and authenticity.

Who This Training Is For

• No previous Pilates experience is required, but participants should be ready to commit to disciplined self-practice.

• If you are new to Pilates, you must understand this program demands significant personal practice outside of training weekends. Your success depends on your willingness to consistently work through the Classical Mat series on your own.

• If you already have a Pilates background, this course will deepen your understanding of the Classical work while refining your teaching skills.

Training Structure & Commitment

Total Hours: 175

• 75 in-class hours across 5 weekends

• 30 hours self-practice (documented personal training sessions)

• 30 hours observation (watching and reflecting on classes)

• 40 hours practice teaching

Additional Requirements

• 3 private sessions with Erika (scheduled outside training weekends)

• Attendance in regular mat classes with Erika (virtual classes available, discounted rates provided)

• Homework assignments between weekends

• Documented observation and practice teaching hours

• Final written exam and practical teaching evaluation

Note: Missed time must be made up at the student’s cost through private instruction.

What you’ll learn

• The History of Pilates and the Classical Mat Pilates series as created by Joseph Pilates, sometimes referred to as “real Pilates” or Contrology

• Pre-Pilates fundamentals for beginners

• Principles of Pilates and how they apply across exercises

• Anatomy relevant to Pilates movement and safe teaching

• How to use props in a Classical framework and how to add a contemporary flare to exercises using props and variations

What to Expect Week-to-Week

• Intensive weekends: Instruction, practice, and feedback

• Between weekends:

  • Homework assignments

  • Required self-practice logs

  • Observation hours

  • Practice teaching with peers or volunteers

This is a serious commitment. If you’re new to Pilates, expect to spend extra time simply practicing the Classical Mat series until it feels second nature. Your ability to teach will grow directly out of your personal discipline in practicing the work.

Certification

To receive your Certificate of Achievement, you must:

• Complete all required hours and assignments

• Pass both the written and practical exams

• Demonstrate clear understanding of the Classical Mat work and safe teaching skills

Required Reading

Return to Life Through Contrology (Revised Edition for the 21st Century) by Joseph H. Pilates and William John Miller

This course is not just about learning choreography. It’s about embodying the Classical work through disciplined practice and building the foundation to share Pilates with others.

Investment

Course alone $2200.00 plus HST

Course Manual: $150.00 plus HST

Private lesson $65.00

Exam fee $150.00 plus HST (includes written and practical)

Pilates Reformer Teacher Training

Contemporary Style, Classical Values

Pilates Reformer Teacher Training

This training is a structured, in-depth program designed to prepare you to teach the Pilates Reformer with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. The focus is on the Classical Reformer series as Joseph Pilates developed it, taught on contemporary reformers with thoughtful contemporary stylings and applications. Supporting apparatus such as the ladder barrel and ped-o-pull will be introduced to expand your understanding and teaching repertoire.

Erika Ferguson, a 3rd Generation Classical Pilates Teacher with lineage to both Jay Grimes and Romana Kryzanoska. In addition to these lineages she has over 19 years of experience, and leads this course. Erika combines Classical Values with a modern teaching perspective, guiding you to embody the work through practice and to share it skillfully with others.

Dates: COMING SOON!!

Who This Training Is For:

No previous Pilates experience is required, but it is recommended participants should be ready to commit to disciplined self-practice. If you have no experience, you will need to participate in more personal practice hours at an extra cost to you.

If you are new to Pilates, understand this program requires significant practice time outside of training weekends. Your success depends on consistently working through the Classical Reformer series and building your personal practice alongside observation and practice-teaching.

If you already have a Pilates background, this course will deepen your grasp of Classical work while refining your teaching with contemporary applications.

Training Structure & Commitment

Total Hours: 200

90 in-class hours across 5 weekends

41 hours self-practice (documented sessions on the reformer)

41 hours observation (watching and reflecting on classes)

41 hours practice teaching

Additional Requirements:

Regular reformer classes with Erika (discounted class rates provided)

Homework and self-practice logs between weekends

Practice teaching opportunities supported in-studio

Final written exam and practical teaching evaluation

Note: Missed time must be made up at the student’s cost through private instruction.

What You’ll Learn:

The history and philosophy of Classical Pilates and the Reformer series (Contrology)

Pre-Pilates fundamentals and beginner-friendly progressions

Principles of Pilates

Anatomy relevant to Pilates movement and safe teaching

How to use supporting apparatus (ladder barrel, ped-o-pull) to improve reformer connections

Ways to add a contemporary flare to Classical Reformer exercises through props and variations

Certification:

To receive your Certificate of Achievement, you must:

Complete all required hours and assignments

Pass written and practical exams

Demonstrate safe, skilled teaching of the Classical Reformer series

Required Reading: Return to Life Through Contrology (Revised Edition for the 21st Century) by Joseph H. Pilates and William John Miller.