NATIONAL PILATES
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Become a Nationally Certified Mat Pilates Instructor
MOVE Education Comprehensive Mat Pilates Teacher Training Program on Long Island
The MOVE Education comprehensive Mat Pilates Teacher Training program prepares students to teach safely and confidently in fitness centers, wellness facilities, community programs, and private studios. Students develop expertise in the beginner, intermediate, and advanced Pilates mat repertoire; postural analysis and functional anatomy; special populations and injury modifications; group fitness instruction and private session design; and teaching cues, movement assessment, and exercise progression.
Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) Mat Certification Exam.
Meet Your Instructor
Elaine Economou, NCPT
Elaine Economou, NCPT, is the co-founder and CEO of MOVE Wellness, an integrative movement and wellness studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and an alumna of Â鶹¹ÙÍø (B.A. Dance '90). She is the developer and director of the MOVE Pilates Education Program and has educated and mentored Pilates teachers since 2015.
With nearly 30 years of teaching experience, Elaine is certified through the National Pilates Certification Program, STOTT PILATES®, and the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods, and is also a certified menopause coaching specialist.
Elaine serves on the board of the Michigan Fitness Association and the Michigan Medicine Women's Health Leadership Board. She is dedicated to helping individuals and movement professionals develop the knowledge, competence, and compassion to use movement as a powerful tool for lifelong health and well-being.
What You'll Learn
In this Pilates certification course, trainees will learn:
- ✓ History and principles of Joseph Pilates
- ✓ Pilates anatomy and biomechanics
- ✓ Breathing and movement principles
- ✓ Postural assessment
- ✓ Exercise modifications and progressions
- ✓ Teaching techniques for individuals and groups
- ✓ Programming and class design
- ✓ Working with special populations
- ✓ Professional ethics and best practices
Training Format
Students learn through a blended format designed to optimize understanding and application:
- • Instructor-led Pilates workouts
- • Interactive lectures and discussions
- • Exercise workshops
- • Programming labs
- • Practice teaching sessions
- • Homework assignments
- • Written and practical examinations
Practical Training Requirements
In addition to classroom instruction, students complete 30 hours of practical training:
- • 10 hours of observation: Watching experienced trainers teach clients and classes.
- • 10 hours of self-practice: Assimilating the material in your own body.
- • 10 hours of practice teaching: Finding your own language to communicate principles.
These experiences help students build real-world teaching confidence and prepare for professional instruction.
Career Opportunities
After passing the NPCP examination, graduates may be qualified to teach Pilates in:
- • Fitness clubs and health clubs
- • Wellness centers
- • Community recreation programs
- • Corporate wellness programs
- • Private Pilates studios
- • Independent practice settings
National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP)
The National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) is the only accredited third-party certification organization dedicated to the Pilates profession. National certification demonstrates professional competency and is recognized by employers throughout the fitness and wellness industry.
The NPCP credential is accredited through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.
Additional Student Benefits
Students receive:
- • Classes take place in the spacious Â鶹¹ÙÍø Dance Studio.
- • Access to experienced instructor trainers
- • Ongoing mentoring and support
- • Opportunities for practice teaching
- • Access to educational resources and materials
- • Preparation for the NPCP certification examination