Intensive Mat-Plus (IMP)

Each course requires a minimum number of hours of observation, physical review, and practice teaching. Additional hours may be required to obtain certification.

• Observation (minimum of 10 hours):
  Observe Pilates sessions or group classes led by a STOTT PILATES® certified instructor, or watch relevant STOTT PILATES® videos.
• Physical Review (minimum of 30 hours):
  Practice the exercises learned in class by taking a session with a STOTT PILATES® certified instructor or by working with a video, either on your own or with fellow students.
• Practice Teaching (minimum of 15 hours):
  Teach a Pilates class to your friends, family, fellow students, or clients.

Please note that physical review hours and personal practice hours must be recorded outside of class time. A practice logbook will be provided so that you can record all your observation, physical review and teaching sessions.

You must submit your practice logbook by the exam date, whether written or practical. If you fail to do so within 7 days after the end of the exam, the whole exam will be cancelled.

You must have completed at least 30 hours of Mat or Reformer Pilates. Additionally, you should have a basic understanding of anatomy, which can be gained through the Anatomy & Exercise Fundamentals course.

This training program is designed for:

• Fitness and movement professionals: Personal trainers, group exercise instructors, yoga or dance teachers who want to expand their skillset with Pilates;
• Healthcare professionals: Kinesiologists, physical therapists, and chiropractors looking to incorporate Pilates into their practice;
• People seeking a career change: Those who want to start a new, fulfilling career in the wellness and movement industry;
• Instructors seeking flexibility: Those whose current jobs or commitments prevent them from dedicating the required time to complete the full certification;
• Future independent instructors: Those who want to teach mat Pilates in a gym, studio, corporate setting, or outdoors, without needing to invest in expensive equipment.

Mat Pilates can be practised anywhere without the need for expensive equipment. All you need are props such as balls, bands, and rings. Reformer Pilates, on the other hand, is done on a specialized machine with springs and a sliding carriage. As a result, IMP allows you to teach in a gym, studio, or even outdoors, while IR requires a fully equipped studio. The two are complementary, with many instructors completing both certifications to maximize their opportunities.

Yes, it is possible to build a career with just the Intensive Mat-Plus (IMP) training! Many instructors have found great success teaching mat Pilates in gyms, yoga studios, corporate settings, or as independent practitioners. The advantage of the IMP certification is that it requires no costly equipment.

That said, obtaining the Intensive Reformer (IR) certification as well will expand your job opportunities, especially in specialized Pilates studios.