Become a Certified Pilates Teacher

Start a new rewarding career in Pilates. Our Pilates certification program will prepare you to become a confident and effective movement practitioner. You will learn both classical and contemporary exercises, anatomy, biomechanics as well as evolved methods of Pilates therapeutic techniques supported by current movement science.

All training seminars are happening in person right here in Astoria, NY

Now Accepting Applications for the Anatomy+ Mat training for 2024

Certification Options

Perfect Posture Pilates Teacher Training is a career-oriented program. Through our integrative approach to Pilates, you will learn both classical and contemporary exercises as well as evolved methods of Pilates therapeutic techniques supported by current movement science.

National Pilates Certification Program

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

Comprehensive Certification Program

500 hrs

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

  • Phase 1 – Anatomy & Mat Pilates
  • Phase 2 – Specialized Pilates Equipment & Advanced Pilates Concepts
Pilates Mat Teacher Certification

Anatomy + Mat Certification

125 hrs

Thinking of becoming a Pilates instructor but not yet sure if you want to make it a career? Teaching Mat classes first is a great way to start teaching Pilates at an affordable price with less time commitment. You can then decide if you want to proceed further in your Pilates studies. Our Mat + Anatomy training is also the foundation course and a requirement for the students entering our Comprehensive Teacher Training Program.

Perfect Posture Pilates Mat teacher training is an in-person module that includes Anatomy lectures, an Essential Movement course, and the complete Mat repertoire from Beginner, Intermediate to Advanced levels. Perfect Posture Pilates Mat training will give you the knowledge and understanding of over 70 Pilates Mat exercises. In addition, you will learn how to tailor exercises to each student’s learning ability and provide safe and effective protocols for all ages.    

This program is designed for those who want to teach group Mat classes at a studio or a gym, online Mat, or at-home private Mat sessions. 

Program Information

Now Accepting Applications for the 2024-2025 Teacher Training Cycle

Comprehensive 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

Prerequisite

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

Training Dates

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

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.

Anatomy + Mat Program Includes

  • Essential Movement Manual 
  • Comprehensive Mat Manual 
  • Small class size (ONLY 6 students are accepted per year) 
  • Beautiful Mat space for your Mat practice with a variety of Mat classes offered throughout the week, led by our senior Pilates instructors as well as Varvara, program director. 
  • Practice quizzes 
  • Private mentorship is available with Varvara and our senior instructors for an additional cost. 
  • A safe and supportive learning environment 
  • Final Test Out with Varvara Kalinin (Program Director) 
  • Teaching opportunities at Perfect Posture Pilates 

Total Hours for completion 125 hours

Required Hours for Completion

  • Anatomy | 18 hrs 
  • Essential Movement | 24 hrs 
  • Mat Level 1 and 2  | 28 hrs 
  • Self Practice hours | 20 hrs
  • Observation | 10 hrs 
  • Practice Teaching hrs | 20 hrs 
  • Teacher Assisting  | 5 hrs 
  • A written and practical exam 

125 hours 

Prerequisite

10 Mat classes (in person or online) 

Location

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

Time Commitment for completing the Mat + Anatomy Training is 4 months 

2024 Training Dates
Anatomy

Septemeber 14th-15th
September 21st

Anatomy Test

September 28th or 29th, must schedule with Varvara

Essential Movement

October 5th -6th
October 12th

Pilates Mat Beginner to Advanced

October 19th -20th
October 26th-27th

Final Test Out (Written and Practical) Coordinate your final test out with Varvara (Program Director) 

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)

All lectures will take place on Saturdays and Sundays at both locations from 11 am/12 noon to 6 pm/6:30 pm. Times will vary slightly depending on the lecture.  

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 

Cost

Comprehensive Training Program Cost:

$6900

Non-Refundable Deposit for Comprehensive Teacher Training Program:

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

Comprehensive Anatomy + Mat Certification (includes Anatomy, Essential Movement and Mat ) Cost

$1850

Non-Refundable Deposit for Comprehensive Anatomy + Mat Certification

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

(Payment plans are available upon request. )

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

Submit Your Application for the Program

Accepting applications for our next Comprehensive and Anatomy + Mat Teacher Training Programs starting on Jan 6th of 2024

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?

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