30 HOURS TOTAL, 4 DAYS OF IN-PERSON LEARNING
The Polis' Pilates Reformer I Certification: Foundations of Intelligent Movement
Upon successful completion of Reformer 1, trainees should be prepared to safely teach foundational Reformer repertoire, construct intentional beginner-to-intermediate Reformer sessions, select appropriate spring resistance, recognize common movement compensations, and modify or progress exercises based on the individual in front of them.
Most importantly, you should begin developing the ability to explain why you made those choices.
Certification represents demonstrated competency, not simply attendance.
OCT 17TH
What you'll learn:
• Reformer setup, safety, and equipment terminology
• Foundational classical Reformer repertoire
• Contemporary applications of foundational exercises
• Spring resistance and how spring choice changes movement demand
• Proper setup and execution
• Safe and efficient transitions
• Exercise intention and movement objectives
• Understanding how the Reformer provides both assistance and resistance
OCT 18th
Rather than memorizing what an exercise should look like, you will learn to understand what the body is doing.
Topics include:
• Alignment and load management
• Foot and ankle mechanics
• Foot-to-core organization
• Hip mechanics
• Rib cage and pelvis relationship
• Spinal articulation and stabilization
• Shoulder mechanics
• Breath mechanics and pressure management
• Movement planes
• Stability versus mobility
• Recognizing common compensation patterns
• Applying anatomy to the body in front of you
OCT 24TH
Knowing the repertoire does not automatically make someone a teacher.
You will learn how to translate your knowledge into effective instruction through:
• Clear verbal cueing
• Visual and tactile cueing strategies
• Movement observation
• Real-time correction
• Exercise modifications
• Progressions and regressions
• Appropriate spring selection
• Contraindications and precautions
• Working with different bodies and movement histories
• Teaching transitions safely and efficiently
• Developing confidence without relying on memorized scripts
OCT 25TH
Programming
Learn how to create an intentional Reformer session rather than simply stringing exercises together.
We will explore:
• Building a complete foundational Reformer session
• Exercise analysis
• Program design
• Sequencing based on movement goals
• Balancing mobility, stability, strength, and control
• Creating logical movement progressions
• Adapting programming for different bodies
• Beginner through intermediate programming
• Private-session versus group-class considerations
• Making programming decisions based on what you observe
Special Populations + Safety
Reformer education should prepare an instructor to recognize when an exercise needs to change.
Training will introduce:
• Common precautions and contraindications
• Appropriate modifications
• Age-related considerations
• Prenatal and postnatal considerations
• Working within the Pilates instructor's professional scope of practice
• Recognizing when a client should be referred to an appropriate healthcare professional
Foundations of Intelligent Movement | Mat
Certification Structure
Pricing
$1000 Paid in Full OR $500 deposit and $100 per month for 6 months
In-Person Development
4 days of In Person Training X 7.5 Hours each = 30 Hours
Taught by Poli McCormick
Observation
20 HOURS
20 Class Credits Included to book at Solace
Self-Practice
20 HOURS
Supported by printed workbooks, exercise manuals, cue cards, programming templates, and self-evaluation and assessment tools to guide independent practice.
Full Certification ($1000)
Payment plans available from $500 down + $100/month for 6 months