Pilates Mat instructor training is coming to Pleasure Point Sanctuary!
Lead by Ky Russell, MA - a veteran Balanced Body Educator with over 25 years experience teaching Pilates and over 17 years experience educating teachers.
We are partnering with the Santa Cruz Pilates Education Collective to host the Balanced Body® Pilates Mat teacher training program in 2026! The Balanced Body® program is an internationally recognized teacher training that brings the best of movement science to movement education. From fundamentals to advanced movement, our Mat program empowers you to be a transformative teacher.
The program consists of 4 distinct training modules that can be taken on a flexible timeline that works best for your goals, schedule, and budget.
This module is the Movement Principles Module (pre-requisite).
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INSTRUCTOR: Ky Russell
LOCATION: Dance & Movement Studio - 3603 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, CA
DATES & TIMES:
Movement Principles Module (pre-requisite) March 6-8, 2026
Friday: 12:30 - 3:45 PM
Saturday: 9:30 - 6:30
Sunday: 11:30 - 5:00
COST: $575 (before 2/20/2026)
DESCRIPTION: The foundation of our education program, Movement Principles shows how to recognize, improve and teach fundamental movement.
This course is designed for both new and experienced instructors to refine their understanding of the body in motion. It provides the foundational knowledge necessary for you to understand fundamental movement and become a truly transformative instructor.
Movement Principles is a program requirement for our Pilates Instructor Training and Integrated Movement Specialist certificate.
Movement Principles Includes:
● Five Sections: Whole Body Movement, Trunk Integration, Lower Body Training,
Upper Body Training, Mobility and Restoration
● Overview of anatomy including bones and joints in specific relationship to movement
● Exercise instruction in foundational exercise applications in diverse movement and
fitness settings
● Detailed full color manual and streaming video to enhance your learning experience
● Cueing, coaching, and teaching tips
Mat 1, Intro to Pilates & Beginning / Intermediate Exercises (16 hours): March 27-29, 2026
Friday: 12:30 - 3:45 PM
Saturday: 9:30 - 6:30
Sunday: 11:30 - 5:00
COST: $575 (before 3/20/2026)
DESCRIPTION: Mat 1 forms the foundation of the Pilates method. This course includes an introduction to the history and principles of the Pilates method and the beginning and intermediate level exercises. Each exercise includes training on modifications, challenges, the purpose of the exercise and any precautions for injuries and special populations. How to design and teach group classes and guidelines for teaching seniors and pre and post–natal classes are included.
Prerequisites:
• Movement Principles
• 10 Mat Classes (recommended)
Mat 2, Intermediate Advanced Exercises (16 hours): May 1-3, 2026
Friday: 12:30 - 3:45 PM
Saturday: 9:30 - 6:30
Sunday: 11:30 - 5:00
COST: $575 (before 4/24/2026)
DESCRIPTION: Mat 2 teaches the remaining intermediate and advanced level Mat exercises for a complete understanding of the Pilates Mat program. Lectures include progressive skill development to achieve the advanced exercises, programming for intermediate and advanced classes and creating successful Mat classes.
Prerequisites:
• Movement Principles
• Mat 1
Mat 3 Enhanced Mat and Props (16 hours): June 12-14, 2026
Friday: 12:30 - 3:45 PM
Saturday: 9:30 - 6:30
Sunday: 11:30 - 5:00
COST: $575 (before 5/29/2026)
DESCRIPTION: Enhanced Pilates Mat completes the Mat training by adding rings, rollers, bands and balls to the traditional Mat exercises. In addition, Enhanced Mat includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop whole body strength and flexibility. The Balanced Body Programming System is introduced to make class design easy, effective and fun. Adding props to a mat class makes them more dynamic, creative and accessible and clients love toys!
Prerequisites:
• Mat 1 and 2, or successful completion of a comparable Pilates mat program.
CERTIFICATION DETAILS:
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body Mat instructor, students must complete the following:
● Anatomy in Three Dimensions (strongly recommended but not required)
● Balanced Body Movement Principles (16 hours)
● Balanced Body Mat 1 - Course work and module test (16 hours)
● Balanced Body Mat 2 - Course work and module test (16 hours)
● Balanced Body Mat 3 - Course work and module test (16 hours)
● 20 Mat personal sessions, 15 observation hours, and 25 student teaching hours
● Final written and practical test
● Total hours for completion of Mat program: 134 hours
● Upon fulfillment of all Balanced Body Mat Instructor requirements, students will receive
an internationally recognized certificate of completion
ENTIRE TRAINING DESCRIPTION:
Pilates Mat instructor training is coming to Pleasure Point Sanctuary!
We are partnering with the Santa Cruz Pilates Education Collective to host the Balanced Body® Pilates Mat teacher training program in 2026! The Balanced Body® program is an internationally recognized teacher training that brings the best of movement science to movement education. From fundamentals to advanced movement, our Mat program empowers you to be a transformative teacher.
The program consists of 4 distinct training modules that can be taken on a flexible timeline that works best for your goals, schedule, and budget.
Lead by Ky Russell, MA - a veteran Balanced Body Educator with over 25 years experience teaching Pilates and over 17 years experience educating teachers. Ky delights in guiding new and experienced teachers to develop their passion for movement and honing their craft in teaching others! Ky will be joined by local Balanced Body Educators Arwen Brooke and Sarah Artha Negara, also accomplished and experienced instructors of teachers.
Why train with the PEC & Balanced Body®?
● Internationally recognized with access to 400+ education sites worldwide.
● 15+ years of proven curriculum with over 30,000 graduates, giving students access to an exclusive alumni network.
● Flexible, modular system that provides students more time, options and instructor exposure.
● Backed by Balanced Body, the global leader in Pilates equipment for over 45 years.
● Our graduates have the option to be featured in our Instructor Directory & Studio Finder as a resource (Education Department specifically)
Program Details and Logistics:
Each 16 hour module includes movement, lecture, practice teaching, and coaching to help you become a confident, capable Pilates instructor.
● Instruction in the complete pre-Pilates and Balanced Body Mat exercises
● A detailed, full color manual with accompanying video support to enhance your learning (for each module)
● Mat class design and delivery based on the Balanced Body programming system
● Development of cueing and coaching skills
● Safety information for teaching special populations (seniors, pre-natal, and injury)
Questions?
Please visit the PEC website at www.pilatesedc.com or contact Ky at care@pilatesedc.com
WE look forward to chatting with you!
Meet Your Lead Instructor - Ky Russell, MA
Ky Russell (she/ her) is a former professional dancer, Pilates instructor, and self proclaimed movement nerd. She is the Director and Founder of the Pilates Education Collective, whose mission is to foster a community of skilled and diverse Pilates instructors who embody the values of compassion, curiosity, and inclusivity. She combines over 25 years of experience teaching Pilates and mindful movement with an academic background in Kinesiology. She became a Balanced Body® Educator in 2008, teaching Pilates instructor training programs, and Anatomy in 3 Dimensions® across the country and as a presenter at Pilates on Tour® Conferences. She leads international retreats and has taught internationally as a guest teacher.
She was introduced to Pilates in 1993, and received her original Pilates certification under the tutelage of Nora St. John in 2002. She has held certifications by the National Pilates Certification Program, ACE personal trainer, and Yoga Alliance.
She taught Pilates based rehabilitation at the world renowned St. Francis Hospital’s Center for Sports Medicine and is well-versed in pre and post rehabilitation protocols, and injury prevention. Ky has taught thousands of hours of Pilates to clients ranging from professional athletes and performers to people living with chronic pain.
She also is a regular guest teacher for Hannah Muse’s Awake Heart yoga teacher training program, teaching functional anatomy and core awareness. She has offered continuing education workshops on a variety of topics for the College of San Mateo Pilates program and Pilates studios throughout the Bay Area. She has also taught pre/post natal Pilates certification programs for movement professionals as faculty for the Center for Women’s Fitness.
In addition, Ky holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from San José State University and has taught Embodied Stress Management as Kinesiology faculty since 2016. Her thesis research examined women’s postpartum exercise experiences utilizing a feminist framework. Ky also holds a B.S. degree with an emphasis in experiential education from UC Berkeley. She is a former professional dancer and circus performer, and is a certified Grief Yoga, yoga, and mindfulness meditation instructor who incorporates holistic and embodied stress reduction into her classes, sessions, and continuing education offerings. When not teaching Pilates, she can be found playing with her teen daughter, who is her greatest teacher. Ky delights in sharing movement with others and helping her clients and students achieve their goals for holistic wellness, an active life, or a meaningful Pilates career!
@kyautumnpilates