Mat & Reformer Pilates Teacher Training
Tampa’s leading 300-hour Mat & Reformer Pilates Certification Course led by Doctors of Physical Therapy & Master Pilates Instructors with Expertise in Anatomy, Rehabilitation, and Classical Pilates
Our Mat & Reformer Pilates Teacher Training program located in South Tampa combines the traditional Pilates principles and repertoire with a specialized focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
This curriculum has a strong foundation in anatomy, biomechanics, and functional movement, providing you with the knowledge and tools to work with clients of all levels and physical abilities.
Become a South Tampa Pilates Instructor!
This course provides:
Small class sizes to ensure individual learning
Access to the Empower studio for observation and practice
Weekly mentorship with your instructors
Education of how to modify exercises for all populations
Upcoming Module Dates:
February 6th
February 27th
March 20th and 21st
April 17th and April 18th
May 1st
“Overall, Empower PT is truly the best place to learn, grow, and walk the path toward becoming a certified Pilates instructor.” - Ksenia
Join us for the Upcoming Cohort!
Module 1: Functional Anatomy, History and Principles of Pilates, Pre-Mat & Level 1 Mat
Module 2: Level 1 Reformer & Special Populations - Spine
Module 3: Level 2 Reformer/Mat and Special Populations - Upper Extremity
Module 4: Level 3 Reformer/Mat and Special Populations - Lower Extremities
Module 5: Special Populations - Pre/Post Natal, Rehab Modifications, Review of All Levels, Q&A
Pilates Certification Modules
Requirements of Mat & Reformer Pilates Certification:
This certification requires a minimum of 300 hours and must include the following:
Observation hours: 70 hours (observing a certified instructor teaching or an approved online platform)
Practice Teaching: 50 hours (teaching friends, family, or classmates)
Apprentice teaching: 25 hours (teaching teacher training instructors)
Self Practice hours: 100 hours (practicing independently or as a student in a group or private setting)
Successful completion of check-offs
Successful completion of the final teaching practical
Pass the final written exam with 70% or higher
“I am so happy to be a part of the Pilates teacher training program at Empower! From the very first day of training I felt welcomed into a supportive environment. Saige, Ni, and Alyssa are incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and patient.
The instructors take the time to thoroughly explain every exercise including the proper form and cueing to prevent injury. I have learned so much about anatomy, kinesiology, Pilates principles, and teaching that I can apply to my future career.
The attention to detail and individualized support truly sets this program apart and I could not recommended it more!”
- Noel
Meet Your Instructors
Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master Pilates Instructor
Alyssa Stewart, DPT, NCPT
Alyssa has built her career and reputation on empowering and helping others through Pilates-based rehabilitation, functional movement, and injury prevention. In 2009, she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami, completed her certification in Comprehensive Rehabilitation Pilates, and is NCPT certified.
With her lifelong passion for human anatomy and her strong desire to empower others, Empower PT was founded in 2015. Beyond her love of treating patients, she is a professor at the University of Tampa and has found a second love of teaching Applied Kinesiology.
This passion for teaching led her to begin a Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program, based on her experience of anatomy, rehabilitation, patient care, and fitness. When Alyssa is not at Empower or teaching, she is spending time with her dog Kiwi, visiting her parents’ farm in Ocala, or finding new ways to challenge herself!
Saige Deveau, NCPT
Certified Pilates Instructor
Saige has been working under Alyssa for three years. She has completed her comprehensive Pilates certification and is NCPT certified. She is also a NASM Certified personal trainer. With her lifetime passion for exercise, she has now used Pilates to greatly emphasize healthy movement!
Her new found love for Pilates has led her to want to be a part of teaching others and helping them find their own love for this unique form of movement.
When Saige is not at Empower, she loves to read, spend time with her dog Dragon, and play pickleball!
Niajah Dixon, DPT, NCPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Pilates Instructor
Niajah is a proud graduate of the University of Tampa and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University in May 2025. Before pursuing her DPT, she worked as a personal trainer at Empower PT, where she also became a Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor. Through her one-on-one training experience, Niajah witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of personalized and intentional movement.
Now, she’s thrilled to combine her passion for Pilates with rehabilitation through Pilates-based therapy. With a keen eye for movement patterns and a strong commitment to patient education, Niajah helps her patients reduce pain, build confidence in their daily activities, and achieve their movement and wellness goals through safe, restorative therapy.
In addition to her work as a Physical Therapist and Pilates Instructor, Niajah serves as an instructor and mentor in Empower’s Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program. As a mentor, she shares her clinical expertise and supports aspiring instructors in developing confidence in both their teaching and personal Pilates practice.
When she’s not in the studio, you can find Niajah reading, exploring local coffee shops, debating with Kiwi, or spending quality time with her family and friends.
Cost of Mat & Reformer Pilates Certification:
$4,500 for the full 300-hour Mat & Reformer Program
$500 Deposit: Gives you access to Functional Anatomy, History of Pilates, Pilates Principles, and Pre-Mat Exercises
$4,000 Balance paid up front or 4 Monthly payments of $1,025
“I recently completed the 450-hour Pilates Teacher Training at Empower PT, and I couldn't be more thrilled with my experience! Alyssa and Saige are absolutely phenomenal instructors who go above and beyond to ensure every student's success. Their extensive knowledge and passion for Pilates is truly infectious. What really sets this training apart is how Alyssa and Saige create such a supportive and encouraging learning environment. They offered practical tips and insights that you simply can't find in textbooks, which has proven incredibly valuable as I begin my teaching journey.”
Keya
Frequently Asked Questions
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No
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It is recommended, but not required, that each applicant has taken at least ten classes that are a mix of mat and reformer.
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You will receive a certificate of completion to teach mat and reformer based classes only.
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The comprehensive training covers the classical method and Pilates based equipment. The equipment includes the following: Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, Spring Boards, Spine Corrector, Oove, and MOTR. Additionally, the comprehensive training provides you with eligibility to sit for the Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) credential exam — an exam that assesses entry level competence to teach Pilates. This is not required to teach Pilates, however, is nationally recognized by many organizations.
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Yes. You will have access to our studio, mat, and reformers within scheduled/approved hours.