2025 Balanced Body Pilates Teacher Training & Continuing Education

 

Movement Principles (16 hours) - February 28th to March 2nd

The foundation of our education program, Movement Principles shows how to recognize, improve and teach fundamental movement.This course is designed for both new and experienced instructors to refine their understanding of the body in motion. It provides the foundational knowledge necessary for you to understand fundamental movement and become a truly transformative instructor. Movement Principles is a program requirement for our Pilates Instructor Training and Integrated Movement Specialist certificate.

Mat 1 (16 hours) - March 21st to 23rd

Introduction to Pilates & Beginning / Intermediate Exercises
Prerequisites: Movement Principles, 10 Mat Classes (recommended), 6 months experience teaching movement and anatomy (recommended)
Mat 1 forms the foundation of the Pilates method. This course includes an introduction to the history and principles of the Pilates method and the beginning and intermediate level exercises. Each exercise includes training on modifications, challenges, the purpose of the exercise and any precautions for injuries and special populations. How to design and teach group classes and guidelines for teaching seniors and pre and post–natal classes are included.

Mat 2 (16 hours) - April 11th to 13th

Intermediate / Advanced Exercises
Prerequisites: Movement Principles and Mat 1
Mat 2 teaches the remaining intermediate and advanced level Mat exercises for a complete understanding of the Pilates Mat program. Lectures include progressive skill development to achieve the advanced exercises, programming for intermediate and advanced classes and creating successful Mat classes.

Mat 3 (16 hours) - May 2nd to 4th

Enhanced Mat and Props

Prerequisites: Mat 1 and 2, or successful completion of comparable Pilates mat program.

Enhanced Pilates Mat completes the Mat training by adding rings, rollers, bands and balls to the traditional Mat exercises. In addition, Enhanced Mat includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop whole body strength and flexibility. The Balanced Body Programming System is introduced to make class design easy, effective and fun. Adding props to a mat class makes them more dynamic, creative and accessible and clients love toys!

Anatomy in Three Dimensions™: An Introduction to Anatomy (16 hours) - May 30th to June 1st

Prerequisites: None

Learn the structure and function of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and the origin, insertion, and action of the major muscles of movement, by building them yourself on our skeleton. This course covers the torso, hip, thigh, shoulders, upper arms, and spine. Includes full color manual with video support.

Reformer 1 Introduction to Reformer Beginning Exercises (16 hours) - June 20th to 22nd

Prerequisites

  • Movement Principles

  • 20 Reformer Classes (recommended)

  • 1year teaching movement (recommended)

  • Anatomy prior to testing out

This course introduces you to what Joseph Pilates called the ‘Universal’ Reformer, which is the centerpiece of the Pilates equipment studio and an invaluable training tool. Reformer 1 teaches you how to safely utilize the Reformer and many of the beginning and intermediate Pilates Reformer exercises. Reformer 1 also reviews common modifications and variations necessary for teaching the client in front of you and gives you the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’, empowering critical reasoning skills from the very start of your training.

Reformer 2 Intermediate Exercises (16 hours) - July 11th to 13th

Prerequisites

  • Reformer 1

Reformer 2 expands the potential of the Reformer with intermediate and advanced exercises and includes associated safety protocols and modifications. Reformer 2 also explores programs designed for specific populations including pre and post–natal clients, clients with osteoporosis, and clients with lower back issues. Class design, dynamic assessment and correcting common dysfunctional movement patterns are also included.

Reformer 3 Advanced Exercises and Programming (16 hours) - August 1st to 3rd

Prerequisites
• Reformer 1 and 2, or successful completion of comparable Pilates Reformer program.

Reformer 3 is the pinnacle of the Reformer work and includes advanced and super advanced exercises. Challenge clients to achieve their best with progressive sequences designed to teach students advanced movement skills. In addition, our principle based programming will guide you in the creation of safe and successful multi-level classes.

Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels Instructor Training: Module 1 (14 hours) - Sept. 5th to 7th

Prerequisites
• Mat 1
• Reformer 1
• 20 Pilates studio sessions (recommended)
• 1 year work experience in related field (recommended)

Apparatus 1 introduces the Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Chair and Barrels to provide a complete education on the Pilates system. Apparatus 1 includes beginning and intermediate level exercises on each piece of equipment along with safety, set up and their role in the Pilates studio environment. Each piece of equipment provides a unique training environment to create a well-rounded experience for a client or class.

All Workshops Take place in REAL life, no internet connection needed!! Masks may be worn in studio.

Training with Shelly Stephenson

Shelly has been training Pilates instructors for over 20 years. She offers the full, comprehensive Balanced Body Curriculum. Classes are small allowing for maximum personal attention and a more personalized learning environment. Mat modules will be limited to 8 students, and equipment modules will be limited to 4 students. *

Specific questions about training can be directed to Shelly Stephenson at info@shellystephenson.com

*All trainees are offered 15% off of class packages at bodymechanics for the duration of their training. Email info@pilatespdx.com for more information.