PISC TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
Transform Your Passion Into Purpose
Join Southern California's most comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program and become an instructor who truly makes a difference.
🎉 2026 Registration Now Open - Early Bird Pricing Available Through February!
🎉 2026 Registration Now Open - Early Bird Pricing Available Through February!
Become the Pilates Teacher You've Always Envisioned
For over two decades, the Pilates Institute of Southern California has been transforming passionate practitioners into confident, skilled instructors. Our comprehensive teacher training program isn't just about learning exercises—it's about mastering the art of teaching, understanding the profound mind-body connection, and carrying forward the authentic legacy of Joseph H. Pilates.
What makes PISC different? We believe in small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and a supportive community that extends far beyond graduation. You're not just earning a certification—you're joining a family of dedicated professionals committed to excellence.
Our mission is simple: Empower you to create the same transformative experience for your future clients that Pilates has created for you.
Program Highlights
Comprehensive 830-Hour Curriculum
Master every piece of equipment and exercise with in-depth training that goes beyond the basics.
Business Skills Included
Graduate ready to succeed with training in client relations, studio management, and building your practice.
Small Class Sizes & Personal Mentorship
Receive individual attention and guidance throughout your entire journey with dedicated advisors.
Lifelong Community Support
Join our alumni network and continue learning with ongoing workshops and professional development opportunities.
Authentic Classical
Training
Learn the true Pilates method based on Joseph Pilates' original teachings and Kathleen Stanford Grant's refined techniques.
12-Month Completion
Our comprehensive one-year program prepares graduates to succeed as skilled instructors who truly understand movement and transform lives.
Learn from a True pilates mentor
Stacey Vargas founded PISC in 2000 and has been shaping exceptional Pilates instructors for over 20 years. Her journey began in 1994, studying the classical method in New York before earning her certification at the internationally renowned The Pilates Center of Boulder.
What sets Stacey apart is her commitment to authentic Pilates education. She completed the Heritage Training Program based on Kathleen Stanford Grant's teachings—connecting you directly to the lineage of Joseph Pilates himself. With a background in dance, athletics, and over 30 years in movement, Stacey brings a unique perspective that helps instructors work with all types of bodies and movement patterns.
“Continuing education is a must in our industry. The science behind movement is always changing, and we owe it to our clients to be informed, cue correctly, and understand what we’re really asking them to do.”
Your Complete Learning Journey
830 Total Hours | One-Year Program
Our comprehensive program combines theory, practice, and real-world application through a carefully structured curriculum that transforms passionate practitioners into confident instructors.
Program Components
Lecture Series | 150 Hours
Master the complete Pilates system with in-depth instruction covering history, methodology, and technique for every exercise on all apparatus. Learn Kathleen Stanford Grant's "skills" vocabulary system and essential business skills for instructor success.
Practice Teaching | 200 Hours
Put your knowledge into practice by teaching real clients under supervision. Receive feedback, develop your personal teaching style, and build confidence in your instruction abilities.
Independent Study | 100 Hours
Complete case studies, required reading, anatomy plate studies, and self-directed learning to round out your comprehensive education.
Observation | 180 Hours
Learn by watching master instructors in action. Develop your eye for proper form, study teaching techniques, and understand how to modify exercises for different bodies and abilities.
Personal Training & Workouts | 200 Hours
Deepen your own practice through private lessons, group classes, and personal workouts. Experience exercises from the client's perspective to become a more empathetic instructor.
Apprenticeship Experience
Work with a personal advisor throughout your journey. Access our complete library of books, videos, and resources. Use the studio for personal workouts and offer clients discounted rates while you train.
Graduate Ready
Complete all assessments with 80% or higher and earn your PISC Teacher Training—recognized throughout the industry for its thoroughness and authenticity. Our graduates are prepared not just to teach exercises, but to truly understand and transform lives through movement for each individual.
SCHEDULE & INVESTMENT
2026 Program Dates
Fall/Winter Session: September 2026 - January 2027
September 11-12 | October 9-10
November 6-7 | December 4-5 | January 8-9
Spring/Summer Session: March 2027 - July 2027
March 5-6 | April 2-3 | April 30-May 1
June 4-5 | July 9-10
FRIDAY LECTURES ARE FROM 2PM-7PM | SATURDAY Lectures ARE FROM 8AM-3PM
Lecture Series Breakdown
Weekend 1
Friday: Intro/program overview/policies/payments/fundamentals of Contrology/Kathleen Stanford Grant's skills to build vocabulary
Saturday: Intro level exercises - Mat Reformer/Mat class/Mat level I/Reformer level I/Ped-o-Pull
Weekend 2
Friday: Cadillac intro/Cadillac level I/Reformer level II
Saturday: Chair intro/Chair level I, Mat level II, Cadillac level II
Weekend 3
Friday: Chair level II, Mat level III, Cadillac level III (start)
Saturday: Cadillac level III (finish), Reformer level III
Weekend 4
Friday: Chair level III, Chair level IV
Saturday: Reformer level IV, Mat level IV
Weekend 5
Friday: Cadillac level IV, Cadillac level V, Mat level V
Saturday: Reformer level V, Chair level V
Program Structure
The lecture series is repeated every 6 months. Trainees are required to attend all lectures two times, which may be completed in one year. If you cannot attend all lectures within the year, you may continue attending lecture weekends for up to two years at no extra charge.
Investment in Your Future
| Program Option | Early Bird (Through Feb) | Regular Pricing | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Certification Program | $6,500 | $7,000 | $1,000 / $500 |
| Lecture Series Only | - | $5,000 | $250 |
| Weekend Intensive | - | $1,000 | $100 |
| Single Day | - | $300 | $50 |
What's Included:
- All lecture materials and resources
- Access to PISC library and equipment
- Personal advisor throughout training
- Discounted studio rates during apprenticeship
- Up to 2 years to complete at no extra charge
- Ongoing alumni support and continuing education
Ready to Begin Your Teaching Journey?
Limited spots available for 2026 & 2027 - secure yours today!
Transform your passion for Pilates into a rewarding career that changes lives every day. Join the PISC family and become the instructor you've always envisioned.
Fill out the form below and we’ll contact you to discuss next steps.