Primary Certification

 Primary Training Certification: This is a 30-week program presented over four seminar weekends, and 600+ hours of practical and academic study. You will learn the system of the method, anatomy, anatomical alignment, special populations, injuries, and how to apply it to today’s exerciser. You’ll learn every exercise, every variation, and every piece of apparatus ever created by Joseph Pilates. Our approach to Pilates teacher training in St. Louis will set you up for success with a career as a professional instructor and you will be hireable anywhere in the world with the Real Pilates name. 

The Primary Training program consists of 4 weekend seminars and a progressive monthly schedule that includes:

Program Breakdown

  • 72 hours – 4 weekend seminars
  • 180 hours – practice teaching
  • 80 hours – weekly online homework
  • 85 hours – observation
  • 95 hours – self practice
  • 55 hours – weekly private and semi-private sessions
  • 5 hours – observed practice teaching
  • 13 hours – testing
  • 15 hours – the rest of it

All primary trainees assume a time commitment of approximately 18-22 hours per week

TOTAL COST: $9,450

  • Tuition $5750
  • Mandatory Training Package – STL $3700*

*The mandatory training package which is separate from tuition includes 60 sessions, two per week throughout the 30-week program. The RPTT Tuition of $5750 includes a full apprenticeship at one of our host locations, all seminars, manuals, and exams.

Financial aid and scholarships are available from Real Pilates NYC.

More info can be found here: https://www.realpilates.com/training

Jump to Weekend Seminar Dates

For those students who need more exposure to the Pilates world prior to beginning their apprenticeship, we offer an immersion program. This program includes:

  • Weekly Private Lessons and Semi-Private Lessons
  • A Self Practice Calendar
  • Hourly credits towards the comprehensive
  • $250 credit towards the comprehensive

6 Weeks
$1500: 2 private and 2 semis per week, plus experience day and assessment.

12 Weeks
$3000: 2 privates and 2 semis per week, plus experience day and assessment.

Potential trainees may be required to complete the immersion program prior to their acceptance into the program, depending on their assessment and experience. Those with questions can email the studio at [email protected]

Now accepting applications for 2025 for Primary and Bridge Certification

Due to the academic intensity of our Pilates certification program, and the mentoring needed, The Pilates Lab will only accept four apprentices per training cycle.

Program Overview

  • 4 Seminar weekends
  • Weekly academic assignments, case studies, and quizzes
  • Program Design
  • Practice Teaching
  • Observation
  • Anatomy and Alignment
  • Safe spotting & Hands-on
  • Weekly Personal Training Sessions
  • Weekly Small Group Sessions
  • Monthly Meetings
  • Practical Assessments
  • Assisted Teaching
  • Paid Teaching Opportunities
  • The Business of Pilates

Four weekend seminars run on Fridays and Saturdays from 1–7pm, and Sundays from 1pm-3pm.

Beginner: August 8-10, 2025
Intermediate I: September 5-7, 2025
Intermediate II: October 10-12, 2025
Advanced: November 14-16, 2025