Flagship course
Pilates Teacher Certification
A contemporary Pilates repertoire rooted in the original work of Joseph Pilates, taught in authentic sequences that preserve rhythm, flow, and precision. You also get the modifications and clinical grounding to work confidently with anyone from rehab clients to elite athletes.
Course description
Every piece of equipment, taught by a physical therapist.
The course blends functional anatomy with practical movement training. It is led by Zeina A. Grifoni, a physical therapist, certified Pilates instructor, and movement specialist with over 20 years of experience. Zeina founded Synergy+ in California and Switzerland, and has been certifying instructors since 2007.
How you attend
- In person, in AsconaTrain on the full range of apparatus with hands-on correction, in the studio.
- Live onlineJoin the same live sessions from anywhere. Online students need access to a full range of Pilates equipment to work on.
- Recorded, either wayEvery lesson is recorded, so you can go back over anything at your own pace.
The curriculum, module by module.
Roughly 88 hours of live lectures and demonstrations across six apparatus modules. Each module comes with its own course manual, written by Zeina herself.
Mat & Roller
The foundation of the method: the classical mat repertoire from pre-Pilates through advanced, with the roller for balance, feedback, and release work. You learn to teach a full class with nothing but a mat, the format every other apparatus builds on.
Your hours on this apparatus
Module 1 preview
Reformer
The apparatus most studios are built around. You learn the full reformer repertoire, and how to read and set spring resistance so the same exercise can support a rehab client or challenge an athlete.
Your hours on this apparatus
Module 2 preview
Springboard
Wall-mounted springs and straps that bring resistance work into a mat setting. The springboard extends the mat repertoire into a dynamic full-body workout, and into the Mat with Springboard class formats you graduate ready to teach.
Your hours on this apparatus
Module 3 preview
Chair
The most compact apparatus, and one of the most demanding: pressing, balance, and single-side work that builds strength and control in sitting, standing, and everything in between.
Your hours on this apparatus
Module 4 preview
Cadillac
The trapeze table: springs, straps, and bars around a stable frame. It offers the most supported starting positions in the studio, which makes it central to working with clients who need assistance, and it scales all the way to advanced work.
Your hours on this apparatus
Module 5 preview
Arc & Barrel
Curved surfaces, from the small arc to the ladder barrel, that support and challenge the spine through extension, flexion, and side-bending: the movement directions mat work reaches less often.
Your hours on this apparatus
Module 6 preview
You'll receive a full set of ready-to-teach classes in Mat, Mat with Springboard, and Reformer formats, so you can begin teaching confidently even before completing certification. Each class has a purposeful flow, giving your future clients a well-rounded, professional-standard workout from day one.
Included in certification
Functional Anatomy Course
A 10-hour course on the bones and muscles that drive movement, covering why tight muscles restrict motion and why joints lose alignment. It is taught in simple, step-by-step lessons across seven modules.
- 01Planes of movement & anatomy basics
- 02Lumbar spine and SI joint
- 03Cervical and thoracic spine
- 04Hip & knee
- 05Ankle & foot
- 06Shoulder
- 07Elbow / wrist / hand
Included in certification
Posture & Gait Workshops
Two practical, roughly three-hour workshops on assessing and correcting posture and walking patterns, with techniques you can apply with clients immediately. Both are filmed, so you can revisit the material anytime.
- Posture WorkshopAssess posture and identify functional imbalances, from forward head to pelvic tilt. Apply customized modifications and movement-correction strategies that improve alignment and core stability.See the workshop →
- Gait WorkshopLearn the mechanics of a healthy stride and how to evaluate gait dysfunctions in real clients. Apply targeted stretches and strengthening exercises to correct patterns and reduce fall risk.See the workshop →
What's included
More than lessons.
Every certification includes ongoing support before, during, and long after you graduate.
- Q&A sessionsAfter each module, live Q&A with Zeina to clarify concepts and work through questions from the material.
- Module manuals, written by ZeinaEvery module comes with its own course manual, written by Zeina herself. It is the reference you study from during the course and go back to when you teach.
- Free access to future coursesGraduates may return free of charge to any future certification program we run, to observe, assist, or refresh what they learned.
- Post-course supportOngoing access to Zeina's guidance after graduation for tricky client cases: injuries, hypermobility, spinal dysfunction, and more.
- Flexible paymentsPay the full course fee upfront or split it into monthly installments by credit card, check, or cash. No added interest.
Cost
Two ways to pay.
Cost
Details
Book a free 15-minute discovery call with Zeina A. Grifoni to talk through the courses and work out whether one is a fit for you.
Requirements for completion
What it takes to graduate.
To complete certification, students perform the repertoire from pre-Pilates through advanced, and pass a written and practical exam covering anatomy, exercise names, posture, and modifications.
Self-practice hours
Student teaching hours
Within those hours, students also complete 10 hours of assistant teaching for group classes and 20 hours of observation of private sessions. Recommended course materials include Joseph Pilates's Return to Life Through Contrology, Kendall & McCreary's Muscles: Testing and Function, the PMA certification manual, an anatomy atlas such as Netter or Trail Guide to the Body, and theComplete Anatomy app from 3D4Medical.
Why choose us
- Comprehensive equipment trainingLearn to teach across every major apparatus (Mat, Springboard, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and more), so you're versatile in any studio, or with clients at home.
- Led by a seasoned expertTaught by Zeina A. Grifoni, a licensed physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor with over 20 years of experience in movement and rehabilitation.
- Functional anatomy made practicalA solid grounding in anatomy as it applies directly to Pilates, so you can work safely and effectively with clients of all backgrounds, including injuries, hypermobility, or postural dysfunction.
- Ongoing support & lifetime accessGraduates attend future certification courses for free, can revisit recorded workshops, and keep access to continued mentorship from Zeina.
From graduates
“I was so impressed with Zeina's clarity and detail in how she presents the exercises — from exactly the way to perform the exercise, to the progressions as well as modifications for nearly any injury. This course will provide anyone the skill set to be an excellent Pilates instructor.”
Laura Winner, DPT
“The opportunity to study with Zeina was an honor. Her training program was very thorough, from practice to anatomy to the history of Pilates. Zeina was very generous of time, spirit and knowledge for the countless questions I asked regarding any part of the curriculum.”
Allegra Gibson
FAQ
Common questions.
What makes the Synergy+ Pilates Instructor Course unique?
This course blends classical Pilates principles with modern movement science, taught by a licensed physical therapist. It covers all major equipment and includes functional anatomy, posture and gait workshops, and ready-to-teach class sequences.
Who teaches the course?
Zeina A. Grifoni, a registered physical therapist, certified Pilates instructor, and movement specialist with over 20 years of experience, leads the course. She's also the founder of Synergy+ Physical Therapy & Pilates Studio.
Is the course available online?
Yes. You can attend live sessions online or in person. All lessons are recorded, so you can revisit them anytime. Online students must have access to the full range of Pilates equipment.
What equipment is covered in the training?
You'll learn to teach using Mat, Springboard, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Arc, and Ladder Barrel, with demos and practice on every apparatus.
Can I start teaching before I'm certified?
Yes. The course provides structured, ready-to-teach classes early on, so you can begin teaching safely and professionally before completing certification.
What's included in the course fee?
The full course fee includes all modules, anatomy training, posture and gait workshops, teaching materials, live Q&A sessions, and access to recorded content.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes. Pay in full or choose monthly installments via credit card, check, or cash, with no interest charges.
What support is available after graduation?
Graduates can attend future certification courses for free and receive ongoing mentorship from Zeina, especially for complex client cases involving injuries or dysfunctions.
Is there a functional anatomy component?
Yes, 10 hours of lectures and demos focused on bones, muscles, and movement mechanics, all directly applied to Pilates.
What are the posture and gait workshops about?
Two roughly three-hour workshops covering practical techniques for assessing and improving posture and walking patterns. These are essential tools for clients with movement challenges. Each is also available as its own standalone workshop.
What language is the course taught in?
English and Italian. All materials and recordings are made to be easy to follow.
Will I be able to work with clients who have injuries or dysfunctions after completing the course?
The course builds foundational awareness of how to recognize and adapt exercises for clients with injuries, hypermobility, or spinal dysfunction, but newly certified instructors should not work independently with this population. That requires further experience and, often, collaboration with healthcare professionals. This course lays the groundwork.
Ready to start?
Get in touch about certification.
Ask Zeina about enrollment dates, payment plans, or anything else.