The Level 1 course is a Comprehensive Program, designed to systematically teach the original principles of Pilates as developed by Joseph Pilates. It is the most essential foundation for aspiring instructors and enables participants to teach beginner to intermediate-level lessons. This course is recognized globally and is a mandatory entry-level program for anyone who aims to become a professional Pilates instructor.
The Level 2 course is not simply composed of more difficult or complex movements than Level 1. Rather, it expands upon the principles of Care Pilates introduced in Level 1—applying them in a more diverse and multidirectional way. Care Pilates is built on seven essential principles, which must be maintained throughout all Pilates movements. This advanced course allows instructors to work with a wider range of clients, applying more versatile and adaptable Pilates programming.
(can be illustrated in a PPT diagram)
Applicants who register for the course receive an anatomy textbook and begin self-study prior to the main course.
Pre-course contents include:
Pilates instructors must have a fundamental understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Pilates anatomy is not just about memorizing the names and actions of muscles—it goes far deeper than that.
Pilates is a form of movement education. As instructors, we guide clients through specific motions, which means we must understand how movement is generated and controlled within the body.
Only with this knowledge can instructors analyze why a client may perform a movement well—or why they may struggle with it. Understanding movement principles and biomechanics allows the instructor to safely and effectively guide clients.
Pilates is not a general fitness routine like basic stretching, aerobics, or jogging. If applied incorrectly, Pilates exercises can lead to serious side effects or injury. This is why instructors must understand when, how, and for whom a particular movement is appropriate.
To use Pilates movements as a form of functional training, the instructor must have a foundational knowledge of anatomy. This includes understanding:
Studying anatomy in advance allows aspiring instructors to grasp the logic behind movement and ensures they can apply Pilates safely and precisely from day one of training.
“The first true responsibility of a Pilates instructor is to determine whether a movement should be performed—or not.”
A Pilates instructor's first and foremost duty is to analyze the client's physical condition and movements, then determine which Pilates exercises are appropriate and necessary. To perform this analysis effectively, a solid understanding of anatomy is essential.
Everything from muscle function, posture and alignment analysis, movement analysis, to gait evaluation is rooted in anatomical knowledge.
Breathing is a foundational element in Pilates. Pilates anatomy training enables future instructors to understand:
This knowledge is crucial before entering the main instructor training.
In the Pilates anatomy course, trainees learn how Pilates exercises influence the human structure and function through anatomical principles. If Pilates helps improve posture and transform body mechanics, instructors must be able to explain why and how these changes occur.
The anatomy course helps trainees understand these cause-and-effect mechanisms, equipping them with the knowledge to teach consciously and safely.
This course does not teach anatomy as an academic discipline. Rather, it focuses on the practical connection between Pilates and anatomy. Even those who majored in anatomy cannot effectively teach this without in-depth Pilates experience. Only a specialist in both Pilates and anatomy can make that connection meaningful.
The founder of Care Pilates has led anatomy education for all participants over the past 22 years, backed by 16 years of clinical experience in hospitals and over 500 anatomy training sessions. He is recognized as a true master of Pilates-based anatomy education.
One week before the main instructor course begins, an offline anatomy session is conducted.
Students who have completed the online pre-study will gain deeper understanding during this session, where complex concepts are clarified through hands-on examples and real-world case studies.
