Merrithew® / STOTT PILATES® Teacher Trainings at Solates

Become a Certified Reformer or Mat Pilates Instructor

Solates by Samantha is proud to be approved to host Merrithew® STOTT PILATES® Reformer and Mat Teacher Trainings.

Designed for aspiring instructors, movement professionals, and teachers ready to deepen their practice, these internationally recognized trainings provide a strong foundation in anatomy, movement principles, cueing, programming, and safe, effective Pilates instruction.

See FAQs below.

STOTT PILATES® Intensive Reformer — 2nd Edition

Learn to Design and Teach Reformer Pilates Classes

The STOTT PILATES® Intensive Reformer Course is ideal for fitness professionals and serious students who want to fast-track their Reformer certification and learn how to teach with clarity, confidence, and precision.

Why Choose Intensive Reformer?

This course includes:

✔ 139 essential and intermediate Reformer exercises
✔ Postural analysis, cueing, and program design
✔ Strength, flexibility, and coordination training on the Reformer
✔ Exercise modifications for different bodies and postural needs
✔ Group and private session programming
✔ Progressive exercise layering for safe, effective teaching

What You’ll Learn

Pilates Principles

Students will study the STOTT PILATES® Principles for safe, effective movement, including alignment, breath, stability, mobility, and mindful control.

Complete Reformer Repertoire

The course covers Essential and Intermediate Reformer exercises, including strength-based sequences, endurance-focused programming, and modifications for various body types and conditions.

Practical Teaching Skills

You will learn effective verbal cueing, hands-on correction concepts, communication skills, equipment setup, programming, and how to confidently teach both private sessions and group Reformer classes.

Course Structure

Component

Hours

Instruction & Supervised Teaching 50 hours

Observation Minimum 10 hours

Physical Review Minimum 40 hours

Practice Teaching Minimum 25 hours

Total Training Time

125 hours

Who This Training Is For

This training is ideal for:

Aspiring Pilates instructors, certified movement teachers, personal trainers, yoga instructors, physical therapy professionals, dancers, and dedicated students who want to deepen their understanding of Reformer Pilates.

Train at Solates

At Solates, our approach blends elevated movement education with a supportive, intimate studio environment. Students will train in a beautiful West Hollywood space designed for focus, embodiment, and professional growth.

Whether your goal is to teach at a studio, expand your private practice, or deepen your personal Pilates knowledge, this training offers the foundation to begin your next chapter.

Upcoming Training Dates

Dates: Coming soon
Location: Solates by Samantha — West Hollywood
Format: In-person training
Enrollment: Limited space available

Join the Interest List

Interested in upcoming Merrithew® STOTT PILATES® Reformer or Mat Trainings at Solates?

Email: samantha@solates.com
Subject: Merrithew Training Interest List

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss course hours?

All required course hours must be completed.

For missed instructional hours, the following make-up requirements apply:

• First 5 hours missed: 30 minutes of private make-up instruction is required for every 1 hour missed.

• After the first 5 hours missed: Make-up time is completed at a 1:1 ratio — 1 hour of private make-up instruction for every 1 hour missed.

Make-up sessions must be scheduled directly with the Instructor Trainer and may be subject to an additional private make-up fee.

Can I still complete the course if I miss a weekend or part of a training day?

Yes, provided that all required make-up hours are completed. Please notify us as early as possible if you know you will need to miss any portion of the training so we can help you plan your make-up sessions.

What do I need to complete after the in-person course?

Completing the scheduled training dates is only one part of your certification journey.

You must also complete your required additional 50 hours of practice, observation and practice teaching.

These hours are essential for developing confidence, understanding the repertoire and preparing for your certification exam.

What counts toward my additional hours?

Your additional hours may include:

Observation: Watching qualified instructors teach Reformer sessions and studying cueing, sequencing, modifications and client interaction.

Physical Review: Practicing the Reformer repertoire yourself to improve your understanding of the exercises, transitions, spring settings and movement principles.

Practice Teaching: Teaching the repertoire to other students, friends, family members or practice clients so you become comfortable instructing and cueing.

Be sure to keep an accurate record of your hours.

When should I take my certification exam?

You should plan to test out within one year of completing your course.

We strongly encourage you not to wait until the end of the year. Continuing to practice, observe and teach after the course will help keep the material fresh and prepare you for your exam.

Am I certified as soon as I finish the course?

No. Completing the course is an important step toward certification, but course completion and certification are not the same thing.

You must complete the required training and additional hours and successfully complete the applicable MERRITHEW® STOTT PILATES® certification examination requirements to become certified.

Do I need to keep track of my practice and observation hours?

Yes. Please keep a log of your completed hours, including the date, type of activity and number of hours completed. Staying organized from the beginning makes the certification process much easier.

Can I start my additional hours while I am still taking the course?

Yes. We encourage you to begin practicing, observing and practice teaching as you progress through the course rather than waiting until the course is over.

How much should I practice between training weekends?

Practice as consistently as possible. Even shorter, regular practice sessions can be more beneficial than trying to complete many hours at once.

Use this time to review the exercises you have already learned, practice your spring settings and transitions, and work on your verbal and tactile cueing.

Can I practice with my classmates?

Absolutely! Practicing with your classmates is encouraged. Taking turns being the instructor and the client is a great way to develop your teaching skills while also reviewing the repertoire.

What if I don’t feel ready to test out?

That is completely normal. The purpose of your practice, observation and practice-teaching hours is to help bridge the gap between completing the course and feeling confident enough to take your exam.

Continue practicing and consider scheduling private review sessions if there are areas of the repertoire where you need additional support.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?

You will receive documentation of your course completion according to MERRITHEW® requirements. Course completion is different from becoming a fully certified STOTT PILATES® instructor, which requires successfully completing the applicable certification examination.

Can I teach after completing the course but before taking my exam?

Your ability to teach professionally may depend on the studio or employer’s requirements, insurance requirements and your certification status. Be transparent that you have completed your training and are working toward your certification exam.

What should I focus on when preparing for my test-out?

Focus on:

• STOTT PILATES® principles

• Reformer repertoire and exercise order

• Spring settings and equipment setup

• Starting positions and movement patterns

• Muscular focus and purpose of each exercise

• Cueing and corrections

• Modifications

• Postural analysis

• Programming and appropriate exercise selection

• Safe and confident client instruction

What if I have questions after the course ends?

Your learning doesn’t end on the final training day. Continue reviewing your course materials, practicing the repertoire and staying connected with your fellow trainees.

Our goal is for you to leave the program not only having completed the course, but feeling prepared to confidently move toward your MERRITHEW® STOTT PILATES® certification