The top rated Pilates courses in the USA

Pilates educationstart teaching
Written By CJ Zarb

Photography @Polestar Pilates

Find out the leading 2025 pilates courses in the USA at present and determine which one is best for you. 

If you're considering a career as a Pilates instructor in the USA, there are numerous reputable training programs available to suit various learning preferences, budgets, and schedules. Below is an overview of some of the top Pilates teacher training courses currently offered in the market and where you can find out more:

1. Equinox Pilates Training Institute
Delivery: 

  • Comprehensive Course: this is a hybrid course with 'in-person', 'virtual', and online components across 75 locations

  • Mat Certificate Course: this is a 'live-virtual' course and 'in-person' in London.

Content: 

  • Comprehensive curriculum including beginner, intermediate, and advanced work on the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Barrels, and Pedi-Pull. Also includes signature cueing techniques, anatomy, session programming, business skills, inclusive teaching skills, and voice training skills. 

  • Group Fitness Mat Pilates Certificate course includes beginner and intermediate classical Mat exercises, additional supporting exercises, anatomy, group fitness skills.

Duration: 

  • Comprehensive: Approximately 1 year, including 450 hours of practice

  • Mat Certificate Course: 2 weeks.

Cost: 

  • Comprehensive Training Program: $8,500 ($750 deposit, then $775/month for 10 months)

  • Mat Certificate Course: $895.

Accreditation: Internationally recognized with presence in 3 countries. Comprehensive graduates qualify to sit for the NPCP (formerly PMA) exam.

Ideal for: Those seeking a comprehensive, internationally recognised qualification for a sustainable career. 

Find out more https://www.equinox.com/landing/pilates-teacher-training?icmp=bottomnav-pilatesteachertraining

2. Polestar Pilates

  • Delivery: Combination of online and highly practical in-person training in US and Canada.

  • Content: From foundational Anatomy, to Mat, Reformer, & Full Comprehensive Pilates.

  • Duration: Full course completion takes from 6-18 months depending on the course.

  • Cost: Mat $3,600, Reformer $3,600, Comprehensive $8,100. All prices include exams, virtual studio and host studio packages. Flexible payment plans available.

  • Accreditation: The Comprehensive Pilates and Mat Pilates programs qualify you to sit for the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) exam to become a Certified Pilates Teacher. The NPCP is nationally accredited in the USA by the National Committee for Certifying Agencies (NCAA).

  • Ideal for: Those seeking a comprehensive, globally recognized Pilates education to build a long-term, sustainable career in movement, wellness, or rehabilitation. Ideal for movement professionals, physical therapists, dancers, and career-changers alike.

Find out more - polestarpilates.com

3. BASI Pilates (Body Arts and Science International)

  • Delivery: Hybrid format - a combination of online and in-person training.

  • Courses Offered:

    • Mat Pilates Teacher Training

    • Mat & Reformer Teacher Training

    • Comprehensive Teacher Training

  • Duration: Varies by course. For example, the Mat & Reformer Program includes four weekends of full-day sessions.

  • Cost: Estimated costs Mat Flex*: $1250, Mat & Reformer Flex*: $2850

And Comprehensive Flex*: $4750 * Varies by location.

  • Accreditation: Internationally recognized, with a presence in over 30 countries.

  • Ideal for: Individuals seeking globally recognized certification with a strong academic foundation, valued and accepted for work opportunities around the world.

Find out more - HTTPS://WWW.BASIPILATES.COM/EDUCATION/TEACHER-TRAINING-PROGRAMS/


Photography Peak Pilates

4. Peak Pilates® Classical Comprehensive

  • Delivery: Available through a blended format combining theoretical online coursework and practical in-person training at locations all over the globe. 

  • Content: Classical Comprehensive curriculum covering classical mat, reformer, tower, chairs, barrels, and auxiliary equipment. 

  • Duration: Approximately 500 hours, including online coursework, practice activities, observation, exercise technique and teaching practice hours, and in-person training. 

  • Cost: 

  • Level 1: Four modules at $685 each

  • Level 2: Two modules at $698 each + Assessment Module: $350

  • Level 3: Two modules at $698 each + Assessment Module: $350

  • All prices include online materials and live practical days for each module.

  • Accreditation: Upon completion of the full Classical Comprehensive Certification (Level 3) qualifies you to sit for the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) exam.

  • Ideal for: Individuals seeking a high standard, classical, comprehensive, internationally recognized qualification for a sustainable career in Pilates instruction, emphasizing classical Pilates methodology.

  • Find out more: https://www.peakpilates.com/pages/education-certifications

Find a training near you HERE

FitCore™ powered by Peak Pilates®

  • Delivery: A mix of online and /or live or virtual training at various locations across the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

  • Content: Innovative fitness fusion program combining Pilates mat, reformer, and chair exercises with bodyweight movements, standing work, and dynamic stretches for a comprehensive mind-body workout. 

  • Duration: Live training sessions vary between 6 to 18 hours, depending on the specific course. 

  • Cost: FitCore™ Mat (Virtual or In-person): $400

    FitCore™ Chair (Virtual or In-person): $550

    FitCore™ Reformer (In-person only): $775.

  • Accreditation: Endorsed by CIMPSA UK. 

  • Ideal for: Fitness professionals seeking to expand their repertoire with a dynamic, fusion-based Pilates program that integrates traditional Pilates equipment with contemporary fitness exercises.

Find out more: https://www.peakpilates.com/pages/fitcore

Find a training near you HERE

 

 

Peak Pilates® Level I Classical Mat Certification

  • Delivery: Offered in two flexible formats: fully online or in-person at select global locations.

  • Content: A comprehensive curriculum encompassing classical Pilates mat work, teaching fundamentals, preparatory exercises, and add-ins. The program emphasizes the Peak Pilates® 5-Part Formula for Success, ensuring instructors not only learn what to teach but how to teach effectively.

  • Duration: Approximately 60–100 hours, including online coursework, practice, observation, and teaching assignments. The course is self-paced, with a completion deadline of 6 months from the registration date.

  • Cost: $650, which includes all digital course materials.

  • Accreditation: Upon successful completion of all assessment requirements, participants are awarded the Peak Pilates® Level I Classical Mat Instructor Certification. To maintain certification, instructors must earn 14 continuing education credits (CECs) every two years.

  • Ideal for: Aspiring Pilates instructors seeking a nationally recognized, flexible pathway into teaching, with options for fully online or hands-on training. This program is ideal for those aiming to build a sustainable, well-rounded career in Pilates instruction.

Find out more: peakpilates.com/pages/education-certifications-mat

Photography from @merrithew

5. STOTT PILATES® certification by Merrithew

  • Delivery: In-person with some courses available online across numerous global locations. The program is offered at Merrithew’s Licensed Training Centers and Host Centers worldwide, allowing students to choose the format and location that best fits their needs.

  • Content: The curriculum is modular and robust, including:

·      Intensive Mat-Plus™, 2nd Edition (IMP II): Matwork foundation, 63 exercises plus modifications.

·      Intensive Reformer, 2nd Edition (IR II): Reformer apparatus, 139 exercises plus modifications.

·      Comprehensive Matwork & Reformer, 2nd Edition (CMR II): Combines matwork and reformer and anatomy, 185 exercises, program design, cueing, postural analysis, and an apprenticeship post-course.

·      Cadillac, Chair & Barrels (ICCB or CCCB): Specialized equipment training for Cadillac, Stability Chair™, and Barrels—ideal for diversifying skills and broadening your client base.

·      Advanced Programs (AM, AR, ACCB): Designed for student instructors and certified professionals seeking to deepen expertise and work with experienced clients through Matwork, Reformer, and Cadillac, Chair and Barrels.

·      Injuries & Special Populations (ISP): Specialized training to support clients with injuries, special conditions, or post-rehabilitation needs.

·      STOTT PILATES Rehabilitation Program: Integrates Pilates with clinical rehab, designed for licensed professionals to apply Pilates principles in therapeutic settings.

  • Duration

-   IMP II: 40 hours instruction.

-   IR II: 50 hours instruction.

-   CMR II: 120 hours instruction + 60 hour apprenticeship.

-   Additional hours and requirements apply for the Intensive and Comprehensive I programs.

  • Cost: Varies by course, Training Center, and delivery format (online or in-person). 

  • Accreditation: STOTT PILATES® certification by Merrithew is internationally recognized and respected, with programs trusted in over 135 countries. Merrithew education, including STOTT PILATES, is recognized by a wide range of high-level industry bodies and professional organizations worldwide. This ensures your qualification is widely accepted and respected in the fitness and wellness industry.

    Key Third-Party Accreditations and Recognitions Include:

    -   American Council on Exercise (ACE)

    -   National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP)

    -   Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) – UK

    -   German Pilates Association (DPV)

    -   Pilates Association Australia (PAA)

    -   AUSactive (Australia)

  • Additional Notes: Courses and workshops may also be eligible for Continuing Education Credits with other fitness, physical therapy, and healthcare boards worldwide.
    Pre-approval and credit amounts may vary by course and organization. If a specific course or workshop is not pre-approved, students may petition for credits with support from Merrithew’s Education team.

  • Ideal for: Suitable for those seeking an in depth, internationally recognized Pilates qualification for a sustainable career. Modular courses support both beginners and experienced professionals, with options to specialize in equipment, advanced instruction, or rehabilitation.

    Find Out More: For detailed information, course schedules, and enrolment, visit the official STOTT PILATES Instructor Training page:
    www.merrithew.com/instructor-training/stott-pilates

    For a full list of certification programs, visit:
    https://www.merrithew.com/instructor-training/stott-pilates 
    https://www.merrithew.com/instructor-training/pilates-certification-programs 
    https://www.merrithew.com/instructor-training/find-training 

    For more details and a full list of recognized organizations:
    Visit: Merrithew Third-Party Accreditation. This robust accreditation ensures that STOTT PILATES certification can open doors to professional opportunities around the globe.

    More additional information is available in the below table.

5.  The Pilates Center

  • Delivery: Available both ‘online only' and 'in-person' across multiple locations. They offer 3 Programs for new teachers and a Bridge Other Program for teachers that have already gone through a training program. All of their programs are a combination of online and in-person. What this means is students will view the Formal Lecture Series (which is 12% of the program) and simultaneously work with a graduate in a studio setting completing Mentorship hours (which is the majority of the program). They have Licensed Teacher Trainers (25) and Host Advisors (30) throughout the world in different locations. They now offer a Mat Program which can be done 100% online if needed.

  • Content: Comprehensive curriculum including matwork.
    All of their programs are comprehensive (Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Mat, Barrels, and Miscellaneous). They also offer a Mat only program as well.

  • Duration: Our comprehensive programs are all 12 months long. The Mat Program is 6 months long.

  • Cost: Payment Plans are available.
    Advanced 18 Month Program: $9,250
    Advanced 12 Month Program: $8,500
    Intermediate Plus Program: $5,175
    Intermediate Program: $4,000
    Bridge Other Program: $5,780
    Mat Program: $2, 485

  • Accreditation: Natpcp
    Students are eligible to take the National Pilates Certification Program Exam once they complete any of our programs.

  • Ideal for: Those seeking a comprehensive, nationally recognised qualification for a sustainable career. Our graduates are sought out to be employed due to the incredible reputation our school has had for 34 years. We are the oldest professional school in the Pilates industry.

Find out more www.thepilatescenter.com

6. Club Pilates

  • Delivery: Available in a blended format, including online work, in-person hours at participating studios, and self-paced hours.

  • Content: Comprehensive curriculum including Mat, Reformer, Springboard, Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Magic Circle, Special Populations, and Pilates Anatomy. The program is also offered modularly.

  • Duration: 500 hours for the Club Pilates Comprehensive program, which most people complete in under a year.

  • Cost: $4,995 for the comprehensive program, with prices for individual modules ranging from $200 to $2,100. Students can get started with their online work with $2,100 down, and payment plans are available.

  • Accreditation: NPCP.

  • Ideal for: Those seeking individual modules or the full comprehensive program, both in-person and online.

  • Find out more: https://www.clubpilates.com.au/education


 

STOTT PILATES® certification by Merrithew - Further information

CJ Zarb
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