ONLINE PILATES teacher TRAINING
Become a Pilates Instructor. Where ever you are.
A structured online certification experience designed to give you the education, practice, support, and real-world teaching experience to turn your Pilates practice into something you can confidently teach.
3 certification paths
weekly curriculum releases
guided online units
a pilates certification designed for real life.
Function Pilates Online Teacher Training brings our teacher training curriculum into a structured digital learning experience you can complete from wherever you are.
Rather than receiving a library of videos and being left to figure out what comes next, you’ll progress through an organized curriculum that builds week by week — combining anatomy, Pilates repertoire, teaching methodology, programming, practice, review, and real-world application.
Choose from Mat, Mat + Reformer, or Full Comprehensive Certification and follow the pathway for your selected program.
You’ll complete your educational curriculum online while simultaneously building the observation, self-practice, student teaching, and practical experience required for certification.
Learn online. Practice where you are. Teach real people. Build real experience.
created by vanessa kelly
Vanessa Kelly is the Founder and CEO of Function Pilates, where she is dedicated to elevating the Pilates profession through expert instructor training, business mentorship, and continuing education. With over 16 years of experience in Pilates instruction, postural therapy, and movement science, she specializes in helping instructors refine their skills, grow their careers, and deliver impactful client results.
Her Pilates journey began in 2009 with the BASI Pilates method, evolving through leadership roles at Life Time Athletic Summerlin and Life Time Fitness Tempe. In 2014, she launched Function Pilates—now a multi-location studio in Arizona known for its comprehensive teacher training programs and commitment to functional movement education.
At Function Pilates, Vanessa mentors the next generation of Pilates professionals, guiding instructors through technical development, career growth, and business acumen. She is currently expanding the studio’s reach through international online education and specialized instructor courses.
Vanessa’s mission is to bridge the gap between passion and professionalism, equipping Pilates instructors with the tools they need to thrive.
online doesn’t have to mean on your own.
Most people aren’t looking for another folder of videos they’ll eventually get around to watching.
Function Pilates Online Teacher Training was designed to create structure, progression, accountability, and application within a flexible online experience.
Your curriculum is organized into progressive units so you always know what to focus on next.
01 - A CLEAR PATH FORWARD
Education is paired with movement practice, teaching activities, review questions, quizzes, assignments, and real-world application.
02 - LEARN IT. THEN APPLY IT.
03 - BUILT AROUND HOW INSTRUCTORS ACTUALLY LEARN
You won’t only watch someone perform exercises. You’ll study anatomy, technique, cueing, programming, modifications, progressions, and how to communicate what you know to someone else.
Weekly check-ins, progress reminders, optional coaching opportunities, and access to the Teacher Training Coordinator give you places to turn when you need guidance.
04 - SUPPORT IS BUILT IN
05 - REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE IS STILL REQUIRED
Online coursework doesn’t replace practice. You’ll observe instructors, practice the work yourself, teach real clients, complete assignments, and demonstrate your knowledge through final assessments.
your CURRICULUM
The Function Pilates Online Teacher Training curriculum is organized into progressive units, with new curriculum released weekly to give you the flexibility of online learning with the structure of a guided training experience.
Each unit builds on what came before it, connecting anatomy, Pilates repertoire, movement practice, teaching methodology, programming, and real-world application as your education progresses.
Your pathway depends on the certification you choose.
MAT
Units 1–4
Approximately 4 weeks of online coursework
Build your foundation through anatomy, Pilates principles, Mat repertoire, programming, and teaching fundamentals.
MAT + reformer
Units 1–11
Approximately 4 months of online coursework
Continue beyond your Mat foundation into progressive Reformer education, equipment knowledge, programming, and teaching development.
full comprehensive
Units 1–15
Approximately 7 months of online coursework
Complete the full curriculum, progressing from Mat and Reformer into Chair, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, and Spine Corrector.
explore your curriculum
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Anatomy · Mat Repertoire · Movement Principles · Teaching Foundations
All students begin by developing the foundational knowledge that supports everything that follows. You’ll connect anatomy and movement concepts to the Mat repertoire while beginning to develop your cueing, programming, and teaching skills.
UNIT 01 — FOUNDATIONS + GETTING STARTED
Get oriented to your teacher training experience and begin building the foundations that will guide your education. You’ll explore the Pilates method, foundational movement concepts, anatomy, and your first Mat exercises.
UNIT 02 — CORE + SPINAL FOUNDATIONS
Explore the relationship between the core, spine, breathing, alignment, and Pilates movement while continuing to expand your Mat repertoire and movement understanding.
UNIT 03 — LOWER EXTREMITIES
Take a closer look at lower-body anatomy and movement mechanics and learn to connect those concepts directly to the exercises you’re studying.
UNIT 04 — UPPER EXTREMITIES + MAT INTEGRATION
Explore upper-body anatomy while completing your foundational Mat curriculum. Begin bringing anatomy, repertoire, programming, and teaching concepts together as you move from learning individual exercises toward creating complete sessions.
MAT CERTIFICATION MILESTONE
Mat students transition into dedicated review and certification preparation while continuing to complete their observation, self-practice, student teaching, assignments, and other certification requirements.
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Reformer Repertoire · Equipment · Programming · Teaching
Mat + Reformer and Full Comprehensive students continue by taking the movement principles and teaching foundations developed during Mat training onto the Reformer.
Rather than approaching Reformer as an entirely separate method, you’ll learn how anatomy, alignment, movement principles, cueing, and programming carry forward onto the equipment.
Across these units, you’ll progressively explore Reformer repertoire through:
Footwork · Abdominals · Hips · Spinal Articulation · Stretching · Full-Body Movement · Arms · Legs · Lateral Flexion · Rotation · Extension
As your repertoire grows, you’ll also develop your ability to:
Set up and use the Reformer safely
Understand exercise purpose and muscle focus
Recognize alignment and common corrections
Cue exercises clearly and effectively
Modify, progress, and regress movement
Create purposeful transitions
Build progressive Reformer programming
Apply your knowledge to different clients
Move from performing exercises to confidently teaching them
COACHING ALONG THE WAY
Optional coaching opportunities with Vanessa are built into Units 6, 8, and 11, giving you dedicated points to ask questions, review your progress, and receive additional guidance as your Reformer education develops.
MAT + REFORMER CERTIFICATION MILESTONE
Mat + Reformer students transition into review and certification preparation while completing any remaining observation, self-practice, student teaching, assignments, and final certification requirements.
Full Comprehensive students continue into the final phase of the curriculum.
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Chair · Cadillac · Ladder Barrel · Spine Corrector
Full Comprehensive students continue beyond Mat and Reformer to develop a broader understanding of the Pilates system.
As you explore the additional apparatus, the focus increasingly shifts from simply asking “What exercises do I know?”to “What does this client need, and which tools can I use?”
CHAIR
Expand your repertoire through Chair exercises that challenge strength, stability, control, balance, and full-body integration while creating new options for client programming.
CADILLAC
Develop your understanding of Cadillac exercises, equipment setup, movement possibilities, and ways to incorporate the apparatus into thoughtful, client-specific programming.
LADDER BARREL
Explore the Ladder Barrel and its applications for mobility, strength, support, spinal movement, and comprehensive programming.
SPINE CORRECTOR
Learn how the Spine Corrector can expand your programming options and support a variety of movement experiences and client needs.
Throughout this phase, you’ll continue developing your ability to select exercises and apparatus intentionally, make appropriate modifications and progressions, and bring the different components of your Pilates education together.
UNIT 15 — FINAL COACHING OPPORTUNITY
Your final optional coaching opportunity with Vanessa gives you a chance to bring remaining questions, review your progress, and receive support as you prepare to move beyond the coursework.
FULL COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM MILESTONE
Completing Unit 15 marks the end of your primary online coursework — but not the end of your certification journey.
You’ll continue completing any remaining observation, self-practice, student teaching, assignments, and final assessments required for certification.
WHAT DOES A WEEK OF ONLINE TRAINING LOOK LIKE?
Learn. Practice. Apply. Repeat.
Each unit follows a consistent learning rhythm designed to help you do more than simply watch videos.
Depending on the week’s curriculum and your certification pathway, you’ll move through a combination of:
01 — START HERE
Know what you’re working toward.
Begin each unit with an overview of what’s ahead, what you’ll be learning, and what you should focus on as you progress.
02 — ANATOMY
Understand the movement.
Build the anatomy and movement knowledge behind the exercises you’re studying and learn to connect what happens inside the body to what you see in Pilates.
03 — PILATES REPERTOIRE
Learn the exercises.
Study exercises through instruction and demonstrations covering setup, execution, muscle focus, corrections, cues, modifications, and progressions.
04 — PRACTICE + APPLY
Put your knowledge into action.
Step away from simply watching and apply what you’ve learned through movement practice, teaching activities, programming exercises, reflection, and real-world scenarios.
05 — REVIEW + QUIZ
Check your understanding.
Revisit key concepts, test your knowledge, and identify areas you may want to review before continuing.
06 — BEFORE YOU MOVE ON
Make sure you’re ready for what’s next.
Finish each unit with a clear checkpoint outlining what you should understand, practice, or complete before progressing into your next week of training.
what you’ll learn
More Than Repertoire. Learn How to Teach.
Your training is designed to help you move beyond knowing Pilates exercises and begin understanding how to observe, communicate, program, adapt, and confidently lead others through movement.
understand the body
Apply functional anatomy, alignment, posture, and movement principles to your Pilates teaching.
Teach the Repertoire
Understand the purpose, setup, execution, muscle focus, corrections, and cues for the exercises included in your certification pathway.
cue with confidence
Communicate movement clearly using language that helps clients understand what they’re doing and why.
observe + adapt
Recognize what you’re seeing in a client’s movement and make appropriate corrections, modifications, progressions, and regressions.
build thoughtful sessions
Move beyond teaching disconnected exercises and learn how to create intentional, progressive Pilates programming.
develop your own teaching voice
Use the foundations you’ve learned to begin becoming the instructor you want to be.
what’s included
More Than Online Lessons.
Your training combines structured education with movement, practice, application, and ongoing support — giving you the tools to keep progressing both on and off the screen.
STRUCTURED ONLINE CURRICULUM
Progress through a guided educational pathway rather than navigating an open-ended content library.
EXERCISE DEMONSTRATIONS + BREAKDOWNS
Study setup, execution, muscle focus, corrections, cues, modifications, and progressions.
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
Practice explaining and teaching concepts rather than simply consuming information.
PRACTICE ACTIVITIES
Move away from the screen and experience what you’re learning in your own body.
APPLICATION ACTIVITIES
Work through realistic client, posture, programming, and teaching scenarios.
REVIEW QUESTIONS + PRACTICE QUIZZES
Regularly check your understanding and identify material that needs additional review.
OPTIONAL 1:1 COACHING
At designated points throughout the program, you’ll have opportunities to book a coaching call with a Master Trainer for questions, guidance, and support.
STUDENT HUB
Access resources for observation, self-practice, student teaching, assignments, exam preparation, programming, and certification progress in one central place.
who this is for
Built for where ever you’re starting.
This program may be a good fit for:
ASPIRING PILATES INSTRUCTORS
You’re ready to turn your Pilates practice into something you can teach.
FITNESS + MOVEMENT PROFESSIONALS
You’re a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, dancer, yoga teacher, movement professional, or wellness professional looking to add Pilates to your skill set.
CURRENT PILATES INSTRUCTORS
You want to expand your repertoire or continue into Reformer or comprehensive apparatus education.
STUDENTS WITHOUT ACCESS TO LOCAL TRAINING
You want quality Pilates teacher education but don’t live near an in-person Function Pilates training.
STUDENTS WHO NEED FLEXIBILITY
You need to work training around your job, family, school, or existing schedule.
SELF MOTIVATED LEARNERS WHO STILL WANT STRUCTURE
You want flexibility without being handed an entire course and expected to navigate the certification process alone.
choose your certification path
Mat Instructor Training
$899 or $169/month
Build a strong foundation in Pilates movement, anatomy, cueing, programming, and teaching through the Mat repertoire. This pathway is ideal for aspiring instructors beginning their Pilates education or movement professionals looking to add Mat Pilates to their skill set.
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Access begins September 19, 2026.
Online modules are released weekly.
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Our next Online Teacher Training cohort will begin in January 30, 2027.
Join our mailing list HERE for enrollment reminders and teacher training updates.
Mat & Reformer Instructor Training
$3,299 or $319/month
Streamline your path to becoming a Pilates professional by building on your Mat foundation and expanding into over 140 Mat and Reformer exercises. This training sharpens your ability to design confident, effective flows—whether you're teaching private clients or leading group classes.
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Access begins September 19, 2026.
Online modules are released weekly.
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Our next Online Teacher Training cohort will begin in January 30, 2027.
Join our mailing list HERE for enrollment reminders and teacher training updates.
Full Comprehensive Instructor Training
$4,999 or $479/month
Designed for aspiring professionals who want to lead with expertise and credibility, this industry-leading certification prepares you to teach confidently across all major Pilates apparatus: Mat, Reformer, Chair, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, and Spine Corrector.
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Access begins September 19, 2026.
Online modules are released weekly.
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Our next Online Teacher Training cohort will begin in January 30, 2027.
Join our mailing list HERE for enrollment reminders and teacher training updates.
frequently asked questions
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Your training gives you flexibility, but it isn’t designed as an unstructured content library. New curriculum is released through a guided weekly progression so you have a clear path through your education.
You can work through released material according to your schedule while continuing to complete the practical requirements of your certification.
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The coursework portion varies by certification pathway.
Mat: approximately 4 weeks
Mat + Reformer: approximately 4 months
Full Comprehensive: approximately 7 months
Your complete certification journey also includes observation, self-practice, student teaching, assignments, and final assessments.
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No previous teaching experience is required. Your curriculum begins with foundational concepts and progresses from there.
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Mat students can complete their repertoire work without Pilates apparatus.
Mat + Reformer and Full Comprehensive students will need access to the equipment included within their certification pathway for required practice and teaching experience.
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Yes. Your program includes weekly check-in communication, Student Hub resources, support from the Teacher Training Coordinator, and optional coaching opportunities with a Master Trainer at designated points throughout the curriculum.
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Yes. The online program offers all three certification pathways, allowing you to choose the level of training that best aligns with what you want to teach.
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You’ll progress through weekly units containing educational lessons, anatomy, exercise instruction, practice and teaching activities, review, and application.
Outside of your online coursework, you’ll also complete the observation, self-practice, student teaching, assignments, and testing required for certification.
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Observation may be completed through approved opportunities including livestreamed Function classes and approved online resources. Students who have access to local Pilates studios may also complete qualifying observation in person.
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Your student teaching does not have to take place at Function Pilates. Students may complete qualifying teaching experience in their own community, at home, or through another approved gym, studio, or teaching environment.
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The Practical Exam is completed live via Zoom, with the Written Exam sent to you to complete the same day.
Once your required assignments and certification logs have been completed and approved, you’ll move into the Oral Exam, which consists of a 50-minute private lesson video submission.
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Online students may complete the Written and Practical Exams before all Phase 2 hours and assignments are finished.
Your Oral Exam follows once the required assignments and hour logs have been completed and approved.
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Both pathways are designed to prepare you for Function Pilates certification, but the learning experience is different.
In-person training takes place during scheduled classroom weekends with live, hands-on instruction.
Online training delivers the educational curriculum through structured weekly units, allowing you to complete your coursework remotely while completing the required practical experience in your own environment.
PREFER TO STUDY IN-PERSON?
Elevate Your Pilates Career with Hands-On Training
Join our industry-leading Function Pilates Teacher Training Academy and experience in-person mentorship, expert instruction, and real-time learning in a studio setting.