Become a Certified Reformer Pilates Instructor with Dallas’ Most Original Pilates Studio

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.

The OCP Certification pathway 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.

While full-apparatus training is valuable, nearly all new instructors begin by teaching only Reformer classes. The Reformer is the most widely used piece of equipment next to the mat, and it’s where studios hire the most instructors. Because new teachers usually begin with 2–6 weekly classes at $25–$40 per class, focusing on Reformer first provides the fastest, most accessible route into paid teaching.

Once you’re teaching confidently and building experience, you can always pursue tower, chair, or other apparatus education later—if and when they align with your studio environment or career goals.

OCP’s Reformer 1 and optional Reformer 2 programs give you the skills studios prioritize: clear cueing, safe mechanics, strong flow design, and confidence leading mixed-level classes. It’s training that helps you start teaching sooner and grow steadily from a solid foundation.

Since opening, Oak Cliff Pilates has hired over 50 instructors with a wide range of backgrounds, certifications, and teaching styles. Through this experience, we’ve learned exactly what makes instructors successful: strong Reformer technique, confident cueing, clear communication, the ability to adapt to real people in real classes, and a warm, encouraging presence.

We also know the realities of how instructors start out—usually with just a few weekly classes as they build confidence and experience. That’s why our certification pathway emphasizes practical skill over pedigree, offering hands-on training, peer teaching rounds, and real-world application rather than overwhelming cost or unnecessary requirements.

The OCP program is built around the skills studios actually look for, ensuring you’re prepared not just to pass a course, but to walk into a classroom and lead confidently.

Pilates has no universal accrediting body, so there is no single required credential that determines whether you can teach. Certifications in this industry are educational pathways designed to give you the training, equipment knowledge, and practical experience you need to teach safely and effectively.

Studios care far more about what you can do than who issued your certificate. They want instructors who can cue clearly, manage mixed-level rooms, keep clients safe, and deliver strong, confident classes. At OCP, we’ve hired talented instructors from many backgrounds—including some without formal certifications—because skill and presence matter more than the name of the program they attended.

The OCP Certification Pathway is designed as a more accessible, modern starting point for today’s instructors: focused on Reformer skills, grounded in real-world teaching, and structured to help you begin your career without the heavy cost or time barriers of traditional programs.

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.

For Reformer 1, all you need is a love for Pilates and the desire to become an instructor. No prior certification is required – not even a mat certification.

For Reformer 2, students will need to have completed Reformer 1 or a comparable certification program. Email us at certification@oakcliffpilates.com if you’re unsure you’re eligible for Reformer 2.

Yes. We offer 2, 3 or 4 month payment plans for both Reformer 1 and 2 Certifications.

You can view the payment plans by clicking on the “Register Now” buttons above.

Reformer 1 Winter 2026 In-Studio Schedule:

Jan. 23, 30, & Feb. 6 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 24, 31 & Feb. 7 from 3:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Oak Cliff Pilates Lower Greenville

Dress as you would for a Pilates class and bring anything you prefer for note-taking. 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.

If enrolling in either or both Reformer 1 & 2 programs, we recommend clearing your schedule, if possible, so you can attend all sessions.

Reformer 1: If you can attend at least 75% of the sessions, you may be eligible to make up the missed day during a future Reformer 1 cohort (subject to availability).

Reformer 2: Because of the condensed two-weekend format, missing more than one session may require joining a future Reformer 2 course date.

If you know in advance that you will miss multiple sessions, we recommend enrolling in a later course date.

Reach out to us at certification@oakcliffpilates.com if you have any questions or concerns.

Both Reformer 1 and Reformer 2 combine self-paced online learning with scheduled in-studio training. You’ll use the digital course to prepare for and reinforce what you learn during live sessions. After your final in-studio session, you will complete your 200 practice hours at your own pace (within 15 months of starting Reformer 1).

No. The Reformer 1 Certification is a complete certification on its own and fully prepares you to start teaching.

Reformer 2 is an optional advanced training designed for those who want to expand their movement repertoire, refine flow design skills, teach more dynamic classes, and stand out as intermediate-level instructors.

You may enroll in Reformer 2 anytime after completing Reformer 1.

No—there’s no deadline. Once you complete your Reformer 1 in-studio hours, you’re welcome to enroll in Reformer 2 at any time. Many students choose to continue into Reformer 2 sooner rather than later because the material builds naturally on what you’ve just learned, your confidence is high, and your teaching momentum is strong. Enrolling earlier helps you integrate advanced movement and flow design more seamlessly—but the choice is entirely yours.

To earn your certification (whether you do Reformer 1 alone or Reformer 1 + 2), you must complete 200 combined practice hours, including 100 hours of class observation and 100 hours of teaching experience.

You can complete these hours at any studio. You’re welcome to observe classes at OCP, but teaching positions are not guaranteed. Any classes you personally attend count toward observation hours.

You may complete up to 50 teaching hours virtually, such as teaching friends or private clients. The remaining 50 teaching hours must be taught in person.
All practice hours must be completed within 15 months of your Reformer 1 start date.

Yes, we host open studio hours exclusive for Certification Program students to practice every Friday at our Lower Greenville location from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 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.

Yes, we host open studio hours exclusive for Certification Program students to practice every Friday at our Lower Greenville location from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 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.

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 a training role or instructor position at Oak Cliff Pilates.

You’re encouraged to apply for open positions as they’re offered and will be considered with other qualified candidates.

No, there is no formal test-out exam.

To earn your certification, you must:

• Complete all required in-studio sessions
• Complete the Reformer 1 digital course
• Complete the Reformer 2 digital course, if enrolled
• Complete 100 teaching hours and 100 observation hours within 15 months of starting Reformer 1

Upon completion, you will receive either a:

• 224-Hour OCP Reformer 1 Instructor Certification, or
• 240-Hour OCP Reformer 1 & 2 Instructor Certification

The next Reformer 1 course is expected in late Spring 2026 with Reformer 2 coming in late Fall 2026. Exact dates to be determined.