Pilates Mat Instructor training
Hearts and Bones Pilates® Mat Instructor training prepares you to teach individual and group Pilates mat classes using the Classic mat exercises as well as small equipment pieces.
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About the Mat Instructor course
The Hearts and Bones Pilates Mat Instructor course teaches the Classic mat exercises, some of which we modify to suit the needs of today’s Pilates classes. Our course also teaches you how to use small equipment pieces so your classes appeal to a wide variety of clients.
Subjects covered
Subjects covered include:
- teaching Classic mat exercises and the use of small pieces of equipment
- using best practice for teaching and structuring classes
- cueing and language use for clients of differing ability
- safe teaching for older adults, pre- and post-natal women, and clients with the most commonly seen back, hip, knee, ankle, wrist, neck, and shoulder conditions.
The course (and modules) also provides comprehensive, fully illustrated manuals.
Training options
Hearts and Bones Pilates Mat Instructor training offers you the choice of studying individual modules to extend your teaching skills or completing the entire course and qualifying as a Pilates Mat Instructor.
Course outline
To become a fully qualified Hearts and Bones Pilates Mat Instructor, students must complete the course content outlined in the table below.
Read the course content descriptions for more information about subjects or other course content.
Content | Learning method | Hours | Requirements to qualify |
Introduction to Anatomy Exemptions may apply – find out if you qualify | Self-study | 20 – 30 | Study; pass written examination |
Essentially Pilates Movement Principles module | Class | 18 | Class attendance; proof of hours |
Mat 1 | Class | 18 | Class attendance; completion of observation, self-practice, and student teaching hours; pass written and practical tests |
Other∗ | 35 | ||
Mat 2 | Class | 18 | Class attendance; completion of observation, self-practice, and student teaching hours; pass written and practical tests |
Other | 40 | ||
Observation | Observing classes | 15 | Proof of hours |
Self-practice | Practising | 25 | Proof of hours |
Student teaching | Teaching | 35 | Proof of hours |
Final examination | Exam | Pass written and practical tests | |
Total hours to complete course: 129 (excluding Introduction to Anatomy) | |||
∗ Other: additional hours spent observing classes, practising Pilates exercises, and student teaching.
Course content descriptions
Introduction to Anatomy
This self-study subject introduces you to the primary muscles that are involved in movement, joint structure, and function, which are targeted in Pilates exercises. You are given texts and study guidelines to direct your own learning.
Prerequisite: None.
Exemptions: Students who have already passed a tertiary level anatomy course (or equivalent) can be exempted from this subject. Such students would include licensed health care professionals (eg physiotherapists, doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors etc) or personal trainers. Please prove your eligibility for this exemption by sending us a copy of your academic transcript or certificate with your registration information.
Cost: $200 including test.
Test: Sent out to you with the subject's booklet.
Essentially Pilates Movement Principles
This is an essential foundation module for all Hearts and Bones Pilates instructor training.
The module introduces you to the biomechanical movement principles of the Pilates method. Understanding these principles is essential for assessing and correcting body alignment, and improving flexibility and strength. Other topics studied include breathing, functional core strength, scapulae and pelvic stabilisation, and spinal and hip mobilisation.
Prerequisites: 25 hours mat class attendance, and passing Introduction to Anatomy (or equivalent).
Mat 1
Learn the Classic beginner- to intermediate-level mat exercises. The exercises include modifications (to simplify an exercise), variations (to create a similar or more complex exercise), and main muscle activations.
Lectures also cover: postural assessment; teaching principles; motivation; mat class structure; safety in the mat class; giving feedback; the use of imagery and touch; guidelines for modifying Pilates exercises.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Anatomy (or equivalent); Essentially Pilates Movement Principles.
Extra requirements: 10 hours each of observation and self-practice, and 15 hours student teaching.
Mat 2
Explore how to use small pieces of equipment (including the Swiss ball, foam roller, flex ring and Theraband) to vary, increase, or assist exercises. You are also taught Classic advanced-level mat exercises. Lectures cover: guidelines for using small pieces of apparatus; evaluating your teaching practices; common injuries; Pilates for pre- and post-natal women; exercise guidelines and contraindications for people with osteoporosis.
Prerequisites: Mat 1.
Extra requirements: 5 hours observation, 15 hours self-practice, and 20 hours student teaching.
Observation
This part of the course requires you to spend time watching experienced instructors teach group or private classes. Watching other instructors work will help you understand verbal cueing, how to structure exercise programmes, and will expand your overall teaching skills.
Self-practice
Practising your Pilates skills and knowledge is essential to become a competent instructor.
The required hours for this part of the course can include time spent attending Pilates classes or practising Pilates on your own.
Student teaching
Student teaching hours can include teaching Pilates at a fitness centre or Pilates studio, or to family and friends.
Final examination
Once you have completed the other required course content, your last step is to sit the Hearts and Bones Pilates Mat Instructor final examination. This examination includes written and practical tests that assess your knowledge of theory as well as your teaching ability.
To be eligible to qualify as a Hearts and Bones Pilates Mat Instructor, you must sit your final examination within a year of the start date of your first course subject or module.
Examinations are held at Hearts and Bones Pilates host studios. In some cases, we can arrange for you to complete the tests remotely by video.
Written test
The written part of the Hearts and Bones Mat Instructor final examination includes multiple choice, short answer, and short essay questions. The questions cover anatomy, teaching practices, exercise prescription, and safety in the Pilates mat studio.
Practical test
The practical test evaluates your teaching knowledge and skills. The test assesses whether you can:
- understand and apply movement principles
- chose appropriate exercises for a client or class
- initiate, execute, and sequence exercises correctly
- keep clients safe
- use effective cueing and communicate clearly.
What if I don’t pass?
If you do not pass the final examination on your first attempt, Hearts and Bones Pilates will discuss what aspects you need to work through in order to pass. We will then schedule some tasks to prepare you for your next attempt.
Register now for training
To register for Hearts and Bones Pilates Mat Instructor training:
- check the training timetable to find out when our next instructor training is scheduled, then
- register for training.
We look forward to having you on our Mat Instructor training.
Any questions?
Contact the Hearts and Bones Pilates Centre if you have any questions or need more information about our Mat Instructor training.
