Balanced Body Pilates Comprehensive - EDC-X701Z

Course Description

Balanced Body’s Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Training is considered one of the best Pilates education programs for career-minded instructors—and for good reason. A comprehensively trained instructor understands the breadth and immeasurable value of the Pilates system and can apply the full range of studio apparatus to meet the individual goals and needs of each client. This comprehensive approach enhances diversity in training, broadens movement options, and expands your professional teaching skills and practice. Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Training is truly the gold standard in Pilates education.

Required Modules for Comprehensive Certification

Below are the descriptions and prerequisites for each module required for certification:

Mat 1

Mat 1 forms the foundation of the Pilates method. This course includes an introduction to the history and principles of Pilates, as well as beginning and intermediate-level exercises. Each exercise includes instruction on modifications, progressions, purpose, and precautions for injuries or special populations. You'll also learn how to design and teach group classes, including guidelines for working with seniors and pre-/post-natal clients.
Prerequisites: Movement Principles, 10 Mat classes (recommended), 6 months of experience teaching movement, and anatomy knowledge (recommended).

Mat 2

Mat 2 covers the remaining intermediate and advanced-level Mat exercises to provide a complete understanding of the Pilates Mat program. Lectures include progressive skill development, programming for intermediate and advanced classes, and strategies for creating successful Mat classes.
Prerequisites: Completion of Mat 1 and 2, or a comparable Pilates Mat program.

Mat 3 – Enhanced Mat

Mat 3 adds props such as rings, rollers, bands, and balls to traditional Mat exercises. This course also includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body, expanding the work beyond the core to build full-body strength and flexibility. The Balanced Body Programming System is introduced to help make class design easy, effective, and engaging. Props make classes more dynamic, creative, and accessible—and clients love them!
Prerequisites: Mat 1 and 2, or a comparable Pilates Mat program.

Reformer 1

Reformer 1 introduces the "Universal Reformer," the centerpiece of the Pilates studio. You'll learn to safely use the Reformer and perform many beginning and intermediate-level exercises. The course emphasizes modifications, variations, and the reasoning behind each exercise, helping to develop critical thinking from the start of your training.
Prerequisites: Movement Principles, 20 Reformer classes (recommended), and 1 year of movement teaching experience (recommended).

Reformer 2

Reformer 2 expands on Reformer 1 with intermediate and advanced exercises. The course includes safety protocols, modifications, and programming for special populations including pre-/post-natal clients, those with osteoporosis, and individuals with lower back issues. It also covers class design, dynamic assessment, and correction of dysfunctional movement patterns.
Prerequisite: Reformer 1.

Reformer 3

Reformer 3 features advanced and super-advanced exercises designed to challenge clients with progressive sequences. You’ll develop skills to teach advanced movement and create effective multi-level classes using our principle-based programming approach.
Prerequisites: Reformer 1 and 2, or a comparable Pilates Reformer program.

Trapeze Table / Cadillac / Tower

This course provides a thorough introduction to Trapeze Table and Tower exercises for beginning, post-rehabilitation, and advanced clients. Topics include sequencing, program design, exercise applications, equipment setup, safety, and maintenance.
Prerequisites: Mat 1, Reformer 1, 20 Pilates studio sessions (recommended), and 1 year of related work experience (recommended).

Pilates Chair

The Pilates Chair is ideal for athletic clients and group programming. This course covers exercises and programming for the Wunda Chair, EXO Chair, and Split-Pedal Combo Chair, incorporating standing and upright core work into your client’s studio experience.

Pilates Barrels

This course introduces the Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel, both of which enhance spinal mobility and core strength. You’ll learn exercises and variations for both barrels. The Ladder Barrel is typically used in studio settings, while the Step Barrel is well-suited for group classes.

Learner Outcomes

• Master the full repertoire of Pilates exercises on the Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair, and Barrels, including modifications and variations for a wide range of clients
• Apply Balanced Body Movement Principles to develop into a transformative teacher
• Explore the structure and function of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments by building them on the Anatomy + Movement skeleton
• Demonstrate effective verbal and manual cueing in both private and group Pilates settings for beginner to advanced clients

Course Details

Number of Units: 1.0 - 10.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours. Please choose unit selection upon checkout.

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Tilcia Studios Participants.

To enroll in this course please ensure you have registered with Balanced Body: https://www.pilates.com/

Directions to Enrolled Participants for University Credit: Submit your Certificate of Completion by email to pce-cv@sandiego.edu after enrolling for credit and completing the course.

University of San Diego – Academic Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level academic credit. To receive credit, participants must first register and complete coursework through the external program provider.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks