BODY BY BLISS

500-HOUR COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Body By Bliss is proud to be an affiliate of THE LAB by Core Chicago Pilates, bringing their expert-led training to our studio with additional insights from Alisha & Shannon. THE LAB is a collaborative teacher training founded by Holly Swanson and Jacquelyn Brennan that emphasizes classical Pilates methods while integrating modern contemporary techniques. Holly and Jacquelyn have a combined experience of over 25 years in the Pilates industry and their website is https://thepilatestraining.com/.

THE LAB by Body By Bliss will be building upon the foundations established by THE LAB by adding Alisha and Shannon’s perspective and cumulative 23 years in the Pilates industry. Alisha and Shannon will provide their tips, tricks, and industry knowledge, such as specialized client assessments and new client intro series. You will gain in-depth instruction on various Pilates apparatus, primarily using Gratz (classical) and Balanced Body (contemporary) equipment.

What sets THE LAB by Body By Bliss apart is our aim to teach more than just choreography. Our goal is for all trainees to feel confident assessing a client, choosing the right exercises, and teaching them with modifications or variations as needed. Unique aspects of the training include:

  • “Breathwork is Corework” Our program is a breathwork based program, meaning that we restore proper function to the diaphragm and pelvic floor using breathwork. We include this as part of our anatomy section and it is a crucial aspect of Pilates.
  • Class Planning & Cueing An essential part of teaching Pilates is knowing how to sequence exercises in a way that engages, motivates and prepares clients for the next exercise and following session. We will help you work on your flow by teaching five signature class-planning techniques. We will also elaborate on proper verbal and tactile cuing techniques to ensure you are a well rounded teacher with a unique teaching style.
  • Teaching Style & Focus Area After learning the fundamentals of teaching, it is essential for you to develop your own unique teaching style and establish a focus area within the industry. Teaching styles and focus areas are fostered during the mentoring and apprenticeship portion of the training to help you infuse your personality into your sessions and discover what inspires you to continue teaching for years to come.
  • Mentorship & Careers A large portion of the training program includes in-studio mentorship and apprenticeship at Body By Bliss, where we guide and develop your teaching skills prior to completing your certification. Once you finish your certification, we strive to connect you with resources to further your interests in the niche of Pilates that resonates with you. Body By Bliss is also seeking additional instructors and has a preference for those who have completed in-studio apprenticeships. Please contact the studio if you are interested in applying.

More detailed information regarding the number of hours per apparatus, service type and skills contributing to the total 500 hours will be provided at the first weekend workshop.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

In-studio weekend workshops will be held on Fridays 4pm – 6pm, Saturdays 12pm – 6pm and Sundays 9am – 5pm.

  • June 20 – 22: Fundamentals, Anatomy & Apprenticeship Overview
  • July 18 – 20: Mat & Magic Circle
  • August 1 – 3: Reformer 1
  • August 22 – 24: Reformer 2, Accessories & Equipment Conversions
  • September 12 – 14: Cadillac, Towers & Springboards
  • October 3 – 5: Chairs, Ladder Barrel & Spine Correctors

2025 TUITION FEES

A $500 deposit is required upon applying for the course:

  • $50 is a non-refundable application fee
  • $450 is a tuition deposit, which will be refunded only if the applicant is not accepted into the program

Once the deposit and application are received, applicants will schedule an interview (in-person or virtual) to assess eligibility. Acceptance or rejection notifications will be sent by June 13, 2025.

Accepted applicants may choose one of the two payment options below. Failure to submit full payments by the due dates will result in ineligibility to continue the program. No refunds will be provided after the program begins on June 20, 2025.

Option 1 - Prepaid in Full (Discounted Rate):

  • Initial deposit: $500 due with application
  • Payment 1: $5,800 due June 13th, 2025
  • Total for program w/pay in full: $6,300

Option 2 - Payment Plan (Installments):

A valid credit card must be saved on file before June 13th, 2025. The studio will automatically charge the card on the specified date if payment has not been made.

  • Initial deposit: $500 due with application
  • Payment 1: $1,050 due June 13th, 2025
  • Payment 2: $1,050 due July 11th, 2025
  • Payment 3: $1,050 due July 25th, 2025
  • Payment 4: $1,050 due August 15th, 2025
  • Payment 5: $1,050 due September 5th, 2025
  • Payment 6: $1,050 due September 26th, 2025
  • Total for program w/payment option: $6,800

Included in tuition fees: Your tuition covers essential elements of the training as listed below.

  • Manuals
  • Weekend workshop hours as outlined on the program schedule
    • History and philosophy of Pilates
    • Professionalism, scope of practice, and ethics
    • Fundamentals, anatomy, and movement principles, including overview of specific conditions and modifications required
    • Breathwork: diaphragm and pelvic floor
    • Exercise instruction: steps broken down according to choreography, muscle focus, and contraindications
    • Apparatus (equipment) set-up and client safety cues
      • Mat and magic circle
      • Reformer
      • Cadillac, tower, and springboards
      • Chairs
      • Ladder barrel and spine correctors
    • Session and group class design
    • Written assessments and practical tests
    • Recommended reading list
  • Apprenticeship
    • In-studio mentorship
    • Support from seasoned instructors and staff
    • Feedback on cueing and personal teaching style
    • Guidance for developing a focus area
  • Observation Hours: 75 hours minimum
    • Observe live sessions and clients
    • Access to best practices, tips and tricks

MORE INFO & APPLICATIONS

For more details on tuition exclusions, additional terms and conditions, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), please contact the studio at studiomanager@bodybyblisspilates.com to request a complete information package. If you're ready to apply, you can also email the same address to receive an application and further instructions.