Corpus Pilates™ Apparatus Instructor Training, Level 1: Foundation & Beginner
Build on your previous Pilates Mat training while learning foundational and beginner-level repertoire across the studio apparatus, including the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs and Barrels. Develop safe equipment use, teaching skills, exercise selection and programming for individual and group sessions.
Prerequisites
Mat Level 1 + minimum 10 Apparatus classes
Course Fee
€2,125 + €265 exam fee
Non-refundable deposit: €300
Course Description
Apparatus Level 1: Foundation & Beginner
The Corpus Pilates™ Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1 is designed for Pilates Mat instructors who want to extend their teaching to the large studio apparatus.
The course introduces the Foundation & Beginner repertoire across the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, Barrels, Ped-o-Pole, and smaller corrective equipment and accessories. Students learn the exercises together with the safety procedures, equipment setup, and teaching skills required to work confidently with the apparatus.
Training begins with foundational movement and safe use of springs, pulleys, and equipment before progressing into the traditional beginner Pilates apparatus repertoire. Students develop a structured approach to teaching, exercise selection, and class design for both individual sessions and group classes.
Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on client safety, clear verbal cueing, hands-on guidance, exercise modification, and programming according to individual needs. Students learn to work with a wide range of clients, from healthy and athletic individuals to seniors and clients returning to movement following injury or rehabilitation.
Timeframe
3-4 months
Course Hours
79 hours
Self-Study
30 hours
Training Level
Foundation & Beginner
Exams
Written theory + practical exams
Language
English & French
Before registering for Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1, students must have successfully completed Corpus Pilates™ Mat Comprehensive Level 1.
Students must also have completed a minimum of 10 Pilates Apparatus classes before beginning the course.
The prerequisite apparatus experience is important because this is an instructor training course. Students should already have a basic level of experience with the Pilates apparatus repertoire, understand how to move safely on and off the equipment, and be familiar with working with springs and pulleys before learning how to teach the exercises.
The Corpus Pilates™ Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (FAK) course also forms part of the Corpus Pilates™ instructor education requirements.
FAK may be completed before, during, or after the Apparatus Level 1 training, but it must be successfully completed before the student receives their Certificate of Completion.
Students with an accepted previous qualification in anatomy, kinesiology or a comparable field are fully exempt from the FAK requirement.
Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1 combines two connected areas of study: Foundational Pilates on the Studio Apparatus and Beginner Pilates on the Studio Apparatus.
Foundational Pilates on the Studio Apparatus
- Safe movement and equipment use across the studio apparatus
- Pre-Pilates and foundational traditional Pilates exercises on the apparatus
- Safe use of springs, pulleys and other equipment components
- Teaching skills for working across the different apparatus
- Exercise preparation and safe transitions on and off the equipment
- Class design and programming for individual sessions and group classes
Beginner Pilates on the Studio Apparatus
- Traditional beginner-level Pilates repertoire on the Reformer
- Beginner exercises on the Cadillac/Tower
- Beginner exercises on the High Chair, Low Chair/Wunda Chair
- Exercises using the Ladder Barrel, small barrels and Spine Corrector
- Exercises using the Ped-o-Pole
- Use of smaller corrective equipment and accessories
- Exercise and apparatus selection according to individual needs
- Teaching and programming the apparatus repertoire as part of a balanced full-body session
By the end of Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1, students should be able to:
- Teach a complete selection of Pre-Pilates, foundational and beginner-level exercises across the studio apparatus.
- Teach safely on the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, Barrels, Ped-o-Pole and related studio equipment.
- Design well-balanced apparatus sessions for individual clients and groups.
- Use clear and structured verbal cueing when teaching exercises.
- Apply appropriate safety procedures when working with springs, pulleys and studio apparatus.
- Use hands-on guidance techniques appropriately when supporting clients.
- Modify and vary exercises according to individual needs and abilities.
- Select appropriate exercises and apparatus according to the client’s objectives and movement needs.
- Develop structured personal coaching programs based on individual goals, progression and ability.
- Teach a broad range of clients with greater confidence, including healthy and athletic clients, seniors, and clients returning to exercise following injury or rehabilitation.
Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1 combines in-person practical training with live online theory sessions.
The practical training focuses on learning and teaching the Foundation & Beginner repertoire across the studio apparatus, together with safe equipment use, exercise setup, teaching skills and programming.
Where location prevents in-person participation, the course may also be followed entirely online.
Course Structure
The 79 course hours are structured as follows:
- Online theory sessions: 12 hours
- Practical training: 52 hours
- Written Theory Exam and online review: 4 hours
- Practical Exam: 11 hours over 2 days
Online Participation
When participating online:
- 100% attendance is required for all scheduled sessions.
- Students must be clearly visible to the Trainer throughout the session.
- Students must have access to the required large studio apparatus during the training.
Required apparatus includes:
- Reformer
- Cadillac or Tower
- High Chair
- Low Chair / Wunda Chair
- Ladder Barrel
- Small Barrels and/or Spine Corrector
- Ped-o-Pole
Students are responsible for ensuring that the required equipment is available before participating in an online practical session.
The course fee includes the Corpus Pilates™ training materials required for Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1, including course manuals and access to supporting training videos.
The materials support the Foundation & Beginner studio apparatus repertoire covered during the course, including work on the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, Barrels and related studio equipment.
Course materials are available in English and French.
VIDEOS: Corpus Pilates™ Instructor Education
In addition to the scheduled course training, Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1 requires independent study and Apprentice Hours covering personal practice, teaching practice and observation.
Self-Study: 30 hours
Study of the course manuals, independent research and preparation for the written and practical assessments.
Apprentice Hours: 125 hours
The Apprentice Hours requirements include:
- Personal Practice: 50 hours
- Teaching Practice: 50 hours
- Observation: 25 hours
Private Coaching
Students are also required to complete 2 hours of private coaching with a Senior Instructor at Corpus Studios. Private coaching is completed at the student’s own expense.
All required Apprentice Hours must be completed no later than 8 weeks after the Practical Exam.
There are currently no upcoming dates scheduled for Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1.
New course dates, locations and registration details will be announced when available.
View Upcoming CPIT Courses for currently scheduled Corpus Pilates™ instructor education.
To successfully complete Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1, students must complete all required course training, independent study, Apprentice Hours, assessments and portfolio requirements.
Course Attendance
- 100% attendance is required for all scheduled course sessions.
Assessments
Students are required to successfully complete:
- Written Theory Exam
- Practical Exam, assessing exercise execution, teaching skills, safe apparatus use and the ability to apply the Level 1 repertoire appropriately
Delegate Portfolio
Students must complete and submit a Delegate Portfolio containing the required course documentation, including training records, lesson plans, course notes and records of completed study and Apprentice Hours.
Independent Study and Apprentice Hours
Students must complete:
- Self-Study: 30 hours
- Personal Practice: 50 hours
- Teaching Practice: 50 hours
- Observation: 25 hours
- Private Coaching: 2 hours with a Senior Instructor at Corpus Studios, completed at the student’s own expense
The Personal Practice, Teaching Practice and Observation requirements represent 125 Apprentice Hours.
Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (FAK)
Students must successfully complete the Corpus Pilates™ Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (FAK) course and assessment before the Certificate of Completion can be awarded, unless they have an accepted previous qualification that provides full exemption from the FAK requirement.
Certificate of Completion
After successfully completing the course requirements, students receive a Corpus Pilates™ Certificate of Completion stating the number of hours completed.
Course Fee
€2,125
The course fee covers the Apparatus Instructor Training Level 1 training and the course materials described in the Course Materials section.
Deposit
A €300 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your place on the course. The deposit is deducted from the total course fee.
Remaining Balance
After the deposit, the remaining course balance is €1,825.
The remaining balance is payable by bank transfer 2 weeks before the course starts, unless an approved payment plan has been arranged.
Exam Fee
The €265 exam fee is paid separately on the exam day.
The exam fee is separate from the course fee.
Payment Plan
If you require financial assistance, a payment plan may be arranged with Corpus Studios.
Students requesting a payment plan should submit a written request for approval before the payment arrangement begins.
Under the current payment-plan policy, the student pays the required course deposit and the remaining course fee may then be divided into 3 payments on agreed dates.
The final scheduled payment of the remaining course fee must be completed before the student enters the final exam. The €265 exam fee is paid separately on the exam day.
Students are responsible for ensuring that all agreed payments are made by the required dates.