Teacher Training

Pilates teacher giving hands-on cue to a student during Pilates teacher training certification course in Astoria, New York City.

Become a Certified Pilates Teacher

Learn how to see, sense and help clients restore healthy function in their bodies.

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Teacher Training Cycle

Comprehensive Certification Program

Studio owner and master Pilates instructor, Varvara Kalinin has developed two Pilates Certification Programs to train new Pilates instructors to be competent and effective movement practitioners. Varvara draws on her 24 years of teaching experience and in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and movement exploration to create this multidisciplinary Pilates training system. Her method is grounded in both classical and contemporary Pilates exercises, Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, Gyrotonic, release work and other evolved methods of exercise techniques supported by current movement science. Upon successful completion of our Pilates certificate programs, you will gain the competence and confidence required to be an effective Pilates teacher in both group and private client settings.

National Pilates Certification Program

Perfect Posture Pilates Comprehensive Training program is divided into 2 phases:

Phase 1 – Anatomy & Mat Pilates: 

Phase 1 is the foundation module currently being offered twice per year. It includes anatomy, essential movement, biomechanics and the Pilates Mat repertoire. Students will receive a certificate upon completion of Phase 1 and are then certified to teach Mat Pilates at any Pilates studio or fitness center where Mat Pilates is offered. Those who wish to complete the Comprehensive Pilates Training Program will need to complete the Phase 2 module. Please note successful completion of Phase 1 is required prior to enrolling in Phase 2. 

Phase 2 – Specialized Pilates Equipment & Advanced Pilates Concepts:

Phase 2 includes training on all specialized Pilates equipment, including the Cadillac, Reformer, Chair, Ladder Barrel and small props. Students will learn both classical and contemporary Pilates equipment exercises and variations. In addition, Phase 2 includes advanced lectures such as postural analysis, key assessment skills and essential hands-on techniques. Graduates of Phase 2 will receive a Comprehensive Pilates Training Program certificate and are then certified to teach Pilates privates and group classes on all specialized Pilates equipment. Phase 2 is offered once per year starting in January. 

Program Includes

  • Anatomy and Core Dynamics
  • Essential Movement
  • Comprehensive Mat
  • Reformer Level 1 and 2
  • Cadillac Level 1 and 2
  • Chair
  • Ladder Barrel and small props
  • Postural Assessment
  • Common Injuries and Conditions
  • Therapeutics
  • Fascial release techniques
  • Programming
  • 65 observation hours
  • 80 hours of self-practice
  • 90 hours of practice teaching
  • 15 hours of self-practice labs
  • 20 apprentice hours
  • A written and practical Final Exam

Total Hours for completion 500 hours

Submit Your Application for the Program

Teacher Training Application form
Name
Name
First
Last
Are you an existing client of Perfect Posture Pilates?
What is your highest level of education?
What is your movement background?
Please check all Pilates experiences that you had
What are your expectations from this course?

Program Information

Certification Options

  • 500-hour Comprehensive Teacher Training 
  • 125-hour Anatomy + Mat - learn more

Location

All lectures and practice sessions will take place in Astoria, New York.

Studio 1
Perfect Posture PilatesTM
23-08 30TH AVE 3RD FLOOR
ASTORIA, NY 11102

Studio 2 Rooftop
3116 30th Ave 4th floor,
Astoria NY 11102
(entrance on 32nd st)

Prerequisite

Minimum of 10 private sessions and 10 group classes at Perfect Posture Pilates. 

Required Books to Purchase

  • Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais – Germain
  • Trail Guide to the Body, 6th edition by Andrew Biel
  • Return to Life by Joseph Pilates 

Training Dates

All lectures will take place on Saturdays and Sundays at both locations from 11 am to 6 pm. Times will vary slightly depending on the lecture.  

***Estimated time commitment to complete the program is 9 months to one year.

Course dates for the Anatomy + Mat Certification are the same as the Comprehensive but will end after the Mat course test out.

2025 Training Dates

Phase 1 - Anatomy & Mat Pilates

Anatomy

January 11th -12th, 2025
January 18th 2025

Anatomy Test

January 25th or 26th, 2025

Essential Movement

February 1st -2nd, 2025
February 8th 2025

Comprehensive Mat

February 15th -16th, 2025
February 22nd- 23rd, 2025

Mat Test-Out

Must be scheduled in March for those continuing on with equipment training.

Phase 2 - Specialized Pilates Equipment & Advanced Pilates Concepts

Reformer

April 5th - 6th, 2025
April 12th - 13th, 2025

Cadillac

May 3rd - 4th, 2025
May 10th, 2025

Chair

May 17th -18th, 2025

Ladder Barrel & Small Barrel

June 7th - 8th, 2025

Postural Assessment

June 21st -22nd, 2025

Programming

July 12th -13th, 2025

Common Injuries & Conditions

Common Injuries and Conditions including  Pre/ Postnatal workshop and Myofascial Release techniques will be offered in the Fall in 2025 once the students have completed half of their required hours.

Cost

Comprehensive Training Program Cost:

$6900

Non-Refundable Deposit for Comprehensive Teacher Training Program:

$500 to secure your spot.
Spots are very limited.

(Payment plans are available )

To learn more, please email us at admin@perfectposturepilates.com

Teacher Feedback

Studio owner Varvara Kalinin has a a depth of knowledge in anatomy and movement that even as a seasoned instructor has myself found this workshop intriguing and informative. If anyone who wants to learn Pilates movement and make a life change to their bodies to study with her, I highly recommend Varvara as a top notch teacher and instructor. 

Georgette, Senior Pilates Instructor
Deanna D certified Pilates Instructor in Astoria NY

Completing Perfect Posture Pilates certification has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The program provided comprehensive training, combining in-depth theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. Varvara is highly skilled and supportive, offering valuable feedback and guidance throughout. The certification has not only deepened my understanding of Pilates but also enhanced my teaching skills, empowering me to effectively support my clients' fitness journeys. I feel confident and well-prepared to bring this valuable practice to others. I wholeheartedly recommend this certification to anyone serious about advancing their Pilates expertise.

Deanna F, Pilates instructor

 I am a Physical Therapist and have recently completed the Mat Pilates Certification Program at Perfect Posture Pilates . The course was well-structured, providing a comprehensive understanding of Pilates principles and techniques.

We delved deeply into the anatomy of movement, learning how each exercise impacts different muscle groups. This not only improved my personal practice but also equipped me with the tools to effectively teach others.

The course also focused on modifying exercises to accommodate different fitness levels and body types, which is crucial for creating inclusive classes. I appreciated the hands-on practice sessions, where we could apply what we learned in real-time, receiving constructive feedback from both peers and instructors.

Overall, the certification class was a well-rounded experience that left me feeling confident and prepared to teach Mat Pilates. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Pilates or start a career in fitness instruction.  

Nicole G.  DPT