Pilates Mat Foundation Teacher Training
Contemporary approach
This Pilates Mat Foundation Teacher Training is designed for aspiring instructors and movement enthusiasts who want to build a strong foundation in contemporary Pilates—rooted in modern movement science while remaining true to the original principles of Contrology developed by Joseph Pilates.
Our approach and belief is that Pilates is more than exercise—it is a powerful tool for building strength, confidence, resilience, and body awareness. We created this education to inspire the next generation of teachers and movers to not only understand movement, but to truly embody it. Our goal is to help students develop the confidence to guide others while deepening the connection to their own bodies and physical potential.
The course combines classical intent with an updated understanding of biomechanics, posture, and functional movement. Participants will learn how to teach foundational mat exercises with clarity, precision, and adaptability—supporting a wide range of bodies, needs, and experience levels.
We also believe that a great Pilates instructor should feel strong, capable, and energized in their own body. Throughout the course there will be a strong focus on physical conditioning and power-based workouts integrated into the training weekends. These sessions are designed to build strength, endurance, control, and overall fitness so students feel physically prepared, empowered, and ready to meet the demands of both teaching and movement practice with confidence.
Course structure
The education is delivered over two focused instruction and supervised teaching weekends (36 hours):
Weekend 1:
20 – 22 Nov- 2026, Fri–Sun, 9.00–16.00 (6 hours per day)
Weekend 2:
22 – 24 Jan – 2027, Fri–Sun, 9.00–16.00 (6 hours per day)
The course will be taught in both Swedish and English.
Practical course requirements
Practice teaching (10 hours) – Teach a friend or client while practicing communication, observation, and program creation.
Self-practice (10 hours) – Practice regularly to build familiarity, confidence, strength, and deeper understanding of the exercises.
Observation hours (4 hours) Observe Pilates teachers conducting classes and/or working with clients to gain insight into teaching styles, cueing, and class flow.
Total course time: 60 hours
About the teacher - Khristine
I am a fully certified STOTT Pilates instructor and have been teaching and practicing Pilates since 2007. My Pilates journey began in Manila, Philippines, where I am originally from. There, I trained under Vivian Zapanta and later taught at her studio for five years before my passion for travel led me to New Zealand. I wanted to explore the world while sharing my knowledge and love for Pilates.
In New Zealand, I taught at Core Pilates Studio in Pukekohe, south of Auckland, where I spent a year before moving to Gothenburg, Sweden. After arriving in Sweden in 2013, I taught at several different studios, and a few years later I relocated to Skåne, where I continued teaching at three studios.
When my first daughter was born in 2016, my family and I decided to take a break and spend quality time together, traveling around the world for six months. After returning to Gothenburg in 2017, I resumed doing what I love most—teaching Pilates.
In October 2020, I opened my own private studio in central Gothenburg, where I focused on private sessions, duo training, and online group classes.
Today, in Lomma, I run a home-based studio where I offer private training, duo sessions, and online classes for my clients.
"Khristine is a fantastic and knowledgeable instructor who inspires and motivates. "
What the course provides
- Pilates Mat Foundation Manual — provided at least 2 weeks before the first training weekend so students can begin studying the exercises and concepts in advance
- Log sheets for Practice Teaching, Self-Practice, and Observation Hours
- Mini Stability Ball & Theraband
The 8-week break between modules allows time for practice, integration, and deeper understanding before progressing. During this period, participants are encouraged to apply their learning through self-practice, observation, and practice teaching.
On the second weekend, participants will lead a short Mat Pilates class as part of a practical evaluation, demonstrating what they have learned and developed over the 8 weeks. This provides valuable teaching experience along with constructive feedback to support continued growth and confidence as a future instructor.
What you will learn
- Core principles of Pilates and foundational mat exercises
- Postural analysis, alignment, and safe movement strategies
- Exercise modifications for different body types and conditions, with or without the use of small props such as a mini stability ball and theraband
- Effective cueing and communication techniques
- Practical teaching skills, class programming, and how to layer exercises with clear adaptations and progressions
- Power workouts throughout the training weekends to build strength, endurance, and physical readiness
Who this course is for
- Fitness instructors, personal trainers, and movement professionals
- Rehabilitation and wellness practitioners
- Anyone with an interest in mindful movement, strength, and body awareness
Outcome
By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to teach beginner-level Mat Pilates sessions using a modern, adaptable, and principle-based approach.
More importantly, students will leave with a deeper understanding of movement, improved physical strength and awareness, and the confidence to continue growing both personally and professionally within the Pilates industry.
Beyond the course
This education is not the end—it is the beginning of your journey.
Pilates is a continuous learning experience that evolves through practice, awareness, movement, and real-life application. Whether you choose to teach professionally or deepen your personal practice, the greatest growth happens beyond the course itself.
For those who continue teaching, every client, every class, and every challenge will help refine your eye, your communication, and your ability to adapt movement with confidence and purpose. Over time, you will develop the ability to intuitively modify exercises, respond to individual needs, and create meaningful, effective sessions for every body you work with.
For those continuing their own movement journey, consistent practice will build greater strength, control, resilience, and connection to your body—allowing you to move with more confidence, ease, and freedom both inside and outside the studio.
At Highersense, we are passionate about creating instructors and movers who are not only knowledgeable, but also strong, capable, inspiring, and deeply connected to the work they teach. Wherever your Pilates journey takes you, this course is designed to give you the foundation to grow with confidence.
When you’re ready to continue your education join the next step trainings offered by Highersense:
Pilates Mat Intermediate/Advanced Teacher Training
March 12-14 2027
April 23-25 2027
Investment
Pilates Mat Foundation Teacher Training
19.900 kr (incl 25% moms)
Early Bird: Book before Aug 1st: 17.500 kr (incl 25% moms)
Book with a friend and you both enjoy another 10% discount.
Space is limited to 15 participants.
