REFORMER INSTRUCTOR TRAINING | STUDIO

Clients are drawn to Niche for our Reformer classes—and it’s easy to see why. The Reformer offers the perfect balance of support and resistance, allowing clients to build strength, refine technique, and deepen body awareness. It encourages both physical and mental engagement, strengthening the mind and body connection that is a cornerstone of Pilates. Many leave feeling stronger, more energized, and newly connected to muscles they hadn’t noticed before.

At the core of Reformer training is mastering proper technique and learning to recognize and correct misalignments in form. From this base, students expand upon this foundation by layering movements, incorporating contemporary variations, and crafting cohesive, progressive sequences. Using the Niche cueing formula, designed to highlight structural alignment and provide clear, accessible instruction, students learn to communicate movement effectively and make real-time adjustments during class.

Students will develop the ability to design Reformer classes that flow smoothly, integrating props such as the jump board and box to enhance variety and engagement. Sequences are thoughtfully structured to maintain client focus and energy, creating dynamic and empowering class experiences.

Our Studio Reformer NIT Program immerses students in hands-on learning within our fully equipped studio. Real-time feedback from NIT trainers and fellow students helps refine skills as you learn. The in-person experience is both energizing and collaborative, offering a true glimpse into life as a Niche instructor: learning alongside peers, developing your unique teaching style, and working together to craft sequences that feel intentional and rewarding. This hands-on environment is what sparks the joy of sharing Pilates.

TRAINING STRUCTURE

studio training | 56 hours

Training will begin with an online module and five training days at our studio, followed by self-paced study and practice dedicated to personal practice, observation, and practice teaching hours required for test out.

  • Foundations of Anatomy (6 hours): Taught by a licensed physical therapist, this online module covers the essential building blocks of human movement including bones, muscles, and fascia, presented through a practical and accessible lens. You will also be introduced to core Pilates principles and fundamental movement concepts, giving you the anatomical awareness and movement literacy that will serve as the building blocks for the remainder of your training.

  • 5 training days (6 hours each, total 30 hours): These are often spread across three weekends with allowance for self-study and practice in between. You’ll receive real-time demonstrations, hands-on practice with fellow students and guidance from instructor trainers, and become equipped with the technical proficiency to observe bodies in motion, cue efficiently and with precision, and integrate strength training principles, jumpboard, and props into class and private sessions.

  • Online coursework (10 hours): Included with your training are online course materials and resources to compliment your training at the studio and self-practice hours. We recommend allocating an additional 10 hours dedicated to self-study alongside self-practice hours. This will help strengthen your skills and knowledge as you progress throughout training and prepare you for your test out!

  • SELF-PRACTICE (75 hours): The remainder of your training will be dedicate to personal practice, observation, and practice teaching hours to become eligible to register for test out and certification.

SYLLABUS

DAY 1: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS / TECHNIQUE & APPLICATION I

Review core principles that support the Reformer Pilates method: breath, alignment, form, control, connection and fluidity, with real-time demonstrations and guided execution of both classical and contemporary reformer exercises. You’ll examine the correct form and alignment of each exercise, evaluate primary muscle movers and stabilizers, discuss modifications and amplifications, and understand how to structure movement across planes of motion to deliver balanced, dynamic classes.

DAY 2: TECHNIQUE & APPLICATION II

Become equipped with the technical proficiency to observe bodies in motion, identify common misalignments, and apply corrective strategies using the Niche cueing formula. Students will begin familiarizing themselves with cueing techniques through round robin teaching exercises with instructor trainer guidance to build confidence and capability in setting up and delivering reformer-based movement safely and effectively.

day 3: teaching practice

Students will apply foundational knowledge to design purposeful classes centered around functional themes that fit all levels and meet clients’s individual needs. Learn about contraindications, including pregnancy, postpartum, and osteopenia/osteoporosis, and deepen your teaching practice in developing progressive classes for private clients.

DAY 4: program design & specialization

Continued collaboration with student-led class and private session programming to design creative, dynamic sequences with the integration of props to challenge or assist movements, jumpboard for class variety and cardio applications, and strength training concepts in a Pilates environment.

day 5: CLIENT EXPERIENCE & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS / CAPSTONE

Learn how to foster a client-centered approach grounded in empathy, professionalism, and inclusivity by reviewing safety screenings, professional ethics and practices, teaching strategies, and how to develop a teaching presence and voice. Students will receive guidance and preparation for self-practice hours and test out, with a final class teaching session integrating all elements.

self-practice HOURS | 158 hours

Personal Practice, Teaching, and Observation Hours

If you have a reformer at home, these hours may be fulfilled at home.

  • OBSERVATION (18)

    • 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 (50)

    • 10 Niche reformer 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 (90)

    • Teach private practice sessions at home or 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!

spring 2026 reformer training dates

TRAINING DAY 1 | SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 10AM–4PM

TRAINING DAY 2 | SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 10AM–4PM

TRAINING DAY 3 | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 10AM–4PM

TRAINING DAY 4 | SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 10AM–4PM

TRAINING DAY 5 | SATURDAY, MAY 2, 10AM–4PM

Pay in Full

$3,200

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

  • Includes Foundations of Anatomy
  • Includes all online Reformer Instructor Training resources
  • 10 reformer classes for personal practice hours
  • 10 reformer class observation hours
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT continued education workshops
  • 10% off membership (up to 18 months)
  • Access to studio for practice teaching hours ($5/hour)
  • Niche class and private client session planning templates
  • Demo opportunity to audition for Niche Pilates Studio

Pay Monthly

$279.17/mo.

*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes Foundations of Anatomy
  • Includes all online Reformer Instructor Training resources
  • 10 reformer classes for personal practice hours
  • 10 reformer class observation hours
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT continued education workshops
  • 10% off membership (up to 18 months)
  • Access to studio for practice teaching hours ($5/hour)
  • Niche class & private client session planning templates
  • Demo opportunity to audition for Niche Pilates Studio

MAT & REFORMER PACKAGE

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

Pay in Full

$3,700

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

  • Includes Foundations of Anatomy course
  • Includes all online Reformer Instructor Training resources
  • Includes all online Mat Instructor Training resources
  • 10 mat classes + 10 reformer classes for personal practice hours
  • 10 mat + 10 reformer class observation hours for mat
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT continued educationworkshops
  • 10% off membership (up to 18 months)
  • Access to studio for practice teaching hours ($5/hour)
  • Niche class & private client session planning templates
  • Demo opportunity to audition for Niche Pilates Studio

Pay Monthly

$320.83/mo.

*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes Foundations of Anatomy course
  • Includes all online Reformer Instructor Training resources
  • Includes all online Mat Instructor Training resources
  • 10 mat classes + 10 reformer classes for personal practice hours
  • 10 mat + reformer class observation hours for mat
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT continued education workshops
  • 10% off membership (up to 18 months)
  • Access to studio for practice teaching hours ($5/hour)
  • Niche class & private client session planning templates
  • Demo opportunity to audition for Niche Pilates Studio

What if I can’t make it to all the training days?

Missed days can be made up by scheduling one-on-one training sessions for $100 per hour. If more than 1 day would be missed, please plan to attend the next round of training or sign up for our online program!

When can I begin the SELF-PRACTICE HOURS?

You can start working on your observation, personal practice, and practice teaching hours as early as your first training day!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS? 

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/WEEK

    • Weeks 1 to 2:

      • 3 hours per week: Complete Foundations of Anatomy prior to first studio training day

      • 2 hours of personal practice per week

    • Weeks 3 & 5:

      • In-studio training weekends (12 hours total)

      • 2 hours of personal practice

    • Week 4:

      • 3 observation hours + 2 hours of personal practice per week

    • Weeks 6 to 7:

      • 3 observation hours + 2 hours of personal practice per week

    • Week 8:

      • In-studio training weekend (6 hours)

      • 2 hours of personal practice

    • Weeks 9 to 12:

      • 3 observation hours + 2 hours of personal practice per week

    • Weeks 13 to 20:

      • 2 hours of personal practice + 3 practice teaching hours per week

    • Weeks 21 to 37:

      • 1 hour of personal practice + 4 hours of practice teaching per week

    • COMPLETE TRAINING WITHIN 8.5 MONTHS

  • 10 HOURS/WEEK

    • Week 1:

      • 6 hours: Complete Foundations of Anatomy prior to first studio training day

      • 4 hours of personal practice

    • Weeks 2 & 4:

      • In-studio training weekend (12 hours total)

      • 2 hours of personal practice per week

    • Weeks 3 & 5:

      • 5 hours of personal practice + 5 hours of observation per week

    • Week 6:

      • In-studio training weekend (6 hours total)

      • 4 hours of personal practice

    • Weeks 7 to 9:

      • 3 hours of personal practice + 3 hours of observation + 4 hours of practice teaching per week

    • Weeks 10 to 19:

      • Approx. 2–3 hours of personal practice per week

      • Approx. 7–8 practice teaching hours per week

    • COMPLETE TRAINING WITHIN 4.5 MONTHS

  • 15 HOURS/WEEK

    • Week 1:

      • 6 hours: Complete Foundations of Anatomy prior to first studio training day

      • 5 hours of personal practice

    • Weeks 2 & 4:

      • In-studio training weekend (12 hours total)

      • 3 hours of personal practice per week

      • 2 hours of observation (Week 4 only)

    • Week 3:

      • 5 hours of personal practice + 3 hours of observation

    • Week 5:

      • 6 hours of personal practice

      • 4 hours of observation

      • 5 hours of practice teaching

    • Week 6:

      • In-studio training weekend (6 hours total)

      • 3 hours of personal practice

      • 1 hour of observation

      • 5 hours of practice teaching

    • Weeks 7 to 14:

      • 3 hours of personal practice + 1 hours of observation + 10 hours of practice teaching

      • COMPLETE TRAINING WITHIN 3.2 MONTHS

  • 20 HOURS/WEEK

    • Week 1:

      • 6 hours: Complete Foundations of Anatomy prior to first studio training day

      • In-studio training weekend (12 hours total)

      • 5 hours of personal practice

    • Week 2:

      • 5 hours of personal practice

      • 8 hours of observation

      • 3 hours of practice teaching

    • Week 3:

      • In-studio training weekend (12 hours total)

      • 5 hours of personal practice

      • 1 hour of observation

      • 2 hours of practice teaching

    • Week 4:

      • 5 hours of personal practice

      • 5 hours of observation

      • 5 hours of practice teaching

    • Week 5:

      • In-studio training weekend (6 hours total)

      • 5 hours of personal practice

      • 4 hours of observation

      • 5 hours of practice teaching

    • Weeks 6 to 10:

      • 5 hours of personal practice + 15 hours of practice teaching per week

    • COMPLETE TRAINING WITHIN 2.3 MONTHS

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

  • All studio training days must be attended or made up.

  • 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 you 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!