A Pilates studio. A Pilates school. All under one roof.
At Pacific Northwest Pilates, we’re proud to be both a Pilates studio and a Pilates school — all under one roof.
That means you’ll find people here doing Pilates for all kinds of reasons:
To move better.
To feel stronger.
To manage pain.
To stay active long-term.
And you’ll also find people here doing something else:
Training to become exceptional instructors.
Every year, Pacific NW Pilates Education accepts about 15–20 students into our intensive STOTT PILATES® instructor training program (220 hours of course time). It’s designed for people who don’t just want to take Pilates…
They want to understand it deeply — and possibly build an entirely new chapter of life around it.
Most students begin with a 20-hour Functional Anatomy course, followed by a 40-hour Mat course. From there, they go deeper with Level 1 specialty equipment training on the Reformer, and Cadillac, Chair and Barrels. Finishing courses include Level 2 mat and equipment curriculum, with a concentrated focus on injuries, special conditions, and the real skill of teaching bodies well.
It’s not a quick path.
But it’s a meaningful one.
This usually starts with a feeling…
Most people don’t apply because they’re chasing a new credential.
They apply because Pilates helped them through something.
Sometimes it was pain or injury.
Sometimes it was burnout, stress, or feeling disconnected from their body.
Sometimes it was simply the first time they thought:
“I want work that actually matters to me.”
Often, the timing is part of it too:
The kids are older.
Their job doesn’t feel satisfying anymore.
They’ve wanted a healthier career for years… but kept putting it off.
And then one day they realize:
Maybe now is the time.
Here’s what people don’t see behind the scenes
This program takes commitment — not just in class time, but in energy and focus.
Students don’t just attend courses. They study. They observe. They practice teaching. They review material again and again.
A realistic expectation is:
For every hour in class, students typically spend about two hours outside of class reviewing, practicing, and preparing.
They also learn anatomy and biomechanics (because great teaching isn’t just knowing exercises — it’s knowing bodies).
The learning curve is real (and normal)
Almost every student hits a moment where it feels like a lot.
Because learning Pilates isn’t like learning a workout routine.
It’s like learning a language: alignment, movement analysis, cueing, problem-solving, and modifications.
At first it can feel overwhelming…
and then slowly (and beautifully), it starts to click. That’s when confidence begins to build.
Certification is a milestone — not the finish line
Passing the STOTT PILATES® certification exam is a major accomplishment.
But the best instructors know the truth:
The learning doesn’t stop there.
Exceptional teachers stay curious, keep refining, and keep learning how to support clients with intelligence and care — especially the clients who feel complex, stuck, or unsure of their own bodies.
That’s when Pilates becomes more than exercise.
It becomes a craft… and a way of changing lives.
If you’re reading this thinking “this sounds like me”…
You’re not alone.
Some of our best graduates started right where you might be now — inspired, curious, and not totally sure if they were “ready.”
If you’ve been considering becoming a Pilates instructor, we’d love to talk.
Book a free 20-minute chat and we’ll help you understand the pathway, what to expect, and what your next step could be.
Pacific NW Pilates is studio, school and fitness family under one roof. Click to learn more about our education courses and workshops, private studio sessions and group classes. Or call for details: (503) 292-4409.