Corpus Pilates™ Studio Comprehensive (Mat & Apparatus) Instructor Training, Level 1: Foundation & Beginner
Build strong exercise knowledge and teaching skills across the Foundation & Beginner Pilates Mat and studio apparatus repertoire. Learn to teach using clear voice cueing, body demonstration, hands-on guidance, building blocks, modifications and imagery, with an emphasis on safe, precise movement and individual needs.
Prerequisites
Minimum 30 Pilates Mat classes and 10 Apparatus classes, Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (FAK)
Course Fee
€3,550 + €375 exam fee
Non-refundable deposit: €300
FAK deposit: €175 if required
Course Description
Studio Comprehensive: Foundation & Beginner
Level 1 forms the Foundation & Beginner stage of the Corpus Pilates™ Studio Comprehensive (Mat & Apparatus) Instructor Training. The course introduces Pre-Pilates exercises and beginner-level classical repertoire across the studio apparatus, including the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, Barrels and small equipment.
Students learn how to teach Foundation & Beginner exercises safely and clearly, prepare clients for each exercise, and modify movement when physical constraints need to be considered. Training develops the ability to observe correct alignment, identify imbalances and compensations, and make appropriate teaching choices based on what you see.
At this level, particular attention is given to developing core strength and stability while applying the Pilates principles of concentration and control. As students become more familiar with the repertoire and transitions, the focus expands to greater fluidity and the use of breath to support movement.
Safety is emphasized throughout the training. Students practise hands-on teaching techniques for guiding and assisting clients and develop practical teaching experience across the studio apparatus.
As the course progresses, students learn how to select exercises from the available apparatus repertoire and combine them into balanced, full-body sessions that respond to individual needs. The course builds the technical knowledge, observation skills and teaching foundations required to progress into the Intermediate & Advanced stage of the Studio Comprehensive training.
Timeframe
Up to 5 months
Total Training Hours
Approx. 320–350 hours
Self-Study
60 hours
Training Level
Foundation & Beginner
Exams
Theory + take-home + practical exams
Language
English & French
Before beginning the instructor training, students must have completed a minimum of:
- 30 Pilates Mat classes
- 10 Pilates Apparatus classes
The Corpus Pilates™ Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (FAK) course is also part of the required CPIT education. FAK may be completed before, during or after the Studio Comprehensive Level 1 training, but must be completed before the Corpus Pilates™ Certificate of Completion is awarded.
Students with an accepted previous qualification in anatomy, kinesiology or a comparable field are fully exempt from the FAK requirement.
Level 1 introduces the Foundation & Beginner repertoire of the Corpus Pilates™ Studio Comprehensive training, integrating Pilates Mat with the studio apparatus.
Course topics include:
- Pre-Pilates and beginner-level classical repertoire
- Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, Barrels and small equipment
- Introduction to the history and use of the Pilates apparatus
- Safe equipment use and exercise preparation
- Correct alignment and movement observation
- Identifying imbalances and compensations
- Modifications for physical constraints
- Core strength and stability
- Pilates principles of concentration and control
- Breath, transitions and fluidity of movement
- Safe hands-on teaching and assisting techniques
- Practice teaching
- Class design for balanced, full-body sessions
- Exercise selection and programming for individual needs
- Effective use of voice, cueing and imagery
- Recognising movement patterns and applying appropriate building blocks and modifications
- Differences between teaching private sessions and group classes, and adapting instruction accordingly
- Basic considerations for setting up and managing a Pilates studio
By the end of Level 1, students should be able to:
- Teach Pre-Pilates and beginner-level classical Pilates exercises across Mat and studio apparatus.
- Use the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, Barrels and small equipment safely and appropriately.
- Apply fundamental Pilates principles, breathing techniques and correct spinal positioning when teaching.
- Observe posture, alignment and movement patterns, identify basic imbalances and compensations, and respond with appropriate exercise choices.
- Apply appropriate building blocks and modifications for physical constraints and individual needs.
- Use voice, clear and efficient cueing, imagery and safe hands-on techniques to guide and assist students.
- Adapt teaching appropriately for private sessions and group classes.
- Design balanced, full-body Pilates sessions for both group and individual instruction.
- Select and sequence exercises appropriately according to a student’s needs and level.
The Brussels Level 1 course combines in-person practical training with live online theory and tutorial sessions via Zoom.
Practical training focuses on learning and teaching the Pilates Mat and studio apparatus repertoire, including work on the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs and Barrels. Students develop their movement practice, teaching skills and safe use of the equipment through guided, practical instruction.
Online sessions are used for the theory and tutorial components of the training.
Current session dates, times, location and online arrangements are provided in the Course Schedule tab.
Mat-Only Option – Brussels
For the Brussels Level 1 course, students may choose to follow only the Mat portion rather than the full Studio Comprehensive (Mat & Apparatus) training. Mat-only students attend the Friday and Saturday practical schedule and do not attend the Sunday apparatus training.
Attendance
100% attendance is required for all practical training. If a practical session is missed, the student is responsible for arranging and paying for the required catch-up training with a Master Trainer.
Live attendance is expected for online sessions whenever possible. Online sessions are recorded and may exceptionally be reviewed later when a student is unable to attend live.
The course fee includes the Corpus Pilates™ training materials, including course manuals and supporting training videos.
Students receive the Mat manuals, the four syllabus manuals covering Foundation, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, plus the Corpus Pilates™ Handbook.
The materials support the Mat and studio apparatus repertoire covered throughout the Studio Comprehensive training, including work on the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, Barrels and small equipment.
Course materials are available in English or French.
Studio Comprehensive Level 1 requires independent study, personal practice, teaching practice, observation and private or duo lessons in addition to the scheduled course training.
Self-Study: 60 hours
Study of the course materials, research and preparation for assessments.
Teacher’s Journal: 125 hours
The Teacher’s Journal records the required practical development hours:
Personal Practice: 50 hours
Teaching Practice: 50 hours
Observation: 25 hours
At least 80% of the observation hours should be completed in live classes.
Private / Duo Lessons: 2 lessons
Both lessons must be completed before the practical exam.
Required Mat & Apparatus Classes
As part of the Studio Comprehensive pathway, students are required to complete 10 Mat classes and 10 Apparatus classes.
The 10 Mat classes are included in the course price. The 10 Apparatus classes are an additional cost, with a 10% student discount through the student membership.
The Brussels Level 1 course combines live practical training in Brussels with online theory sessions via Zoom.
Theory Session 1 – Personal Management Programme (PMP)
Zoom – online
Wednesday 14 October 2026, 17:00 – 21:30
Practical Session 1
Live in Brussels
Friday 16 October 2026, 16:00 – 21:00
Saturday 17 October 2026, 12:15 – 21:00
Sunday 18 October 2026, 10:00 – 18:30
Theory Session 2
Zoom – online
Tuesday 27 October 2026, 17:00 – 21:30
Practical Session 2
Live in Brussels
Friday 4 December 2026, 16:00 – 21:00
Saturday 5 December 2026, 12:15 – 21:00
Sunday 6 December 2026, 10:00 – 18:30
Theory Session 3
Zoom – online
Tuesday 8 December 2026, 17:00 – 21:30
Practical Session 3
Live in Brussels
Friday 29 January 2027, 16:00 – 21:00
Saturday 30 January 2027, 12:15 – 21:00
Sunday 31 January 2027, 10:00 – 18:30
Theory Session 4
Zoom – online
Wednesday 3 March 2027, 18:00 – 21:30
Practical Session 4
Live in Brussels
Friday 12 March 2027, 16:00 – 21:30
Saturday 13 March 2027, 12:15 – 21:00
Sunday 14 March 2027, 10:00 – 18:30
Theory Session 5
Zoom – online
Date TBD, 2027, 18:00 – 21:30
Exam Dates
Take-home Exam
Submit by email by 21 March 2027. The exam will be marked as a group online via Zoom:
Thursday 25 March 2027, 18:00 – 21:30
Written Theory Exam
Based on the Teacher’s Handbook and exercise manuals. Submitted by email and marked online:
Tuesday 20 April 2027, 17:30 – 21:30
Practical Exam Preparation
Submit a 55-minute session format by email on:
- 13 December 2026
- 21 March 2027
- 2 May 2027
Practical Exam
Friday 21 May 2027, 17:00 – 21:30
Saturday 22 May 2027, 12:30 – 20:00
Sunday 23 May 2027, 10:00 – 18:00
Location: Rue Borrens 33, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
To successfully complete Studio Comprehensive Level 1, students must complete and pass all required assessments and fulfil the course completion requirements.
Assessments
Students must complete:
- Take-home Exam
- Written Theory Exam
- Practical Exam
- Required 55-minute session-format submissions in preparation for the Practical Exam
A minimum mark of 70% is required to pass the Take-home, Written Theory and Practical assessments.
The Practical Exam assesses the student’s ability to:
- Execute the exercises safely and correctly, making appropriate modifications where necessary
- Teach a collective class
- Design and teach an individual private session
Additional Completion Requirements
Students must also:
- Complete the required Delegate Portfolio
- Complete 60 hours of Self-Study
- Complete 50 hours of Personal Practice
- Complete 50 hours of Teaching Practice
- Complete 25 hours of Observation, with at least 80% completed live
- Complete 2 private or duo lessons before the practical exam
Completion Timeframe
Students must complete the course within 18 months. If the course is not completed within this period, the student must retake the entire course at their own cost.
After completion of the course and exam, students have one month to complete any outstanding required hours.
Certificate of Completion
A Corpus Pilates™ Certificate of Completion is awarded once all required assessments have been successfully completed, all required study and practice requirements have been completed and accepted, and the Delegate Portfolio has been submitted and approved.
Course Fee
€3,550
The course fee covers the Studio Comprehensive 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.
FAK Deposit
Students who have not already completed Corpus Pilates™ Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (FAK) and have not received an exemption must also pay a €175 non-refundable FAK deposit when registering for Level 1.
Remaining Balance
After the deposit, the remaining course balance is €3,250.
Exam Fee
The €375 exam fee is paid separately during the week of the practical exam.
The exam fee is separate from the course fee.
Mat-Only Option – Brussels
Students choosing to follow only the Mat portion of this Brussels Level 1 course pay a €1,595 course fee, with a €300 non-refundable deposit deducted from the course fee. The remaining course balance is €1,295.
The Mat practical exam fee is €275, paid separately.
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 €375 exam fee is paid separately during the week of the practical exam.
Students are responsible for ensuring that all agreed payments are made by the required dates.
Hands-On Learning Essentials
Apprentice Hours Requirements
A crucial element of the Corpus Studios education program is Apprentice Instructor Trainer Hours. This is when you will truly learn Pilates by watching experienced instructors, practising your teaching, and doing the exercises yourself.
Classes taken at Corpus Studios™ or another studio approved by Corpus Studios, or personal practice completed independently. Students should practise the execution of all exercises in the manuals.
At Corpus Studios™:
- All Mat students will be credited 10 Mat classes for each Mat Course taken. This applies to students intending to practise at Corpus Studios in Brussels and is not guaranteed at host studios. These classes can only be used until the date of the Practical Exam.
- Each class counts as 1 hour of personal practice toward your Apprentice Instructor Trainer Hours.
- Registration for classes is based on availability. Priority will be given to Corpus Studios™ paying clientele.
- Credited classes must be used for your current level of study.
Teaching practice may be completed with family, friends and colleagues.
- Complete a minimum of 5 hours teaching collective classes at your level of study.
- Practise 55-minute private session formats based on the level being examined.
- Practice Teaching can be completed at Corpus Studios™ only when the studio is open to the public and by reservation. It cannot take place during busy periods unless permission has been granted in advance. Busy periods include Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 13:00 and some evenings.
- Instructor Trainer Students from the program may use Corpus Studios™ facilities at no cost when practising with other classmates.
- A studio fee is payable when completing Practice Teaching with your own students in Corpus Studios™ facilities.
Observation may be completed at Corpus Studios, with a former Corpus Pilates™ student, or in an approved Pilates centre.* Students may also observe the Corpus Instructor Education videos, but 80% of observation hours should be completed in live classes.
At Corpus Studios™:
- Observe a one-hour class at your level of study.
- Prior approval from reception and/or the instructor is required. A maximum of 3 students may observe per class.
- The instructor or receptionist must confirm your attendance on your observation sheet.
- Mat students may observe Mat classes only, not private sessions.
- Studio Pilates students may observe group apparatus classes or private sessions, discreetly and with permission from both the instructor and client.
*Alternatives are available for geographically isolated students upon request.
Note: After completion of the course and exam, students have one month to complete any outstanding Apprentice Hours.
Track Your Progress
Delegate Portfolio Requirements
To keep track of their own education and development, students are required to prepare a Delegate Portfolio at the start of the first training course and build and maintain it throughout the entire program.
As the Portfolio develops, it becomes your own personal handbook.
For each course, the Portfolio must include:
- Course dates, agendas and notes
- Proof of Apprentice hours
- Lesson plans, as required by each course
- Completed student and client feedback forms
The completed Portfolio must be submitted to the Master Trainer for review and approval after each course, before a Certificate of Completion will be awarded.
Test Your Skills and Knowledge
Course Exams
If you are unable to attend on the scheduled exam date, alternatives are available:
- Pay by the hour for a private exam with an assessor, or
- Take the exam with participants in the next scheduled course.
All written Theory Exams are scheduled on a specific date.
- 70% required to pass
- If unsuccessful, the exam must be retaken as an oral exam with a Master Trainer, at the student’s own cost (equivalent to one private lesson).
Some courses require completion of an open-book written exam, completed at home over several weeks. This approach encourages research and self-study, and the completed exam serves as a useful reference guide for teachers.
- 70% required to pass
- If unsuccessful, the exam must be retaken at the student’s own cost.
An in-depth Practical Exam is required for each course. It provides an opportunity for clarification and discussion, personal feedback, and learning from fellow students as well as the Master Trainer.
The Practical Exam assesses your ability to:
- Execute the exercises, modifying appropriately where necessary
- Teach a collective class
- Teach a private class
Depending on the course and level, the Practical Exam may take place over two days or one full day.
- 70% required to pass
- If unsuccessful, the exam must be retaken at the student’s own cost.
- All students are required to register for exams through the online booking system at least 2 weeks in advance.
- A fee is payable for each Practical Exam or each re-sit of a written exam.
- The exam fee must be paid during the week of the practical exam.
- All required exams for a course must be completed successfully.
- All required Apprentice Hours must be completed successfully before progressing to the next stage of training, where applicable.
- In addition to successful exams and Apprentice Hours, a completed Delegate Portfolio must be submitted before a Corpus Pilates™ Certificate of Completion or Diploma will be awarded.
Success Stories
From Students to Instructors
UPCOMING TRAINING
Upcoming Corpus Pilates™ Instructor Training (CPIT) Courses
- 17.09.2026 - 29.10.2026
- 575€ (non-refundable deposit: 175€)
- Online via Zoom
- 14.10.2026 - 23.05.2027
- 3550€ + 375€ (exam weekend price)
- Rue Borrens 33, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
- 23.10.2026 - 17.04.2027
- 1595€ + 275€ (exam weekend price)
- Rue Borrens 33, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
- 23.10.2026 - 18.04.2027
- 3550€ + 375€ (exam weekend price)
- Rue Borrens 33, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
COURSE REGISTRATION
How to Register for a CPIT Course
You can register and pay for a CPIT course either directly through Mindbody or by bank transfer. All students need a Corpus Studios / Mindbody profile to register for a course.
After registering and paying the required course deposit, download and complete the Corpus Pilates™ registration form. Once Corpus Studios has reviewed your registration information and completed form, you will receive confirmation by email.
Registration Steps
All students need a Corpus Studios / Mindbody profile to register for a CPIT course.
You can register and pay either directly through Mindbody, using the full Workshops and Instructor Training schedule or the individual course page, or by bank transfer.
Please register for CPIT courses ideally at least two weeks before the course start date. Registration is possible up to one week before the course begins.
Follow the payment instructions and pay the required non-refundable deposit through Mindbody or by bank transfer.
In either case, send confirmation of your payment and enrolment to kelly@corpusstudios.com.
Course fees, deposit amounts, exam fees and any additional payment information are listed on the relevant course page.
After registering and paying your deposit, download and complete the Corpus Pilates™ registration form.
Once completed, email the form to kelly@corpusstudios.com
If you are registering for more than one CPIT course, you do not need to complete a separate registration form for each course.
Corpus Studios will review your registration information and completed registration form, check that you have been correctly registered for the course, and confirm your registration and preferred manual language by email.
Everything You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Corpus Pilates™ Certificate of Completion or diploma remains valid.
Corpus Pilates™ teachers are expected to continue their education and keep their knowledge up to date. Teachers must complete a minimum of 10 hours of Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every two years. The two-year period runs from the year of completion. This can be completed through workshops or specific updates at Corpus Studios, with a minimum of 50% of the 10 hours completed through Corpus Studios, together with hours of proven self-study, such as Pilates workshops or specialisation in the Pilates field elsewhere.
You may take a break between Level 1 and the combined Levels 2 & 3. Once you begin an individual course, you have a maximum of 18 months to complete it. If the course is not completed within 18 months, the full course must be retaken at your own cost.
You will be required to pay to retake on another day and will have one month to prepare.
You are required to retake the exam at your own expense, no later than 1 month from last exam and will not be accepted into any further course until the exam is completed and passed.
You will receive a Certificate of Completion for each successfully completed course after your exams are passed and your required apprentice hours are received and accepted.
Upon successful completion of the full Corpus Pilates™ Mat Comprehensive pathway, including Level 1 and the combined Levels 2 & 3 stage, together with all required assessments and completion requirements.
There is a one-time cost paid to Corpus Studios to register you. Thereafter, annual membership renewal and payment is handled directly with EREPS.
When you have successfully completed the full Corpus Pilates™ Studio Comprehensive (Mat & Apparatus) pathway, including Level 1 and the combined Levels 2 & 3 stage. After completing the full Mat Comprehensive pathway, you are qualified as a Pilates Mat instructor, but not as a Pilates Studio instructor.
Corpus Studios recommends completing the required exams before accepting payment as a Pilates teacher. This is a professional recommendation and is not controlled by Corpus Studios.
100% attendance is required for all practical training. If you miss a practical session, you are responsible for arranging and paying for the required catch-up training with a Master Trainer.
Live attendance is expected for online sessions whenever possible. Online sessions are recorded and may exceptionally be reviewed later if you are unable to attend live.
Corpus Studios is a recognized Instructor Education Center and its education program and certification is recognized by EREPS (European Register of Exercise Professionals) and EuropeActive. With these approvals, your Corpus Certification will permit you to teach Pilates anywhere in the European Union, and it will give you credit in other countries. Corpus Studios offers both a repertoire in Classical “Traditional” and Contemporary Pilates with a very strong approach to teaching and programming for the individual or for class needs. You will learn about remedial and regular approaches designed to make you an intelligent and thoughtful instructor.
When at a Corpus Studio you can work out individually or with fellow students during any non-peak hours. If you are at another facility you will need to discuss this with the owner or management.
If your previous qualification in anatomy, kinesiology or a comparable field is accepted by Corpus Studios, you are fully exempt from the FAK requirement.
The course requires 2 private or duo lessons, both of which must be completed before the practical exam. These sessions give students the opportunity to experience being taught directly by an experienced instructor, receive individual correction and feedback, and better understand how a private session is structured and adapted to the client. They also help students experience the level of detail, communication and progression expected when teaching one-to-one.