Teacher Training

The Polestar Pilates Teacher Training Program is an internationally recognized, comprehensive certification that combines Pilates principles with movement science and rehabilitation-based approaches. It prepares you to teach Pilates at the highest standard while offering a deeper understanding of functional movement.

Our founder, Isabel, a licensed physical therapist and certified Polestar educator, leads the training. Her background in both rehabilitation and Pilates ensures a supportive, well-rounded learning experience for aspiring Pilates instructors in Philadelphia.

A consistent Pilates practice is strongly recommended before enrolling. You don’t need to be an expert, but having experience in Pilates — particularly reformer and mat — will help you get the most out of the program.

The Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Program includes roughly 450 hours of coursework, practice, and observation. Most students complete the training in about 13–14 months, depending on scheduling and study pace. The comprehensive program is structured across multiple modules with both in-person and independent study components. Training covers Pilates equipment (Reformer, Tower, Chair, etc.), movement science, assessment, programming, and teaching skills.

Upon successful completion of the Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Program, you will be eligible to sit for the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) exam, the gold-standard credential for Pilates instructors worldwide.

At SOLMAR, we keep cohorts intentionally small to maintain a personalized, supportive environment. This allows for more interaction, hands-on practice, and direct feedback from your instructor.

Polestar is internationally respected, with more than 15,000 graduates across 40+ countries. Its evidence-based curriculum blends classical and contemporary Pilates with rehabilitation science, making it one of the most comprehensive and reputable teacher training programs in the world.

All training modules are hosted at SOLMAR’s Rittenhouse Square and Fitler Square studios in Philadelphia, both boutique spaces designed for focused, small-group learning.

Most current costs can be found on the Polestar website. Payment plans are available to make the investment more manageable, and early bird discounts are sometimes offered directly through Polestar. Reach out to us to learn more about upcoming dates, registration, and payment options.

Yes! After completing the program and passing the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) exam, you’ll be certified to teach Pilates worldwide. Many graduates build careers in studios across the U.S. and internationally. If you discover a home at SOLMAR, we also welcome graduates to stay on as instructors — and during your training, qualified students have the opportunity to practice-teach as apprentice instructors within our community.