Level 1 Matwork Pilates Teacher Training

This course is for those wishing to start a career as a Pilates Instructor or for those currently in the yoga, fitness or health industry wanting to add Pilates instruction to their repertoire. Upon completion, Level 1 Matwork Pilates Teacher Training graduates will be able to obtain insurance to teach Pilates and confidently plan and teach Matwork Pilates classes to groups and individuals.

The Level 1 Pilates course is accredited with Physical Activity Australia and attracts 3 PDP points (KAP1994).

Level 2 Matwork Pilates Teacher Training

An extension from Level 1 Matwork Pilates, a comprehensive course detailing how to introduce the use of props and small apparatus for Pilates matwork exercises. The props included in the Level 2 course are a Pilates ball, Pilates Circle and Resistance band. This course will ensure graduates have a clear understanding of the fundamentals of each mat exercise when including a prop or small apparatus, and can safely guide students through their classes. Students who enrol in Level 2 Pilates need to have completed Level 1 Matwork Pilates or equivalent (this does not have to have been with the Zama Institute).

Reformer Pilates Teacher Training

Reformer is one of fastest-growing studio modalities. This specialist course qualifies you to teach reformer Pilates in studios, gyms and privately. Requires Level 1 completion and you empowers you with the skills to teach this popular practice in studios, gyms and from home.

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Pilates Level 1 Matwork Instructor Training ONLINE | ENROL HERE

Level 1 Pilates Matwork Teacher Training Online

Q: What is Level 1 Mat Pilates teacher training and what does it qualify me to teach?

Zama's Level 1 Mat Pilates Teacher Training is the foundation certification for Pilates instruction, focusing entirely on mat-based exercises — no equipment required beyond a mat. Upon completion, you'll be qualified to design and lead mat Pilates classes for general populations in studios, gyms, corporate settings, and online. It's the entry point for a Pilates teaching career and a valuable add-on qualification for yoga teachers and fitness professionals.

Q: Do I need previous Pilates experience to enrol in Level 1 Mat Pilates training?

Our courses are available to everyone. We recommend having attended at least 10 mat Pilates classes before enrolling, so you have a working familiarity with the exercises. However, no prior teaching qualification or formal Pilates background is required. The Level 1 program is designed to build your understanding from a solid foundation, making it accessible to anyone, while also supporting yoga teachers, personal trainers, barre instructors, and fitness enthusiasts who are new to Pilates instruction.

Q: Is Zama's Mat Pilates certification recognised in Australia?

Yes. Zama Institute is accredited with Physical Activity Australia (PAA), meaning our Mat Pilates Teacher Training meets professional industry standards worldwide. Graduates can apply for professional indemnity and public liability insurance, with most insurers offering worldwide coverage. If you wish to teach in the USA or Canada, you need to be a citizen there to obtain insurance, and our course qualifies you to do so.

Q: Can I teach Pilates after completing Level 1, or do I also need Level 2?

Yes, Level 1 is a standalone certification that qualifies you to teach general mat Pilates classes. Level 2 deepens your expertise with small apparatus, special populations, and more advanced programming — it's the next step for instructors who want to work with a broader client base, including people with injuries, health conditions, or more advanced training goals. Many instructors teach successfully on their Level 1 certification for months or years before pursuing Level 2.

Q: What will I learn in Level 1 Mat Pilates teacher training?

Zama's Level 1 Mat Pilates curriculum covers: the complete mat Pilates repertoire including all classical exercises and progressions; anatomy and physiology for Pilates teachers; the six Pilates principles (centring, concentration, control, precision, breath, flow); cueing and teaching methodology; class design and sequencing; working with modifications for different fitness levels; and the foundations of safe, effective instruction. You'll graduate confident to lead your first classes.

Q: How is this Mat Pilates training delivered, and how long does it take?

Zama's Level 1 Mat Pilates Teacher Training is delivered fully online and is self-paced. You can complete the program in as little as three to six months, or take longer if you need to fit study around work and family. All course materials — video lessons, manuals, and assessments — are available on demand, so you study when it works for you.

Q: What's the difference between mat Pilates and reformer Pilates, and which certification do I need?

Mat Pilates uses only a mat and small props (bands, balls, rings) to develop core strength, flexibility, and body awareness based on Joseph Pilates' original method. Reformer Pilates uses a spring-loaded machine for a wider range of exercises. Mat Pilates instruction is the industry starting point — it's taught everywhere, requires little to no equipment investment, and the mat repertoire forms the foundation for all equipment-based Pilates. Many instructors begin with mat certification and add reformer later.

From: $45.18 inc GST / month for 12 months

Pilates is an accessible way to improve flexibility, build strength, and develop control and endurance in the whole body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, and developing a strong Powerhouse, and improving coordination, balance and posture. Pilates’ system allows for repetitive strength exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginning to advanced to suit any level of student.

The Zama Institute Level 1 Pilates Matwork Teacher Training online course is geared towards those wishing to start a career in Pilates instruction or for those currently in the fitness industry wishing to add Pilates onto their teaching repertoire. Upon completion, Pilates Level 1 students will be able to confidently plan and teach full mat work Pilates classes to groups and individuals.

Course materials include online course content, exercise manual, videos and online assessment delivered via our online learning platform.

What you will learn

Study of the history and development of the Pilates Method
Study of the philosophy of the Pilates Method
Study of the concepts of the Pilates Method
Study of the principles of the Pilates Method
Study of postural assessment, identification of faulty postures and postural correction
In depth analysis of all repertoire on mat
Teaching methodology
Pre-exercise clearance of clients and the initial consultation process
Programming
Understanding of scope of practice
A repertoire manual

Modules

Module 1: History of Pilates
Module 2: Pilates Anatomy and Breathing- your required textbook, Pilates Anatomy, covers the anatomical content for this course. Knowledge of this content is drawn upon in your study of the postures manual.
Module 3: Understanding the Scope of Practice
Module 4: The 6 Principles of Pilates
Module 5: Good Pain versus Bad Pain
Module 6: Teaching Methodology
Module 7: Sequencing
Module 8: Adjustment & Alignment Techniques
Module 9: The 34 Classical Matwork Exercises

Course requirements

The course requires online study, reading, videos, a multiple choice quiz, self-practice and teaching practice (to be photographed and written in a journal).

What’s included

Pilates Teacher Training Course Manual (36 pages)
Pilates Level 1 Matwork Exercise Manual (61 pages)
59 Exercises + Variations
7 Video Demonstrations covering all 59 exercises + variations
2 Written Class Sequences

Course Registration

This course is accredited with Physical Activity Australia and attracts 3 PDP points (KAP1994).

You can also gain CE points with Yoga Alliance, CPD with Yoga Australia and other similar associations. The combined yoga and Pilates courses are registered with Yoga Australia and graduates are eligible for varying levels of membership. It is not a requirement as a Pilates Instructor to complete training that is registered with a Pilates association or to join a Pilates association to be able to teach Pilates. Pilates associations set standards, not requirements, for training programs. They do not provide government certification or accreditation.

Graduates of the Zama Institute program are eligible to obtain insurance with Insurance House to teach Pilates. Other insurers will also insure graduates.

Book List

Pilates Anatomy by Karen Clippinger and Rael Isacowitz
Pilates Evolution: The 21st Century by Joseph Pilates, Judd Robbins, and Lin Van Heuit-Robbins

Prop List

Course Access

Start any time with 12 months to complete the course from enrolment.

Enrol now!

SKU: N/A Category: Pilates Teacher Training

Additional information

Additional information

PAYMENT METHOD	UPFRONT, PAYMENT PLAN

Level 2 Matwork Pilates Teacher Training Online

From: $45.18 inc GST / month for 12 months

The Zama Institute Level 2 Matwork Pilates Teacher Training course is for those who have previously completed or currently completed their Level 1 Matwork Pilates training (this does not need to have been completed with the Zama Institute – other equivalent training courses are suitable) and are looking to further develop their learning and teaching skills of Matwork Pilates. This course teaches students Level 2 Pilates matwork exercises, with the introduction of props. The props used with this course are a Pilates ball, Resistance Band and a Pilates Circle. The foundation of these exercises are from Level 1 Matwork Pilates, however with the introduction of props for further advancement of exercises. This course will ensure students have a clear understanding of the fundamentals of each mat exercise, with the inclusion of a prop, and to safely guide students through their classes.

Learning Outcomes

Understanding the scope of practice
Principles of the Pilates Method
Philosophy of the Pilates Method
Concepts of the Pilates Method
Pre-exercise clearance of clients and the initial consultation process
Postural assessment, identification of faulty postures and postural correction
In depth analysis of mat repertoire
Teaching methodology
Programming
Matwork Pilates exercises with Pilates Ball
Matwork Pilates exercises with Resistance Band
Matwork Pilates exercises with Pilates Circle

What’s included

Level 2 Pilates Teacher Training Course Manual (54 pages)
30 Exercises + Variations
30 Video Demonstrations covering all 30 exercises + variations

Prop List

Mat
Pilates Ball – 19 cm rubber, inflatable pilates ball, can be used hard or soft
Pilates Circle
Resistance Band – different strengths of bands are separated by different colours

Course Access

Start any time with 12 months to complete the course from enrolment.

Enrol now!

SKU: N/A Category: Pilates Teacher Training

Additional information

Additional information

PAYMENT METHOD	UPFRONT, PAYMENT PLAN

Level 1 & Level 2 Pilates Instructor Training Online

From: $72.68 inc GST / month for 12 months

Become a Level 1 & 2 Pilates Instructor today!

Save up to $100 when completing your ONLINE Level 1 & Level 2 Pilates courses together.

With a high demand for both Pilates instructors around the world, advance your career with Zama Institute to become a certified Level 1 & 2 Pilates instructor. Upon completion, you will be equipped to confidently plan and teach matwork Pilates classes in various settings. These two courses combined will propel your career as a Pilates instructor in a rapidly growing industry.