Oak Cliff Pilates Academy

300-Hour

Mat + Full Reformer Instructor Certification

Our Spring 2026 Session Starts Apr. 17 - Register Now

Why Get Certified with OCP Academy?

Our founder has been teaching for over a decade, and across our three studios we have over 40 instructors. We know the industry, the business, and what studios are actually looking for when they hire.

At OCP, we believe Pilates is powerful fitness that should be accessible to every body. Our studio classes welcome all levels and body types, and we train our instructors to teach with that same inclusive, practical approach.

Traditional comprehensive programs can cost $5,000–$7,000 and require months of travel and training. Our 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification offers a more realistic entry point — giving you the comprehensive skills studios hire for, without the massive upfront investment.

In as little as five weeks, you can complete your training either in-studio or virtually and begin teaching safe, effective Pilates classes while continuing to build your experience.

If you love Pilates and want to share it with others, we’re here to help you turn that passion into a skill you can bring back to your community!

Spring 2026 Cohort Details

Below is the general schedule. Additional details will be shared upon enrollment.

All in-studio sessions meet at:
Oak Cliff Pilates – Lower Greenville
2000 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75206

Week 1 — Foundational-Intermediate Mat | April 17-18
Weeks 2 & 3 — Foundational Reformer | April 24-25, 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.

IN-STUDIO | Mat + Full Reformer Certification

$2,475

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 and passing Teaching Demonstration

Join Us In Studio - Claim Your Spot!

VIRTUAL | Mat + Full Reformer Certification

$1800

or 5 Payments of $400

50-hour, 5-weekend intensive-style instruction via live stream
Comprehensive Mat and Reformer Pilates Education
Engage with instructors via live chat
Self-guided practice time
1-year access to the Mat + Reformer Certification Digital Course
The Mat + Reformer Certification Workbook PDF
Graded Teaching Demonstration w/Instructor Feedback
Be ready to teach in as little as 5 weeks!
Graduate with a 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification after completion of Practice Hours and passing Teaching Demonstration

Join Us Virtually- Claim Your Spot!

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 Carroll

Charley Carroll is a lead instructor at Oak Cliff Pilates with over 3,000 hours of reformer instruction and more than 5,000 students taught. Charley's experience and dynamic teaching style makes him a trusted guide for students of all levels.

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 Rojo

Cory Rojo is a BASI-certified Pilates instructor with over 15 years in the fitness industry and 14 years of dedicated Pilates teaching. Her expertise blends classical training with a deep commitment to mindful, intentional movement.

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 an extensive understanding of Mat and 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 a foundational to advanced repertoire of movement — 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
How spring settings change intention and challenge
How breath organizes and supports movement
How to analyze form in real time

This is mechanical literacy — the difference between performing Pilates and teaching it.

How to Design Intentional, Engaging Classes

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:

Sequence movements with clear progression
Maintain rhythm and momentum
Blend strength, control, and mobility
Build both foundational and intermediate-level flows
Layer regressions and progressions for mixed abilities

Your classes will feel structured and intelligent from start to finish.

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

On your first day, you’ll receive a copy of the Mat + Reformer Certification Workbook (virtual students receive a PDF) — 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.

Note – Virtual students receive an editable PDF for print or electronic use.

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.

Mentorship-Based Evaluation

Our program is not memory- or exam-driven. There is no formal written test to earn your certification.

Instead, we focus on a mentorship-based approach that develops your skills through practice, feedback, and real teaching experience. Throughout the program, you’ll learn through:

Practical, experience-based instruction and guidance
Applied teaching experience
Direct instructor feedback
Real-time correction and refinement

Your training culminates in a Teaching Demonstration, where you will teach at least one client while your instructors observe. Afterward, you’ll receive structured feedback and a graded evaluation. A passing score confirms your readiness to teach and completes your certification.

The goal of this approach is simple: you are mentored toward readiness—rather than filtered through a written exam or a single high-pressure test.

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:

Led peer-to-peer classes
Designed full Mat and Reformer flows
Practiced cueing in real time
Received direct instructor feedback
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 300 in-studio and practice 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
A passing in-studio or virutal Teaching Demonstration

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?

OCP Academy is not a nationally accredited program.

It’s important to know that teaching Pilates does not require a license, and there is no single governing body that accredits all Pilates instructor certifications in the United States. Certifications in this industry are primarily educational pathways.

Some programs choose to align with standards set by the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP), a private organization that administers the Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) exam. Programs that meet its criteria can register and participate in that system. These programs are often 450+ hours and offer comprehensive apparatus education.

In practice, however, national accreditation often not the deciding factor when studios hire instructors. Many studio owners are looking for instructors who can cue clearly, manage mixed-level classes safely, adapt exercises in real time, and lead strong, confident sessions.

In other words, what you can do as a teacher often matters more than the name on your certificate.

At Oak Cliff Pilates, we’ve hired talented instructors from a wide range of training backgrounds because skill, presence, and teaching ability matter most.

Our 300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification is designed as a modern, practical starting point for aspiring instructors — focused on the apparatus most studios use, grounded in real-world teaching, and structured to help you begin teaching 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.

Which pathway is better - In-Studio or Virtual? What are the main differences?

Which pathway is better—In-Studio or Virtual—mostly comes down to personal preference and your circumstances.

Pilates studios are now opening in cities and smaller towns across the U.S., while instructor education often remains isolated to a few big cities. For some people, attending in person can require significant travel, time, and expense.

We’ve heard from interested students who want the training but live too far away to join us regularly in Dallas. At the same time, some people are excellent self-directed learners who do very well working with recorded material and guided practice.

The in-studio pathway offers the benefit of direct instruction, hands-on practice, and real-time feedback while you’re training with us.

The virtual pathway includes livestream access to our sessions along with the full digital course materials, giving virtual students the same instruction and resources to guide their practice and development.

Regardless of pathway, everyone completes the same Practice Hours requirement before certification. This is where students truly integrate the material by observing classes, practicing movements, and teaching solo clients or group classes. The program concludes with a Teaching Demonstration, where you’ll teach at least one student while your instructors observe and provide feedback and a graded evaluation.

Both pathways lead to the same outcome, and how you apply yourself in either setting is truly the most important component. The difference is otherwise simply how you prefer to learn and what’s most practical for you.

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.

Though not a requirement, if you’re enrolling in our Virtual pathway, we recommend having access to a reformer for practice both during live sessions and after.

A $500-$800 home reformer off Amazon or Walmart.com may be a good investment, simply for practice. Sell it when you no longer need it!

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. We offer a 5-month payment plan.

We offer a 10% discount to anyone paying for the program in full and also accept Klarna and Afterpay if you’d like to use either of these options.

Click on the “Register Now” button above for further details.

Can I still enroll if I'm unable to attend all the sessions?

So long as you can attend at least 75% of the in-studio sessions, you’re welcome to enroll.

We don’t offer make-up sessions; however, you’ll be able to review missed content as well as recordings of the instruction portions of the live sessions 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?

In-studio students receive a printed Workbook at your first session.

Virtual students receive an editable PDF that can be printed or used electronically.

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 isn’t a formal written or practical test-out exam. However, all students are required to complete a Teaching Demonstration after finishing their Practice Hours.

For your Teaching Demonstration, you’ll teach at least one client—either in-studio or virtually—while your instructors observe. Afterward, your instructors will provide feedback and a graded evaluation. A passing score is required to earn your certification.

To receive your certification, you must:

Attend at least 75% of in-studio sessions
Complete 250 Practice Hours within 15 months of your program start date
Receive a passing score on the Teaching Demonstration

Once these requirements are completed, you will receive your:

300-Hour Mat + Full Reformer Certification.

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