Mat & Comprehensive Teacher Training
Move Missoula is an affiliate training studio for Beacon Pilates Classical Teacher training programs based in New York.
Our teacher training program is more than a certification — it’s a true mentorship. The first step toward becoming a Pilates instructor is completing the 50-hour Comprehensive Mat Course, which covers the Beginner and Intermediate Level Mat exercises in the Classical system.
Some participants choose to teach Mat exclusively, while others continue their journey to become fully certified Classical Pilates instructors by completing the 500-hour Comprehensive Teacher Training Program.
Either way, the Comprehensive Mat Course is your first step.
The mat program is designed for each participant to walk away with the ability to teach the Pilates mat exercises.
Participants will learn a total of 29 exercises during 32 hours of in classroom instruction broken up into two sections. You will learn how to teach each exercise to a first time client, a beginner level client, an intermediate level client, and how to modify each exercise.
In the first section you will learn 20 beginner level exercises. The in classroom time is focused on learning the technique clearly and how to teach the exercises. Participants will also learn to modify the exercises for lower back and neck issues.
In the second section, participants learn how to make each exercise more challenging for those clients that are ready to progress as well as learn 8 new exercises. You will also learn how to spot and better support those participants struggling with the technique.
- Cost: $900.
- Duration: 2 weekends of in-person training + additional hours of self study/taking classes for a total of 50 hours of training, including:
- 34 hours of classroom instruction from a senior level instructor.
- 10 hours of taking pilates mat classes at Move Missoula – in person or virtually.
- 6 hours of self study; practice teaching and watching the support videos.
- Each participant will receive a manual and 4 videos to watch and review as support material.
The next Mat Certification Course will be held April 17-19 and May 8-10, 2026
This program is designed to give teachers a firm foundation and understanding of classical Pilates technique.
Each participant will be able to give an informed and thoughtful workout to clients up to an Intermediate level. Teachers will learn how to give an appropriate class for healthy individuals as well as those recovering from injuries and chronic ailments to help them improve their overall strength and well-being.
- Total cost for the Comprehensive Program (level I & II) is $5000.
- Duration – the program is 500 hours long and takes 8-12 months.
*NOTE: The 50-hour Mat program including beginner and intermediate mat work is required prior to starting comprehensive training. A 450 hour apparatus program including Beginner System, Intermediate System, Advanced System, Special Cases, Tower Classes and working with clients at multiple levels.
LEVEL 1 COMPREHENSIVE APPARATUS TRAINING
*Prerequisite: Comprehensive Mat Certification.
This portion of the program is 225 hours and takes 4-5 months to complete. It includes:
- 70 hours of classroom instruction from a senior level teacher.
- 65 hours of observation.
- 65 hours of practicing.
- 25 hours of taking semi-privates with a senior level instructor at Move Missoula.
Each participant receives a manual and 8 videos to watch and review as support material throughout the course.
In addition to the in-classroom instruction, there are 2 written and practical exams: one for beginner system and one for first level intermediate system.
The First level Program at this juncture will prepare you to:
- How to teach Beginner and Intermediate level magic circle mat class.
- Teach a first time client and learn how to progress clients and what clues to look for to know when a client is ready for the next level.
- Teach the first level of Intermediate exercise on all apparatus.
- Learn the appropriate modifications to teach clients with low back issues, chronic or specific.
- Learn the protocol for neck and shoulder injuries and the correct progression of exercise for these clients
- How to safely and effectively teach individuals with osteoporosis and how to help those clients to build strength and stability.
- How to teach a beginner level Tower Class
LEVEL 2 COMPREHENSIVE APPARATUS TRAINING
*Prerequisite: completion of Beacon Comprehensive Training Level 1
This portion of the program is 225 hours and takes 4-5 months to complete, including:
- 70 hours of classroom instruction from a senior level teacher.
- 65 hours of observation.
- 65 hours of practicing.
- 25 hours of taking semi-privates with a senior level instructor at Move Missoula.
In addition to the in-classroom instruction, there are 3 written and practical exams: one for Intermediate system and one for advanced system and one for multi-level teaching.
Each participant receives a manual and 8 videos to watch and review as support material throughout the course.
Once completed participants will have a total of 500 hours between Level 1 and Level 2 and are eligible to sit for the PMA exam.
Goals for Level 2:
- Learn what to look for when progressing a client to intermediate and advanced vocabulary. Learn why and when to progress.
- Learn how to teach two clients at different levels while keeping both clients safe and giving an effective workout.
- Learn the protocol when dealing with Scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, spondylosis and SI dysfunction.
- Learn how to safely progress clients that have low back issues.
- Learn the protocol and safe workout for knee and hip replacements.
- Learn how to effectively teach individuals that are overweight.
- Learn how to teach Intermediate to Advanced Tower classes.
- Feel more confident with Basic Anatomy.
The next Comprehensive Certification Course will be held in early 2026 (dates TBD)
TESTIMONIALS:
I just wanted to reach out and say how much I am enjoying this opportunity to learn and teach pilates! I haven’t enjoyed something new this much in a long time, and it has been so fun even just to practice what we’re learning!
—Lilly O. (Comprehensive Mat Certification)
I want to thank you for this past weekend’s training. Alison was amazing and made the experience enjoyable. I was pretty nervous coming into it, and by the end of the weekend, felt so at home. Thank you so much!
—Geraldine P. (Comprehensive Mat Certification)
Going through the Beacon Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training at Move Missoula has been truly rewarding. When I began, I expected to learn the mechanics of each exercise and how to modify movements for clients with restrictions. What I didn’t expect was the deeper challenge of truly connecting with my own body. The program was demanding, but the guidance and support from Ali and Jenny created a space that encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. Their dedication to my growth helped me emerge not only with the skills and certification to guide others, but also with an overwhelming appreciation for the Classical Pilates Method. I’m forever grateful to Move Missoula and the incredible journey they led me through.
—Nicole S.