Lead Pilates Education
Pilates Teacher Training Program
Mat + Reformer
$2880

Teacher training at Village West Pilates consists of a blended education, including in person training, independent study, and online learning, which ensures that our graduates are well prepared for a career in Pilates.

Your learning begins with the LEAD Pilates Education curriculum, a structured pathway that includes an Anatomy Course, Levels 1–3 of Mat and Reformer, apprenticeship hours (live virtual meetings, teaching, observation, and personal practice), and final assessments. You’ll study online, practice in person, and receive high-integrity mentorship at Village West Pilates. Throughout your training, you’ll develop technical precision, cueing clarity, and intelligent sequencing that define exceptional Pilates instruction. The anatomy course will deepen your understanding of movement and enhance your ability to support diverse bodies, while you also learn to offer effective hands-on support, adapt exercises for a wide range of clients, and teach confidently in both group and private settings.

The LEAD curriculum was designed by Cara Hazelton, NCPT, with over 20 years of experience, more than 25,000 teaching hours, and a Master’s degree in Kinesiology. Trained under Clare Dunphy and mentored by Jay Grimes, Cara’s mission is to preserve the integrity of the Pilates method while integrating modern movement science to develop thoughtful, knowledgeable instructors.

By the end of our program, you’ll be prepared to teach safe, effective, and well-structured Mat + Reformer classes of any level. Graduates may become eligible to sit for the NPCP Pilates Mat Certification Exam and continue toward comprehensive certification across all apparatus, including classical apparatus.

Apprentice Membership + Mentorship Program
$240/mo for 12 months

At Village West, Pilates teacher trainees are welcomed into a supportive, high-integrity learning environment via an immersive apprentice membership + mentorship program. Our culture is collaborative, inclusive, and rooted in ongoing education. We value diverse teaching styles, champion curiosity, and prioritize thoughtful, high-quality instruction in every setting.

You can expect mentors who collaborate with you openly and respectfully. Our educators lead with integrity, warmth, and a genuine investment in your success. We cultivate a space where professionalism, kindness, and mutual respect guide every interaction, ensuring every trainee feels safe to learn, grow, and thrive. We believe in the strength of the village and invest deeply in each trainee’s professional development. 

• In-studio group mentorship sessions (2x/month)

• Unlimited Stand-by Group Class Access

• Studio access for observation hours

• Scheduled Access to Studio for practice teaching

• Access to Open Studio Hours for self practice

• Access to our prop + book library

• Discounts on Merch, Equipment, + Props
  (including Lululemon)

• Invitation to Teacher Training Mentorship support group for ongoing mentorship and support through your initial training + beyond (lifetime access)

*Current members can make changes to or receive a monthly discount on existing membership.

*Graduates who demonstrate strong teaching ability, professionalism, and alignment with our studio values will be prioritized for consideration of any instructor hiring for group classes, private sessions, and events.

Winter 2026 Pricing

Lead Pilates Education Curriculum
Pilates Teacher Training Program
Mat + Reformer
$2880
+
Village West Pilates
12-month Apprentice Membership + Mentorship Program
$240/mo

Our Teacher Training program is designed for dedicated practitioners who have built a strong foundation in Pilates, specifically with us at Village West Pilates. This ensures you're fully familiar with our teaching methodology, standards, and approach before stepping into an apprentice role.

Why We Require a Strong Foundation

Pilates teacher training is a serious professional commitment that demands both physical literacy and deep understanding of the method. The highest standards in the industry call for hundreds of hours of comprehensive training covering anatomy, observation, practice teaching, self-practice, and repertoire across multiple apparatus.

We hold ourselves to those standards because Pilates instructors are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of every person in their care. A strong personal practice allows you to understand modifications, recognize contraindications, cue with precision, and teach from experience rather than memorization.

Before applying, you must:

• Complete a minimum of 50 hours of group classes and/or private training at Village West Pilates (classes taken at other studios do not count toward this requirement)

• Demonstrate a consistent personal practice and strong understanding of Pilates fundamentals

• Receive approval or recommendation from a VWP instructor or team member confirming your readiness

What to know before you commit:

• The certification process spans approximately 50 weeks for Reformer and Mat combined. This is not an accelerated or weekend certification program.

• We maintain strict attendance, participation, and performance expectations throughout the program.

• This is a significant investment of time, energy, and focus. We want to set you up to become the best instructor you can be, not rush the process.

New to Village West Pilates?

We'd love to have you in our studio! If you're interested in teacher training but haven't taken classes with us yet, the first step is to begin your own practice. Start with our introductory classes and build from there. When the time is right, we'll help guide you toward the training program.