ISSA Pilates instructor smiling while spotting a client through a mat exercise, with others working on reformers in the background of a bright studio

What You'll Learn

ISSA's Pilates Bundle program covers
  • Explain the history, six core principles, and functional anatomy foundations of Pilates, and apply them to exercise design and cueing on mat and reformer.
  • Safely teach all 31 classical mat exercises, including modifications for deconditioned or injured clients and progressions for advanced participants.
  • Identify reformer components and the spring resistance system, and run equipment safety checks for different body types.
  • Explain how the reformer changes movement mechanics compared to mat, including closed vs. open chain dynamics and spinal loading.
  • Teach 27 foundational and intermediate/advanced reformer exercises with the right spring selection, alignment cues, and spotting technique.
  • Use verbal, visual, and tactile cueing to guide clients clearly and correct movement in real time on mat and reformer.
  • Design beginner to advanced mat and reformer sessions for diverse populations, including athletes, active older adults, and clients with postural or movement considerations.
  • Operate within professional scope of practice for mat and reformer instruction, 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 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 and 27-move reformer repertoire, plus a silent demo library and preparatory movement 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 and Reformer Pilates, either in a group or private class, practicing your teaching with a friend or in an online class. Document a minimum of 10 hours of Mat Pilates and a minimum of 15 hours of Reformer Pilates practice and submit to complete your certification.
  • Demonstrate real reformer Pilates instruction and walk away with the confidence that you can teach it, not just pass a test.
  • 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 and 15 hours of Reformer Pilates self-practice.
  • 3
    Pass the ISSA Certification Exam

    Successfully pass the online ISSA Mat Pilates Instructor and Reformer Pilates Instructor certification exams.
  • 4
    Upload Video Submission

    Demonstrate your mastery with a required practical video submission that confirms you can put your knowledge into practice.
  • 5
    Upload CPR Card

    Included for free in most bundles or also available separately through ISSA!
  • 6
    Receive Your Certification

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

Pilates Instructor Bundle

  • Join a global community of over 1 million certified trainers

  • Study anytime, anywhere with one enrollment, 100% online and self-paced

  • Engaging video lessons for every mat and reformer exercise, with knowledge checks and a hands-on video practical

  • Earn both certifications and 40 ISSA CEUs in one connected enrollment

The instructors who build real careers in Pilates aren't the ones who know mat or reformer, they're the ones who can move a client between both, seamlessly, based on what that client actually needs. That's what this certification trains you to do.

The ISSA Pilates Instructor Bundle takes you through a dedicated foundation in anatomy and movement science, then complete the Mat Pilates Certification course and all 31 classical exercises. Once you pass the Mat exam, the full Reformer Pilates Certification course opens up: the 27-exercise reformer repertoire, spring mechanics, reformer-specific teaching methodology, and a recorded video practical.

Finish with two independent ISSA certifications, Mat and Reformer, through a single, connected enrollment. Just one path, start to finish, to becoming a complete Pilates Instructor.

Why 
It Works

Exclusive Employer Network

Gain direct, priority access to more than 23,000 gyms, studios, and health clubs actively seeking certified talent.

Industry-Respected Credentials

ISSA offers an accredited personal training certification exam through its subsidiary, the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT).

100% Money-Back Promise

Get a full refund if you don’t land a fitness job within six months of completing all required credentialing, as long as you meet eligibility requirements.

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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.

  • Eligible purchases of ISSA’s Certified Personal Trainer, Advanced Health Coach and Yoga 200 programs. In a bundle, the guarantee covers the eligible program’s share of the price. Other courses and specializations are not covered on their own.

  • 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

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