BCRPA MAT PILATES FIRST LEVEL and ADVANCED LEVEL Teacher Training Courses
Overview & Accreditation
Elevate your teaching career with our BCRPA First Level and Advanced Level Mat Pilates Teacher Training programs.
Our Lela D Pilates Teacher Training & Education curriculum is officially approved and accredited by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) and the National Fitness Association (NFA).
Graduates of each program qualify for certification as a Mat Pilates Instructor, recognized across Canada and internationally through the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPS).
Courses include
Every registration includes:
Level-Specific Workbook: BCRPA-approved Mat Pilates Workbook for your course level.
Support and guidance from Lela Dawson, Trainer of Fitness Leaders, who has proven track record of developing hundreds of exceptional Mat Pilates instructors.
40 BCRPA Continuing Education Credits (CECs): Covers two years of BCRPA registration renewal requirements.
Course Requirements
To successfully complete the course, students must fulfill the following:
Attendance: 100% attendance across all scheduled session dates.
Participation: Active engagement in class sessions, completion of homework assignments, regular self-practice, and 4 class observations.
Post-Course Certification Steps: Following course completion, students must complete required practicum hours and pass the Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE) test-out for certification and BCRPA registration.
To Apply
To apply for acceptance into a Teacher Training program, visit our Contact Page and submit the following information:
The course level and date you are applying for (FirstLevel or Advanced Level).
A brief overview of your personal Pilates practice and any prior teaching experience.
Let us know what inspires you to want to teach Mat Pilates or advance your instruction skills.
If you live outside the Lower Mainland and require Zoom attendance
FIRST LEVEL Mat Pilates Teacher Training Course Details
Dates: 2027 Course Dates coming soon
Investment: $739.00
Credits: 40 BCRPA CECs (Valid toward two years of BCRPA registration renewal)
Registration Includes:
Newly updated 2026 First Level Mat Pilates Workbook
Three complementary Lela D Mat Zoom classes
40 BCRPA Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
Exclusive student pricing on the Movement Anatomy Review workshop and on a package of 5 private lessons on the Pilates apparatus.
The Ideal Candidate
This course is right for you if you:
Have a personal Pilates practice of at least 8 to 10+ Mat classes.
Possess a passion for Pilates and a strong desire to learn to teach and share its benefits.
Are a curious learner eager to dive deeper into the Pilates Method.
May be an existing group fitness instructor or personal trainer looking to integrate Pilates exercises into your current sessions.
Course Overview
Led by BCRPA Trainer of Fitness Leaders (TFL) Lela Dawson, this program is designed for students seeking hands-on instruction in a warm, supportive learning environment with ample opportunities for peer practice teaching.
Lela has a proven track record of developing hundreds of exceptional group Mat Pilates instructors.
The First Level curriculum centers on essential teaching skills, group class management, and the Fundamental Mat movements. Students learn that mastering these movements is the key to successfully teaching the entire Pilates mat repertoire.
What You Will Learn
Instructional Technique: Group class design, clear cueing skills, effective demonstrations for exercise set up, and the Pilates movement intent.
Practice & Feedback: Gain confidence through guided practice teaching paired with actionable, direct feedback from Lela.
Movement Mechanics: Learn the Pilates breath patterns, along with progressions and modifications for every exercise.
Post-Course Requirements for Certification
Following completion of the classroom hours, students must fulfill the following to earn certification as a BCRPA First Level Mat Pilates Fitness Instructor:
Complete an 8-hour practice teaching practicum with a mentor*.
Pass the Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE) test-out.*
*Note: Additional fees may apply for mentor practicums and the ICE test
ADVANCED LEVEL Mat Pilates Teacher Training Course Details
Dates: Jan. 21st to Feb 28th 2027
Thursday Jan 21st and Feb. 18th 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Zoom
Sundays Jan 24th, 31st, Feb 7th, 21st, 28th 12;30pm to 7:30pm In Studio
Investment: $789 + GST
Credits: 40 BCRPA CECs (Valid toward two years of BCRPA registration renewal)
Registration Includes:
Advanced Mat Pilates Workbook
40 BCRPA Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
4 supervised practicum hours
The Ideal Candidates
This course is right for you if you:
Have completed the BCRPA First Level Mat Pilates Teacher Training course.
Have gained practical experience teaching group Mat Pilates classes.
Want to elevate your teaching and introduce higher-level exercises into mixed-level classes, or launch dedicated Advanced Mat Pilates classes.
Want to be recognized as a Certified Advanced Level Pilates Mat Instructor.
Are a curious instructor looking to deepen your mastery of the Pilates Method.
Course Overview
Designed specifically to build upon the skills and fundamentals learned in the First Level Pilates Mat course and your teaching experience. The Advanced Pilates Mat course will teach you advanced instructional techniques to earn accreditation as a Certified BCRPA Advanced Level Pilates Mat Instructor.
Building on the foundational skills, you will learn how to progress First Level exercises and integrate 18+ higher-level and advanced Pilates exercises into your class repertoire. Through coaching and hands-on peer practice across this 44-hour practical course, you will gain the expertise and confidence needed to elevate your teaching skills.
Core Learning Outcomes:
Advanced Repertoire & Progressions:
Master 18+ advanced exercises and learn how to safely progress fundamental movements.
Refined Instructional Skills: Develop an analytical "teaching eye" to cue off the mat and master precision and tactile cueing to deepen participant experience.
Class Design & Methodology: Integrate class themes and apply the Principle of Precision and Flow to increase intensity.
The Method & System of Pilates: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Pilates method and system to distinguish yourself as an Advanced Level Pilates Mat instructor.
Post-Course Requirements for Certification
Following completion of the classroom hours, students must fulfill the following to earn certification as a BCRPA Advanced Mat Pilates Instructor:
Complete up to 4 additional practicum hours.
Pass the Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE) test-out.*
*Note: Additional fees may apply for test-outs.
Support for For Lela D Students
After your teacher training course is over, Lela is available to help you complete your practicum hours and evaluation.
Lela D Pilates Teacher Training offers ongoing support, and is always available to answer any questions you may have.
She offers several accredited workshops to earn CECs, and develop your teaching skills further. Lela also offers special student pricing on private lessons.
Check out her free Pilates Community Chat sessions on zoom.
THE Practicum Options
The goal of the practicum is to gain experience teaching actual students in a group setting. Your Pilates mentor will provide you with encouragement, teaching tips and feedback after each session that you will apply in your next class.
After completion of the Practicum you will be a stronger, more confident Pilates Fitness Instructor ready for your ICE exam and ready to teach your own class.
As a Lela D Pilates graduate, Lela will assist you in finding an experienced Pilates mentor* to work with.
She also offers Practicum Kick Start sessions several times each year.
This unique opportunity has been designed to provide practicum teaching experience in-person or on zoom to a group of new instructors that may not have a space to teach at, or a mentor in their area to work with.
The trainee will teach four classes to a group of participants under the supervision and mentorship of Lela or a senior BCRPA Pilates Instructor. Each trainee will be provided individual feedback & encouragement after each class to assist in their Pilates teaching development.
The Practicum Kickstart will provide 4 Practicum hours to the trainee.
A cohort minimum of 3, and maximum of 4 trainees is required.
Special pricing for Lela D Pilates Teacher Trainees starting at $89 + GST | Non Lela D Trainees starting at $139 + GST
One to one Practicum Mentoring
If you already have a Pilates mentor, great! If not, Lela D Pilates offers several one to one practicum options that will provide you with feedback and encouragement after each practice class.
Lela will match you up with a senior Pilates Fitness teacher or she will work one on one with you as your mentor.
*Note: As mentoring fees will vary, please always confirm the fees in advance with your mentor.
Contact us for pricing on the various one to one practicum mentoring options.
The Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE)
Following completion of the course specific practicum hours the student is eligible to test out for certification.
Your evaluation can be completed live in person or via Zoom at your venue or at Lela D Pilates Studio.
In general, you will need to set aside approximately 90 minutes to complete the practical exam, review the pre-completed written exam and answer the oral exam questions.
ICE Fees:
First Level Pilates ICE: $110 + GST
Advanced Level Pilates ICE: $125 + GST
*Additional fees for travel and parking may apply
Contact Lela directly to book your evaluation date.
Recommended Reading:
Return to Life Though Contrology by Joseph Pilates
Pilates Anatomy by Karen Klippinger & Rael Isacowitz
The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler
Pilates Body in Motion by Alicia Ungaro
For Lela D Students
FREE
Pilates Instructor Community Chat Series on zoom.
In this free Pilates community session, we discuss a Pilates topic or specific movement and then we wrap up the last 15 minutes of the chat with an Ask Lela Anything. - Bring your questions!
Next Chat:
Tuesday Nov 17th 7:00pm to 8:15pm
Topic: Simplifying Pilates
Using the Intent of the Pilates Movements, we can organize our cueing to create simplicity for our students without overwhelming them with too many cues.
FREE for Pilates Mat instructors.
To reserver your spot, email Lela for the zoom link.
Special Student Pricing on your first package of 5 private lessons
Private sessions can be tailored to enhance your development as a Pilates teacher.
Perhaps you are curious about the Reformer and would like to experience it and other Pilates apparatus.
Maybe you would like to develop a deeper understanding of the entire Pilates Method and System and how each modality links together and back to the mat.
Contact Lela to book in your first package of 5 private lessons for just $275 + GST
The Pilates Mat Tutoring Workshop is a private one on one workshop perfect for students that have completed the Teacher Training course but would like to work on specific skills. It is also appropriate for the busy instructors that would like to attend a workshop within their schedule on a topic that is relevant to their development skills.
The Pilates Mat Tutoring Workshop is offered at $325+ GST and provides 5 BCRPA CECs.
Contact Lela directly to schedule your preferred date and time.