A modern program from the studio that made athletic pilates famous in los angeles
We love Pilates. Like, a lot. And we recognize that we can introduce Pilates to more people if it's taught the way today’s customers want it: as a sweaty, heart-pumping workout that delivers on fitness goals.
We believe the future of Pilates is Athletic Pilates. This program will prepare you to train today’s Pilates lover - who is turning to Pilates for fitness - making you a more popular and valuable Trainer today and in the future!
Are you ready to become a Certified Athletic Pilates Trainer? Of course you are.
Our next semester kicks off Spring 2026. Tentative dates are:
Enrollment Opens: January 26
Information Session: February 1
Early Bird Pricing Ends: February 8
Enrollment Closes: March 1
Coursework: March 13 - May 17 (detailed schedule below)
Sign up for our emails or follow us on Instagram at @pilatesmith for updates. Or if you have a question now? Email us!
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 420-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
215 hours Self-Practice, Observation, Practice Teaching
30 hours Supervised Tests, Practicals, and 1:1 Coaching
50 hours Programming
20 hours Mentorship
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
Tentative dates for the Spring 2026 semester are:
Enrollment Opens: January 26
Information Session: February 1
Early Bird Pricing Ends: February 8
Enrollment Closes: March 1
Weekend 1: March 13-15
Weekend 2: March 20-22
Weekend 3: April 3-5
Weekend 4: April 10-12
Weekend 5: April 24-26
Weekend 6: May 1-3
Weekend 7: May 15-17
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 in-studio coursework has to be completed in order to graduate, so if you have to miss coursework you will schedule time to make it up at the rate of $50 an hour. In the case that you miss more than 30% of the coursework, you can forfeit the course or you can make it up by attending that coursework during the semester immediately following yours.
Cost
Total cost for the entire program including coursework, mentorship, and studio access is only $4,500. Unlike other programs, there are no hidden costs for materials or prerequisites. The only additional cost would be if you need to make up in-studio coursework that you miss at the rate of $50 an hour.
There are two payment options:
Pay in Full (avoid the credit card convenience fee by paying with a bank account)
Payment Plan - 4 Payment total
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).
In-studio COURSEWORK syllabus
Program Overview
Introduction to Athletic Pilates
Anatomy
Kinesiology 101
Biomechanics 101
Fitness Trainer 101
Athletic Pilates Foundations
Mat Classical & Contemporary Exercises
Reformer Classical & Contemporary Exercises
Cadillac Classical & Contemporary Exercises
Chair Classical & Contemporary Exercises
TRX, Accessories & Props
Athletic Pilates Programming
Athletic Pilates Leveling
Athletic Pilates Loading Strategies
Prenatal & Postnatal
Common Medical Conditions
Mobility
Recovery
How to Own a Group Room
How to Ace a Private Training Session
How to Lead a Flawless Virtual Session
Music Psychology & Playlist Curation
I'm Certified! Now What?
studio locations
Pilatesmith Santa Monica: 2110 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA. 90405
Pilatesmith Culver City: 12450 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles CA. 90066
REVIEWS
“Jessica put so much thought and intentionality behind making this course for the future of Pilates and Pilates Teaching!”
“Overall the program was well thought out and very comprehensive. Great instruction and very valuable materials. Really happy with it and the experience was great :)”
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!