600-Hour Teacher Training Program
An Immersion in the Master's Method

To Donna Longo, sharing the knowledge of Joseph Pilates is an honor, a privilege and a joy. While the popularity of the method continues to grow and more and more companies are willing to hire instructors from a weekend certification program, the standards she believes are important to upholding the integrity of Joseph Pilates’ teachings are being diluted.

Her goal is to provide a program of study dedicated to the education of each student through mentorship, formal lectures and apprentice-style teaching to foster confidence while developing your unique teaching style. Donna strives to keep the program accessible and affordable to anyone who has the true passion to learn and share this Method.  She hopes to inspire appreciation for and aspiring mastery of this method while you embark on this lifelong journey as a teacher of Classical Pilates.

The structure of our program has changed to an Independent Study and Mentorship model. This is an alternative to the weekend lecture series however, is still a Comprehensive training program requiring 600 hours, written and practical tests.  Please see our brochure for more information, and feel free to call with questions.

Continuing Education Workshops Offered

Pilates For Seniors:

Growing older does not have to mean giving up on an active lifestyle or excepting your limitations as the “normal effects of aging”.  In this workshop, you will learn how to safely take a senior through a series of Pilates exercises that will give them overall improvements in strength, balance, spinal flexibility, and mental alertness.  We will discuss modifications and contra-indications for specific conditions common to this population, as well as giving them the tools to continue to live the lifestyle they choose.  Whether it’s tennis, golf or just playing with their grandchildren, Pilates can help give them the confidence and vitality to support a greater quality of life.

History, Philosophy, and Principles of the Method:

In this lecture, we will discuss the history of Joseph Pilates, his philosophies on health and fitness, and the principles inherent in his Method that are often overlooked or misunderstood in the Pilates community.

What Is the Mind, Body, Spirit Connection?

This phrase gets thrown around often to describe Pilates, but do we really understand the meaning and how the Method enhances these qualities? We will discuss the scientific definition, as well as the energetic, emotional, and spiritual connections Pilates has to offer and how it may be similar or different from Yoga.

The Art of Cueing and Spotting:

Learn the best ways to communicate with your clients for the best outcomes. Understand the various types of cues and why, when and how to implement them. As Albert Einstein said, “ If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough”.

Then we will move on to another type of cueing, hands-on spotting. Learn the reasons why to spot, when and when NOT its appropriate to touch, how to use your hands and body most effectively, how to become more sensitive to your clients muscular tensions and end range, and how to safely assist them in stretching.

Classical Pilates Technique and sequencing:

These workshops can be geared toward any apparatus or Mat work and at various levels. Learn the Classical Pilates sequencing, why it’s important, how to make modifications or breakdown an exercise when necessary, and how to progress your clients.