Pilates Instructor Training Program: 

Balanced Body® Education with the Pilates Education Collective 

Begins March, 2026!

 

An internationally recognized program blending movement science with classical Pilates to help you become a confident, transformative instructor.

 

Why Become a Pilates Instructor with the Pilates Ed Collective?

 

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
— Mary Oliver

 

Our students come to Pilates teacher training not just to earn a certification, but because something deeper is calling — a desire to understand their bodies more fully, to guide others with skill and presence, and to share movement that inspires vitality, resilience, and joy.

 

With the Pilates Education Collective, you’ll experience a rare blend of heart-centered teaching and internationally recognized Balanced Body® education. You’ll develop the knowledge, confidence, and intuition to design transformative classes, and you’ll notice yourself growing as a teacher and as a person with each module.

 

Imagine guiding your students with clarity, seeing them progress, and knowing you are giving them more than just exercise — you’re giving them empowerment and connection. When you care for yourself with intention, you create the foundation to help others flourish.

 

If you feel the pull to move, teach, and lead with purpose, this is the program that will help you step fully into that role.

 

Step into Your Pilates Journey to...

Teach, Inspire, Transform

1


Master the Pilates repertoire — Mat, Reformer, and apparatus with clear cues and modifications

2


Grow with expert guidance — learn from Ky, Arwen, and Sarah, veteran Balanced Body® educators

3


Share your gift with others — help clients of all ages move with strength, ease, and joy

4


Develop your confidence as a teacher — guide others safely and effectively while finding your voice

5


Join a supportive community — connect with peers, alumni, and instructors who share your passion

Program Overview

Our programs guide you from curiosity to confidence, whether you are drawn to Mat Pilates, equipment-based teaching, or the full studio repertoire. The Pilates Education Collective partners with Balanced Body® and local Santa Cruz studios to offer internationally recognized teacher training in flexible formats — in-person, online, or a combination — so you can choose the path that fits your life and goals.

 

Each program is modular, allowing you to start with one track and expand over time. Every module builds on the last, giving you the skills, insight, and presence to teach with clarity, creativity, and heart. Along the way, you’ll notice yourself growing as a teacher — and deepening your own movement practice.

 

Whether your goal is to teach classes, deepen your personal practice, or build a full Pilates career, our programs provide the structure, support, and guidance to help you step fully into your vision as a confident, transformative instructor.

Training Options

 

Choose the path that fits your goals, schedule, and experience. Each program is designed to grow your skills, expand your expertise, and empower you to teach with insight and presence. 

Pilates Mat Instructor Training: 

 

  • Learn Balanced Body® Mat exercises, cueing, and class design

  • In-person at Pleasure Point Sanctuary or live online

  • Build confidence to lead safe, engaging Mat classes

 

Pilates Reformer Instructor Training: 

 

  • Master the full Reformer repertoire and teaching modifications

  • In-person at Monarch & Coastline Pilates Studios; Reformer 1 & 2 also online

  • Teach Reformer classes for clients at all levels with skill and clarity

 

Mat & Reformer Instructor Training: 

 

  • Combine Mat + Reformer curriculum for versatile teaching

  • A mix of in-person and online modules to fit your schedule

  • Lead dynamic, creative classes across Mat and Reformer

 

 

Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Training: 

 

 

  • Full studio curriculum including Mat, Reformer, and apparatus

  • In-person at Santa Cruz studios for hands-on, guided learning

  • Develop expertise to confidently teach the full Pilates system

 

Explore Our Training Tracks 

See how each program can support your growth as a Pilates instructor and help you step confidently into teaching. Every track begins with Movement Principles — the foundation for your skills and presence.
Click below to explore the full program details.
About the Teachers:
Ky Russell, MA

 

Director: Pilates Education Collective

Balanced Body Educator

 

Ky is a Balanced Body Educator, specializing in Pilates and Anatomy in 3D teacher training programs. She is the Director of the Pilates Education Collective and the founder of the Pilates for Stress Relief Specialist Program, an Advanced Pilates teacher training program.

She has been teaching Pilates since 2002, including years practicing Pilates based rehabilitation at St Francis Hospital's Center for Sports Medicine. 

In addition to completing numerous Pilates and healing movement certification programs, Ky holds a Master's degree in Kinesiology and was a former faculty member at San Jose State University.

She is thrilled to guide the next generation of Pilates instructors as they build rewarding and successful careers.

Arwen Brooke

 

Founder & Director: CoLab Movement

Balanced Body Educator

 

 

Arwen is a Balanced Body® Educator and founder of CoLab Movement Studio, with over 17 years teaching Pilates and training instructors. She also brings expertise in CoreAlign and yoga, integrating mindful movement and anatomy-based instruction into her teaching.

She has been training instructors since 2011, coaching with clarity and positivity to help students refine technique, build confidence, and develop engaging, safe classes.

Arwen currently lives and teaches in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering both in-person and virtual instruction to students locally and around the world. Arwen is passionate about mentoring instructors and supporting them in creating meaningful, fulfilling careers in Pilates.

 

Sarah Artha Negara, MA

 

Professor: College of San Mateo Pilates Training Program

Balanced Body Educator

 

Sarah is a highly experienced Pilates instructor with a career spanning over 20 years. She founded the College of San Mateo’s Pilates Teacher Training Program in 2011 and co-founded PEC with Ky and Arwen in 2023.
 

She holds certifications as a Balanced Body® Pilates Educator, Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher, ACE® Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist, YogaFit® Instructor, and is a "Second-Generation Pilates Instructor" under Lolita San Miguel.

She enjoys working with diverse populations, athletes, and individuals with special conditions and is committed to fostering positive and supportive communities. As a business owner, she provides ongoing support and mentorship for graduates, ensuring they are well-prepared to embark on successful careers and positively impact their clients' lives.

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” — Rumi

Ready to start your Pilates teaching journey?

 

Step into your future as a confident, transformative instructor. Explore the modules, envision your growth, and secure your spot today.

VIEW SCHEDULE & REGISTER

 

Have questions or want guidance?

 

We’re here to help you envision your path as a Pilates instructor and choose the program that fits your goals, experience, and schedule. Whether you’re curious about Mat, Reformer, or Comprehensive training, we can walk you through your options and answer any questions.

 

Email us to schedule a personal call and explore your path:
[email protected]
 
We look forward to connecting with you and supporting the start of your teaching journey!