Both formats follow the same curriculum, include the same number of hours, and offer the same level of educator interaction and support. The only difference is the setting.

• In-person labs take place at select partner studios

• Virtual labs are held live via Zoom, in real time

You’ll practice teaching, receive feedback, and build community in either format. Offering both options reflects our commitment to making Pilates education accessible, inclusive, and flexible, so you can learn in the environment that best supports your life, location, and learning style.

Teaching labs are where everything clicks.

In labs, you’ll:

• Practice teaching

• Learn to cue clearly and confidently

• Build flow and sequencing skills

• Receive supportive, real-time feedback

• Observe your peers and build community

• Deepen your understanding of the repertoire

Labs are intentionally small, collaborative, and confidence-building, so you feel seen, supported, and prepared.

Your logbook is where you build real confidence. It includes three types of learning hours:

Self-Practice

Self-practice includes two parts:

1. Participation Hours (10 hours required)
These are hours spent taking Mat Pilates classes — in person or online — to help you embody the work and understand class flow.

2. Self-Study Hours (remaining self-practice hours)

These may include:

• Reviewing online modules

• Rewatching repertoire videos

• Reading manuals

• Writing class flows

• Practicing cueing and class planning

• Refining your own movement patterns

Observation

Watching experienced instructors teach — online or in person — to learn cueing, sequencing, pacing, and how teachers support different bodies.

Practice Teaching

Teaching real people such as friends, family, classmates, or clients. This is where you develop your teaching voice, clarity, and confidence.

You can complete your hours at home, online, or at a local studio (with permission). We provide clear guidelines and templates so you always know what counts and how to track your hours with confidence.

You don’t need anything complicated.

All you need is:

• A comfortable mat

• A stable internet connection

• A phone, tablet, or computer for online modules

Optional props like blocks, a ball, or pillows can be helpful, but they’re not required.

We’ll guide you through each step so you feel prepared.

To graduate, you’ll complete:

• A knowledge check at the end of Phase 1

• A written exam

• A practical teaching exam

• A final teaching portfolio

That’s okay. You can retake the exam for a small fee.

If this happens, we’ll guide you on exactly what to refine so you feel confident and supported heading into your next attempt. Full details are outlined in our Assessment & Retake Policy.

Live labs are a core part of the Mat Certification, as they’re where you practice teaching and receive feedback.

We understand that life happens. If you’re unable to attend part of a lab, we offer a make-up process that includes an online module for an additional fee. This allows you to stay on track and meet the learning requirements for that session.

Full details are available in our Attendance & Make-Up Policy.

To keep your learning clear and structured, there are two key milestones:

1. Phase 1 Online Coursework (required before teaching labs)
You must complete all Phase 1 online modules, including the Core Knowledge Check, before attending your teaching labs (Phase 2). This ensures you arrive prepared, safe, and ready to teach.

If you miss the completion deadline, you’ll be deferred to a later lab cohort within your 12-month access period. This isn’t a penalty — it’s simply to protect your learning experience and confidence.

2. Final Assessments & Portfolio
After labs, you’ll complete your logbook, written and practical exams, and submit your teaching portfolio. We’ll guide you through each step so you always know what’s coming next.

You’ll enroll in a specific cohort, and once registered, you’ll receive immediate access to your online modules so you can begin Phase 1 before your live labs.

If your schedule changes, you may request a deferral to a later cohort within your 12-month access period. See our Deferment Policy for full details.

After completing Mat, many graduates begin teaching right away, continue refining their skills through practice, or move into additional certifications such as Reformer or Pre & Postnatal.

You’ll remain connected to the SPRING community and have ongoing access to support, resources, and next-step opportunities as your teaching journey evolves.