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The New York Pilates Reformer Certification

Our Reformer Pilates Certification is a 400-hour Pilates Instructor Training program combining on-demand education with in-studio Reformer Pilates Training. Designed to prepare you to work confidently as a Reformer Pilates Instructor, it includes Mat Pilates and Anatomy for a complete foundation in modern, reformer-focused studios.

Reformer Pilates Certification | 400-Hour Pilates Instructor Training | New York Pilates

2026 January enrollment is open!

★★★★★ Rated Certification

New York Pilates
CERTIFICATIONS

Get Your Reformer Pilates Certification Today!

400-Hour Reformer Pilates Certification Program

★★★★★ Highest rated reformer studio in New York

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Learn From New York’s Highest Rated Reformer Pilates Studio

Online and In-Studio Reformer Pilates Training

ONLINE LEARNING | IN STUDIO PRACTICE

A Hybrid Reformer Pilates Training Program

Online and In-Studio Reformer Pilates Training

Online Study

Train on your schedule with flexible lessons and complete a 400-hour Reformer Pilates Certification built for real life.

Interactive Community

Connect in real time with students and instructors who support your Pilates Instructor Training from start to finish.

Online Quizzes

Review concepts anytime with expert-led quizzes that keep your Reformer Pilates Training clear and focused.

In Studio Practice

Practice movements in person with hands-on guidance that prepares you to teach as a Reformer Pilates Instructor.

In Person Workshops

Build confidence through in-person workshops designed to support your Pilates Reformer Certification.

Quality Instructor Support

Get real-time guidance from expert instructors with decades of experience in Pilates Instructor Training.

STUDY ONLINE

A Place Where Learning Actually Clicks

Pilates Instructor Training With Real Teaching Support

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Our Tools

PRACTICE IN STUDIO

A Space Where Movement Comes Alive

In-Studio Reformer Pilates Instructor Experience

More than a course, New York Pilates Instructor Training is a community. Study online and practice in our NYC and Hamptons studios — real reformers, real energy, real students. Whether you’re deepening your practice or becoming a teacher, the vibe is alive, inspiring, and unstoppable.

INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED

Globally RespectedInternationally Accredited

Internationally Recognized Pilates Reformer Certification

The NASM logo features a swoosh above bold NASM letters, with “National Academy of Sports Medicine” beneath—learn from the team that revitalized reformer Pilates and start teaching in 6 months or less.
The image shows the bold, black logo of AFAA with "ATHLETICS & FITNESS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA" below in smaller capitals—learn from the team that revitalized reformer Pilates and start teaching in 6 months or less.
2015 ISSA Approved Provider

A CERTIFICATION FOR EVERYONE

Start a New Career or Just Deepen Your Practice

Reformer Pilates Certification for Aspiring Instructors

Our certification is designed for every Pilates lover — whether you want to elevate your own practice or step confidently into the role of a teacher.

Become a Teacher

If your goal is to teach, this program gives you everything you need: 400+ hours of expert-led training, hands-on practice on the reformer, mentorship from world-class instructors, and the skills to lead a room with clarity and confidence.

Deepen Your Practice

If you’re looking to go deeper, you’ll gain a profound understanding of the body, movement, and class design that transforms the way you experience Pilates forever.

 

YOUR PATH SIMPLIFIED

How to Get Started

How to Earn Your Reformer Pilates Certification

Sign up in minutes, get instant access, and start training today. No waitlists, no hassle — just you, the reformer, and your path to certification.

Select Your Certification

Fast, focused lessons that fit into your life and create career impact.

Gain Access

Master class design and teaching skills you can use right away.

Study & Practice

Master class design and teaching skills you can use right away.

Test Out

Graduate with real practice hours and a Reformer Pilates Certification.

Graduate

Graduate with real practice hours and a Reformer Pilates Certification.

COURSE OUTCOMES

Build Your Skills
Own The Room
Deepen Your Practice

Reformer Pilates Certification Program Overview

January Enrollment is open. Learn Reformer Pilates plus Anatomy and Mat Pilates from New York’s premier Reformer studio with! At NYP, you’ll get simple science, smart principles, and real-life moves. Practice class design and flow step by step, with manuals and videos you can replay anytime. Your Reformer Pilates Certification starts here.

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Course Outcomes

Skills You'll Learn

REFORMER PILATES & ANATOMY

Reformer Certification
Course Overview

Train to teach Pilates with our 400-hour Reformer Pilates program blending on-demand education and in-person practice, so you build studio-ready skills.

DURATION

400 hour flexible learning

DELIVERY

16 moduals 400 hrs total learning time Pre-recorded & in person

SKILL LEVEL

Beginner / Intermediate

COMMITMENT

11 hrs / week

FORMAT & LOCATION

Online + in Studio Practice & Workshops

8 IN PERSON WORKSHOPS

In person workshops offered in spring & fall

Course Overview

15 lessons · 7h per chapter

This 400 hour Reformer Pilates training includes on-demand video lessons, at-home Mat practice, in-studio Reformer training, and in-person hands-on workshops.

Through a blend of classical and contemporary Pilates, you’ll learn how to progress and modify exercises, while also developing strong verbal, hands-on, and in-person communication skills. As a result, you’ll build confidence and gain the real-world teaching skills studios look for.

With a clear pathway into the Pilates industry, this training is designed to support you from the very beginning. Start your journey today and begin building the skills to teach with confidence.

A woman with long, platinum blonde hair in a braid smiles slightly. She wears a white tank top and has bird tattoos on her upper chest—just like those who learned from the team that revitalized reformer Pilates. The background is softly blurred and light.

Heather Andersen

Founder, New York Pilates Certified Pilates Instructor of 20 years

Meet Your Instructor

Learn From Master Reformer Pilates Instructors

“I designed a training program that makes becoming a Pilates teacher fun, inspiring, and exciting. After teaching for nearly 20 years, I know exactly what it takes to help you grow from student to confident instructor. This certification blends the joy of movement, the science of anatomy, and the art of teaching — so you not only get certified, but also feel empowered to lead classes, build a career, and love the journey along the way.”

Recent Podcasts

Ready to Join the Best Pilates Reformer Pilates Certification?

Reformer Pilates Certification Pricing and Enrollment Options

Study online at your own pace, and practice in our iconic New York and Hamptons studios, and graduate with a certification that lasts for life. With world-class mentors and a community that’s got your back, you’ll be ready to teach anywhere with confidence.

Choose Your Payment Plan

Same world-class curriculum—pick the access that fits your life.

Winter enrollment is open. Buy now & save 15% — ends in —:—:—

Taught by expert instructors

Receive feedback and guidance from instructors who have seen it all.

Build in-demand skills

Learn real-world teaching skills that carry over to your students.

Career proof, not just paper

Graduate with confidence and Reformer Pilates certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reformer Pilates Certification FAQs

Everything you need to know about our Reformer Pilated Certification

When can I start the Reformer Pilates Certification?

You can start your Reformer Pilates Certification enrollment is open. Because the coursework is fully online and on-demand, you can begin training as soon as you enroll and move through the material at your own pace.

That said, while academic content is completed online, Reformer Pilates Training practice hours are completed in person at New York Pilates studios. Additionally, a structured series of eight in-person workshops is offered in the spring and again in the fall to support hands-on learning.

Do I need prior Pilates experience?

No — prior experience isn’t required to begin this Reformer Pilates Training program. This is an entry-level certification designed to support students from the very beginning through completion.

Because the training is self-paced, students have up to one year to complete the program. As a result, experienced practitioners often move more quickly, while beginners can take their time and build confidence along the way.

Who can become a Pilates instructor?

Anyone with a genuine interest in Pilates is welcome. If you’re curious, committed, and ready to learn, you’re in the right place.

More importantly, this program is designed to prepare you to work professionally as a Reformer Pilates Instructor, whether you’re starting a new career or adding teaching credentials to your existing movement background.

How long does Pilates Instructor Training take to complete?

Most students complete their Pilates Instructor Training in 6–12 months. However, because the program is self-paced, some students finish more quickly — even in as little as three months — while others take the full year.

In addition, the eight in-person Reformer Pilates workshops are offered once in the spring and again in the fall. Ultimately, your timeline is flexible and designed to fit your life.

Do I need a Mat certification first?

No. You don’t need any prior certifications to begin.

This Reformer Pilates Certification includes Mat Pilates and Anatomy certification as part of the program. Because of that, you can start without prerequisites and complete all foundational training in one integrated Pilates Reformer Certification.

Do I have to train on all equipment or just Reformer?

Just Reformer.

This Pilates Reformer Certification does not require certification on the Cadillac, Chair, or Barrel. Instead, it’s intentionally designed for reformer-focused studios, preparing you to teach at New York Pilates and at similar studios around the world.

How do I complete the practice hours?

Practice hours are completed through a combination of at-home work, in-studio training, teaching experience, and hands-on workshops as part of your Reformer Pilates Training.

In total, the program includes:

Mat practice (100 hours, completed at home)
Because no equipment is required, all Mat hours are completed at home.
• 50 hours self-practice
• 50 hours practice teaching

Reformer self-practice (50 hours total)
Completed at a New York Pilates studio and includes:
• 25 Reformer classes
• 25 in-studio Reformer self-practice sessions

Reformer practice teaching (50 hours total)
Completed at New York Pilates and includes:
• 25 hours teaching privates
• 25 hours teaching group classes

Reformer in-person workshops (24 additional hours)
A series of eight hands-on workshops provides 24 hours of instructor-guided practice. These workshops are offered once in winter/spring and again in the fall.

Can I teach before completing the Pilates Reformer Certification?

That depends on the studio.

To audition at New York Pilates, your Reformer Pilates Certification must be fully completed, including both the written and practical exams. However, many studios allow instructors to begin teaching before certification is complete — and some don’t require certification at all.

In those cases, teaching elsewhere can be a smart way to gain experience while continuing your Pilates Instructor Training.

Is this Reformer Pilates Certification recognized everywhere?

Yes.

Graduates of this Reformer Pilates Certification teach both nationally and internationally. The certification is nationally recognized by NASM and AFAA, and internationally recognized by ISSA.

Who’s behind the New York Pilates training?

The training is led by Heather Andersen, Founder of New York Pilates and Master Instructor. With a lifelong background in movement, Heather began teaching dance in 2003 and has been working in Gyrotonic and Pilates mat since 2006, and full-equipment Pilates since 2009. In addition, the program is supported by a team of highly experienced New York Pilates instructors who lead in-person workshops and contribute to recorded training content throughout the course.

 

What’s the testing process for the Reformer Pilates Certification?

The test-out process includes both a written exam and a practical video exam, completed at the end of the Mat certification and again at the end of the Reformer certification.

Written exams are completed online. Practical exams are submitted as videos of you teaching a student. To pass, each video must demonstrate proficiency in programming, verbal cueing, hands-on cueing, appropriate modifications, progressions, and correct Reformer setup. After submission, you’ll receive detailed written feedback to support your growth as a Reformer Pilates Instructor.

What kind of income can a Reformer Pilates Instructor expect?

At New York Pilates, starting class rates can be as high as $60 per sold-out class for brand-new instructors with a five-shift weekly commitment. Over time, experienced instructors can earn $100+ per class, depending on demand and experience.

Income varies depending on your market, schedule, and career goals. Some Reformer Pilates Instructors teach part-time for flexibility and community, while others go full-time and earn six figures.

Pilates instructors in the U.S. typically earn above the national average for fitness professionals. According to PayScale, average hourly pay for a Pilates Instructor is about $39.70 (ranging roughly $23–$64/hr), with total compensation spanning from approximately $41,000 to over $130,000 annually depending on experience, location, and teaching format. Payscale

Other payroll data supports this range:

  • Some platforms report average hourly earnings around $33–$60/hr, with wide variation by region and experience. ZipRecruiter+1

  • Indeed job data suggests average U.S. Pilates instructor pay around $40–$42/hr with studio and metro location differences. Indeed+1

Do I have to renew or recertify my Reformer Pilates Certification?

Nope. Once you earn your Reformer Pilates Certification with New York Pilates, you’re certified for life.

There are no renewal fees and no recertification requirements. One and done — forever.