Become a Pilates Teacher
Learn all the basic principles with a Mat Certification
Get started with the Foundations
Mat Pilates Foundation Diploma (Part 1)
Build a strong, informed foundation in Mat Pilates with our comprehensive entry-level certification. This course is designed for aspiring Pilates teachers and movement professionals who want a solid understanding of anatomy, safe practice, and effective teaching principles. This is Part 1 of our 2-part Mat course and is open to all.
This course includes:
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20 hours of seminars with our experienced teachers
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Anatomy written exam and Pilates practical exams
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Use of the studio to practice/study once/week with fellow students, for up to 3 months after completing the course.
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Teaching Mat Pilates Foundation Diploma awarded on successful condition of the above.​
What you'll learn
Understand the body
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Learn the basic principles of how the body moves in Pilates
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Applied anatomy made simple
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How posture and common medical conditions affect movement​
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Mat Pilates Skills
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Basic and intermediate Mat Pilates exercises
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How to perform exercises safely and effectively
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How to adapt exercises for different bodies
Principles in Practice
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How Pilates principles work in real classes
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How to learn by observing and participating in Mat classes
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Build confidence for your next steps as a Pilates teacher
What to expect
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​20 hours of seminars with our experienced teachers
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Small group training in a friendly environment
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Anatomy written exam and Pilates practical exams
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Use of the studio to practice/study once/week with fellow students, for up to 3 months after completing the course
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Teaching Mat Pilates Foundation Diploma awarded on successful condition of the above
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Your own Pilates manual to study and keep
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NB. Students are required to participate/observe Mat classes outside the studio (excluded).​ Anatomy colouring book is excluded.
Next course begins:
Date & time: Saturday 17 January [limited spaces]
Duration: 20 hours of seminar across 2 weekends
Location: PEAR studio, Kensington, London
Cost: £800
Train with an experienced team
We focus on teaching you more than the basics and what's on paper. At Pilates Education and Research (P.E.A.R.), we encourage students to develop intuition, observation skills, search for subtleties and fine tune their bodies. You will learn how to teach individuals rather than a set format of Pilates exercises. We help you to become an outstanding teacher, not just another teacher.
Founder of our studio, and course teacher Ellie Ioannidou, is one of the UK's most recognised voices in Pilates teacher training. With decades of experience and multiple mentions in the historical record of Pilates in the UK, Ellie brings deep respect for tradition together with a fresh, evidence-informed approach to movement education. P.E.A.R. studio offers a training environment that is rigorous yet personal, rooted in classical principles but open to evolving. Our mission is to deliver teacher education of the highest standard — not just to certify instructors, but to shape reflective, confident, and adaptable professionals.
Advanced and Classical Mat Certification (Part 2)
Part 2 of our Mat Certification follows on from the Pilates principles of Part 1. This course includes classical repertoire, advanced additional exercises and variations.
No exams. Course manual included.
This course is perfect for those looking to level up their basic teaching principles with further knowledge and skills that improve teaching experience.
Required: Mat Pilates Foundation Diploma/previous Mat Certification
Next course date: TBC
Above & Beyond Teaching Principles
Learn to See, Not Just to Do
You’ll learn to refine your own movement, sharpen your observation, and adapt your teaching to meet individuals — not just deliver routines. We focus on nurturing intuition, clarity, and creative responsiveness.
Practice Principles
With time, consistency, and curiosity, you’ll learn how to support recovery, improve function, and deepen awareness through movement. Our rich and varied repertoire is always rooted in core principles: relaxation, alignment, breath, focus, and awareness.
Pilates is Personal
We believe great teachers emerge through experience and mentorship. That’s why our training is small-group, feedback-rich, and deeply personal — helping you build confidence, and a grounded teaching voice.
"Outstanding Studio! Extremely knowledgeable teachers. Feels good to be in safe hands."
Nathalie, London
Sign up for the full Pilates Teacher Training brochure
Expect more insights about our teaching principles; see what other courses we have to offer; and receive exclusive discounts when signing up to more than one.
