my pilates certification journey | you are now talking to a certified Pilates instructor 😌

Okay guys… BIG NEWS.

Your girl is officially a Level 1 Certified Pilates Instructor 🥹💪🏽🎉

Yes, I survived a 3-day intensive with Power Pilates, and it was A LOT. But I passed!!!💃🏽

This isn’t just another blog post. This is the story of how I got certified and somehow lived to tell the tale. So if you’re even thinking about taking a Pilates instructor course, here’s how my pilates certification journey went down… in all its nerve-wracking, empowering, mildly humiliating glory 💅🏽

When I decided to stop playing small

Pilates certification journey: why pilates? why now?

Let’s rewind. I started doing Pilates about a year ago, just for fun and flexibility — and ended up really liking it. Every class made me feel strong, centered, and slightly taller (I think).

But the real plot twist? I’ve been craving a career change. Let’s just say the corporate world is not for me. I’m sorry but, if I wanted to join the military… I would’ve done that. 

So when I found out about Power Pilates’ Mat Level 1 Instructor Training, I was like: freedom, movement, and no toxic work environment? Say less.

the night before: chaos mode activated

Here’s the thing: when I enrolled, I was supposed to memorize 18 mat exercises (in order!) before the course even started.

But why do that, when I could literally procrastinate, maybe even forget that I enrolled and wait until the night before and try to magically absorb everything like a human sponge on Red Bull? 😃

How I got started with Pilates

Was it my fault? Also yes.
Did it work? TBA.

day one: internal screaming + exercise demos

I walked into the studio, nervous as hell. They’re 10 of us, including the trainer (Cheryl). Just imagine me screaming on the inside wondering why it couldn’t just be me and my shadow🥲. Ok, snap back to reality.

We introduced ourselves and, surprisingly, some people were more nervous than me. Instantly, I felt a tiny confidence boost. +1. We love that (I guess).

Then Cheryl dives in.
She’s like, “Let’s start with the 18 mat exercises.”
And I’m like, “What??” 😰

Thankfully, she led a sample Pilates class (using that information) to warm us up. I’m thinking, cool, we dodged a bullet there ’cause I’m not ready to be singled-out just yet. NOPE.

Next thing I know, it’s demo time. AKA: Get up in front of everyone and teach an exercise.

And I know what you’re thinking. “On day one??” YES. Sis really said time is of the ESSENCE. I silently screamed… but then I snapped back to reality, AGAIN. Because I had like to 2 mins to build the confidence to basically embarrass myself. Fun, right? (WRONG). 

Ok, it’s my turn. God help me. I stood up there, voice trembling, I’m skipping steps, literally can’t wait to fly back to my seat… and then, just like that, it was over. I survived. Barely.

day two: partner work, games & brain fog

We started day two teaching in pairs. Cool! I can do that! Can I be certified now? LOL. 

Few hours go by and eventually we moved to groups of three. Kind of chaotic, but still way less intimidating. I was like “Look at me remembering things and talking like a real instructor!”💅🏽

But in front of everyone?  My brain will really say: no thoughts, just vibes😵‍💫. Yeah, count me out. Respectfully.  

Ok, we calmed down with the practicing and it was time for a game. This game really showed who knew the exercises AND the order of them. 

Game rules: Go around in a circle naming the exercises in order. If you’re not sure what came next, you just say ‘pass’. This game was my time to shine! I ain’t missed a beat with this one! Good for me! ✨

We wrapped up day two with some anatomy. I looked attentive but was really just zoning out like:

“Are we robots? Am I dreaming? Why did I do this to myself voluntarily??” 💀

day three: final stretch & the grand assessment

We’re really getting down to crunch time now because once the clock strikes 12, the exam starts.

Omg Omg Omg. Ok, let’s focus. We got started with some drills. This taught us to use commands instead of conversation while teaching. 

Think: “Lift, lengthen, scoop…”
Not: “Sooo you’re gonna wanna maybe try and…?”

It’s great for keeping the client moving and stuff but it was giving army. Sis really said “drop, gimme 50!” LOL. I’m kidding. Felt like it though! 

But I actually loved that part because as I practiced more, it helped me stop overthinking, speak with intention, and move like a pro. 

By noon, we had to teach an entire flow from memory — voice projection, breath cues, transitions, posture corrections, rhythm… the whole WORKS. So, Cheryl gave us about 20 mins to prepare.

People went outside to review. Me? I sat there like I’ve been teaching longer than the trainer, eating grapes too . At that point, clearly fear left my body and my nerves stopped working 😂. No but seriously, I came to grips that I knew what was required and I was just ready to get it over with.

🎉 the results: WE ALL PASSED!!!

Every single one of us got up there and did the damn thing. We fumbled, we flowed, we crushed it.
And honestly? I was SO proud of myself. Not just for passing, but for showing up, pushing through, and doing something completely out of my comfort zone.

Over the course of those 3 days we all developed in one way or another and it definitely showed throughout our performances in the end. The confidence was there, the knowledge was there and we couldn’t have done it without the encouragement from each other and the amazing training from Cheryl ! 

And now I get to say:

💥 I’m a Level 1 certified Pilates Instructor! 💥
(Still waiting for my certificate in the mail — but you get the point!)

thinking of becoming a certified Pilates Instructor?

If you’ve been considering a Pilates certification course, Power Pilates is a great place to start. It’s intense but supportive. Structured but fun. And trust me — if I made it through, you absolutely can too!💪🏽

Is this the end?

This was a huge milestone for me. Maybe a step in the right direction. 

Will I stop here? Who knows? Maybe Mat Level 2 is calling next 👀
Stay tuned!

💖

related pilates posts

→ Pilates workouts
→ my first Pilates class experience
→ pilates training experience
→ my wellness routine
→ activewear I use for pilates