Learn to Teach Pilates
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Learn to Teach Pilates ⋄
The Lab Pilates Teacher Training is a carefully designed program to bring you both Classical and Contemporary exercises on a mix of traditional Pilates equipment: Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Spine Corrector/Step Barrel, High/Ladder Barrel, and Magic Circle. Join us for our 500hr comprehensive, PMA-approved training program with Justine Malick.
Quick links — Comprehensive ⋄ Mat ⋄ Dates ⋄ Pricing
“Every moment of our life can be the beginning of great things.”
⋄ Joseph Pilates ⋄
UPDATE: The 2024 round of The Lab Pilates Teacher Training is FULL. Please reach out for information about the next round of the comprehensive training, which we will be running in 2025.
A sapphire is a symbol of wisdom. At Sapphire Pilates, the invitation is to connect with the wisdom of the body.
Connecting to the wisdom of the body is our guiding principle behind The Lab Pilates Teacher Training Program. The training is a safe space for exploration — of the body, pilates, somatics, embodiment, and the art of facilitation. The 500hr Comprehensive program includes 6 weekends of in-person training as well as hours of observation, self-practice, and practice-teaching. Throughout the duration of the program of study and beyond, students will have access to ongoing job support and mentorship. We are committed to you and your Pilates journey.
The Lab Pilates Teacher Training program is composed of 4 main components:
500hr Comprehensive Teacher Training
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Over the course of 6 weekends, we will learn Anatomy, History of Pilates/Scope of Practice (as required by the PMA®), and a breakdown of every exercise according to choreography, muscle focus, and contraindications. We will also spend time studying sequencing, learning how to put together programming for private sessions, duets, and group classes.
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These 75 hours of observation can be completed in person or online. Watching experienced teachers teaching classes/clients is one of the best ways to absorb information. Take notes as you observe. Pay attention to how the teacher structures the session, how they cue, which props they use, etc.
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These 95 hours can be practiced at home and in-studio. A portion of the hours must be completed on each piece of equipment — mat, reformer, cadillac, etc. You can practice while following along with your manual or by taking a class/session. The idea behind these hours of self-practice hours is that by practicing the movement over and over again, the exercises become familiar and embodied. When there is a comfort with the movement, teaching feels likes an act of sharing something that’s known from within — as opposed to repeating a set of memorized instructions.These 95 hours can be practiced at home and in-studio. A portion of the hours must be completed on each piece of equipment — mat, reformer, cadillac, etc. You can practice while following along with your manual or by taking a class/session. The idea behind these hours of self-practice hours is that by practicing the movement over and over again, the exercises become familiar and embodied. When there is a comfort with the movement, teaching feels likes an act of sharing something that’s known from within — as opposed to repeating a set of memorized instructions.
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Once the training begins, we encourage you to begin teaching as soon as you can. Teach anyone you can get your hands on — friends, friends of friends, significant others, family, etc. The more body types you see moving the better. A portion of the 125 hours must be completed on each piece of equipment. Additionally, we strongly recommend that you work with at least one client for 10 or more sessions, so that you have the opportunity to witness growth within the client (and yourself).
The observation, self-practice, and practice teaching hours can be completed at Sapphire Pilates if scheduled in advance. Upon completion of your hours, you will schedule a date to take your exams. Upon passing both a written and practical exam you will be a Certified Pilates Teacher.
*Please note that participation in The Lab Pilates Teacher Training does not guarantee employment at Sapphire Pilates.
The training is comprised of 3 modules.
Mat
Weekend 1 + 2
The first two weekends of The Lab will explore the Classical Mat repertoire from a Contemporary perspective infused with an awareness of somatics & embodiment. We will also cover Anatomy and History of Pilates/Scope of Practice (as required by the PMA). This module is open to committed practitioners as well as current instructors wanting to review or delve deeper into the Mat work.
Reformer
Weekend 3 + 4
The second two weekends of The Lab will explore the Reformer and will include both Classical and Contemporary repertoire. This module is open to anyone who has completed The Lab Mat Module, another Mat Pilates training, and to current instructors wanting to review or delve deeper into the work on the Reformer.
Additional Equipment
Weekend 5 + 6
The final two weekends of The Lab will explore additional apparatus, including the Cadillac, Chair, High/Ladder Barrel, and the Magic Circle. This module is open to anyone who has completed. The Lab Mat & Reformer Modules as well as current instructors wanting to review or delve deeper into the work on the other apparatus.
Schedule
Weekend 1 + 2
TBD 2025
Weekend 3 + 4
TBD 2025
Weekend 5 + 6
TBD 2025
All of the details.
Time
Fridays, 4 to 7pm
Saturdays & Sundays, 11:30am to 6:30pm
*Weekends 1 - 4 meet Friday through Sunday, Weekends 5 - 6 meet only Saturday and Sunday
Tuition
$6,700 early enrollment, $7,200 after
What’s included?
All 3 modules: Mat, Reformer, Additional Equipment (Weekends 1 - 6)
All manuals, worksheets/handouts, and exam fees
Unlimited access to Justine’s library of recorded classes throughout the duration of the training
Mentorship for general questions, advice on next steps, making contacts with other studios to help find work, etc.
*Payment plans are available at no extra cost. Contact us directly to set one up.
Free Info Session
Date TBD 〰️
Meet Justine & chat all about the training — the training’s structure, required/component parts, expectations, and more. There will also be plenty of time for questions. Please RSVP here.
Also! Feel free to come early and take a Mindful Mat class as our guest at 5:30pm (immediately preceding the info session). Click here to sign up for the class, and make sure to use the code LABINFO at check out.
Registration
Application
To register for the 500hr Comprehensive training, please fill out The Lab Teacher Training application. Generally, we recommend a minimum of 1 year of experience practicing pilates. We’re happy to make an exception if it feels like a good fit. Please email us to set up a teacher training consultation.
Deposit
Submit a $1,000 non-refundable deposit to save your spot. Full payment is due 2 weeks before the training begins. Payment is accepted via Zelle or credit card for an additional processing fee. Please email us directly if you wish to set up a payment plan.
*Please note that 50% of the price is non-refundable in the event of cancellation. In the event of an absence, make-up hours can be completed by booking an additional private session(s) for $150 per hour
The Mat portion of The Lab comprehensive teacher training can be taken on its own as a 120hr Mat training, or it can be taken as the first step towards completing the 500hr comprehensive training. This Mat Pilates training is a blend of the classical repertoire from a contemporary perspective infused with an awareness of somatics & embodiment. We will also cover Anatomy and History of Pilates/Scope of Practice (as required by the PMA). All are welcome to join - yoga teachers, spin instructors, personal trainers, physical therapists, curious practitioners!
The training is comprised of 2 training weekends as well as 40 hours of observation, 40 hours of self-practice, and 40 hours of practice-teaching. Throughout the duration of the program and beyond, students will have access to ongoing job support and mentorship. We are committed to you and your Pilates journey.
Upon completion of the required hours, you will schedule a date to take your exams. Upon passing both a written and practical exam you will be a Certified Mat Pilates Teacher.
120hr Mat Teacher Training
Schedule
TBD 2025
Time
Fridays, 4 to 7pm
Saturdays & Sundays, 11:30am to 6:30pm
Tuition
$2,200 early enrollment, $2,400 after
What’s included?
The Mat Module (Weekends 1 - 2)
All manuals, worksheets/handouts, and exam fees
Unlimited access to my library of recorded classes throughout the duration of the training
Mentorship for general questions, advice on next steps, making contacts with other studios to help find work, etc.
*Payment plans are available at no extra cost. Contact us directly to set one up.
Free Info Session
Date TBD ⋄
Meet Justine & chat all about the training — the training’s structure, required/component parts, expectations, and more. There will also be plenty of time for questions. Please RSVP here.
Also! Feel free to come early and take a Mindful Mat class as our guest at 5:30pm (immediately preceding the info session). Click here to sign up for the class, and make sure to use the code LABINFO at check out.
Registration
Application
To register for the 120hr Mat training, please fill out The Lab Teacher Training application. Generally, we recommend a minimum of 1 year of experience practicing pilates. We’re happy to make an exception if it feels like a good fit. Please email us to set up a teacher training consultation.
Deposit
Submit a $500 non-refundable deposit to save your spot. Full payment is due 2 weeks before the training begins. Payment is accepted via Zelle or credit card for an additional processing fee. Please email us directly if you wish to set up a payment plan.
*Please note that 50% of the price is non-refundable in the event of cancellation. In the event of an absence, make-up hours can be completed by booking an additional private session(s) for $150 per hour
Meet your teacher trainer.
Justine is inspired by movement and the body. Her teaching and holistic approach to this work is anchored by her desire to share movement tools that facilitate a sense of ease inside and out. Justine strives to bring a tenderness and strength to the work, acknowledging that all movement – even the most dynamic, challenging exercises – can simultaneously also be nurturing and nourishing.
Justine has been practicing pilates since 2004 and teaching since 2011. She started leading teacher trainings as an affiliate of The Lab Pilates in 2019.
Born and raised in LA, Justine was a competitive figure skater for over a decade. Pilates came into her life at a very young age, and it was an integral part of her off-ice training. Over the years, Justine has completed trainings through Body Arts Science International (BASI), YogaWorks, and Embodied Flow. She has also studied Somatics, Body Mind Centering (BMC), Deep Bodywork Massage, Resistance Flexibility Strength Training (RFST), Chinese Medicine, and Prenatal/Postpartum Corrective Exercise (PPCES).
The birth of Sapphire Pilates was inspired by Justine’s dream to create an inclusive space to teach, to practice, to cultivate community. The studio opened in 2023.
The Lab Pilates Teacher Training at Sapphire Pilates is led by Justine Malick and assisted by Cordelia Dewdney.
Quick links — Comprehensive ⋄ Mat ⋄ Dates ⋄ Pricing
What the graduates are saying.