Where traditional Pilates Meets Modern Fitness - from the studio that made athletic pilates famous in la.

Interested in becoming a Pilates Trainer?

Our 450-hour certification program is comprehensive. And comprehensive means more than equipment - it means developing the knowledge, judgment, and skills to confidently teach Pilates on day one.

At Pilatesmith, we believe the Pilates method and modern exercise science belong together. That means we don't just teach Pilates - we teach fitness. We don't just teach exercises - we teach workout programming. We don't just develop instructors - we develop Trainers.

We believe today's clients are looking for Trainers who understand the body, movement, and how to help them achieve their goals. That's why we teach both the Pilates method and the principles of modern fitness.

Where you take that education is up to you. Whether you go on to teach Athletic Pilates, classical Pilates, or develop a style of your own, you'll graduate with the comprehensive foundation to choose your own path.

Here's what makes our program different:

• Master both the Classical and Contemporary Pilates repertoires

• Train on the industry's most popular equipment - not just the Reformer

• Understand fitness, not just Pilates

• Learn how to coach people, not just recite cues

• Gain real experience programming both group classes and Private Training sessions

• Get everything you need in one program - no hidden modules, extra certifications, or additional fees

You'll graduate studio-ready, confident, and in high demand. Because a Trainer who can teach both classically and athletically is exactly what today's studios are hiring for - and what today's clients are looking for.

Are you ready to become a Certified Athletic Pilates Trainer?

Of course you are.

ENROLL NOW!

Enrollment for Fall 2026 is open through Sunday, August 9th.

FALL 2026 KEY DATES

• Enrollment Closes: Sunday, August 9

• Program Starts: Friday, August 21

Sign up for our emails below, or follow us on Instagram at @pilatesmith for updates. If you have a question, email us! Our Founder is happy to speak with you and answer any questions you have.

we build confident trainers

This program is different in that we'll approach teaching Pilates through exercise science and help you actually understand exercises and their impact on the body - not just memorize springs, rep counts, and cues.

This program goes beyond the exercises. Instead of just learning proper technique, you’ll also learn leveling and loading strategies, how to program, how to own a group room, and how to ace a Private session so you graduate confident and ready to conquer any format, at any level, at any studio.

Everyone is paired with a Pilatesmith Trainer for 1:1 mentorship and coaching so you always feel supported.

a COMPRehensive program

This 450-hour program is comprehensive in that you’ll learn to teach the Classical repertoire and Contemporary exercises across the most popular apparatus: Mat, Reformer, Chair, and Cadillac. You’ll find a detailed syllabus of the in-studio coursework below.

Similar to other programs, this one consists of in-studio coursework hours, "on-your-own” hours, and testing hours. But with our program, you have access to our studios so practicing and studying for your tests is easy.

• 105 hours In-Studio Coursework

• 245 hours Self-Practice, Observation, Practice Teaching

• 50 hours Programming

• 30 hours Supervised Tests, “Real-World” Teaching

• 20 hours 1:1 Coaching

Each trainee who graduates from the program earns the credential of Certified Athletic Pilates Trainer (CAPT). This certification will qualify you to teach at any Pilates studio.

SCHEDULE

Dates for the Fall 2026 semester are:

• Weekend 1: August 21-23

• Weekend 2: August 28-30

• Weekend 3: September 4-6 *Note that this is Labor Day weekend

• Weekend 4: September 25-27

• Weekend 5: October 16-18

• Weekend 6: October 23-25

• Weekend 7: October 30-November 1

There are 7 weekends of intensive studio coursework. Each weekend is 15 hours: 3-6pm on Fridays, 1-7pm on Saturdays, and 1-7pm on Sundays. Odd numbered weekends are at the Culver studio, and even numbered weekends are at the Santa Monica studio.

All coursework has to be completed in order to graduate, so if you miss coursework you’ll need to make it up. You can make it up during your semester to stay on track at the rate of $50 an hour, or defer and take those modules the semester immediately following yours. If you miss 30% or more you will be asked to defer, and if you miss 50% (10 of the or more, you forfeit the course.

Cost

Total cost for the entire program including coursework, mentorship, and studio access is only $4,500. Unlike other programs, this cost covers you through the completion of your hours, and there there are no hidden costs.

There are two payment options:

1. Pay in Full

2. Payment Plan

   • Pay $1,000 to reserve your spot

   • Then, 3 monthly payments of $1,1667.67 will be charged on the 15th of each month

Space is limited so once enrolled you are committed to the full cost. No cancellations or refunds at any time for any reason (no exceptions).

COURSEWORK syllabus

• Anatomy

• Kinesiology 101

• Biomechanics 101

• Fitness Science 101

• Athletic Pilates Foundations

• Athletic Pilates Programming

• Athletic Pilates Leveling & Loading Strategy

• Mat Classical & Contemporary

• Reformer Classical & Contemporary

• Cadillac Classical & Contemporary

• Chair Classical & Contemporary

• Accessories & Props

• TRX

• Prenatal & Postnatal

• Common Medical Conditions

• Mobility & Recovery

• Music Psychology & Playlist Curation

• Cueing & Class Management

• How to Own a Group Room

• How to Ace a Private Training Session

• How to Lead a Flawless Virtual Session

• I'm Certified! Now What?

PREREQUISTIES

While we do not require it, we strongly suggest taking as many Pilates classes as you can before the program begins, whether that’s at Pilatesmith or another studio. We’ve found it’s very helpful if you have a basic understanding of the method, the space, and how sessions are conducted so that you have context for the material.

studio locations

Pilatesmith Santa Monica: 2110 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA. 90405

Pilatesmith Culver City: 12450 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles CA. 90066

REVIEWS

Questions?

We’re here to help! Emailing is the best way to reach us, and if you prefer a phone call we can set something up!