Mat Pilates Teacher Certification

You already know how good you feel after a Pilates class, now it’s time to bring that feeling to other people. Have you dreamt about doing what you love? Teacher training starts soon and we’re looking for our next group of rockstar instructors. 

 

What makes us different is that all 60 hours of in studio training are dedicated to getting you up on your feet leading a fantastic class. Our definition of success is deeply invested in each participant graduating and teaching at their favorite studio, gym or community center immediately after the program is completed. We are proud to say that the STRONG&CALM training program has a very high success rate; over 90% of our graduates go on to teach Pilates immediately after graduation.

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Shannon Cluff has led Pilates, Strength and Yoga classes across the Lower Mainland for over twenty years. During that time she has been a studio owner, a mentor, a teacher trainer and a manager at five studios within Vancouver, Surrey, North Vancouver and now currently in Port Coquitlam. As a trained counselor she is invested in trauma informed practices, the nervous system, body autonomy, and sustainable actions that lead to well-being. She has mentored over 600 teachers through her mentorship and teacher training programs and graduated over 70 teachers through the STRONG&CALM Mat Pilates Teacher Training. The graduates from her program teach at studios, gyms and community centers all over the Lower Mainland. Shannon's approach teaches Pilates as a vehicle for transformation on a physical and psychological level and she encourages connection and community building in all of her classes. Shannon has also taken two Reformer Teacher Training Programs, two Mat Pilates trainings and she is currently studying for her Personal Training Specialist Certification. 

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The STRONG&CALM approach to Mat Pilates is a mix of contemporary and classical influences with a strong focus on sound biomechanics, fitness theory, breath-centered movement and client-focused technique based skill building. This training will prepare you to teach in both Hot and Non-Hot group class environments. A large amount of the weekend contact hours are spent breaking down the 34 classical exercises of the Pilates Method and learning how to cue variations and modifications. There is a strong focus on teaching methodology which encompasses the essential skills you will need to lead a high quality Pilates class immediately upon graduation. The main reason our program has such a high success rate is because our standards exceed most other teacher training programs in a shorter amount of time. Most of the weekend training time is spent on your feet teaching your peers, learning the language of Pilates, discussing its concepts, principles and building confidence translating the exercises to other people. Our program also prepares you to search for the right contracts, negotiate pay, launch your business and make the right connections in the Pilates industry in your community. 

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INFORMATION SESSION

Would you like to sit down with Lead Trainer Shannon Cluff and ask your questions in person at the studio?

Join us for a 60 minute information session on Saturday, September 12th 2026 at 1:00PM, it's free and all you need to do is book your spot.

 

Start the process:

 

1- Attend at least one class with Lead Teacher Trainer Shannon Cluff

 

2-Fill out this application 

Interviews are scheduled through email after you have attended your first class and filled out the application

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3-Acceptance is not guaranteed. Applicants who are accepted into the program will be sent a link to register for the teacher training course. 

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Only 6 trainees per course.

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​Dates + Times 2026

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​​FALL TRAINING (3 SPOTS LEFT)

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Saturdays 12:00PM-6:30PM

Sundays 1:00PM-6:30PM

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November 7th + 8th 2026

November 14th + 15th 2026

November 21st + 22nd 2026

November 28th + 29th 2026

December 5th + 6th 2026

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$2400.00 (+gst) before September 20th 2026

$2650.00 (+gst) after September 20th 2026

Please note that there are no refunds on teacher trainings

Payment Plans Available

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Location

STRONG&CALM Pilates Studio

201-2550 Shaughnessy Street

Port Coquitlam, BC

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Course Breakdown​

In this 60hr STRONG&CALM Mat Pilates Teacher Certificate the following is covered:

 

-Breath Patterns and Centering Clients (diaphragmatic, intercostal and breath-centered movement)

-The Nervous System

-The Respiratory System

-Body-awareness and body-neutrality

-34 Classical Mat Exercises of The Pilates Method

-Pilates Terminology

-Approximately 30 Contemporary Pilates Exercises and Variations on Classical work

-Pilates Defined (Classical, Contemporary, Fitness-based)

-Professional Guidelines: Ethics and Scope of Practice

-The Six Classical Principles of Pilates

-Anatomical Movement Terminology

-Proper Body Positioning and Movement Concepts for Pilates

-Incorporating Props (therabands, Pilates ball and light weights)

-Functional Movement Concepts

-Core Musculature (Major and minor muscles) 

-Strength Training and Progressive Overload Theory

-Class Planning Strategies

-Cueing Your Classes and Teaching Strategies

-Professional Guidelines for Injuries and Special Populations

-Precautions and Contraindications

-Teaching Pilates in a Hot Environment

-Business Training

-Room Control and Studio Etiquette

-Playlists and Music Tempo

-Class Observation 5 hours

-Approximately 5-10 hours of teaching practice with feedback

-Approximately 10-15 hours of homework assignments

-Two mid-term quizzes

-Final exam includes a 2.5hr Written Theory Exam and a 30 minute Teaching Practicum