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Mat Pilates Instructor Certification

What You'll Learn

ISSA's Mat Pilates program covers
  • Explain the history, philosophy, and six core principles of Pilates and apply them to contemporary mat instruction.
  • Apply functional anatomy like spinal mechanics, deep core function, pelvic positioning, breathing to Pilates session design and cueing.
  • Safely teach the full classical mat repertoire (31 exercises), including modifications and  progressions for a variety of populations.
  • Use verbal, visual, and tactile cueing strategies unique to Pilates to guide clients clearly and correct movement in real time.
  • Cue, teach, and leverage the movement preparation drills as appropriate to ensure safe Mat Pilates practice.
  • Design beginner, intermediate, and advanced mat sessions for diverse clients.
  • Operate within a professional scope of practice, including documentation, liability, and referral protocols.

What's Included

Our curriculum is designed to give you both scientific knowledge and practical skills to excel as a Mat Pilates Instructor.

Including all these tools to help you pass!
  • 100% online learning so you can learn anytime, anywhere, on any device.
  • Earn your certification with an online, open-book, open-note exam you can complete on your schedule.
  • Reinforce your progress with low-pressure quizzes designed to check your understanding along the way.
  • A dedicated foundation in functional anatomy, core stabilization, breathing, and movement analysis.
  • Narrated walkthroughs for all 31 classical exercises, plus a silent demo library for practice.
  • Downloadable contraindications guide and sample class templates.
  • A complete reference ebook in a printer-friendly PDF, so you can study on screen or on paper.
  • Document your self-practice of Mat Pilates, either in a group or private class, practicing your teaching with a friend or an online class. Document a minimum of 10 hours of practice and submit it to complete your certification.
  • Access a support team when you need it, from the time you enroll through certification
  • Watch as professionals break down complex concepts into clear, actionable steps with a comprehensive instructional video library.

Certification Process

  • 1
    Enroll in the Program

    Sign up and get immediate access to all course materials and our learning platform.
  • 2
    Submit Practice Log

    Before completing your certification, submit a minimum requirement of 10 hours of Mat Pilates self-practice.
  • 3
    Pass the ISSA Certification Exam

    Successfully pass your ISSA certification exam.
  • 4
    Upload CPR Card

    Included for free in most bundles or also available separately through ISSA!
  • 5
    Receive Your Certification

    Your hard work pays off - receive your e-Certificate of course completion.

Mat Pilates Instructor Certification

  • Join a global community of over 1 million certified trainers

  • Study anytime, anywhere with 100% online, self-paced learning

  • Engaging video lessons for all 31 classical exercises, with knowledge checks along the way

  • Connect with employers through Career Connect and ISSA's 23,000+ partner fitness locations

Great Pilates instructors who really know how to flow and don't just teach exercises, they see what's happening in every client's body and can adjust in real time. That's what this certification trains you to do.

The ISSA Mat Pilates Certification takes you through a dedicated foundation in anatomy and movement science: how the spine, deep core, pelvis, and breath work together, and how to spot compensations as they happen. You will also learn all 31 classical exercises, from setup and cueing to modifications for every client who walks through your door. You'll learn the Classical Mat Pilates flow and, for a more modern approach, how to thoughtfully build a complete mat session, from client screening to cool-down, for beginners, active older adults, athletes, and everyone in between.

No prior Pilates experience needed, and by the end of this course, you'll have built a personal practice that will change the way you move and approach pilates.

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What our customers are saying

Excellent

17,700+ Reviews and counting

Trustpilot
  • 2 Days ago

    My experience with ISSA was positive

    Coach Craig is very professional, he gave me great advice. I am very impressed how much I learned in a short amount of time. The program was very informative and easy to use. I’m excited to have the opportunity and knowledge to work in a field that I am most passionate about. Thank you!

    Lendri H.
  • 2 Days ago

    Start With ISSA

    The ISSA certification is one of the best and efficient ways to gain the knowledge you need and get your foot in the door as personal trainer. The courses aren’t unnecessary wordy and the content is up to date. I highly recommend.

    Andre Clark
  • 2 Days ago

    My experience was fantastic

    I loved that I could work at my own pace from anywhere. I was really surprised at the depth of the content and feel like it well prepared me for the future. Kasey O.
  • 2 Days ago

    ISSA journey

    I recently completed the ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer course, and the experience was great from start to finish. The material was clear and easy to follow, and the support team was responsive whenever I had questions. The final exam was thorough, and I now feel confident. I highly recommend ISSA for anyone starting their fitness career!

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    Great learning experience

    Tyson, the ISSA military advisor, got me set up with my account and courses very effectively! I really enjoyed the online course curriculum layout and information provided. As a veteran, I felt very welcomed and taken care of by ISSA and confident that their program of instruction will help me reach my goals.

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Frequently
Asked Questions

  • With ISSA, you can become a certified personal trainer in as little as 3 months, although the timeline is flexible since our programs are self-paced. Many students complete their certification while maintaining their current jobs or other responsibilities.

  • ISSA stands out with our 100% Money Back Job Guarantee on eligible programs and our flexible online learning platform. In our Certified Personal Training course, you also have the option to add live sessions to better support your learning. Most importantly - ISSA's certification is recognized worldwide by top fitness employers.

  • With an ISSA certification, you can pursue a variety of career paths in personal training, group fitness, and nutrition coaching. Our certification is recognized by over 23,000 gyms nationwide, giving you access to a wide network of potential employers as you advance in your fitness career. Plus, our job guarantee provides extra confidence in your ability to succeed.

  • If you meet all eligibility requirements and do not find qualifying employment within six months after completing the required credentialing for your eligible program, ISSA refunds 100% of the covered program price paid after applicable discounts. Coverage is limited to the eligible program amount shown on your receipt; it does not cover an entire bundle. No 10% Job Guarantee admin fee applies. See the program-specific terms.

  • Absolutely! ISSA’s programs are designed with support systems in place to help you succeed. Our courses support a variety of learning styles through a mix of videos and readings. Plus, we include practice quizzes, and some courses include live study groups, so you can confidently prepare for the certification exam.

    Not all courses offer live learning