─── M. 02 • TEACHER TRAINING • LOS ANGELES
Mat Pilates Instructor Training.
Three progressive Balanced Body® modules covering the full mat repertoire — classical roots, modern progressions, and the cueing craft that makes a great teacher.
DURATION
3 X 16 hours
TUITION
$600 each + materials
PREREQUISITE
Movement Principles (M.01)
FORMAT
In-studio or Live Online
WHAT IT IS
The complete mat method — taught by a Master Instructor.
Balanced Body® Mat Pilates is the most accessible — and most teachable — entry point to a career in Pilates. Across three progressive modules (Mat 1, 2, and 3) you'll learn the full classical repertoire, modern progressions, small-prop integrations, and the methodology to sequence beautiful, balanced classes.
Each module is a 16-hour intensive led by Maria Leone, a Balanced Body® Master Instructor with more than three decades of teaching experience.
UPCOMING COHORTS
Mat 1 • July 10-12, 2026
In-studio (Beverly Hills) & Live Online
Mat 1 • September 18-20, 2026
In-studio (Beverly Hills) & Live Online
Mat 2 • October 16-18, 2026
In-studio (Beverly Hills) & Live Online
Mat 3 • January 8-10, 2027
In-studio (Beverly Hills) & Live online
THREE LEVELS
A progression that builds real teachers.
Take them in order — each level deepens the repertoire and refines your eye, voice, and touch.
MODULE 01
Mat 1 - Foundational Mat
Pre-Pilates and foundational mat exercises. Building blocks for safe, intelligent teaching.
Hours • 16 hours
Prerequisite • Movement Principles (M.01)
MODULE 02
Mat 2 - Intermediate Mat
Intermediate repertoire, transitions, and the methodology of progression.
Hours • 16 hours
Prerequisite • Mat 1
MODULE 03
Mat 3 - Advanced Mat
Advanced repertoire with props, programming, and class design.
Hours • 16 hours
Prerequisite • Mat 2
Beyond classroom hours, Balanced Body® certification also requires observation, practice-teaching, and personal-session hours before the final written and practical exam. Most students complete the full Mat track in 4–9 months.
CURRICULUM
What you'll learn.
Six core competencies that prepare you to teach safe, effective, and engaging Pilates mat classes with confidence.
01
Complete Mat Repertoire
Learn the full pre-Pilates and Balanced Body Mat repertoire, building a strong foundation in movement, alignment, and exercise progression.
02
Programming & Class Design
Design effective mat classes using the Balanced Body Movement Principles and Programming System for private, small group, and studio settings.
03
Cueing & Teaching Skills
Develop the verbal, visual, and tactile cueing techniques that help clients move with greater awareness, confidence, and control.
04
Movement Observation
Learn to observe movement patterns, identify compensations, and make informed teaching decisions based on what you see.
05
Small Props Integration
Use magic circle, foam roller, weighted ball, and resistance band to deepen the work.
06
Special Populations & Modifications
Adapt the mat repertoire for pre/postnatal, seniors, athletes, and rehab clients.
WHO IT’S FOR
Built for serious teachers-in-training.
Aspiring Mat Instructors
Build a complete teaching toolkit — from beginner workshops to advanced classes.
In-Home & Online Teachers
Mat is the most portable Pilates discipline — teach anywhere, anytime.
THE PATHWAY
Where Mat fits in your Balanced Body® certification.
Mat is one of three certification tracks. Pair it with Reformer and Apparatus for a complete comprehensive credential — or specialize in Mat and start teaching faster.
M. 01
MOVEMENT PRINCIPLES
Required foundation - start here.
LEARN MORE →
M. 02
MAT PILATES
3 progressive levels • 16 hrs each.
YOU ARE HERE
M. 03
REFORMER PILATES
3 progressive levels • 16 hrs each.
LEARN MORE →
M. 04
TRAPEZE TABLE & APPARATUS
Specialty apparatus deep dive.
LEARN MORE →
Already enrolled in Balanced Body® certification? Schedule your observation & student-teaching hours →
FAQ
Common questions.
Wondering where to start, or whether Mat is the right path? Ask us directly →
-
Absolutely. Many teachers complete only the Mat track and build thriving studio, group-fitness, or in-home practices.
-
Most students complete the three Mat modules plus observation, practice-teaching, and personal-session hours over 4–9 months. The exam is scheduled when you're ready.
-
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body Mat Instructor, students must complete Balanced Body Movement Principles, Mat 1, Mat 2, and Mat 3. Each module includes coursework and a module assessment. Students must also complete observation, personal practice, student teaching, and final testing requirements.
-
An anatomy course is strongly recommended before beginning the certification pathway. A foundational understanding of anatomy helps students better understand movement, alignment, and Pilates principles.
-
Students must complete:
20 personal mat practice sessions
15 observation hours
35 student teaching hours
These hours help develop confidence, teaching skills, and practical application of the material learned in the coursework.
-
Yes. Students complete a module assessment for Mat 1, Mat 2, and Mat 3, as well as a final written and practical examination to demonstrate competency and teaching proficiency.
-
The Balanced Body Mat Certification program requires a total of 134 hours, including coursework, observation, personal practice, student teaching, and final testing requirements.
-
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students receive a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body Mat Instructor through the Balanced Body certification pathway.