Your pathway to teaching the work
600 hours from first seminar to confident, test-ready teaching—organized around Joe’s original syllabus.
At-a-glance
- Joe’s syllabus across three systems + methodology
- Original classical apparatus
- Small-cohort mentorship
- Apprentice inside a working studio (100 classes included)
- Teacher certification upon successful final test-out
Foundations & Beginning System
Principles of Pilates, working the box and core through the beginning syllabus, build your body of knowledge both as a student and observe to learn as a teacher.
Intermediate System
Develop principles into the intermediate repertoire in all apparatuses, continue observation and begin practice teaching both as an assistant and as a teacher to your fellow classmates.
Advanced System
Complete systems with advanced syllabus and review of all methodology, continue assistant teaching and begin solo teaching.
Assistant Teaching & Practicum
In theory, teaching begins with the first seminar and continues throughout the training. Solo teaching begins after completion of the 400 hour exam (completion of Level 2) and when the director believes you are ready. Level 3 teachers receive weekly feedback to refine cueing and progression choices.
Final Assessment
Final test-out when you’re truly ready.
Testimonials
“I’ve been so impressed with this classical Pilates training program. What stands out most for me is the in-person training and mentoring. Having the chance to learn directly from knowledgeable instructors—not just through lectures or videos—has made a huge difference. The hands-on guidance, personal feedback, and supportive mentoring have given me confidence and helped me grow both as a student and as a future teacher. I truly value the quality of instruction and the personal connection that comes with training in this program.”
Shannon Bronik
Apprentice, Pilates at the Core
“I completed my classical Pilates teacher training certification program with Penelope in 2019. I find Penelope‘s teacher training manual comprehensive and continue to refer back to written exercises in the course of my teaching career. During training, each exercise is detailed with exploration into variations and modifications and where they came from. Each level of testing was thoughtful and helped me to understand how to formulate a unique workout for each client’s needs. Penelope‘s training gave me a solid foundation for my Pilates teaching career and I am so thankful. The mentorship that I received during my training and continue to receive from Penelope is invaluable.”
Hannah Jones
Owner, Contour Authentic Pilates
“I fell in love with Pilates in 2003 and was fortunate enough to follow that passion when I moved to Atlanta in 2006. After taking my first Pilates class in a studio nearby with Penelope Barrow, I knew right away I wanted to learn from her and that decision would change my life forever. With her knowledge, passion, mentorship and expertise over the years, I eventually opened my own studio in 2017. In need of my own teachers and my desire to continue to spread this amazing work to others I was able to offer her program to a group via my studio. I have had the opportunity to work alongside Penelope and be fortunate enough to experience the program two times. It is undoubtedly one of the best resources and framework to the authentic/classical Pilates method there is out there. I am a better teacher, person, and studio owner today because of her guidance and expertise.”
Andrea Chesek
Owner ProperPilates Studio