Your Self-Paced, Affordable Pilates Certification with a Mat Exercise Approach
Learn how to become a skilled, successful Pilates teacher with AFPA’s comprehensive Pilates Fitness Instructor program. This online, self-study program centers around two pillars: knowledge and application.
First, learn the philosophies and movement principles established by Joseph Pilates—the founder of Pilates—along with physical anatomy and how it applies to poses and exercises.
Then, learn how to structure an actual Pilates class. You can incorporate these techniques into an individual or group setting. They become the foundation of your unique teaching style.
Complete the program with the skills and confidence to teach Pilates classes with a mat emphasis in a gym, boutique studio, or private setting.
The Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification Program Includes:
All course materials are included in your enrollment fee, including the following:
- 3 course digital textbooks (lifetime access included)
- Guide for teaching movement and exercises for all levels (Includes over 300 photos for detailed, easy-to-follow instruction)
- Pilates exercise routines – basic, intermediate and advanced
- Pilates exercise routines for lower back pain and weak abdominals
- Online final exam
“I learned more than I could have imagined.”
“I looked at several more expensive programs and decided on AFPA because of its affordable price and self-paced nature. I am SO glad I did. I learned more than I could have imagined.”
-Madeline K., AFPA-Certified Pilates Fitness Instructor
This Program is For…
Personal trainers and fitness professionals who want to help more clients by expanding their skills and offerings
Health and wellness coaches who want to further their understanding of mind-body wellness
Pilates instructors who want to specialize in a mat exercise approach
Individuals who want to improve their core strength and flexibility, improve joint function, and move better
Become a Pilates Instructor in Less Than 6 Months
The Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification course is 100% online and self-paced for your convenience and flexibility.
Complete your course in 6 months or less, working at a pace that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
* Some students opt to spend more time per week and complete the program faster. Others choose to work through the program more slowly over a 6-month period.
If you spend 7-10 hours per week studying, you can finish the course in about 8 weeks.
The AFPA Difference
Join over 130,000 AFPA-certified professionals worldwide. With a 30-year legacy of accredited expertise and our commitment to the highest quality holistic, evidence-based education, AFPA can equip you to maximize your impact. We set the gold standard by offering an affordable, convenient, interactive, and hands-on option on the path to becoming a Pilates instructor.
Study Anywhere At Your Own Pace
Enjoy the freedom to study on your own time from anywhere in the world.
Study guidelines, easy-to-follow modules, and assignments keep you on track. Take your final exam online when you’re ready!
Interest-Free Payment Plans
Get certified without breaking the bank. Our certifications cost significantly less than degree programs, so they’re affordable with minimal financial risk.
Plus, we offer 0% interest payment plans with no credit check.
All Learning Materials Included
Your tuition covers everything, including lifetime access to your digital textbooks.
Business Resources Included
Upon enrollment, we provide you with exclusive access to resources to help you establish, optimize, grow, and build your holistic business.
Unlimited Student Support
Call, email, or chat with our educational advisors as often as you need before, during, and even after enrollment.
What’s It Like Being A Pilates Instructor?
As an AFPA Certified Pilates Fitness Instructor, you can expect to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history, principles, and evolution of Pilates and describe its applications in real-world health
- Help clients and class participants identify core stabilizing muscles utilized for specific exercises
- Practice and model basic Pilates mat exercises
- Guide students to employ proper progression of the mat exercises to advance in their fitness journey
- Utilize Pilates exercises to enhance outcomes for overuse injuries, arthritis, postural disorders, malalignment issues, and low back pain
- Guide students through a safe and challenging Pilates classes
- Teach privately; tailoring one-on-one sessions to meet the specific needs and goals of the student
- Become inspired to develop a Pilates or specialized fitness business-leading workshops, retreats, and special events
- Develop trust and rapport with students, deploying appropriate communication strategies and professionalism
Course Curriculum
The AFPA Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification curriculum includes (but is not limited to):
Pilates Theory and Philosophy Answer
This module covers a full-scope view of Pilates theory and the Pilates method for teaching, as pioneered by Joseph Pilates. You’ll also learn:
- Anatomy and physiology as they relate to pilates practice
- The eight principles of Joseph H. Pilates’ method
Body Awareness, Movement, and Posture Answer
Discover and apply basic principles of anatomy, physiology, and mental control and how they all work together in fostering non-injurious exercises for the good health of the students. This module covers:
- Effects of lifestyle and stress on the body
- How we establish faulty movements
- Mental control over physical movement
- The importance of posture & establishing a pattern of muscle control
- Body awareness & posture
How to Develop World-Class Pilates Classes Answer
Building upon your education of traditional and contemporary Pilates, you will use your deep understanding of how the body works (and how to make it work better) to structure Pilates workout classes. In this Pilates certification program, you’ll learn exactly what goes into creating a stimulating and fun class deeply rooted in the art and science of movement. Other learning topics include:
- How to make your pilates workout effective and safe
- Pilates mat program exercise routines – basic, intermediate and advanced
- Pilates exercise routines for lower back pain and weak abdominals
130000+ students certified
30+ years of excellence in education
30+ certification programs offered
98.9% student satisfaction
“My learning experience while going through the AFPA certification process was fantastic! The course was perfect for people with little or no previous experience while remaining challenging for a seasoned professional.”
— L. Sudgen
Let Customers Speak for Us
FAQ
Who is this program for? Answer
This program is for:
- Personal trainers and fitness professionals who want to help more clients by expanding their skills and offerings
- Health and wellness coaches who want to further their understanding of mind-body wellness
- Pilates instructors who want to specialize in a mat exercise approach
- Individuals who want to improve their core strength and flexibility, improve joint function, and move better
You might be a great Pilates mat instructor if:
- Are a people-person. You are naturally engaging and want to be the go-to leader for sparking positive change through inclusive, interactive, and intimate teaching experiences.
- Seek a career change or part-time job motivating participants toward reaching their personal fitness goals and streamlining their physical alignment.
- Crave personal and professional development opportunities. This program is the clear choice for anyone interested in anatomy and physiology, the inner workings of the body, the science of movement and how it’s used to optimize health, how fitness is evolving, and the mind-body connection.
What are the prerequisites for this course? Answer
To enroll in the Pilates Instructor Certification, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a solid understanding of the English language.
Are textbooks included in my enrollment fee? Answer
Yes! Your enrollment fee includes lifetime access to all of the digital textbooks you will need to complete this course.
Digital textbooks allow us to offer the most up-to-date curriculum, give you immediate access to the materials, plus offer portability across devices.
We understand that learning styles and preferences vary. If you are interested in purchasing physical textbooks in addition to the digital textbooks that are included in your course enrollment fee, you can find a complete book list within your online student learning platform.
Are payment plans available? Answer
AFPA offers flexible, interest-free payment plans without credit checks or added fees.
Is there a final written exam? Answer
The AFPA Pilates Fitness Instructor certification exam contains 100 multiple-choice and true/false questions. You may refer to your course materials as you complete the exam, and you may save your exam progress and complete the exam over the course of multiple sittings.
Once you’ve completed the entire exam, you can submit it for immediate grading. Passing the Certification Exam requires a score of 85 percent or higher.
If you do not pass, you may request a retest for a $75.00 fee.
Does this course require observation hours? Answer
This course does not require observation hours.
How long is this certification valid for? Answer
Your credential is valid for two years.
Certification renewal is a process whereby the certified professional demonstrates ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the ability to perform health and wellness services in a competent manner. Certification renewal also assures the public that the certified professional remains committed to adhering to a code of ethics and standards of practice.
We offer a wide selection of educational programs and opportunities for all individuals worldwide. AFPA offers a variety of continuing education courses that you can complete at home or online. Also, each AFPA certification program is worth 16 CECs. For more information, visit our renewal information page.
How is this program different from other Pilates certifications? Answer
AFPA’s Pilates Fitness Instructor program offers a mat Pilates education and training that is:
- Comprehensive: Learn Pilates movement principles plus practical application, and get ready-to-implement exercise routines for clients of all levels and abilities.
- Affordable: AFPA is proud to offer an affordable option for earning your Pilates certification with payment plan options with as low as 0% APR financing.
- Flexible: Study at your own pace and on your own schedule.
- Accessible: Get certified from wherever you are. With AFPA, you don’t need to travel to an in-person workshop.
- Fast: Get certified in less than 6 months. Many of our students graduate in less than 8 weeks, and some even faster.
- Trusted: AFPA has been certifying health and fitness professionals for 29+ years.
What are the benefits of Pilates? Answer
Pilates is truly the ultimate mind-body exercise for anyone who wants to lose weight, tone muscle, and increase mobility from everyday movement to sports performance.
Pilates workouts set a powerful foundation for any genre of movement and can easily be adapted for all ages, mobility, and fitness levels. Unlike some forms of exercise, Pilates does not overdevelop some parts of the body and neglect others.
Pilates workouts promote and focus on the following aspects:
- Core strength and flexibility
- Lean, balanced muscle development
- Limiting pain and improving joint functions
- Increased mind-body connection
What if I need more info or support? Answer
Send our enrollment specialists an email anytime! They’re happy to help with any questions you may have about our Pilates program.
Flexible Payment Plans with 0% Interest — No Credit Check Required!
With AFPA’s in-house payment plans, you can pay as you go with no interest and no credit check. Spread the cost of your certification over time with the flexibility to choose a plan that works best for your budget.
