COURSES
BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
INFORMATION
Recognized around the world for its quality and training excellence, STOTT PILATES® offers varying levels of movement — essential, intermediate and advanced — to meet the exercise needs of all clients, from post-rehab to elite athlete.
Modular training offerings allow students to choose the method of study that best suits their lifestyles and availability. Students can take courses à la carte or all at once, and can certify in Mat, or Reformer, or achieve Full Certification. Merrithew also offers over 150 STOTT PILATES® workshops to choose from for continuing education.
STOTT PILATES® is recognised by a host of high-level industry bodies all over the world, including The Register of Exercise Professionals, the American Council on Exercise and canfitpro. The courses and workshops are internationally accredited by The Register of Exercise Professionals, the American Council on Exercise, and canfitpro.
With a STOTT PILATES® education, there’s no limit to career your opportunities. Starting your training, or continuing your training with STOTT PILATES® begins with our Certification Programs. Whichever certification program you choose you will learn 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; and exercise layering related to effective program design
INTENSIVE COURSES
STOTT PILATES®
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 student’s 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™ – IMP
- Intensive Reformer – IR
- Intensive Cadillac, Chair & Barrels – ICCB
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to teach the STOTT PILATES® method of exercise. Upon passing the exam, they will be recognized as a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor. Only upon the receipt of their certificate will they be entitled to identify themselves as a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor.
Our programs provide a balanced and thorough blend of theory, observation and practical experience to help you master the repertoire.
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 recognize 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
ZEN•GA® 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 emphasize the breath and strengthen both body and mind
Using props and equipment, these accessible workouts are playful yet powerful, emphasizing 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 ZEN•GA® Mat 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. Participants are taught how to integrate the Mindful Movement principles into energizing and strengthening workouts that improve muscle tone and function, facilitate neuromyofascial integration and increase overall wellbeing.
Total Barre® 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 utilize 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—no dance experience required!
The Total Barre® 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. The Course 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. Participants are also introduced to the Total Barre® Principles.
2026 SCHEDULE & PRICING
FULLY EQUIPPED
A CENTER 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 that there is great variety offered in the classes and it enables us to cater to your specific anatomical needs.
“You are only as old as your spine.” Joseph Pilates
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, ensure that they take classes during their time in the Mother City due to Lisa’s professional reputation and extensive knowledge.