Overview of Course Requirements

Speir Pilates 500-Hour Comprehensive Pilates Certification Program

Program Description
The Speir Pilates 500-Hour Comprehensive Certification is an immersive, industry-leading training designed to develop world-class Pilates instructors. Over seven intensive weekends, apprentices gain mastery in mat and apparatus work — from beginner through advanced — along with anatomy, teaching methodology, programming strategies, and professional development to excel in today’s fitness landscape.

This program teaches classical Pilates foundations, with some contemporary applications to prepare instructors for a variety of teaching environments, including boutique studios, private training, and group fitness.

In addition to live weekend modules, apprentices complete self-practice, observation, and practice teaching hours under the mentorship of our experienced education team.

Apprentice Perks:

  • 10% off all personal sessions and 20% off all other Speir Pilates purchases (including group classes and semi-group classes) beginning at program start date.
  • Access to Speir’s network of instructors and continuing education opportunities.
  • Video library of training materials

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Weekend Training Modules

Weekend 1 – Beginner/Intermediate Mat 1

Friday, January 23: 4-7
Saturday, January 24: 12pm-6pm
Sunday, January 25: 12pm-6pm


  • Core Pilates principles

  • Beginner and intermediate mat repertoire (Part 1)

  • Cueing fundamentals & movement sequencing

  • Modifications and progressions for varying abilities

Weekend 2 – Beginner/Intermediate Mat 2

Friday, January 30: 4-7
Saturday, January 31: 12pm-6pm
Sunday, February 1: 12pm-6pm


  • Beginner and intermediate mat repertoire (Part 2)

  • Flow building & transitions

  • Anatomy focus: core stabilizers, spine, and pelvic alignment

  • Introduction to class formatting for private and group settings

Weekend 3 – Beginner Reformer

Friday, February 20: 4-7
Saturday, February 21: 12pm-6pm
Sunday, February 22: 12pm-6pm


  • Beginner reformer repertoire and safety

  • Spring settings and resistance principles

  • Integrating props for accessibility

  • Programming for new clients

Weekend 4 – Intermediate Reformer

Friday, March 20: 4-7
Saturday, March 21: 12pm-6pm
Sunday, March 22: 12pm-6pm


  • Intermediate reformer repertoire

  • Cueing and tactile feedback techniques

  • Spring progressions for strength and endurance

  • Jumpboard Training: Immersion into this popular training prop for both group and private training

Weekend 5 – Cadillac, Tower and Magic Circle

Friday, April 17: 4-7
Saturday, April 18: 12pm-6pm
Sunday, April 19: 12pm-6pm


  • Full repertoire for beginner through advanced levels

  • Safety protocols for springs and apparatus

  • Unique Cadillac/Tower exercises not found on other apparatus

  • Programming for rehab and athletic clients

Weekend 6 – Chairs & Barrels

Friday, May 1: 4-7
Saturday, May 2: 12pm-6pm
Sunday, May 3: 12pm-6pm


  • Wunda Chair and High Chair exercises

  • Spine Corrector, Small Barrel and Ladder Barrel exercises

  • How to integrate chair and barrel work into private and group formats

  • Strength and flexibility progressions

Weekend 7 – Advanced Reformer & Mat

Friday, May 29: 4-7
Saturday, May 30: 12pm-6pm
Sunday, May 31: 12pm-6pm


  • Advanced-level repertoire and flow sequences on the reformer and mat

  • High-intensity classical and contemporary variations

  • Athletic programming and advanced modifications


Additional Program Training (Videos & Virtual Apprentice Meetings)

  • Functional Anatomy
  • Music Psychology
  • Prop Infusion
  • Pre/Postnatal programming
  • Business + entering the fitness market

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Program Structure & Requirements

  • Total Hours: 500 hours (includes in-person training, observation, self-practice, and practice teaching)

  • Format: Seven in-person weekend modules + independent hours completed between modules

  • Location: Speir Pilates Mar Vista, 12821 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90066

  • Faculty: Led by Speir Pilates Education Director Kristen Matthews, Co-Founder Andra Speir, and senior teacher trainers

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Tuition & Payment Options

Program Cost: $8,500

  • Includes: All weekend modules, training materials, mentorship, and evaluation fees.
  • Payment Plan: $1,000 deposit to secure your spot, followed by equal monthly installments over 10 months (no interest).
  • Additional cost: 20 personal or semi-personal training sessions required for completion of certification 
  • Pricing structure modeled after premium industry certifications, ensuring exceptional value and training quality.


Note

  • If you have not completed the program by the end of 12 months, you will be charged a delinquency fee of $50/week.


Prerequisites

  • 15 personal or semi personal training sessions (*does not need to be completed at Speir, but must be classically-based).
    • You will be required to show proof of completion prior to program start date.


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