20 HOURS TOTAL, 4 MODULES
The Polis' Pilates MAT Certification: Foundations of Intelligent Movement
We combine the original 34 exercises with modern biomechanics, fascia, and nervous system principles to help students understand, teach, and apply movement with precision, clarity, and long-term effectiveness.
MODULE I
What you'll learn:
- Pilates as a system, not just exercises
- The role of the nervous system in movement control
- Breath mechanics (diaphragmatic breathing + coordination with movement)
- Joint-by-joint approach to stability vs mobility
- Planes of motion + how they show up in mat work
- Tempo, time under tension, and control (why slow matters)
- Identifying compensation patterns before they happen
Practical application:
- Foundational movement drills
- Gait/postural assessment
- Breath + core integration patterns
- Intro to observation + cueing
Supporting materials included:
- Printed Foundations Manual (Booklet)
- Movement principles
- Anatomy + systems overview
- Breath mechanics + cueing language
Assigned Reading
Read before module:
- Return to Life Through Contrology
By Joseph Pilates (Included with Module)
Optional: Your Health : A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education By Joseph Pilates
MODULE II
What you'll learn:
- The original 34 exercises in their classical order
- Purpose + intention behind each movement
- Muscle involvement + movement objectives
- Breath patterns specific to each exercise
Practical application:
- Breaking down each exercise step-by-step
- Practicing teaching foundational exercises
Supporting materials included:
Full Exercise Manual (Primary Booklet)
Each exercise includes:
- Setup
- Execution
- Muscles involved
- Objective
- Contraindications
- Teaching cues
- Reference Sheets (Quick Cue Cards)
MODULE III
What you'll learn:
- How to progress and regress the original exercises
- Layering intensity without losing form
- Training for different populations: Beginners
Athletic clients
Post-rehab considerations
Tempo manipulation + endurance building
Creating effective, intentional class flows
Practical application:
- Building sequences from foundational → advanced
- Coaching under fatigue
- Real-time correction and adaptation
Supporting materials included:
Progressions & Regressions section in booklet
Programming Templates for class design
MODULE IV
What you'll learn:
- How to structure a full mat class
- Cueing clearly and effectively
- Reading a room + adjusting in real time
- Developing teaching presence and voice
Practical application:
- Each trainee teaches a mock class
- Live feedback + coaching
- Peer observation + learning
Supporting materials included:
- Mock Teaching Assessment Sheet
- Self-Evaluation + Reflection Form
Foundations of Intelligent Movement | Mat
Certification Structure
Pricing
$200 per Module or $700 Paid in Full
In-Person Development
4 Modules X 5 Hours each = 20 Hours
Taught by Poli McCormick
Observation
15 HOURS
15 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.
How to Enroll
Begin with Weekend 1 (Modules I & II) or Enroll in Full
FAQs
How is the certification structured?
The Polis Pilates™ Mat Certification is a 20-hour, 4-module training designed as a complete pathway. Each module builds on the last, taking you from foundational principles to confident teaching.
Can I take just one module?
Yes. Each module can be taken individually for $250, making it accessible and flexible based on your schedule and goals.
How do I receive my certification?
To receive your Polis Pilates Mat Certification, all four modules must be completed. The final module includes your teaching assessment and integration.
Who is this certification for?
The Polis Pilates™ Mat certification is designed for:
- Aspiring instructors looking for a strong foundation
- Current instructors wanting to deepen their understanding
- Pilates practitioners who want to move and train with more intention
What if I start with one module and want to complete the certification later?
You can continue taking the remaining Polis Pilates™ modules at your own pace until all four are completed and you qualify for certification.
Why is the certification structured this way?
The Polis Pilates™ model is designed to make high-quality Pilates education more accessible, while still maintaining a professional standard.
It allows you to start where you are, while providing a clear path toward full certification.