MAT TRAINING | online

Our Mat Pilates education program merges our foundation in anatomy and alignment with contemporary Pilates movements, equipping you to build creative, progressive class sequences that grow in complexity. You’ll discover how to lead engaging, multidimensional classes that reflect the core principles of Pilates, while incorporating modern movements to ensure a smooth, flowing experience.

Mat Pilates is highly accessible, making it a valuable and adaptable component of any instructor’s toolkit. By offering Mat Pilates, you give clients a budget-friendly and approachable way to enjoy the full benefits of Pilates—wherever they are. Our NIT online program expands upon this accessibility. You can complete this course on your own time and with access to minimal equipment or studio needs, making it the perfect addition to your fitness professional background OR the perfect place to start your instructor journey. 

Through Niche’s Instructor Training program, you’ll develop expertise in our signature seamless flow method, from breathwork and gentle warm-ups to energize sequences that elevate the heart rate. Through smart sequencing and transitional movement, you’ll avoid abrupt shifts and keep the momentum alive. Instructor students will learn to confidently modify exercises for all levels, and gain the skills to empower clients—both on the mat and in their daily lives.

Equally important is the ability to balance demonstration with observation. You'll develop the awareness to cue clearly while staying engaged with your class, reading bodies in real time, offering individualized modifications, and using your voice and presence to encourage safe, effective movement.

Niche Instructor Training has been approved by NASM, AFFA and ISSA.

TRAINING STRUCTURE

ONLINE COURSEWORK | 8 hours*

1: foundations of anatomy

Taught by a licensed physical therapist, this course covers the essential building blocks of human movement, presented through a practical and accessible lens. This course includes the following modules:

  • Pilates Principles

  • Anatomy Review: Bones

  • Anatomy Review: Muscles

  • Anatomy Review: Fascia

  • Posture evaluations

  • Application of anatomy to primary functional movement patterns

This course is intended to introduce you to core Pilates principles and fundamental movement concepts, giving you the anatomical awareness and movement literacy needed to build a strong and informed teaching practice.

*We recommend allotting at least 10 additional hours for continuous self-study as you move through each module.

2: EXERCISE REVIEW + PLANES OF MOTION

You’ll examine the correct form and alignment of each exercise throughout each module (including progressions and regressions), evaluate primary muscle movers and stabilizers, and understand how to structure movement across planes of motion in floor-based movement.

3: MISALIGNMENTS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, AND cueing

Through these modules, you’ll gain the technical and anatomical proficiency in recognizing misalignments and understanding common contraindications to design dynamic classes with intention and mindfulness for all bodies, while providing corrective strategies using clear, effective cues that help clients feel supported throughout class.

4: class programming

Learn how to foster a client-centered approach grounded in empathy, professionalism, and inclusivity. Students will apply all previous training practices to design purposeful classes around functional themes that fit all levels, including prop integration, private client programming, and building intentional and progressive sequences with clear outcomes from warm ups to cool downs.

self-practice | 75 hours

  • Observation Hours (10)

    • 10 class observation hours and free access to Niche-On-Demand (up to 18 months) are included in the cost of your purchase.

    • Hours can also be fulfilled by watching online workouts on our YouTube channel.

  • Personal Practice Hours (20)

    • 10 Niche mat classes are included in the cost of your purchase.

    • Personal practice hours can also be fulfilled by following our workouts on Niche-On-Demand and YouTube channel.

  • Practice Teaching Hours (45)

    • Teach private practice sessions in one of our private rooms for just $5/session. We provide the space, and you bring the client!

All hours must be documented and submitted to education@nichefitstudio.com prior to registration for test out.

TEST OUT

There are three components to your test-out: Demonstration, Practical, and Written. The entire process will be conducted in person, and you will need to coordinate with a “client” to be present for the demonstration and practical parts of the test. Each aspect of the test out must be passed by a minimum 85% or more to pass:

  1. Demonstration (30 minutes): You will teach a 30-minute class to your “client”. You will receive guidance prior to your test out that provides an overview of what needs to be included in your demonstration. 

  2. Practical (30 minutes): Your instructor trainer will ask you situational and instructor-related questions, some of which may require you to demonstrate with your “client”.

  3. Written Exam: This will be an online test consisting of multiple choice questions. 

Registration for test out is $300 ($100 per component), which you can purchase after completion of studio training days. Test outs are scheduled once all practice hours are complete. You will send your tracking spreadsheet to our NIT Coordinator through the education@nichefitstudio.com email to coordinate the scheduling of your test out. Eligibility expires 18 months after your training begins. Each aspect of the test out must be passed by a minimum 85% or more to pass. 

Once you’ve successfully tested out, you will have the knowledge, experience, feedback, and a strong teaching foundation to help you launch your Pilates instructor journey successfully!

Pay in Full

$1,200

*Save $150 when paid in full
*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes "Foundations of Anatomy" course and all Mat Instructor Training coursework
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT workshops
  • Niche class template for class planning

Pay Monthly

$112.50/mo.

*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes "Foundations of Anatomy" course and all Mat Instructor Training coursework
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT workshops
  • Niche class template for class planning

MAT & REFORMER PACKAGE

Purchase our Mat and Reformer Training package and save $800!

Pay in Full

$3,800

*Save $150 when paid in full
*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes "Foundations of Anatomy" course and all Mat Instructor Training coursework
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT workshops
  • Niche class template for class planning

Pay Monthly

$304.17/mo.

*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes "Foundations of Anatomy" course and all Mat Instructor Training coursework
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT workshops
  • Niche class template

Map out your timeline: Think about how much time you can realistically dedicate each week to training. Our timeline guides can help you stay on track—and it’s totally okay to adjust as you go!

Take your time with the online modules: Watch the exercise videos all the way through, then practice the movements along with them. The more you feel the exercises in your own body, the better you’ll be at teaching them to others.

Break up the material: After each module, try applying what you’ve learned in your own practice or during observation hours. Don’t hesitate to revisit modules as you start teaching.

Record yourself: It might feel awkward at first, but recording yourself is a powerful tool. You’ll discover your teaching voice and fine-tune your cueing.

Pick a focus ahead of observing: Before each class you observe, pick something specific to pay attention to—maybe class structure, transitions, or how the instructor gives alignment cues.

Practice teaching a variety of people: Try teaching both beginners and more advanced movers. Every person you work with will help shape you into a more confident, well-rounded instructor.

Lean on us for support! Your Niche Instructor Trainers are here for you! Use our office hours to check in, ask questions, or get feedback whenever you need it.

NICHE TIPS FOR SUCCESS

who is eligible for our niche instructor training program?

Our Niche Instructor Training program is open to everyone! If you’re looking to shift (or expand) your career or deepen your practice, our program is designed to fit for all. You can simply sign up and start your training upon purchase!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM? 

The time it takes to complete these hours will depend on the amount of time you can personally allocate per week towards this portion of your training:

  • 5 hours per week, complete training within 10 months

    • Personal practice: 1 - 2 hours per week (some weeks will fluctuate)

    • Months 1 - 2: complete all online modules + self study (approx. 3 hrs per week), 

    • Months 3 - 4: start your observation hours (approx. 2 to 3 hours per week)

    • Months 6 - 10: start your practice teaching hours (approx. 5 to 6 hours per week)

    • Complete training within 10 months

  • 10 hours per week, complete training within 5 months

    • Personal practice: 2 to 3 hours per week

    • Month 1: complete all online modules + self study (approx. 7-8 hours per week)

    • Month 2: start your observation hours (approx. 2 to 3 hours per week)

    • Months 3 - 5: start your practice teaching hours (approx. 7 hours per week)

  • 15 hours per week, complete training within 3.5 months

    • Personal practice: 2 to 3 hours per week

    • Month 1:

      • 2 hrs of observation each week

      • 10.5 hours each of online modules + self study

    • Month 2:

      • 8 hours of online modules + self study, (1 week only)

      • 1 hour of observation each week 

      • 11 hours of practice teaching per week

    • Month 3 + 2 weeks:

      • 1 hour of observation each week

      • 11 hours of practice teaching each week

  • 20 hours per week, complete training within 2.5 months

    • Weeks 1-2:

      • 2.5 hours of personal practice each week

      • 2 hours of observation each week

      • 15 hours of online modules + self study

    • Week 3:

      • 3 hours of personal practice each week

      • 2 hours of observation

      • 5 hours of online modules + self study

      • 10 practice teaching hours each week

    • Week 4-11:

      • 4 hours of personal practice each week

      • 1 hour of observation each week

      • 15 practice teaching hours each week,

How will I receive feedback throughout the course?

You will receive a calendar link to schedule time with your instructor training after your training begins, or you can e-mail education@nichefitstudio.com.

How do I register for a test out?

In order to register for your test out, you must complete the following:

  • All online coursework

  • Online quizzes must be passed at a minimum of 85%.

  • All observation, personal practice, and practice teaching hours must be fulfilled, documented, and submitted to the instructor training team.

Once you can complete these requirements, you will send your tracking spreadsheet to our NIT Coordinator through education@nichefitstudio.com and arrange your test out with an instructor trainer. Eligibility expires 18 months after your training begins. Each aspect of the test out must be passed by a minimum 85% or more to pass.

If one portion of your test out does not pass the minimum requirement, you can retake that portion for $100.

What if I want to take the training but don’t want to test out?

Testing out is optional! For students who are more aligned with the goal to learn versus the goal to teach, you don’t have to test out. Instructor training is a great way to help you understand your body and movement on a deeper level. If you elect not to test out, access to online material is removed after 18 months. 

I live out of state and haven’t taken a class at Niche. How can I get a feel for your class style?

You can get a feel for our class style by watching workouts on our YouTube channel, or purchasing a subscription to Niche-On-Demand which has a full library of Niche workouts and workshops. 

How long do I have access to the training material?

Students who test out (whether they pass or not) receive forever access to their training material. Students who do not test out will only have access for 18 months. 

Refund & Cancellation Policy

All purchases are final. If circumstances arise in the midst of training, you contact education@nichefitstudio.com to reschedule or adjust your training timeline.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can’t make it to our studio? Learn more about our online program!