FUNCTION PILATES
PILATES TEACHER TRAINING ACADEMY
Welcome to the Function Pilates Teacher Training Academy—where passion meets professionalism.
Our Academy offers comprehensive in-person and online programs, rooted in Pilates principles and designed to equip aspiring instructors with the skills for a successful career. Our 450-hour curriculum, including hands-on instruction and business education, prepares students to become Nationally Certified Pilates Teachers.
Your Training Starts Before You Ever Enroll
The Function Pilates YouTube channel was built for instructors who take their craft seriously. With 17 years of teaching experience and over 33,000 subscribers, it's a free resource designed to help you think deeper, teach better, and step into the instructor you're becoming.
Consider it a preview of everything waiting for you inside the Academy.
IN-PERSON TRAINING
Our In-Person Teacher Training Program offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience for students who want direct mentorship and in-studio practice. Through live classroom instruction, personalized feedback, and access to studio equipment, you’ll develop the technical skills, teaching strategies, and confidence needed to become a well-rounded Pilates instructor. Each in-person training follows our structured 450-hour curriculum and is taught by experienced Master Trainers who guide you every step of the way.
Our in-person trainings are offered year-round, with multiple enrollment opportunities available. Upon completion, you will be fully equipped to teach private sessions and group classes confidently and professionally.
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Our in-person program is ideal for those who thrive in a hands-on, studio environment. Our in-person certification courses are offered year-round, providing multiple opportunities to enroll and train in a supportive, studio setting. The Function Pilates Teacher Training Program equips students with the skills and knowledge to confidently teach clients of all levels—from foundational exercises to advanced movement.
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Throughout your training, you will complete coursework covering:
Mat & Anatomy Foundations:
✔ Pilates Principles & History
✔ Posture Assessment Techniques
✔ Functional Anatomy for Pilates Instructors
✔ Mat Exercises: Foundational to Advanced
Reformer Training:
✔ Essential to Advanced Reformer Exercises
✔ Exercise Modifications & Progressions
✔ Teaching Techniques & Cueing
✔ Class Flow & Programming
Full Comprehensive Apparatus Training:
✔ Wunda Chair
✔ Cadillac / Trapeze Table
✔ Ladder Barrel
✔ Spine Corrector
✔ How to combine apparatus into private sessions and small group classes
Additional Coursework Includes:✔ Self-Practice & Teaching Practice
✔ Class Observation Hours
✔ Client Programming & Session Planning
✔ Business Essentials for Pilates Instructors
✔ Final Practical, Written & Oral Testing
✔ Preparation for the Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) Exam
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Full Comprehensive graduates of the in-person program are fully qualified to sit for the Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) exam, positioning them for long-term success and credibility within the Pilates profession.
International Online Teacher Training
Our International Online Teacher Training Program is designed for students who want to receive a high-quality, comprehensive Pilates education and become a certified instructor—whether they’re across the country or around the world. Many aspiring instructors seek out the Function Pilates Teacher Training Academy because of our proven curriculum, industry reputation, and commitment to providing both an educational and empowering experience. Our online program allows you to go through the Function Pilates comprehensive training, no matter where you are, while maintaining the same level of excellence and structure we offer in our in-person courses. Our academy offers a comprehensive, contemporary approach to Pilates education designed to meet you where you are—whether you're looking to launch your teaching career or deepen your expertise.
Our online trainings are offered year-round, with multiple enrollment opportunities available. Upon completion, you will be fully equipped to teach private sessions and group classes confidently and professionally.
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This course is ideal for students who prefer remote learning while still receiving expert guidance, accountability, and community support. The online program follows the same 450-hour curriculum as our in-person training and combines pre-recorded video modules with scheduled live Q&A sessions to ensure you stay engaged, supported, and on track throughout the course.
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Throughout your training, you will complete coursework covering:
Mat & Anatomy Foundations:
✔ Pilates Principles & History
✔ Posture Assessment Techniques
✔ Functional Anatomy for Pilates Instructors
✔ Mat Exercises: Foundational to Advanced
Reformer Training:
✔ Essential to Advanced Reformer Exercises
✔ Exercise Modifications & Progressions
✔ Teaching Techniques & Cueing
✔ Class Flow & Programming
Full Comprehensive Apparatus Training:
✔ Wunda Chair
✔ Cadillac / Trapeze Table
✔ Ladder Barrel
✔ Spine Corrector
✔ How to combine apparatus into private sessions and small group classes
Additional Coursework Includes:✔ Self-Practice & Teaching Practice
✔ Class Observation Hours
✔ Client Programming & Session Planning
✔ Business Essentials for Pilates Instructors
✔ Final Practical, Written & Oral Testing
✔ Preparation for the Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) Exam
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Full Comprehensive graduates of the online program are fully qualified to sit for the Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) exam, positioning them for long-term success and credibility within the Pilates profession.
BECOME A master trainer and HOST STUDIO
The Function Pilates Master Trainer Program is designed for studio owners and experienced instructors who want to grow their income and leadership in the Pilates industry. This program gives you the opportunity to teach and run the Function Pilates Teacher Training course at your studio—allowing you to generate additional revenue, create new teachers, and build a long-term, scalable income stream.
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Whether you’re a studio owner looking to expand your business and community or an instructor who wants to become a Master Trainer and lead certification programs at the studio you work at, this program offers a clear pathway to elevate your career and income potential.
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✔ Generate new revenue by hosting teacher training courses at your studio
✔ Mentor and develop new instructors in your community
✔ Increase retention by offering education opportunities within your studio
✔ Position yourself as a leader in the Pilates industry
✔ Create a long-term, scalable income stream beyond client sessions
FAQs
FOR BECOMING A master trainer and HOST STUDIO
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Studio owners and experienced Pilates instructors with a strong teaching background and commitment to Pilates education are eligible to apply. All applicants must have a minimum of 3+ years of Pilates teaching experience and hold a recognized comprehensive Pilates certification. To be considered, you must submit an application, complete the Master Trainer course in full, and fulfill all test-out requirements to receive your official Master Trainer certificate.
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No. Instructors who work at an approved Host Studio can also apply to become a Master Trainer and lead the teacher training program.
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As a Host Studio, you’ll generate additional revenue, attract new clients and instructors, and create a long-term educational offering within your business. Your studio will also be listed on the Function Pilates website as an official Host Studio, including your studio name and location, making it easier for prospective students to find and enroll in your training.
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All students will register directly through the Function Pilates website. Once accepted, your studio will be listed as a Host Studio location, and students can choose to train at your studio.
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Studios must have access to all required Pilates apparatus (Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector) and a suitable space to host live classroom training.
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Yes. Function Pilates provides all curriculum materials, student resources, and ongoing support to ensure your success as a Host Studio or Master Trainer.
THE ACADEMY EXPERIENCE
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“Full Comprehensive Certification training with Vanessa Kelly at Function Pilates has been an incredible deep dive into the world of Pilates!”
The course is very thorough, challenging, and truly transformative. I’m learning so much on so many levels—not just how to teach, but how to understand the body on a whole new level. Vanessa’s passion, knowledge and dedication make all the difference. I’m so grateful to be on this journey. Thank you Function Pilates!
DEANNA A.
Academy Student
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"Function Pilates gave me everything I needed to feel confident, prepared, and successful as a Pilates instructor."
The training felt so exclusive and intentional - you're no just another student in a crowd. You get real hands-on experience, constant support, and a deep understanding of the work. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I gained and the incredible community that is Function Pilates.
GIANNA A.
Academy Student
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"I recently completed a full comprehensive Pilates training led by Vanessa, along with master trainers Jenn and Amy, and I can genuinely say the experience was transformative."
Each instructor brought a unique depth of knowledge, insight, and compassion that made this training not only educational but truly empowering.
Vanessa’s leadership was grounded in clarity and warmth, always creating space for thoughtful learning and personal growth. Jenn and Amy, with their master-level expertise, provided nuanced guidance that deepened my understanding of both classical and contemporary Pilates. They were consistently supportive—offering encouragement, individualized feedback, and a safe environment to explore and refine my teaching voice.
This training gave me more than just technique—it built my confidence, sharpened my intuition as an instructor, and reinforced the value of mindful movement. I’m incredibly grateful to have been mentored by such a talented and generous team, and I feel inspired and ready to launch into my own Pilates practice with authenticity and purpose.
SAMANTHA T.
Academy Student
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"Going through the Function Pilates Teacher Training program has been one of the most amazing experiences."
Vanessa and her incredible team have created an exceptionally well-organized program, with a clear, thoughtful structure that made it easy to stay on track at every stage. The in-depth anatomy portion was both comprehensive and digestible, giving me a true understanding of the body and how to teach Pilates safely and effectively. Throughout the training, we were provided with incredible tools, from detailed manuals to hands-on practice, all designed to set us up for long-term success. Most importantly, the unwavering support from Vanessa and her team made the entire experience feel personal, empowering, and truly special.
KATIE C.
Academy Student
