STOTT PILATES® instructor training
Become an instructor
Internationally recognised STOTT PILATES®, ZEN•GA® and Total Barre® courses, taught in our Cape Town studios and online via Zoom.
Jump to
Why STOTT PILATES®
Recognised worldwide
STOTT PILATES® offers essential, intermediate and advanced levels of movement for every client, from post-rehab to elite athlete. Modular training lets you study in the way that best suits your lifestyle and availability.
- Take courses à la carte or all at once
- Certify in Mat, Reformer, or achieve Full Certification
- 150+ Merrithew STOTT PILATES® workshops for continuing education
- Internationally accredited by The Register of Exercise Professionals, the American Council on Exercise and canfitpro
On every certification program
Whichever program you choose, you will learn
With a STOTT PILATES® education, there’s no limit to your career opportunities. Starting or continuing your training begins with our Certification Programs.
- The STOTT PILATES® Five Basic Principles
- Effective communication and observation skills
- Verbal cuing and imagery for performance enhancement and client motivation
- Modifications for specific body types, postural issues and conditions
- Theory and practice of postural analysis
- Exercise layering related to effective program design
Your path
How certification works
Book your courseEmail lisa@themovementlab.co.za. You can pay the course cost off over 3 months before it starts.
Take the courseIn-studio at Sea Point, Claremont or Bree Street, or online via Zoom.
Log your hoursObservation, physical review and practice teaching. The hours depend on your course.
Pass your examWithin 6 months of your course. Theory and practical, with an 80% average to pass. Your certificate comes from Merrithew Head Office in Toronto, Canada.
The courses
Intensive courses
The STOTT PILATES® Intensive Program (Level 1) is intended for those already working in the fields of fitness or movement, or those who meet the Pilates class requirements. The focus is on expanding your current knowledge while delivering complete instruction in STOTT PILATES® principles and Essential and Intermediate exercises in a fast-paced format.
Intensive Program choices:
Intensive Mat-Plus™ IMPIntensive Reformer IRIntensive Cadillac, Chair & Barrels ICCB
Our programs provide a balanced and thorough blend of theory, observation and practical experience to help you master the repertoire. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to teach the STOTT PILATES® method of exercise. Upon passing the exam, you will be recognised as a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor. Only upon receipt of your certificate will you be entitled to identify yourself as a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor.
General course objectives
- How to apply STOTT PILATES® biomechanical principles of core stability, breathing and alignment to all exercises
- A complete breakdown of each exercise
- Exercise goals, muscular initiation and movement sequencing
- Modifications to increase or decrease exercise intensity
- Modifications for specific body types and postural issues
- How to recognise optimal and less than optimal movement patterns
- A variety of programming options to keep clients motivated
- Effective communication, verbal cues and imagery for performance enhancement and client motivation
Mind-body
ZEN•GA® Foundation Course
ZEN•GA® is a unique mind-body modality that fuses elements of Pilates, yoga, martial arts and meditation into a series of flowing movements that emphasise the breath and strengthen both body and mind.
Using props and equipment, these accessible workouts are playful yet powerful, emphasising smooth transitions, intention of the movements and focusing on the personal physical effects of movement paired with deep breathing. The gateway to a mind-body practice, ZEN•GA® is designed to stimulate the fascial system and build endurance, strength, mobility and stability while cultivating a greater sense of physical awareness that extends beyond the workout experience.
The Foundation Course teaches the principles that make up the method and shows how to apply them to movement programs designed to help clients reach their desired goals. You’ll learn how to integrate the Mindful Movement principles into energising and strengthening workouts that improve muscle tone and function, facilitate neuromyofascial integration and increase overall wellbeing.
No dance experience needed
Total Barre® Foundation Course
Gain the knowledge and confidence to design and teach highly evolved barre classes in any setting. Learn choreography, exercise essence and correct biomechanics of movement, as well as how to effectively use the power of music to create safe and fun barre classes that focus on increasing strength, flexibility, stamina and dynamic stability. It truly is a program geared for everyone.
The Foundation Course provides the groundwork education for instructors, enabling them to produce safe, effective and varied barre training programs that address the needs and goals of every client. It presents 11 specially arranged and selected segments, accompanied by timed selections of music, that serve as the template for each session or class and produce a balanced and complete barre workout. You’ll also be introduced to the Total Barre® Principles.
Schedule & pricing
Course dates
Tap a course to see its full costs, dates, times and venue. Prices are per person.
Venues:
Sea PointClaremontBree Street2026Courses still to come this year
Intensive Mat Course202640 hours (5 hours per day) · November 2026 · Sea PointR27 090course cost
R27 090Course cost (excludes materials)
R4 550Materials: 2 manuals + digital DVD series
Dates
Sea PointNovember 2026
Wednesday 18 November – Saturday 21 November 2026
Day off: Sunday 22/11/2026
Monday 23 November – Thursday 26 November 2026
11am – 4pm daily
ZEN•GA® Foundation Course20266 hours (1 day) · November 2026 · Sea PointR6 750course cost
R6 750Course cost
R800Manual
Dates
Sea PointNovember 2026
Saturday 28 November 2026
11am – 4pm
Intensive Reformer Course202650 hours (5 hours per day) · December 2026 · ClaremontR30 150course cost
R30 150Course cost (excludes materials)
R5 450Materials: 2 manuals + digital DVDs
- Additional R800 if you have not done the Mat course and require the Mat/Reformer Support Materials manual
Dates
ClaremontDecember 2026
Wednesday 2 December – Sunday 6 December 2026
Day off: Monday 07/12/2026
Tuesday 8 December – Saturday 12 December 2026
Total Barre® Foundation Course20266 hours (1 day) · July, December 2026 · Sea Point & ClaremontR6 750course cost
R6 750Course cost (excludes manual)
R2 750Manual & digital DVD
Choose one date
Sea PointDate passedJuly 2026
Saturday 11 July 2026
12pm – 6pm
ClaremontDecember 2026
Sunday 13 December 2026
12pm – 6pm
2027Full 2027 course schedule
Start here
Anatomy & Exercise Fundamentals Course202730 hours (3 hours per day) · January & February, July & August 2027 · Sea PointR18 700course cost
R18 700Course cost
- Includes a 6 month exam date extension
- Ideal to complete before any other course, or as preparation for your exam
Date options
Sea PointOption 1: January & February 2027
Wednesday 13 January – Friday 15 January 2027
Monday 18 January 2027
Monday 1 February – Thursday 4 February 2027
Monday 8 February & Tuesday 9 February 2027
11am – 2:30pm daily
Sea PointOption 2: July & August 2027
Monday 19 July – Friday 23 July 2027
Monday 2 August – Friday 6 August 2027
11am – 2:30pm daily
Mat
Intensive Mat Course202740 hours (5 hours per day) · January, May, August, November 2027 · Sea Point & ClaremontR29 850course cost
R29 850Course cost (excludes materials)
R4 550Materials: 2 manuals + digital DVD series
Date options
Sea PointJanuary 2027
Tuesday 19 January – Friday 22 January 2027
Days off: Saturday 23/01/2027 & Sunday 24/01/2027
Monday 25 January – Thursday 28 January 2027
11am – 4pm daily
ClaremontJanuary 2027
Tuesday 19 January – Friday 22 January 2027
Days off: Saturday 23/01/2027 & Sunday 24/01/2027
Monday 25 January – Thursday 28 January 2027
11am – 4pm daily
Sea PointMay 2027
Tuesday 4 May – Friday 7 May 2027
Days off: Saturday 08/05/2027 & Sunday 09/05/2027
Monday 10 May – Thursday 13 May 2027
11am – 4pm daily
Sea PointAugust 2027
Tuesday 17 August – Friday 20 August 2027
Days off: Saturday 21/08/2027 & Sunday 22/08/2027
Monday 23 August – Thursday 26 August 2027
11am – 4pm daily
Sea PointNovember 2027
Tuesday 16 November – Friday 19 November 2027
Days off: Saturday 20/11/2027 & Sunday 21/11/2027
Monday 22 November – Thursday 25 November 2027
11am – 4pm daily
Advanced Mat Course20276 hours · January, November 2027 · Sea Point & ClaremontR5 850course cost
R5 850Course cost
Choose one date
Sea PointJanuary 2027
Friday 29 January 2027
11am – 5pm
ClaremontJanuary 2027
Friday 29 January 2027
11am – 5pm
Sea PointNovember 2027
Friday 26 November 2027
11am – 5pm
Reformer
Intensive Reformer Course202750 hours (5 hours per day) · February, July, October, November & December 2027 · Sea Point & Bree StreetR32 800course cost
R32 800Course cost (excludes materials)
R5 450Materials: 2 manuals + digital DVDs
- Additional R800 if you have not done the Mat course and require the Mat/Reformer Support Materials manual
Date options
Sea PointFebruary 2027
Monday 15 February – Friday 19 February 2027
Days off: Saturday 20/02/2027 & Sunday 21/02/2027
Monday 22 February – Friday 26 February 2027
11am – 4pm daily
Bree StreetFebruary 2027
Monday 15 February – Friday 19 February 2027
Days off: Saturday 20/02/2027 & Sunday 21/02/2027
Monday 22 February – Friday 26 February 2027
11am – 4pm daily
Sea PointJuly 2027
Monday 19 July – Friday 23 July 2027
Days off: Saturday 24/07/2027 & Sunday 25/07/2027
Monday 26 July – Friday 30 July 2027
11am – 4pm daily
Sea PointOctober 2027
Monday 18 October – Friday 22 October 2027
Days off: Saturday 23/10/2027 & Sunday 24/10/2027
Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October 2027
11am – 4pm daily
Bree StreetNovember & December 2027
Monday 29 November – Friday 3 December 2027
Days off: Saturday 04/12/2027 & Sunday 05/12/2027
Monday 6 December – Friday 10 December 2027
11am – 4pm daily
Advanced Reformer Course202718 hours (6 hours per day) · November 2027 · Sea PointR9 050course cost
R9 050Course cost (excludes manual)
R2 200Manual
Dates
Sea PointNovember 2027
Wednesday 3 November – Friday 5 November 2027
11am – 4pm
Cadillac, Chair & Barrels
Intensive Cadillac Course202725 hours (5 hours per day) · March 2027 · Sea PointR18 880course cost
R18 880Course cost (excludes materials)
R4 800Materials: 2 manuals
Dates
Sea PointMarch 2027
Wednesday 3 March – Friday 5 March 2027
Days off: Saturday 06/03/2027 & Sunday 07/03/2027
Monday 8 March – Tuesday 9 March 2027
11am – 4:00pm
Advanced Cadillac Course20276 hours · March 2027 · Sea PointR4 720course cost
R4 720Course cost
Dates
Sea PointMarch 2027
Wednesday 17 March 2027
11am – 5pm
Intensive Stability Chair Course202715 hours (5 hours per day) · March 2027 · Sea PointR11 520course cost
R11 520Course cost (excludes materials)
R1 800Materials: manual
Dates
Sea PointMarch 2027
Wednesday 10 March – Friday 12 March 2027
11am – 4pm
Advanced Stability Chair Course20273 hours · March 2027 · Sea PointR3 680course cost
R3 680Course cost
Dates
Sea PointMarch 2027
Thursday 18 March 2027
10am – 1pm
Intensive Barrels Course202710 hours (5 hours per day) · March 2027 · Sea PointR7 920course cost
R7 920Course cost (excludes materials)
R3 400Materials: 3 manuals
Dates
Sea PointMarch 2027
Monday 15 March – Tuesday 16 March 2027
11am – 4:00pm
Advanced Barrels Course20273 hours · March 2027 · Sea PointR3 680course cost
R3 680Course cost
Dates
Sea PointMarch 2027
Thursday 18 March 2027
1:30pm – 4:30pm
Specialty courses
ZEN•GA® Foundation Course20276 hours (1 day) · November 2027 · Sea PointR6 375course cost
R6 375Course cost
R800Manual
Dates
Sea PointNovember 2027
Saturday 27 November 2027
11am – 4pm
Total Barre® Foundation Course20276 hours (1 day) · July, December 2027 · Sea Point & Bree StreetR6 375course cost
R6 375Course cost (excludes manual)
R1 950Manual
Choose one date
Sea PointJuly 2027
Saturday 10 July 2027
12pm – 6pm
Bree StreetDecember 2027
Sunday 12 December 2027
12pm – 6pm
Injuries & Special Populations202724 hours (6 hours per day) · September 2027 · Sea PointR24 080course cost
R24 080Course cost (excludes materials)
R2 450Materials
Dates
Sea PointSeptember 2027
Tuesday 14 September – Friday 17 September 2027
11am – 5pm
Learn from anywhere
Online courses
Streamed directly to you
Our online courses are the same internationally recognised and renowned Merrithew courses that we offer in-studio. We’ve taken the content we teach in-studio and adapted it to make it more accessible to an online audience.
- Capped at 12 participants per course, for an interactive and engaging experience with a focus on individual attention and feedback
- A maximum of 3.5 hours a day on Zoom, limiting Zoom exhaustion and optimising engagement. The course runs over a longer period than the in-studio option
- 6 months to complete your exam after the course. The exam has a theory and a practical component, and can be completed in-studio or online
2027Online course schedule
STOTT PILATES® Intensive Mat Course202710 day course · June 2027 · ZoomR29 850course cost
R29 850Course cost
R4 550Materials: 2 manuals & digital DVDs
- Hosted online via Zoom
Dates
ZoomJune 2027
Monday 14 June – Friday 18 June 2027
Days off: Saturday 19/06/2027 & Sunday 20/06/2027
Monday 21 June – Friday 25 June 2027
STOTT PILATES® Advanced Mat Course20271 day course · May, June 2027 · ZoomR5 850course cost
R5 850Course cost
- Hosted online via Zoom
Choose one date
ZoomMay 2027
Friday 14 May 2027
11am – 5:45pm
ZoomJune 2027
Saturday 26 June 2027
11am – 5:45pm
Booking online courses
Reserve your space
Email lisa@themovementlab.co.za to reserve your space. We’ll respond with an invoice for 50% of the course cost, which is required as a deposit to reserve your space. The remainder is due before the course starts.
Email Lisa to bookT’s & C’s: Photography, video, audio recordings and/or screen capture or screen recording of any Merrithew course/workshop is strictly prohibited. The intent of this Merrithew Online Course is to enhance and develop your own personal knowledge. The content from this workshop is not to be copied, translated or sold in any way without express written permission from Merrithew. Please email lisa@themovementlab.co.za with any questions.
Booking & payment
How to book
In-studio courses & examsEmail Lisa to bookAll Instructor Training bookings are made by emailing lisa@themovementlab.co.zaEmail Lisa →Online courses50% depositEmail lisa@themovementlab.co.za and we’ll send an invoice for a 50% deposit. The rest is due before the course starts.Email Lisa →Payment plansPay over 3 monthsYou can pay the course cost off over 3 months before the course starts.Ask about a plan →
Exams & certification
Getting certified
Exams are only required for STOTT PILATES® courses (Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels). ZEN•GA® and Total Barre® are non-examination courses, and you’ll receive a certificate of completion from Merrithew Head Office in Canada.
The exam
- 6 mo.Schedule your exam any time within 6 months of your course.
- 50/50The exam has an equally weighted theory and practical section.
- 80%Combined average needed to pass, with no less than 75% for either section. Under 75% in one section? You only retake that part.
- 7 daysSubmit your practice logs on your exam date. If all logs aren’t submitted within 7 days of the last portion of the exam, the entire exam is void.
Missed the 6-month window?
You’ll need a private reinstatement session with an Instructor Trainer. The reinstatement is valid for 60 days and does not give you an additional six months to complete your exam. Minimum session requirements:
1 hourMatwork
1 hourReformer
1–2 hoursMatwork & Reformer
2–3 hoursMatwork, Reformer & CCB
Exam fees
| In-studio examsLevel 1 (Essential & Intermediate) and / or Level 2 (Advanced) | |
|---|---|
| MatWritten + 1 hour practical | R4 850 |
| ReformerWritten + 1 hour practical | R4 850 |
| Mat & ReformerWritten + 1.5 hour practical | R5 450 |
| Full ExamWritten + 2 hour practical | R5 950 |
| Online exams via ZoomWritten & practical, hosted online via Zoom | |
| Mat | R5 950 |
| Reformer | R5 950 |
| Mat & Reformer | R6 650 |
| Full Exam | R7 250 |
To book your exam, email lisa@themovementlab.co.za
Log hours for each course
After your course you’ll log observation, physical review and practice teaching hours before your exam. Not sure how? See the FAQs below.
Intensive Mat
40Instruction & supervised teaching*
10Observation
30Physical review
15Practice teaching
95Total hours
Intensive Reformer
50Instruction & supervised teaching*
10Observation
40Physical review
25Practice teaching
125Total hours
Intensive Cadillac
25Instruction & supervised teaching*
10Observation
15Physical review
10Practice teaching
60Total hours
Intensive Chair
15Instruction & supervised teaching
5Observation
10Physical review
10Practice teaching
40Total hours
Intensive Barrels
10Instruction & practice teaching
5Observation
10Physical review
5Practice teaching
30Total hours
*These hours are completed during the course itself.
Instructor training
Frequently asked questions
What is the STOTT PILATES method?
STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Lindsay G. Merrithew and Moira Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent three decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science, fascial fitness and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and most effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and Certification programs. STOTT PILATES is used by rehab, post-rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.
STOTT PILATES exercises help both men and women of all ages develop optimal strength, flexibility, endurance and posture, without building bulk or stressing joints. The perfect complement to cardiovascular exercise, athletic training or rehabilitation, STOTT PILATES can help you tone your body, feel revitalized, and move with ease.
What is the difference between STOTT PILATES and other Pilates techniques?
STOTT PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking on spinal rehabilitation, fascial integration, muscle conditioning and athletic performance enhancement. For example, some approaches may promote a flat back, whereas STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints. There is a strong emphasis on scapular stabilization, lumbo-pelvic placement and postural alignment, and optimal muscle activation. The repertoire of Matwork and equipment-based exercises contains a full range of preparations and modifications that caters to many different body types and abilities. The STOTT PILATES method focuses on functional fitness, making it applicable to everyday life.
How do I become a certified instructor?
Upon completion of your STOTT PILATES course, you need to complete a certain amount of practice teaching, observation and physical review hours. The number of hours required depends on the course you have completed. Once you have fulfilled these requirements, you are eligible to book your exam.
You have a 6 month time frame to take your exam after your course. You can schedule your exam anytime in that 6 month window. The exam consists of an equally weighted theory and practical section, which you need a combined average of 80% to pass (and no less than 75% for either section). If you get less than 75% for one of the sections, you only need to retake that part of the exam.
After passing your exam, you will officially be a certified STOTT PILATES instructor, receiving your certificate issued by Merrithew Head Office in Toronto, Canada.
What happens if I can’t take my exam within 6 months of the course?
If you have failed to meet the six-month requirement to complete your examination, you must complete a private reinstatement session with an Instructor Trainer. The MINIMUM private session requirements are:
- Matwork: 1 hour
- Reformer: 1 hour
- Matwork & Reformer: 1 to 2 hours
- Matwork, Reformer & CCB: 2 to 3 hours
The reinstatement is valid for 60 days and will not provide the student an additional six months to complete their examination.
How can I complete the practice teaching, observation & physical review hours required after my course?
A minimum number of hours of observation, practice teaching and physical review are required for all courses. The practice logs must be submitted on your exam date (either written or practical exam). If you fail to submit all the logs within 7 days from the last portion of the exam, the entire exam will be void.
Observation: Observation hours can be logged during or after the course and can be accrued by watching a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor teach clients, as well as observing the relevant course package DVDs. We recommend that 80% of observation hours be completed by watching a Certified Instructor teach.
Physical review: Means physically performing the exercises learned in class. Taking a class with a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor or working out with video can qualify as physical review hours, and can be completed individually or with other students.
Practice teaching: Hours can be fulfilled by instructing family, fellow students, friends or clients.
How many log hours do I need?
The number of log hours depends on the course that you completed. See the log hours for each course in the Exams & certification section above.
How do I book a course / exam?
All Instructor Training bookings can be done by emailing lisa@themovementlab.co.za
Are there payment plans available for courses?
Students are able to pay the course cost off over 3 months prior to commencement of the course.
Are there exams for the ZEN•GA and Total Barre courses too?
No, you only need to complete an exam for STOTT PILATES courses (Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels). The ZEN•GA and Total Barre courses are non-examination courses, but you will receive a certificate of completion from Merrithew Head office in Canada.
How much does it cost to take the exam?
See the exam fees in the Exams & certification section above. They cover in-studio exams and online exams via Zoom. To book your exam, email lisa@themovementlab.co.za
Fully equipped
A centre of excellence
The Movement Lab is fully equipped with reformers, cadillacs, stability chairs, ladder barrels, spine correctors, ballet barres and every prop imaginable. This means there is great variety in the classes, and it enables us to cater to your specific anatomical needs.
The Movement Lab is considered a centre of excellence in Cape Town for Pilates enthusiasts, students and established Pilates instructors, locally and internationally. Repeat international clients who choose Cape Town for their vacation make sure they take classes during their time in the Mother City, thanks to Lisa’s professional reputation and extensive knowledge.
“You are only as old as your spine.”Joseph Pilates
Ready to start?
Book your course
Email us to reserve your space on a course or book your exam.