Program Overview

Dates: May 8th-10th, 2026

Location: Jax Pilates by Jen Studio

The Soma Pilates™ Mat-Only Certification is a deeply intentional teacher training designed for movement professionals seeking to teach Pilates mat through the lens of somatics, recovery, and nervous system regulation.

This program bridges classical Pilates mat work with somatic movement, breathwork, and mindful sequencing, empowering instructors to safely guide students toward strength, mobility, emotional regulation, and embodied awareness—without the use of equipment.

This certification is ideal for instructors who want to teach:

• Mat Pilates classes

• Restorative and recovery-based sessions

• Trauma-informed movement

• Small groups, private clients, or community wellness classes

SOMA PILATES™ PHILOSOPHY

Soma Pilates™ recognizes that how we move matters as much as what we move.

This method emphasizes:

• Safety before intensity

• Awareness before effort

• Breath before force

• Regulation before performance

Students are trained to read the nervous system, adjust pace and load, and teach mat Pilates as a tool for both strength and self-regulation.MODULE 1: Foundations of Soma Pilates™ (30 Hours)

• Pilates principles through a somatic lens

• Nervous system basics (polyvagal-informed)

• Interoception and proprioception

• Language that supports safety and autonomy

• Creating a regulated learning environment

MODULE 2: Classical & Contemporary Mat Repertoire (70 Hours)

Repertoire Includes:

• Pre-Pilates and developmental patterns

• Classical Mat Order (Beginner–Intermediate)

• Contemporary variations and regressions

• Functional transitions and floor mobility

• Sequencing for strength, mobility, and ease

Emphasis On:

• Precision without rigidity

• Adaptive cueing

• Choice-based layering

• Teaching multiple bodies at once

MODULE 3: Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation (30 Hours)

• Diaphragmatic and lateral rib breathing

• Extended exhale techniques

• Box breathing and coherent breathing

• Breath as sensory feedback

• Breath-led pacing and rest

MODULE 4: Somatic Stretching & Recovery (30 Hours)

• Active vs. passive stretching

• Somatic micro-movements

• Contract-relax (PNF) methods

• Gentle rocking, unwinding, and release

• Restorative sequencing for fatigue and stress

MODULE 5: Teaching Methodology & Class Design (40 Hours)

• Teaching group mat classes

• Private mat sessions

• Trauma-aware cueing and consent

• Observation and assessment

• Designing:

  • Classical mat classes

  • Soma Pilates™ restorative mat classes

  • Mixed-level offerings

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Hour Breakdown

• 80 hours – Lectures & workshops

• 50 hours – Practice teaching

• 40 hours – Observation

• 30 hours – Self-practice, journaling, and assignments

ASSESSMENTS

• Final written assessment:

  • Pilates principles

  • Soma Pilates™ philosophy

  • Nervous system basics

• Practical teaching demonstration:

  • One classical mat class

  • One Soma Pilates™ restorative mat class

TUITION & ENROLLMENT

• Soma Pilates™ Mat-Only Certification:$1,500

• Includes:

  • Digital manuals

  • Teaching templates

  • Sequencing guides

  • Mentorship & assessments

• Payment Plans: Available

• Prerequisites:

  • Minimum 6–12 months Pilates practice (any style)

  • Open to dancers, yoga teachers, fitness professionals, and dedicated practitioners

FORMAT OPTIONS

In-Studio Training

Pilates by Jen — Jacksonville, FL
Hands-on mat intensives and teaching labs

WHY SOMA PILATES™ MAT

✔ Unique nervous-system-informed approach
✔ Accessible, equipment-free teaching skillset
✔ Perfect entry point into the Pilates by Jen Academy
✔ Ideal for studios, retreats, and wellness programs
✔ Fully stackable toward Comprehensive Certification

A CERTIFICATION WITH DEPTH

Graduates of the Soma Pilates™ Mat-Only Certification emerge with:

• Confidence to teach mat Pilates safely and intelligently

• Tools to support recovery and regulation

• A distinctive teaching voice grounded in awareness

• A professional pathway into advanced training

helps shape Pilates instructors who don’t just teach movement—
they teach connection, resilience, and presence.