At Kink Pilates we’re a Master Trainer studio and official satellite center for Pilates Academy International (PAI) — one of the few internationally respected teacher training programs in the world.
Teacher Training at Kink Pilates
We offer mat, reformer and full comprehensive teacher training that follows the full PAI curriculum, rooted in deep anatomy, biomechanics, cueing, and real‑world teaching skills. You’ll learn how to teach Pilates exercises safely and effectively across populations and settings.
What you learn
- Weekend intensives in Mat and/or Reformer cover the exercises, progressions, and teaching methodology.
- After the in‑person training you complete supplemental hours including personal practice, observation, and practice teaching.
- Virtual anatomy coursework gives you a strong foundation in how the body moves — critical for teaching with confidence.
- When you’re ready, you test out (live or filmed) to become certified through PAI.
Training process
PAI’s training is officially accredited by the Pilates Method Alliance International Teacher Training Accreditation Program (ITTAP) — meaning it meets high industry standards and is globally recognized. Graduates are eligible to teach anywhere and can sit for national certification.
Accreditation & recognition
Our courses are small and hands‑on, taught by experienced Master Trainers who break down both the why and the how of Pilates so you leave confidently prepared to teach private sessions, group classes, or start your own career in Pilates instruction.
Why train here
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Certification, Decoded (aka What You’re Actually Signing Up For)
Taking a course = learning the work.
Getting certified = proving you can teach it well, safely, and consistently.
You’ll take the course, complete your supplemental hours (more on that below), and then pass your written + practical exams. That’s what makes you officially certified through Pilates Academy International (PAI).
Not yet. You’re halfway there. You’ve learned the material — now you need to embody it, practice teaching it, and show you can apply it in the real world.
Because good studios care. So do clients.
Certification shows you’ve done the work — the real work — and it sets you up for better jobs, better pay, and bigger opportunities (like sitting for the NPCP exam, if that’s in your future).
Choosing Your Path: Mat, Reformer, or Everything
- Mat = just you, the floor, and gravity. Perfect for group fitness, virtual teaching, or studios without equipment.
- Reformer = you’re certified to teach group, duet, and private sessions in a boutique studio setting using the reformer.
- Comprehensive = the full apparatus buffet (Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chair, and Barrels). If you want maximum versatility, this is it.
Ask yourself:
You can always start with one and expand later. Everything you do rolls forward.
- No access to equipment? Group fitness vibes? → Mat
- Want to teach in reformer-heavy studios (hi, it’s us)? → Reformer
- Going all in, private clients, studio versatility? → Comprehensive
You can always start with one and expand later. Everything you do rolls forward.
It is. This isn’t a weekend crash course.
Pilates certification is in-depth, anatomy-based, movement science–grounded training with a real test-out process. It takes time. It takes presence. But it also means you’re really good by the end.
Pilates certification is in-depth, anatomy-based, movement science–grounded training with a real test-out process. It takes time. It takes presence. But it also means you’re really good by the end.
Because it’s good. Really good.
PAI covers ~25% more material than many programs, is internationally recognized, and prepares you for the NPCP exam. It’s clear, contemporary, and makes sure you know how to teach — not just regurgitate choreography.
PAI covers ~25% more material than many programs, is internationally recognized, and prepares you for the NPCP exam. It’s clear, contemporary, and makes sure you know how to teach — not just regurgitate choreography.
Behind the Scenes: What Actually Happens After the Course
Your supplemental hours = where the magic happens.
They include:
• Personal practice (getting the repertoire in your body)
• Observation (watching experienced teachers teach real clients)
• Practice teaching (you teaching actual people — friends, clients, pets if they’re patient)
This is where you build confidence, clarity, and the ability to teach humans, not just sequences.
They include:
• Personal practice (getting the repertoire in your body)
• Observation (watching experienced teachers teach real clients)
• Practice teaching (you teaching actual people — friends, clients, pets if they’re patient)
This is where you build confidence, clarity, and the ability to teach humans, not just sequences.
- Mat = ~35 in-person course hours + ~50 supplemental
- Reformer + Comprehensive = more hours, because more material + more bodies + more equipment
Because Pilates isn’t memorization. It’s relationship. With the body in front of you.
The hours give you time to integrate, observe patterns, and make the work your own.
The hours give you time to integrate, observe patterns, and make the work your own.
Nope. You can log hours at other studios or at home (especially for mat). If you’re not local, we’ll help you find a solid studio nearby that can support you.
Yes. Observation and personal practice can start right away. We usually recommend waiting until after the course to begin practice teaching, so you have a foundation.
We give you beautifully nerdy tracking sheets. You fill them out. We verify them when you’re ready to test out. It’s very official. You’ll feel powerful.
Anatomy, Exams, and Other Nerdy But Important Things
Yes — a functional anatomy + biomechanics course is required. It’s taught online through PAI and gives you the foundation to cue safely, understand movement, and adapt for all kinds of bodies.
- Around 12–15 hours, self-paced, virtual
- ~$499 USD, accessed directly through Pilates Academy
You can take it anytime — but it must be done before you test out.
Two parts:
This isn’t a trick test. It’s a demonstration that you know your stuff — and if you’ve done the work, you’ll be ready.
- Written: anatomy, safety, programming
- Practical: you teaching a real human with clarity and presence
This isn’t a trick test. It’s a demonstration that you know your stuff — and if you’ve done the work, you’ll be ready.
The in-person course is two weekends.
After that, most people take a few months to a year to finish their hours + test out.
Comprehensive takes longer — more material, more hours — but we guide you the whole way.
After that, most people take a few months to a year to finish their hours + test out.
Comprehensive takes longer — more material, more hours — but we guide you the whole way.
Take it. This is meant to be flexible. You’re building a whole new skillset — it’s okay to move at your own pace. Just stay in touch with your educator.
Teaching, Jobs, and Real-World Logistics
Yes — a lot of trainees begin teaching after their course, especially in supportive studios (like ours) that accept apprentices or junior instructors. You’ll log teaching hours and get paid. Win-win.
- Mat = gyms, boutique studios, online platforms
- Reformer + Comp = full-service studios, privates, duets, international opportunities through PAI’s network
There’s a lot out there once you’re trained and confident.
We do. If you’re local, you can apply for our Kink apprenticeship program and get plugged into real teaching opportunities.If you’re not local, we’ll still help guide you — how to audition, what studios are looking for, and how to position yourself.
Yes — especially if you’ve completed the course and logged some hours. Many studios (including ours) bring on trainees in apprentice roles while they work toward full certification.
Scheduling, Time, and Other Real Life Stuff
We run Mat + Reformer courses every few months.
Other modules (Chair, Cadillac, Barrels) are a little less frequent.
Class size = limited by reformers + quality control. If you’re planning on Comprehensive, register early.
Other modules (Chair, Cadillac, Barrels) are a little less frequent.
Class size = limited by reformers + quality control. If you’re planning on Comprehensive, register early.
Life happens. If something unavoidable comes up, you can transfer into another training date. But ideally, you’re there for the whole thing — it’s interactive, hands-on, and moves fast.
- Mat = yes, often
- Apparatus = sometimes, if you have equipment at home or another studio
In-person is ideal, especially for hands-on feedback — but we’ll work with you to find a path that fits.
Yes. Many trainees have full-time jobs.
The structure is designed to flex with your life. You can pace your hours, go slow or fast, and we’ll help keep you on track.
The structure is designed to flex with your life. You can pace your hours, go slow or fast, and we’ll help keep you on track.
