Oak Cliff Pilates Academy
You Love Pilates - Take it to Pro Level
The Mat + Reformer Certification
Oak Cliff Pilates reimagined the contemporary Reformer experience in Dallas.
Now Oak Cliff Pilates Academy is reimagining Pilates education with a certification built for today's market.
Our 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification is a focused, immersive education designed to prepare you to actually teach - not just accumulate hours.
A modern pathway into professional Pilates instruction.
Our Spring 2026 Session Starts Apr. 17 - Register Now
300-Hour
Mat + Full Reformer
Certification
50 In-Studio Hours • 250 Practice Hours • $2,500
Why Get Certified with OCP Academy?
Traditional comprehensive Pilates programs can cost $5,000–$7,000, take three to six months to complete, and often require travel and additional expenses. While those pathways can be valuable, they aren’t always practical — especially when most new instructors begin part-time, teaching just 2–6 classes per week at $25–$40 per class. Large upfront investments can take years to recoup.
OCP Academy has emerged with a more strategic entry point. Our 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification delivers the foundation studios actually hire for — comprehensive education in Mat and Reformer grounded in real-world teaching experience — all at a financially realistic starting point.
In as little as five weeks, you can complete your in-studio training and begin teaching fun, safe, and challenging classes while building the experience required for full certification.
Spring 2026 Cohort Details
Below is the general schedule. Additional details will be shared upon enrollment.
All sessions meet at:
Oak Cliff Pilates – Lower Greenville
2000 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75206
Week 1 — Comprehensive Mat | April 17-18
Weeks 2 & 3 — Foundational Reformer | April 22-23, May 1-2
Weeks 4 & 5 — Intermediate & Advanced Reformer | May 8-9, May 15-16
General Session Times
Fridays: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 2:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Exception: May 9 will meet from 3:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Dedicated personal practice time is built into each weekend:
Fridays: 9:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 – 8:30 p.m.
OCP Academy Unlimited Membership
Use your complimentary membership to take classes at any Oak Cliff Pilates studio during the 5-week course and get a jump-start on your Practice Hours.
Unable to attend our Spring 2026 cohort?
Email charley@oakcliffpilates.com to join our waitlist and receive more information about our Summer and Fall 2026 cohorts.
300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification
$2,500
or 5 Payments of $550
- 50-hour, 5-weekend in-studio, intensive-style instruction
- Comprehensive Mat and Reformer Pilates education
- 1-year access to the Mat + Reformer Certification Digital Course
- The Mat + Reformer Certification Workbook
- Practice w/Peer-to-Peer Teaching Rounds
- Live Instructor Feedback
- Complimentary 1 Month OCP Unlimited Membership
- Exclusive Weekly Open-Studio Practice Hours for Students
- Be ready to teach in as little as 5 weeks
- Graduate with a 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification after completion of Practice Hours
Meet The Instructors
With a combined 20+ years of Reformer teaching experience and 10,000+ students taught, Charley and Cory are two of OCP's heavy hitters. Both are known for their engaging teaching styles that energetically incorporate a mixture of classical and modern movement while consistently adapting to ensure every student receives a safe, challenging, and most importantly, satisfying workout.
Charley and Cory have designed this course with their respective career experiences in mind, prioritizing hands-on practice and experience over theory to certify instructors who are confident to dive headfirst into their Pilates careers.
Charley brings both wisdom and warmth to every session, having taught thousands of students since 2019 through group classes and private instruction. As one of Oak Cliff Pilates’ most beloved and tenured instructors, Charley is known for her unique ability to blend classical and athletic reformer styles, creating flows that challenge and support students of all levels. Her approach is rooted in empathy and adaptability—knowing that great instruction means meeting students exactly where they are and leading them forward with confidence.
Cory is a classically trained BASI (Body Arts and Science International) Pilates Instructor with deep experience across all apparatus, including Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and more. With over 14 years of dedicated teaching and more than 15 years in the fitness world, Cory believes in the power of mindful movement and that Pilates is far more than a workout—it’s a way of life. Her teaching style blends anatomical precision, grace, and approachability. She’s passionate about guiding students with intention and depth, helping each person discover their unique path through Pilates.
A Complete Path to Teaching Mat & Reformer Pilates — Built for Real Studios
Most instructors begin with the Reformer — but the strongest ones understand the method beneath it. This certification weaves together Mat foundations, foundational Reformer literacy, and intermediate–advanced programming into one intentional progression. You won’t just learn exercises. You’ll develop mechanical fluency, real-time teaching judgment, and the confidence to guide mixed-level rooms with clarity and authority.
By the end, you won’t simply know the repertoire — you’ll know how to scale it, sequence it, and lead it in a way studios actually hire for.
What You'll Learn
The Confidence, Competence, and Judgment to Lead Real Classes
This program is designed to move you beyond memorizing exercises and into true instructional fluency. You’ll build a deep understanding of Mat foundations and full Reformer repertoire, while developing the clarity, presence, and real-time decision-making that studios look for when hiring. By the end of this certification, you won’t just know the movements — you’ll know how to teach them with structure, safety, and authority.
A Strong Structural Foundation in Mat & Reformer Principles & Movement
During our 50 in-studio hours you’ll gain a deep understanding of the form, function, and purpose behind both classical and contemporary Pilates movements. Mat education establishes the backbone of the method, while Reformer training teaches you how to intelligently load and progress that foundation.
This is what modern studios look for when hiring.
You’ll learn:
- How Mat informs thoughtful Reformer programming
- A full repertoire of foundational to intermediate-advanced Mat and Reformer movements
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How spring settings change intention and challenge
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How breath organizes and supports movement
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How to analyze form in real time
This is mechanical literacy — the difference between performing Pilates and teaching it.
Lead Group Classes with Confidence & Connection
Through guided peer teaching rounds and instructor feedback, you’ll build your ability to hold presence in a room and lead with clarity.
You’ll practice:
- Cueing clearly and concisely
- Managing mixed-level rooms
- Adjusting pacing when needed
- Delivering corrections that build confidence
- Creating an encouraging, motivating environment
You won’t just study teaching — you’ll do it repeatedly.
Intelligent Modifications, Progressions & Real-Time Adaptation
Studios don’t need instructors who can perform advanced exercises.
They need instructors who can adapt.
You’ll learn how to:
- Progress experienced movers safely
- Modify beginners without singling them out
- Adjust load and complexity on the spot
- Recognize when to push — and when to restrain
This is where teaching judgment develops.
Advanced Reformer Programming with Purpose & Safety
As you progress into intermediate–advanced repertoire, you’ll expand your movement vocabulary while maintaining structure and control.
You’ll gain fluency in:
- Spinal articulation under load
- Standing and split series
- Inversions and intelligent progression
- Advanced core variations
- Athletic sequencing strategies
You’ll understand not only how to teach these movements — but when they belong in a class.
Professional Readiness & Sustainable Career Insight
Beyond movement, you’ll gain clarity around:
- Studio expectations and professionalism
- Scope of practice and referral judgment
- How instructors realistically begin and grow
- How to build experience gradually and sustainably
You’ll leave prepared not only to teach — but to navigate the industry intelligently.
Certification Program Structure
A Structured, Mentorship-Based Path to Real Teaching Readiness
This certification is intentionally designed as a progression — from structural understanding to confident leadership.
50 Hours of Immersive In-Studio Education
Your in-studio training unfolds across three distinct phases:
Week 1 — Mat Foundations (10 Hours)
You establish the structural intelligence of the method — breath, alignment, planes of motion, foundational repertoire, and how Mat principles inform intelligent Reformer programming.
Weeks 2 & 3 — Foundational Reformer (20 Hours)
You build mechanical literacy, load awareness, safety fluency, and the ability to lead foundational group classes with clarity and control.
Weeks 4 & 5 — Intermediate–Advanced Reformer (20 Hours)
You expand into more complex sequencing, dynamic progressions, advanced repertoire, and refined pacing — developing the confidence to lead expressive, athletic classes safely and intelligently.
Throughout all 50 hours, live sessions include:
- Movement demonstrations & breakdown
- Equipment setup, safety, and load education
- Peer-to-peer teaching practice
- Instructor-led full flows
- Graded teaching exercises
- Direct instructor feedback
- Dedicated time for personal practice
The in-studio training culminates in a graded Capstone Teaching Session, where you demonstrate your ability to design and lead a structured class with clarity, safety, and presence.
This is not passive learning.
It is applied, mentored, real-time development.
1-Year Access to the Mat + Reformer Certification Digital Companion Course
Your enrollment includes one full year of access to our comprehensive digital companion course.
This course reinforces and deepens your in-studio education with:
- Pilates history and lineage
- Mat foundations and core principles
- Applied anatomy for Pilates instructors
- Reformer setup, safety, and mechanical awareness
- Leading effective group classes
- Ethical scope of practice and professionalism
- Building a sustainable teaching career
Plus:
- Comprehensive Mat movement libraries
- Foundational and intermediate–advanced Reformer libraries
- Complete cueing, modifications, and progressions
- Integrated prop strategies
This digital course supports preparation before live sessions and reinforces material afterward — ensuring continued development beyond the classroom.
The Mat + Reformer Certification Workbook
Included in your enrollment is the Mat + Reformer Certification Workbook — a structured companion that follows your in-studio training and digital course.
This workbook is more than a place to take notes. It’s a guided integration tool designed to help you deepen your understanding, refine your teaching voice, and track your development throughout the program.
Inside, you’ll:
- Break down key concepts and movement progressions
- Draft and refine class flows
- Record instructor feedback from teaching rounds
- Reflect on in-studio sessions
- Organize cueing strategies and sequencing ideas
- Track your progress toward certification
The workbook ensures your learning doesn’t stay theoretical. It becomes organized, actionable, and personal.
As you move through the five-week arc and into your practice hours, this resource becomes a record of your evolution — from student to instructor.
250 Hours of Practice & Real World Application
Certification is not just earned by in-studio attendance alone.
It is earned through practical application of what you learn in real-time.
To receive your 300-Hour Certification, you will complete:
125 Observation Hours
- 25 Mat
- 100 Reformer
125 Teaching Hours
- 25 Mat
- 100 Reformer
You may complete these hours at any studio.
- Up to 50 teaching hours may be completed virtually
- The remaining teaching hours must be taught in person
- All practice hours must be completed within 15 months
Students are given an Unlimited membership to OCP for the duration of the course and may observe OCP classes at any time during or after the completion of their in-studio hours.
These practice hours are where confidence solidifies.
They transform training into instinct.
A Mentorship-Based Approach
This program is not memory or exam-driven. There is no formal written test to earn your certification.
Instead, we emphasize:
- Practical, experience-based instruction and guidance
- Applied teaching experience
- Direct instructor feedback
- Real-time correction and refinement
You are mentored toward readiness — not filtered through a single performance.
Be Ready to Teach in 5 Weeks
By the end of your 50 in-studio hours, you will have the knowledge, structure, and practical teaching experience needed to begin teaching.
You won’t be waiting months to “feel ready.”
You’ll have already:
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Led peer-to-peer classes
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Designed full Mat and Reformer flows
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Practiced cueing in real time
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Received direct instructor feedback
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Completed a graded Capstone Teaching session
At that point, you are encouraged to begin pursuing teaching opportunities at local Mat and Reformer studios.
Start teaching and gaining real-world exposure while accumulating your required teaching hours toward certification.
It’s a practical, momentum-based pathway:
Train → Teach → Refine → Grow.
Many instructors begin part-time while completing their practice hours — building confidence, strengthening their voice, and expanding their studio connections along the way.
By the time you complete your full 300 hours, you won’t just hold a certificate.
You’ll already have experience.
Note – Teaching positions at OCP are not guaranteed and depend on studio needs. Students will be invited to apply and audition for teaching opportunities as they arise.
What You Graduate With
Upon completion of:
- At least 75% of in-studio hours
- All 250 practice hours within 15 months
You will receive:
300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification
More importantly, you graduate with:
- Practical teaching experience
- Structural understanding
- Reformer fluency
- Confidence leading real rooms
Frequently Asked Questions
Why get certified through Oak Cliff Pilates Academy?
Programs like Balanced Body, Peak Pilates, and BASI offer excellent full-apparatus training, but they often cost $5,000–$7,000, require travel to select host studios, and involve 500+ hours of coursework, observation, and teaching before you can realistically begin working. These programs can be great, but they’re time- and cost-prohibitive for many people juggling full-time work, family responsibilities, or a career transition.
Most new instructors also start very part-time, typically earning $25–$40 per class and teaching only a few classes per week. That means large, upfront certification investments often take some time to recoup.
Our 300-Hour Mat + Reformer Certification was created as a more approachable, realistic entry point into the field. You receive focused, hands-on Reformer training, peer teaching practice, and clear, practical instruction—everything you need to start teaching confidently—without the financial and logistical barriers of the larger programs.
Why focus on just the Mat and Reformer instead of full-apparatus training?
Full-apparatus training can absolutely be valuable. However, the reality is that nearly all new instructors begin by teaching Mat and Reformer classes. The Reformer is the most widely used piece of equipment in studio settings, and it’s where studios hire the majority of new instructors.
Most instructors start part-time — typically teaching 2–6 classes per week at $25–$40 per class. Focusing your education on Mat and Reformer provides the most practical, accessible path into paid teaching without the added cost and time commitment of a full-apparatus certification upfront.
Our 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification is designed around the skills studios actually prioritize: clear cueing, safe mechanics, intelligent sequencing, confident room leadership, and the ability to manage mixed-level classes. You gain deep literacy in both Mat foundations and full Reformer programming — the apparatuses you are most likely to teach immediately.
Once you’re teaching confidently and building experience, you can always pursue additional apparatus education — tower, chair, or others — if and when they align with your studio environment or long-term goals.
This program is built to help you start teaching sooner, build momentum, and grow from a strong, practical foundation.
How do you know what makes a great Pilates instructor?
Since opening, Oak Cliff Pilates has hired more than 50 instructors with varied certifications and backgrounds. Through that experience, we’ve learned what truly translates in a studio setting.
Great instructors aren’t defined by the logo on their certificate — they’re defined by their ability to lead a room.
That means:
- Strong Mat and Reformer mechanics
- Clear, confident cueing
- Real-time adaptability
- Intelligent progressions and modifications
- A steady, encouraging presence
Because most instructors begin with just a few weekly classes, our certification emphasizes practical skill over pedigree. You’ll teach, receive feedback, and refine your approach repeatedly — so you graduate ready to walk into a classroom and lead with confidence.
Is this an accredited certification? Does accreditation matter?
We are not a nationally accredited program. That said, Pilates does not have a single universal accrediting body or standards for who can teach. Certifications in this industry are educational pathways designed to give you the knowledge, equipment fluency, and practical experience needed to teach safely and effectively.
The “Nationally Accredited” programs have met criteria laid out by private organizations – namely the National Pilates Certification Program in USA – and pay the organization to use the label and their qualifying system.
The industry has seen some big shifts in the past 5 years. Studios care far more about what you can do than who issued your certificate. They’re looking for instructors who can cue clearly, manage mixed-level rooms, adapt in real time, and lead strong, confident classes.
At OCP, we’ve hired talented instructors from a variety of backgrounds — because skill and presence matter more than the name of the program.
Our 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification is built as a modern, practical starting point: grounded in real-world teaching, focused on the apparatuses most studios use, and structured to help you begin your career without unnecessary cost or time barriers.
Can I enroll even if I don’t plan to teach?
Absolutely. While many students join with the goal of becoming instructors, we also welcome those who simply want to deepen their personal practice. Several students in our Fall 2025 cohort enrolled purely to understand the Reformer more deeply, refine their movement foundations, and improve their technique—and they found the experience incredibly rewarding.
Whether you want to teach or not, our Reformer training offers a level of insight, body awareness, and hands-on learning that can transform your practice and give you a whole new appreciation for the method.
What are the enrollment requirements?
While some experience with Mat and Reformer Pilates classes is a plus, anyone excited to learn is invited to join the Certification Program.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. You can view our payment plans on our checkout page.
Click on the “Register Now” button above.
Can I still enroll if I'm unable to attend all the sessions?
So long as you can attend at least 75% of the sessions, you’re welcome to enroll.
We don’t offer make-up sessions; however, you’ll be able to review missed content inside your Digital Course.
If you’re unable to attend at least 75% of the sessions, we recommend that you join us for a future cohort.
What if I can't attend the Spring cohort? Will there be other cohorts this year?
Yes. Our Summer 2026 cohort kicks off on July 31, and the Fall 2026 cohorts begins Oc.t 9.
Email charley@oakcliffpilates.com for more information and to join our Waitlist.
What should I bring to the live in-studio sessions? Are breaks provided?
Dress as you would for a Pilates class and bring anything you prefer for note-taking. You’ll recevie your Mat + Reformer Certification Workbook at your first session.
Feel free to bring your own snacks or drinks – refreshments are not provided.
Friday sessions will include a short 10-15 minute break. Saturday sessions will include a 30-40 minute break.
How do I get my Mat + Reformer Certification Workbook?
You’ll receive your Workbook at your first session.
Is the digital course self-paced?
Yes. The Mat + Full Reformer Digital Course is self-paced and designed to support your in-studio training.
You’ll receive access approximately five days before your first session. Course content is released in phases ahead of each training weekend, allowing you to review key concepts and prepare before arriving in studio. After each weekend, you’ll use the digital course to reinforce what you’ve learned and deepen your understanding.
The digital course remains available for one full year, giving you continued access as you begin teaching and refining your skills.
How do I complete my practice hours?
To earn your 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification, you must complete 250 combined practice hours, including:
- 125 hours of observation (25 Mat, 100 Reformer)
- 125 hours of teaching experience (25 Mat, 100 Reformer)
You may complete these hours at any studio. You’re welcome to observe classes at OCP, though teaching positions at OCP are not guaranteed. Any Mat or Reformer classes you personally attend may count toward your observation hours.
Up to 50 teaching hours may be completed virtually, such as teaching friends, family members, or private clients. The remaining teaching hours must be taught in person.
All practice hours must be completed within 15 months of your program start date.
These hours are where your confidence solidifies — transforming training into real-world teaching experience.
Does OCP offer studio time for completing my practice hours?
Yes, we host open studio hours exclusive for Certification Program students to practice most Fridays at our Lower Greenville location from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
You may come alone to practice or bring others with you to teach. Teaching completed during these practice hours counts toward your teaching hours.
Note: These hours are subject to change depending upon studio needs.
How long does it take to finish the certification?
This is up to you. Most students take 6-12 months to complete their Practice Hours; however, some complete them sooner. We give you 15 months from the start of your cohort to complete your hours.
We encourage students to seek teaching opportunities as soon as they complete their 50 in-studio hours and provide more information on how to successfully land opportunities with studios.
Does this certification guarantee me a teaching position at OCP?
Our Certification program is intended as an opportunity for personal and professional development. Completion of the certification is a strong step toward teaching professionally, but it does not guarantee an instructor position at Oak Cliff Pilates.
OCP will notify students when opportunities come available. You’re encouraged to apply for open positions as they’re offered and will be considered with other qualified candidates.
How do I secure teaching positions with studios?
Once you complete your 50 in-studio hours, you’re eligible to start teaching. We cover more on how to network with studios and land teaching opportunities inside the Program.
But generally, Pilates fitness is a relational industry. You gain opportunities by visiting local studios, taking their classes and auditing them to see if you’d like to teach for them. Introduce yourself to trainers and hiring managers so they can get to know you and your interest in teaching. When opportunities arise at OCP, we share them with our students and invite those interested to apply and audition.
Do I have to test out to obtain my certification?
No, there is no formal test-out exam.
To earn your certification, you must:
- Complete at least 75% of in-studio sessions
- Complete your 250 Practice Hours within 15 months of starting Reformer 1
Upon completion, you will receive either a:
- 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification
You’ll learn to create classes that feel cohesive, dynamic, and purposeful — not like a random collection of exercises.
You’ll develop the ability to:
Your classes will feel structured and intelligent from start to finish.