Mat & Reformer Pilates Instructor Training Online

Niche Pilates Mat and Reformer Instructor Training has been approved my NASM, AFFA and ISSA

Program Overview

Designed for those ready to deepen their Pilates Mat and Reformer knowledge and grow into confident instructors, this accessible online course offers the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. You will receive an outline with benchmarks to keep you on track to complete the course in ten months. This gives you the opportunity to create your own schedule, while still making sure you hit all the benchmarks along the way. In addition to the online coursework, this training has required live online sessions that give you an opportunity to see techniques in action, practice your teaching, and receive thoughtful feedback.

It’s important to note if you enroll in both Mat and Reformer trainings you will attend the mat training with the Mat Only group, the only difference is you will need to complete 7 practice hours per week instead of the Mat Only plan which is 4 hours per week. 

What You’ll Get With Our Online Course Material

When you enroll in our Online Mat and Reformer Pilates Instructor Training, you’ll receive access to a library of instructor training content, designed to support your growth as a confident and knowledgeable instructor. These resources serve as the foundation for your online learning experience and are paired with live training sessions to reinforce your skills. Both the online and in-person Reformer training cover the same material, the only difference is whether the sessions are held online or at Niche. Here’s a glimpse of what’s the information that will be covered:

  • Foundations of Movement Course: Your training begins with our included Foundations of Movement course. Once enrolled in Reformer Training, you’ll start here to build the essential knowledge needed for the rest of your program.

  • Pilates Principles and How They Relate to Reformer Exercises: You’ll use this resource as a practical application of the Pilates Principles you learned in your Foundations of Movement course and see how they apply to Reformer exercises. 

  • Pilates Principles & Their Relationship to Mat Pilates Exercises – You’ll use this resource as a refresher of your Pilates Principles from your Foundations of Movement course and you’ll see how they apply to mat exercises specifically.

  • Detailed Reformer Exercise Videos: Clear videos walk you through every Reformer exercise covered in the course, helping you understand both execution and purpose. 

  • Detailed Mat Pilates Videos – Study precise breakdowns of classical and contemporary mat exercises to sharpen your technique and deepen your understanding.

  • The Niche Cueing Formula: Discover our signature cueing system that provides clients with clarity, precision, and engagement.

  • Alignment & Correction Techniques: Learn how to observe bodies in motion, recognize common misalignments, and apply corrective strategies 

  • Instructor Development: Develop your own teaching voice with guidance on cueing, presence, and creating a supportive class environment.

  • Safety & Modifications: Gain insight into common contraindications and how to modify movements for a range of client needs and abilities.

  • Reformer & Planes of Motion: Understand how to structure movement across planes of motion to deliver balanced, dynamic classes.

  • Class Warm-Ups & Cool-Downs: Access a variety of warm-up and cool-down sequences you can use to thoughtfully begin and wrap up your classes

  • Private Session Strategies: Observe our Instructor Trainers working with real clients to learn how to tailor private Reformer sessions with care and intention.

  • Intro to Jumpboard: Learn how to introduce the Pilates jumpboard for safe, effective, and energizing cardio-based sessions.

  • Knowledge Check Quiz: Test what you’ve learned with a quiz designed to help you review and retain key concepts. You’ll have the opportunity to take the quiz multiple times. This is a useful  tool as you prepare for your final test out. 

Live Online Training: Where Learning Comes to Life

Led by a Niche Instructor Trainer, these live interactive sessions reinforce what you’ve learned in the online modules. You'll have the chance to apply your knowledge, refine your teaching, and receive thoughtful feedback that supports rapid growth and increased confidence. These sessions are a vital part of the program and are required for course completion.

During live online training sessions you will review:

  • Practice Teaching with Feedback: Teach segments of Reformer classes in an online setting and receive individualized feedback that helps you grow stronger as an instructor 

  • The Niche Class Planning Formula: Learn our structured framework for creating intentional and cohesive class plans.

  • Introducing New Clients to Reformer: Explore strategies for safely orienting beginners and how to create a welcoming experience.

  • Using Props in Teaching: Understand how and when to integrate props to support or challenge movement in a class or private session.

  • Blending Strength Training with Reformer Work: Learn how to incorporate strength training strategies into your Pilates classes and private sessions.

  • Progression Private Session Plans: Learn how to create a customized and progressive private session plan

  • Community & Connection: Enjoy being part of a community of students, learning together, sharing insights, challenges, and encouragement along the way.

These live online sessions are where your coursework comes to life. You’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, ask questions, and grow through supportive feedback in an environment designed to foster connection, confidence, and clarity. Our goal is for you to feel empowered and have the ability to utilize your practice hours effectively. We understand that everyone learns differently, and our team is here to support you every step of the way. You’ll have dedicated time to connect with instructor trainers who are committed to guiding your growth and answering your questions throughout the journey.

Note that if you need to miss any live online training days those can be made up in a one on one setting with one of our Instructor Trainers. The rate for one on one training is $100/hr. Students who need to miss more than two days of in person training should plan to take the next round of training. Please let us know if you need to schedule this by emailing Education@NicheFitStudio.com

Required Mat Practice Teaching Hours

  • 10 Observation hours

  • 20 Personal Practice hours

  • 45 Practice Teaching hours

Required Reformer Practice Teaching Hours

  • 18 Observation hours

  • 50 Personal Practice hours

  • 90 Practice Teaching hours

Timeline

  • All online material must be watched prior to the first in-person training date 

  • Live online training will be completed in seventeen hours ?

  • You should plan on dedicating seven hours per week to the course work and practice hours to complete the course within the ten month timeframe. 

  • Practice hours take approximately eight months to complete

  • Test outs are scheduled ten months after your training begins. Test out eligibility expires 16 months after your training begins.

This course is designed as an eight month training program. To complete the course within this time frame you will need to dedicate six hours per week to your training. Your time will be spent studying the course material, attending live online training sessions, and completing your practice teaching hours.

The online training sessions are spread throughout the course to align with the flow of the curriculum, providing consistent guidance and structured milestones. You’ll begin teaching practice hours as you progress through the material. 

Throughout the program, you’ll receive regular communication, check-in points, and encouragement to help you stay engaged and motivated on your path to becoming a skilled instructor.

Prerequisites to Test Out

  • All online material must be completed

  • All in person training must be attended or made up if you needed to miss a day

  • Online quiz must be passed at a minimum of 85%

  • All practice hours must be completed- documented log of all hours must be submitted to the Education@NicheFitStudio.com email prior to registering to test out

Test Out Details

There are three components to your test-out for each Training: Demonstration, Practical, and Written. The entire process will be conducted live online, and you will need to coordinate with a “client” to be present for the demonstration and practical parts of the test.

  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 teaching related questions that will need to be answered, some questions will require you to demonstrate with your “client”

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

Each aspect of the test out must be paced by 85% or more to pass. 

Once your practice hours are complete and 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. 

Are you ready to elevate your Pilates practice and step into the role of an instructor? Sign up today and take the next step!

Benefits and Discounts

  • Save With Both Courses: Purchase Mat and Reformer for the best value.

  • Niche On Demand: Utilize online resources for personal practice and observation hours from home.

  • Workshop Discount: Get 10% off any Niche Pilates Studio workshop to receive continuing education hours.

  • Niche Journal: Stay organized with this tool for notetaking and class planning

  • Niche Class Template: Simplify your class planning with our unique template 

  • Education Newsletter: Stay informed with updates and sales for all things Niche education

  • Demo Opportunity: Showcase your skills with the chance to audition for a position at Niche Pilates Studio.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

All course purchases are final, and we do not offer refunds once the course has been purchased. Please ensure you are committed to completing the training before enrolling. If unforeseen circumstances arise, we are happy to work with you to reschedule or adjust your training timeline to help you succeed.

More Questions?

Email us: education@nichefitstudio.com