Pilates Teacher training
Curated Pilates + Movement is a satellite teacher training site for the Pilates Academy International.
What Makes a Great Pilates Training Program?
Curious about what goes into becoming a Pilates instructor? Whether you're thinking of teaching or you just love the method, this is your chance to see what really goes into learning and teaching Pilates at a professional level. This isn’t just a list of exercises and cues — it’s a system that trains you to think critically, adapt on your feet, and understand why you’re teaching what you’re teaching.
Small-group training. Individual mentorship. Rooted in the method, informed by modern movement science.
About the Pilates Academy International:
Early in my Pilates career I was hired to teach at a Physical Therapy clinic. This involved teaching groups of 5 people who often had 5 different conditions — back pain, osteoporosis, post-surgery, and more. It was a lot to juggle as a new instructor, but I was able to rise to the challenge.
Because I did my training at Pilates Academy International (PAI) I had all of the tool I needed to succeed. I had learned the anatomy and biomechanics necessary to look critically at the bodies in the room and make informed decisions about what they needed, how to modify, and what cues would resonate.
That early experience shaped how I teach today — and why I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of teachers through this same program. I am proud to offer not just training, but mentorship and guidance in a supportive environment. Start your journey as a teacher with more than exercises — start with a deep understanding of the why behind everything you teach and how to adapt it to the real people you teach.
-Kaarin, PAI Master Trainer
“Doing the PAI teacher training with Kaarin was such a positive experience! Gaining a solid understanding of anatomy and then applying it to each exercise has changed the way I understand my body in movement. I feel stronger, more aware, and better equipped to avoid injury. Additionally, I appreciate the program’s focus on customizing workouts and making modifications that suit each individual client and their needs. Kaarin is extremely knowledgeable, but what really stands out is how kind, patient, and thoughtful she is as a teacher. We are lucky to have such a high-quality Pilates teacher training program right here in Stowe.”
It is because of these values that Kaarin chose the Pilates Academy International when she began her journey as a Pilates instructor. Seeing the PAI method in action as a student and a teacher deepened her commitment to this approach to Pilates teacher training. After years of teaching private and group clientele she sought out additional instruction to become a Master Teacher Trainer for PAI and is proud to be able to offer their courses here in Stowe, VT. It is Kaarin’s goal to create a place for new Pilates instructors to have the time and support to delve fully into all the Pilates Method has to offer, so that together we can help more people experience the life changing benefits it has to offer.
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The Pilates Academy International believes a great Pilates instructor must have three essential skills:
a solid understanding of anatomy, biomechanics and posture issues
a strong command of the exercise repertoire — including modifications for all levels of fitness
the ability to inspire and motivate clients.
Any one or two skills alone fail to provide the client with the best instruction they could receive and prevents the client from reaping all the benefits Pilates has to offer.
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The Pilates Academy International is committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become excellent, sought-after instructors. And is proud to be among the select few programs that are officially accredited by the Pilates Method Alliance International Teacher Training Accreditation Program (PMA-ITTAP).We hold a comprehensive accreditation, which means that all of our courses (mat and apparatus) are covered.
All of the PAI courses and workshops are eligible for continuing education credits from the National Pilates Certification Program (NATPCP), as well as The American Council on Exercise (ACE), and The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
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The Pilates Academy International offers unique hybrid and fully online courses as well as our traditional in studio options. With both of these options students get lifetime access to digital manuals, video content, and supplemental materials. This makes it easy to continue growing as an instructor long after your course. We also allow students for whom the travel would be restrictive to join the live portions of our hybrid trainings via Zoom*
We also strive to cultivate a strong network among our instructors and are available to offer support and mentorship throughout your career. The courses you take are just the beginning of your journey as a teacher and our Master Teacher Trainers are here to offer guidance from practice teaching, to exam prep, to finding a job. This isn’t just a course it’s a community of committed, collaborative professionals.
*For an apparatus course you must have access to the apparatus you are training on during the live Zoom session.
One-on-One Teacher Training
Not every student learns best on the same schedule or comes to teacher training with the same background. For those looking for a more individualized approach, one-on-one teacher training offers the flexibility to work at a pace that fits your experience, schedule, and learning goals.
This format can be particularly valuable for professionals with a complementary background, such as physical therapists or experienced movement teachers. Rather than following the same learning path as a group, we can build on what you already know and focus on the Pilates-specific knowledge and teaching skills most relevant to your work.
Like our group courses, one-on-one training combines online study with live instruction. You'll prepare independently using the course materials, then work directly with Kaarin to refine exercise execution, develop effective cueing, understand modifications and contraindications, and practice the skills that turn knowledge of the repertoire into thoughtful teaching.
Live sessions can take place in the studio in Stowe or via Zoom, with scheduling arranged individually. If you're motivated to work independently and ready to put in the preparation between sessions, this format may also allow you to progress more quickly than a scheduled group course.
Interested in an individual training plan? Get in touch to discuss your background, goals, and availability.
Current Teacher Training Course Offerings:
Mat I + II Teacher training:
This course covers Mat I + Mat II from the Pilates Academy International Teacher Training Program and prepares you to teach the full mat repertoire, from beginner through advanced.
Beyond learning the exercises themselves, we will focus on how to teach them effectively, understanding the purpose and mechanics behind each exercise, what to look for in your clients, effective cueing, modifications, contraindications, and how to apply these concepts when teaching real people.
Hybrid Format:
Learn the Material. Practice the Teaching.
This course is offered in a hybrid format, combining independent online study with live instruction. Students will work through the online material before each live session, allowing our time together to focus on the practical side of teaching.
During the live sessions, we will work through exercise execution, cueing, modifications, prop use, programming for classes and private sessions, and best teaching practices. The goal is not simply to know the exercises, but to understand how to teach them effectively and adapt them to the person in front of you.
Expect to spend approximately 5–6 hours preparing independently before each live session.
Virtual participation is available. Students may participate in the live sessions online rather than attending in person. Please reach out for details about the virtual format.
Course Schedule:
Live Sessions: TBD Spring 2027
Format: In-person in Stowe, VT or live online
Independent Study: Approximately 5–6 hours before each live session
Cost:
Mat I+II - $1200
A $400 deposit is required to reserve your place. The remaining balance is due by October 2, 2026.
Enrollment is limited and the course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
Prerequisites:
Required:
Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Cueing for Posture, Form & Alignment Course through Pilates Academy International.
If you have taken other relevant course work you may test out of the anatomy course prior to the start date of the Mat Course.
Recommended:
Experience taking Pilates sessions/classes as a student is highly recommended.
To Apply:
Interested in joining the Mat I + II Teacher Training? Email info@curatedpilates.com to let us know you're interested, then complete the application below.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive instructions for submitting your deposit and reserving your place.
2027 Reformer I + II Course:
Learn the Material. Practice the Teaching.
This course will cover Reformer I and II from The Pilates Academy International Teacher Training Program. This course will prepare you to teach all populations, beginner through advanced reformer exercises.
Beyond learning the exercises themselves, we'll focus on how to teach them effectively: understanding their goal and mechanics, what to look for in your clients, effective cueing and correcting, modifications, contraindications, and how to adapt your teaching to different bodies and abilities.
Meet Your Instructor
Training with Curated Pilates + Movement means learning with Kaarin Shipitko, a PAI Master Teacher Trainer and certified Pilates instructor with a background in professional ballet and experience teaching in both boutique studio and physical therapy settings.
Kaarin's approach emphasizes understanding the principles behind the exercises, developing clear and effective teaching skills, and learning to adapt the work to the individual in front of you. Her goal is to help students move beyond memorizing exercises and develop the knowledge and confidence to become thoughtful, effective Pilates instructors.
Hybrid Format
This training combines independent online study with instructor-led, in-studio sessions. Students will work through the online material before each live session, allowing our time together to focus on the practical side of teaching.
During the live sessions, we'll work on exercise execution, cueing and correcting, and the effective use of modifications. We'll explore contraindications, how to adapt exercises to different needs and abilities, and how to design effective programs for both group classes and private sessions.
Just as importantly, we'll consider what to watch for in a client, how to recognize when an exercise or approach needs to be adjusted, and how to make thoughtful decisions about what will best support the person in front of you.
The goal is not simply to memorize the repertoire, but to understand the work well enough to teach it effectively and adapt it to the individual.
Expect to spend approximately 6–8 hours preparing independently for each session, in addition to the scheduled live time. Each in-studio session is 4.5 hours.
Course Schedule:
Mondays 11:00am-3:30pm
January 11th, 18th, 25th + February 1st, 8th, 15th
Cost:
Reformer I+II - $1800
A $500 deposit is due by December 14, 2026, to secure your place. The remaining balance of $1,300 is due by December 21, 2026.
A minimum of four participants is required for the program to run in its standard format. Applicants will be updated on the course's status and any available options before final payment is due.
Prerequisites:
Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Cueing for Posture, Form & Alignment (ABC)
Students must complete the PAI's ABC course before beginning the training, or demonstrate the required knowledge through a placement test if they have completed other relevant coursework.
The ABC course is offered entirely online through PAI and can be completed at your own pace. The cost is $599. Students enrolling in Reformer training through Curated Pilates can receive a $100 discount. Please contact the studio for the discount code when you're ready to enroll.
If you would like to arrange an anatomy placement test, please email to discuss the next steps.
Previous experience taking Pilates classes is highly recommended.
How To Apply:
Download and complete the application below, then email it to info@curatedpilates.com by December 7, 2026.
Once your application is received, we'll follow up with next steps and information about securing your place. The $500 deposit is due by December 14, with the remaining balance due December 21.
If you have questions about the training or whether it's the right fit for you, please email info@curatedpilates.com.
Prenatal & Postpartum Pilates Training
Supporting clients through pregnancy and postpartum calls for more than a list of exercises and modifications. It requires an understanding of how the body changes, how those changes affect movement, and how to make thoughtful choices as a teacher.
I co-wrote the Pilates Academy International's Prenatal & Postpartum Teacher Training to help instructors develop that understanding and apply it in their teaching.
The course is available as a fully online, self-paced program that you can begin at any time. It is also offered periodically in a live format, combining the course material with opportunities for discussion and deeper learning. The next live offering is anticipated for March 2027.