Teacher Training
Become a Pilates Certified Instructor and Movement Specialist at Cornerstone Movement Institute
Our teacher training program will teach you the fundamentals of Pilates, human anatomy so you can better understand the purpose of the exercises whether on the mat or on any of the Pilates equipment (reformer, chair, cadillac, arc, ladder barrel).
You’ll learn classical Pilates, clinical Pilates, reformer Pilates, and rehabilitative Pilates. You’ll also learn how to create modifications of the exercises so everyone can benefit from them, how to class plan so you can create flows and progressions that make sense and build on one another. You’ll also dive into the basics of posture, fascial systems and how they affect movement and movement patterns. Finally, you’ll learn how we, as movement instructors can help our clients be more educated and stronger, healthier versions of themselves.
TIER 1 - MAT INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
Date and Time
Spring 2026
Week 1: April 18-19
Week 2: May 2-3
Week 3: May 16-17
Week 4: May 30-31
Week 5: June 13-14
Time: 1pm to 7pm each day
Exams
Written: July 5 2026, 1-3pm
Practical: Once TT hours are completed
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Week 1
This weekend course covers the history of Joseph Pilates and how it came to be what it is today. You will learn about the 6 principles on which the exercises were founded and how they still apply today to what we coin “Pilates”. The majority of the academic work will be centred on Anatomy Essentials. You will learn about the motions of the major joints in the body, the muscles involved in these motions, their origin and insertion sites on the body and the direction in which their fibres run. This will help you understand movement mechanics in a logical way which will in turn help you guide others in movement more efficiently.
Week 2
This weekend course will introduce you to the 34 Classical Exercises known as Contrology. These were the original Joseph Pilates exercises before the industry transformation into what we call Pilates today. You will understand the concepts, muscles used, who the exercises are good for and who should avoid them. You will also learn about the way these were originally taught, the sequence, order and how they align with the principles. This will help you appreciate the method on a deeper level and give you the essential foundation of the method.
Week 3
This weekend course will dive deeper into anatomy and conditions where Pilates could be beneficial. This will cover Clinical Pilates exercises that can be used in research and can be measurable. You will understand how goniometry works, how quality of life can be gained through Clinical Pilates and the questionnaires used to assess this. You will learn what the basic Clinical Pilates exercises are and why they can be used to supplement research publications as a standardized method for measurable outcomes.
Week 4
This weekend course will teach you how to class design and plan group classes with success and purpose. This is what sets you apart as an instructor as you will learn how to build a class plan for success, how to convey the information you have learned in a coherent, logical manner, how to incorporate exercises that build on one another and how to help others understand the newfound knowledge you have gained in a way that is interesting and captivating. You will also learn about modifications for special populations.
Week 5
This weekend course will teach you about core systems. You will learn about basics in fascia and how core systems can be integrated into movement for ease and power. When we think of core systems, we like to visualize that the body can move with fluidity from top to bottom like a well oiled machine. Our core systems integrate our muscles and our kinetic chain to allow us to move with grace and agility without isolating any specific parts. You will learn about the anterior oblique system, the posterior oblique system, the deep longitudinal system and the lateral system and how integrating these systems into your movement patterns will elevate your teaching and knowledge of the human body in motion.
TIER 2 - REFORMER INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
Pre-Requisite - Mat Tier 1 Written Exam Passed
Date and Time
Fall 2026
Week 1: Sept 26-27
Week 2: Oct 3-4
Week 3: Oct 17-18
Week 4: Oct 31-Nov 1
Week 5: Nov 14-15
Time: 12 pm to 7 pm each day
Exams
Written: Nov 29th 1-3pm
Practical: Once TT hours are completed
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Week 1
This weekend course will take you through the Foundation reformer repertoire. This will include your intro to the equipment, a full overview of all the Foundation exercises, appropriate spring loads, modifications for special populations. For each of the exercises, you will link the knowledge learned in Tier 1 and connect the core systems for a broader understanding of the exercise and its benefits for the person executing it.
Week 2
This weekend course will take you through the Integration (Intermediate level) reformer repertoire. This will include a full overview of what you learned in week 1, how to progress into the exercises learned in week 2 and fundamentals on how to start class planning. It will also cover all appropriate spring loads and modifications for special populations. For each of the exercises, you will continue to link the knowledge learned in Tier 1 and connect the core systems for a broader understanding of the exercise and its benefits for the person executing it.
Week 3
This weekend course will take you through the Signature (Advanced level) reformer repertoire. This will include weeks 1 & 2 and how to progress into advanced exercises. This will also dive deeper into modified versions of each of the exercises and how to be able to transition easily from a modified version to the real version for different individuals. We will also discuss spring loads and why most of the advanced repertoire may not be suitable for special populations. For each of the exercises, you will continue to link the knowledge learned in Tier 1 and connect the core systems for a broader understanding of the exercise and its benefits for the person executing it.
Week 4
This weekend course will explore different postures and how to address each while teaching Pilates. We will delve into group settings and/or one-on-one sessions and how to cater to each individual whether they're in a class or a private. This stage is necessary to allow you to become comfortable with different bodies, needs and conditions; the goal is to get you to think on your feet and be quick to respond to different scenarios. You will start to amalgamate everything you've learned so far and deepen the connection into its relevance with working with human bodies.
Week 5
This week-end course will help you fine-tune your teaching skills. It will consist of teaching labs, a review of what you’ve learned so far and help you prepare for the written and practical exams. We will further review all exercises, address concerns, provide feedback and set you up for success for the next level of your practicum which includes your 120 hours of practice teaching.
TIER 3 - CADILLAC, CHAIR, ARC & BARREL INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
Pre-Requisite Mat Tier 1 Completion & Reformer Tier 2 Written Exam Passed
Date and Time
Winter 2027
Week 1: January 16-17
Week 2: January 30-31
Week 3: February 13-14
Week 4: February 27-28
Week 5: March 13-14
Time: 12pm to 7pm each day
Exams
Written: March 28th 2027 1-3pm
Practical: Once TT hours are completed
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Week 1
This weekend course will take you through the Foundation Cadillac & Chair repertoire. This will include your intro to the equipment and a full overview of the beginner exercises. You will learn about the spring loads, modifications for special populations and what each exercise is designed for in addition to how to cue it for each different body. You will also be taught how to link previous knowledge to the newly learned repertoire and how to make it accessible for all clients.
Week 2
This weekend course will take you through the Integration Cadillac & Chair repertoire. This will include a full overview of the intermediate exercises. At this point you will start to make the connection between adding springs to lighten the load or removing springs to make exercises harder, you’ll learn how to watch bodies in motion and how to fine-tune cues for success with all moving parts.
Week 3
This weekend course will take you through the Signature Cadillac & Chair repertoire. This week connects the 2 previous weeks and takes a deep dive into anatomy and how to make hard exercises easy by preparing the body for flawless execution. You will learn about the spring loads, how to modify for different bodies and how to cue for control, precision and mastery.
Week 4
This weekend course will take you through the Ladder Barrel repertoire. This will include your intro to the equipment and a full overview of all level exercises. You will learn to perfect the spacing, the cues for different body types and lengths, who would benefit from the ladder barrel and how to create movement your clients will fall in love with.
Week 5
This weekend course will take you through the Arc repertoire. This will include your intro to the equipment and a full overview of ways to use the arc and how you can spice up your knowledge by learning how to compliment your sessions with this equipment.
This final week also includes a full review of all 5 weeks and gets you ready for your final exam. By now you should be teaching so the hours needed for completion can be part of your teaching hours.
Rates
Each tier is sold individually at the rate of 3499 + HST if taken separately.
Bundle package for Mat and Reformer $6000 + HST
Bundle package for Mat, Reformer, CCSB $7999 + HST
(Includes powerpoint, unlimited class room access for practice and access to a set of group classes for the duration of your training. Instalments are accepted. Deposit upon registration)
Exam Fees: 199 + HST (payable at the time of exam) for each tier
Manual and workbook Fees: 199 + HST per manual (1 per Tier)
In order to obtain a certification from Cornerstone Movement Institute, you must have passed any previous Tier, attended all 5 weekends of training per each Tier, passed your written exams with a minimum 70%, passed your practical exams with a minimum 70%, taught 100 practice hours (per Tier) and attended a minimum of 25 group classes (per Tier at any location)
** Mat & Reformer Modules are taught by Jocelyne Pelchat and Kristen Carrington
Jocelyne is the owner and founder of Cornerstone Movement Institute and Cornerstone Health Clinic. She is comprehensively trained with over 10,000 hours of experience as a Pilates Instructor and brain-health specialist with over a decade of experience in the health and wellness industry. Her field of studies center around cognitively-enhanced functional movement training with a Pilates inspired background.
Jocelyne is certified with the Neuroscience Academy, has completed the HarvardX Fundamentals of Neuroscience course and has obtained her Masters of Applied Neuroscience program at King's College London. Her focus is on easing anxiety and improving quality of life by way of compassionate care and mind-body therapies such as Pilates. She is a mentor, teacher trainer, and currently writing her first book on Neuroscience of Movement.
Kristen has been teaching for 14 years and has been channeling her passion for teaching and helping others heal with methods and practice that generates hope, motivation and strength from within as a Pilates Certified Instructor, Teacher Trainer and Holistic Health Coach.
She familiarizes herself with her clients by learning what is working well and what feels right and then exploring the nuances of movement that will best help achieve the results they are seeking. She integrates mindset tools with movement mechanics to cultivate a physical, spiritual and mental mind-body-life balance. Her mission as a trainer and instructor is to empower clients by demonstrating how and explaining why. Her roles in instructing private and group sessions, mind-body-life workshops and coaching creates more harmony and ease in your life, inside and out.
Pilates builds the foundation for greater intimacy and partnership with your mental, physical and spiritual self on our shared life-long journey of discovery, improvement and growth.