Matwork Instructor
Certificate 2026
The most comprehensive and rigorously assessed Pilates matwork qualification available in South Africa. When you graduate, you will be genuinely ready to teach.
Starts
29 Aug 2026
Duration
4 weekends + 3 days
Location
Zoom + Cape Town
About the course
The Body Control Pilates Matwork Teacher Training Course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the principles of Pilates and the Body Control Pilates Method in particular. We cover more than 100 exercises — many unique to Body Control Pilates — and, importantly, we teach you how to assess and progress clients, adapting exercises as appropriate.
Make no mistake — this is a tough course and by far the most thorough and comprehensive Pilates Matwork course on the market. As a result, Body Control Pilates has developed an unrivalled reputation for the knowledge and competence of its graduate teachers.
The 2026 course uses a hybrid format: Modules 1–12 plus Anatomy Review are taught live on Zoom over four weekends, followed by three face-to-face contact days at our Kenilworth, Cape Town studio.
What follows the taught modules
Practical Assessment
Students demonstrate their working knowledge of the key exercises before being able to begin their supervised teaching period. This can be taken online or face to face. A final practical assessment class at our Cape Town centre, demonstrating your full teaching competence.
Supervised Teaching (~50 hours)
Assist classes under the guidance of experienced Body Control Pilates supervising teachers across Southern Africa. Approximately 50 hours — you receive a sign-off when a senior teacher confirms you have reached the required standard.
Group Lesson Plans and Assessment Class
Students must plan a series of six progressive Lesson Plans for a group matwork class and deliver part of one of these under assessment in order to receive their final certification. You will be teaching a group of fellow students.
Anatomy Examination
A written multiple-choice exam on anatomy taken at any time after the tuition days. All revision materials are provided.
Course Work and Self-Study
Students are asked to submit two short essays answering questions designed to demonstrate an understanding of key Body Control Pilates principles. These can be submitted at any time.
Certification
Certificate in Body Control Pilates Matwork + eligibility for membership of the Body Control Pilates Association (first membership year is free).
Curriculum overview
Tuition — online
Introductions and Course Structure. Review of Movement. The Eight Principles of Body Control Pilates.
Pelvis and Spine
Breathing and Relaxation
Stability (Centring)
Shoulder Girdle
Hip and Knee
Ankles, Feet, Wrists, Hands
Anatomy Review Day
Classical Pilates
Precision of Movement
Client Enrolment — discussion and roleplay. Movement Assessment practice.
Lesson Planning and Teaching Skills. Movement Assessment roleplay.
'Last Day Module' — completing the course; the Body Control Pilates Association; setting up your business.
Tuition — face to face
There will then be three face to face Contact Days at the Body Control Pilates host studio in Cape Town focusing mainly as follows:
Teaching Cycle & Teaching Skills. Review of Pelvis and Spine exercises
Review of exercises from the Breathing and Relaxation and Stability modules
Upper and Lower Limb
Group Teaching Work
2026 Course Dates
Online (Zoom) Weekend 1
Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 August 2026
Online (Zoom) Weekend 2
Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 September 2026
Online (Zoom) Weekend 3
Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September 2026
Online (Zoom) Weekend 4
Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 September 2026
In-Studio Day 1 — Cape Town
Friday 2 October 2026 · 1pm – 6pm
In-Studio Days 2 & 3 — Cape Town
Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 October 2026 · 9am – 6pm
Students must attend ALL sessions. The supervised teaching phase begins after the in-studio contact days.
2026 Schedule of Fees
All fees include notes, assessments, awarding-body fees, and supervised teaching. Fees are for courses starting on or before 31 December 2026.
Most popular · Best value
Pay in Full
R20,950
Paid in full on registration.
You save R4,850 compared to the instalment option.
- All course notes & materials
- 13 live tuition modules
- Anatomy examination
- One practical assessment
- Supervised teaching support (~50 hrs)
- Awarding-body certification fees
Flexible payment
Instalment Plan
R3,000 registration
+ 6 × R3,800 / month
Total: R25,800
- All course notes & materials
- 13 live tuition modules
- Anatomy examination
- One practical assessment
- Supervised teaching support (~50 hrs)
- Awarding-body certification fees
Fee terms & conditions
- The registration fee of R3,000 is non-refundable in all circumstances.
- If paying upfront and cancelling more than 6 weeks before the start date, a 50% cancellation fee applies.
- Supervised teaching cannot commence until all fees are paid in full.
- Fees include one practical assessment, one written exam, and one sign-off class at the Cape Town centre. Resit fees apply for additional attempts.
- Students agree not to teach Pilates for pay before achieving certification, unless they hold a prior teaching qualification.
- Certification must be completed within 2 years of course commencement.
- We accept credit card (via PayFast) and EFT. Contact us for pro-forma invoices.
Common questions
Instalment plan: R3,000 registration fee (non-refundable, payable immediately) + 6 monthly payments of R3,800 = R25,800 total. A minimum of R11,400 must be paid at least 10 days before the course start date, in addition to the registration fee.
Ready to begin?
Secure your place on the 2026 Matwork Course with a R3,000 deposit. The registration fee confirms your enrolment.