Classical Pilates Teacher Training

The SHIFT ACADEMY Classical Pilates Teacher Training focuses on understanding the body and the movement mechanics of each student.

In this comprehensive Classical Pilates training, you will learn how to use the equipment developed by Joseph Pilates: the Reformer, Cadillac, Combo Chair, and Ladder Barrel, while also becoming familiar with the mat sequence, which is essential for any group Pilates class.

Participation in this 300-hour Classical Pilates course is limited to a small number of participants, in order to ensure the quality of the learning experience for all trainees, mastery of individual practice, and the best teaching techniques for both group classes and private sessions.

18th Edition - Lisbon (New Group)

Complete training: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels

Starting from 275€/Month

Lisbon: April 2026 to March 2027

1 weekend every month

300 hours

19th Edition - Azores (Terceira)

Complete training: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels

Starting from 175€/Month

Terceira: April 2026 to January 2027

In-Person & Online

150 hours

Objectives of the Classical Pilates Teacher Training

  • To frame and apply the quality principles upheld by SHIFT Academy
  • To identify and adapt the fundamental principles of anatomy and biomechanics in Classical Pilates
  • To understand and distinguish the six fundamental principles of Classical Pilates
  • To correctly perform mat and apparatus exercises
  • To identify precautions and contraindications in Classical Pilates exercises
  • To design exercise programs adapted to each student’s individual goals
  • To create exercise sequences for both group classes and private sessions
  • To apply exercise modifications for special populations

Where does the training take place?

The training takes place in person.

Lisbon: SHIFT YOU
Rua Major Neutel de Abreu, 13C, 1500-409 Lisbon

Terceira Island: UP Studio
R. Dr. Alfredo da Silva Sampaio no. 4B, 9700-013 Angra do Heroísmo

Certified Training

INSTRUCTO is a training entity certified by DGERT.

The Shift Academy training courses are developed by INSTRUCTO (Tax ID: 516463551).

Certificação IPDJ créditos cédula

Shift Academy training courses are certified by IPDJ and award credits for professional license renewal.

Benefits of the SHIFT Academy Classical Pilates Teacher Training

The SHIFT Academy Classical Pilates Teacher Training focuses on understanding the body and the mechanics of movement of each individual student.

STUDENT-CENTERED APPROACH

  • Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels
  • 300 hours of training
  • Mat & Apparatus training
  • Guided practical sessions
  • Client-focused methodology
  • Training adapted to clinical cases
  • Study of real-life case scenarios
  • Experienced instructors

OFFERS

  • Digital manuals
  • Final certification
  • Free access to the studio

Who is the Classical Pilates Teacher Training for?

Holders of professional qualifications as trainers, instructors, or teachers; undergraduate students; and/or exercise professionals in fields such as yoga, Pilates, physical education, gymnastics, sports, or dance.

Health and physical rehabilitation professionals, including orthopedic doctors, physiatrists, physiotherapists, exercise and health technicians and strength and conditioning coaches, chiropractors, and osteopaths.

RECOMMENDED: 100 hours of Pilates practice.

Testemonials

With several years of experience in the health and wellness field, namely in psychology and physical exercise, I decided to take the SHIFT Academy Pilates course to update my knowledge. The course far exceeded my expectations. Challenging and very comprehensive, it changed the way I approach classes and awakened in me the desire to learn more and return to working in the field. Pilates has now become not just a form of physical exercise, but a passion.

— Ana Belchiorinho

At SHIFT ACADEMY I found all the foundations and the joy brought by the practice of Pilates.

Physical effort is combined with the best techniques for overcoming challenges and learning, offering an intelligent and effective experience that allows us to progress and evolve safely at all times.

Today, Pilates is part of my life as a whole: I have more energy when I wake up and more strength to carry out all my daily tasks. In addition, regarding my mental health, Pilates has also helped me develop greater focus, more discipline, and better life planning. Finally, when it is time to rest, I am able to enjoy truly restorative sleep.

Pilates has truly been a transformation in my life.

— Ana Beatriz Souza

I found the SHIFT Academy Pilates training almost by chance. I did not know SHIFT Academy as a training institution, nor SHIFT You as a studio. However, after reviewing the course content, I realized it was exactly what I was looking for.

I wanted to learn the Pilates method as close as possible to its original form, in a well-structured way and supported by scientific evidence.

I am very glad I placed my trust in it. I was very satisfied with the course. Now, teaching group mat classes and private apparatus sessions, I feel that the SHIFT Academy course gave me the necessary tools to feel confident and do a good job. It also helped me understand the full dimension of this practice. The knowledge I acquired is a solid and essential foundation that will allow me to continue developing as a professional.

Because learning, and especially the study of Pilates, never ends.

Thank you, SHIFT Academy!

— Sofia Benedito

I started practicing Pilates during my pregnancy, when I was already facing some physical limitations, and I quickly fell in love with the practice. When I decided to take the instructor training course, I felt a mix of excitement and insecurity, but I soon realized I was in the right place. The course was much more than technical learning — it was a transformative process. The constant support from the teacher, the feedback, and the way we were guided encouraged us to find our identity as professionals and to visualize where we want to go. Not to mention the full freedom to practice on-site from the very beginning, which provided a great sense of security.

I learned not only about Pilates and movement, but also about the true meaning of being a good teacher, capable of guiding others on this journey. The training gave me knowledge and confidence, allowing me to evolve naturally. I am deeply grateful for the entire experience and I recommend this course to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of Pilates and grow both personally and professionally.

— Emanuelle Souza

The Pilates teacher certification course at SHIFT Academy exceeded all my expectations. Under the guidance of the incredible Bruno Rodrigues, I had access to a complete, practical, and extremely enriching training. The course approach combines detailed theory with practical application, which gave me the confidence and the tools I needed to become a qualified Pilates instructor. Bruno’s dedication and professionalism are inspiring, always ready to clarify doubts and transmit a true passion for the method. I recommend this course to anyone who wishes to specialize and make a difference in Pilates teaching. It was a transformative experience!

— Margarida Trigueiros

I enrolled in the Pilates course not really knowing what to expect, as I had never taken a class before, but I knew (or had heard) that it was good. I have always practiced sports and physical activity, attended numerous gyms, but had never had any contact with Pilates. I found SHIFT Academy and quickly realized that it wasn’t just good — it was excellent! And that I should have enrolled much earlier!

With each new class, despite all the fatigue that the theoretical-practical component required, my enthusiasm and enjoyment kept growing. It was, without a doubt, a very intense and demanding course, but all the knowledge and tools were always delivered with excellent know-how, and after each class we left the studio with a new set of skills and insights.

Halfway through the course I became pregnant and thought it would limit my process of becoming a Pilates instructor, but Professor Bruno showed me that an instructor can have many more tools than just “knowing how to do the exercises.” By studying the exercises in depth and understanding the reasons behind each movement, we can guide a class even with certain limitations.

This course has added so much to me, both personally and professionally, and it was THE BEST INVESTMENT I made in the last year. I highly recommend this SHIFT Academy course!

— Andreia Nunes

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    Lisboa:

    Rua Major Neutel de Abreu 13C
    1500-409 Lisboa

    Cascais:

    Quinta da Ponte
    2750-000 Cascais

    Contactos:

    +351 913 925 528
    +351 215 810 161

    info@shiftyou.pt