1) We teach Systems not Modules. Each semester will divided into Levels: Pre-Pilates & Fundamental, Intermediate I, Intermediate II and Advanced. You will learn on ALL the apparatus from the beginning of the program giving you the skills you’ll need to teach the individual in front of you. Each semester builds on the previous so you can progress your students safely and effectively on the The Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, the Ladder Barrel, High Chair, Wunda Chair, Arm Chair, Spine Corrector, on the Wall, with Weights, Gizmos and all things Pilates. You’ll start teaching real students at the end of your first semester. Learning the method in systems means you understand the way all the different apparatus work together and how to serve your clients needs and progress them.

2) You’ll start teaching right away. There’s no hundreds of hours of observation before you are ready to teach. You will start teaching in the studio by then your first semester (maybe sooner). By the time your graduate your confidence matches your experience and you’ll be more than ready for your first session as a professional Pilates teacher.

3) We help you earn back your tuition dollars starting the second semester
(sometimes sooner). This means every hour you teach an apprentice session at our studio, you are earning real money. Once you have completed the program, your hourly rate will increase and you can continue to teach at Ridgway Pilates.

The RPTT program is rigorous and there are no shortcuts. The weekly commitment is 10-15 hours per week to be accomplished according to our studio schedule and your life work commitments. We know that everyone has a life outside the studio and this program is designed for working professionals.

A special part of our program is the opportunity to practice on real life people, not just other trainees. We believe the best way to prepare you for real clients is to make sure you are teaching them as often as possible. We support your practice teaching hours with tools for sourcing clients as well as studio contacts to make sure you get to experience as many types of humans as possible.

Despite what you may have heard there is no teacher training program that can legally confer upon you the title of "Certified" Pilates teacher. In order to be a "Certified" Pilates teacher you must complete a qualified program and then sit for the independent third party exam administered by the National Pilates Certification Program. Our program meets the NPCP program requirements and Ridgway Pilates will issue you a certificate of completion as a qualified professional Pilates Instructor.

The program is laid out with specific goals, targets and assignments for each of the four semesters. We require all participants to stick to the outline of 10-15 hours per week in order to avoid education overload and to be able to have a life outside the studio! Performed at a steady pace, with time off for vacations, holidays, and to digest the curriculum, we are confident that ten months is the minimum time you should invest in order to process this enormous body of work. When you leave this program you will be responsible for the health and well-being of others. Such a responsibility should not be rushed. Take your time, respect the process and soak up every single second.

In modern Pilates, there are two primary schools: Classical and Contemporary. The Classical method adheres closely to Joseph Pilates' original approach, with minor variations across different schools. Contemporary Pilates represents a fusion of the Classical method with influences from various fitness practices, such as physical therapy, yoga, boxing, and more. This approach emerged to address the challenges posed by modern lifestyles and incorporates functional movements that mirror everyday actions to enhance overall body functionality.

Central to the Classical approach is the use of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates himself. Throughout his life, Pilates patented 26 different apparatuses, each born from his distinctive perspective on everyday objects. Classical apparatus strictly adheres to Joseph Pilates' original specifications, which he first called Contrology or the Act of Control. This method prioritizes breath, whole-body wellness, and whole-body commitment, seeking to cultivate comprehensive control over the mind, body, and spirit through orchestrated movements.

Classical Pilates is deeply rooted in Joseph Pilates' original teachings and methodology. The method has been preserved and transmitted through a generation of instructors, often referred to as "elders." These elders, who were trained directly by Mr. Pilates, infused their unique interpretations into the practice, leading to subtle variations across different schools.

Our program respects the origins and branches of the Pilates family tree.

Depending upon when a program creator studied with an original source of Pilates and which source that was will determine what type of classical training is offered. Our program is based on direct teaching from Mr. Pilates as well as the work of many of the first generation teachers and including Romana Kryzanowska, Jay Grimes and Kathy Grant. The live and online program combine for the best of both experiential and academic education. We teach you to think critically so you can make programmatic choices that will benefit your students and give you the tools you need to succeed professionally.

All teacher candidates are required to complete 100% of the weekend seminars. If your schedule restricts you from attending a seminar, you may request a makeup session for an additional fee of $100 per hour.

All teacher candidates are required to complete 80% of the weekly practicums. If needed you may request a makeup session for an additional fee of $100 per hour.

There are three ways to pay for the program:

1) Pay monthly

600 hour: 12 payments of $450 each

450 hour: 12 payments of $375each

180 hour: 12 payments of $350 each

2) Pay per semester:

600 hour: 4 payments of $1300each

450 hour: 4 payments of $1200 each

180

hour: 4 payments of $1000 each

3) Pay in full:

600 hour: 1 payment of $5000

450 hour: 1 payment of $4200

180 hour: 1 payment of $3800

One weekly studio class is required for all programs. All teacher candidates receive 20% off all private, duet and group class packages and memberships. Bridge candidates may take lessons with another qualified Classical teacher.