SPECIALIZED CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & TEACHER TRAINING
Looking for a fun, mini continuing education experience?
Part workout, part workshop. Focused topics that include a Pilates concept, apparatus, exercise or teaching tip, chosen by the students or the teacher. Open to all Pilates teachers, approved apprentices and clients. A traditional background is preferred but not necessary.
Check out Contrology Club:
September 19, 2026: 12:30 - 2 pm:
Building Blocks to Inversions
There's more than one way to advance to complex inversions. Kathleen will take you through both upper and lower body building blocks (like the one you see pictured here from Pilates Anytime) so that your pathway to these challenging exercises becomes natural and automatic.
90 Minutes - Small Group - In-person/online - $65
24-hour cancellation policy
Not able to attend on the day of class? No worries! We will send you a link to the recording. Just give us a heads-up. Access will be for two weeks.
November 14, 2026: 12:30 - 2 pm:
Creativity in Classical Pilates
The words classical and traditional are often used to describe the original Pilates method, which can sometimes suggest that the work is meant to be unchanging. In reality, the classical method provides a foundation for creativity.
No two bodies, students, or learning processes are exactly alike. We’ll explore how to work with differences in proportions, needs, goals, learning styles, and movement timing while maintaining the original intent of the exercises. The goal is not to modify the method, but to develop a deeper understanding of it so we can make intelligent, creative choices in how we teach it.
90 Minutes - Small Group - In-person/online - $65
24-hour cancellation policy
Fall Workshop Day
Buy a Day Pass (in-person only) or choose your favorites, a la carte, below.
Using Improvisational Skills to Teach Pilates
Elin Hampton: 9:00-10:00 am
Improv teaches us how to be “in the moment.” It teaches us to collaborate, communicate, be creative, and use critical thinking skills. For these reasons, improvisational skills are valuable for teaching Pilates.
Learn from Television writer, playwright, and theatrical improv pro Elin Hampton, and walk away with useful and fun new teaching skills!
Hidden Connections: Small Changes, Big Transformations
Nicole Briggs: 10:00-11:30 am
Inspired by years of studying with Jay Grimes, Nicole Briggs will focus on two areas of the body that Jay often corrected in order to find a whole-body connection.
Nicole will break down each area within certain gateway exercises, on various pieces of apparatus, to help you find your hidden connections.
Whether you’re a teacher or a dedicated student, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how seemingly small changes in specific areas of the body can create greater connection, support, and integration throughout the whole body.
Pilates Breathing Exercises Decoded: Biomechanics, Biochemistry & the Nervous System
Mela Bodin: 12:00-1:30 pm
Most Pilates teachers know the breath cues for the breathing exercises, but do you know what those cues may be changing in the body? Have you ever asked “why do we hold our breath during chest expansion?”
In this experiential workshop, we’ll unpack the Pilates breathing exercises through the lenses of biomechanics, biochemistry, and the nervous system. Using science based functional-breathing principles, we’ll explore how different breathing cues can affect trunk support, focus, energy/muscle fatigue and regulation.
Learn to move beyond “inhale here, exhale there” and cue breath with greater clarity, purpose, and adaptability - helping clients get more from both the breathing exercise and their overall Pilates practice.
Zoom in on the Pelvis: Classical Reformer Basics
Jenny Kwon: 1:30-2:30 pm
This workshop will transform your perspective on what is going on with your pelvis in your daily Pilates class.
Discover the movements that work best for your unique pelvic type.
This workshop is open to clients of
any level.
Pilates Teacher Certification & Continuing Education
FOR NEW APPRENTICES AND TEACHERS BRIDGING TO THE CLASSICAL PILATES SYSTEM
Our apprenticeship program was born out of the need for more robust education options. We are not a teacher-training mill pumping out graduates left-and-right. We are dedicated to preserving the integrity of the Pilates method and our selection process is as challenging as the apprenticeship program itself. That said, our apprentices move on to effectively teach Pilates as a system — the way it was intended, not just learning random exercises on equipment.
Our pilates coaching course highlights the importance of hands-on training and experiential learning to become a Pilates instructor.
Wherever your journey into teaching Pilates takes you, a strong foundation in the traditional work is key to a well-rounded, well-informed future as a movement professional. A lifetime of learning, discovery and empowerment—for yourself and for your future clients—awaits you and we are here to guide you on the right path.
If you are new to Pilates and are looking for a full certification, a minimum of a one-year commitment is required. Average weekly time = 20 hours. See program example below for more details.
Certified and want to deepen your skills or switch styles? Sign up below to begin your transition.
Program Example
| What's Involved | |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 4 modules, 15 workshop hours / module |
| Reviews | 1 review / module, 2 hours for each |
| Private Lessons | Minimum of 2 private lessons per module. Note, most of our apprentices take weekly private lessons and/or classes. |
| Teaching Skills Workshop | 3 hour workshop on movement mechanics, observation and assessment skills |
| Pushes, Pulls & Spotting Workshop | 3 hour workshop focused on traditional hands-on teaching skills straight from Joe Pilates |
| One-on-one evaluation and practical tests | Average of 2 hours per module |
| Observation | Varies |
| Self Practice | Varies |
Students benefit from included digital video content to enhance learning.
Ready to Start Your Pilates Teaching Journey?
Book your first mentorship session or reach out for a personalized training outline.
Apprenticeship Interest List
We accept apprentices on a case-by-case basis, and, in few words: we’re picky. If you seek the quickest point from A to “certification,” we are not the studio for you. If you want to put in the time to actually learn how to teach the real deal, get in touch to be put on the interest list. Prospective apprentices are evaluated on their current understanding of the Pilates method and the ability to commit to an appropriate training schedule.
Already a teacher and looking for Continuing Education?
Teachers, enrich your Pilates practice and enhance your teaching skills by attending teacher specific classes / events in our Toluca Lake studio. Teachers from all backgrounds are welcome to attend. We foster respect and support each other.
Teacher Training Costs
Cost is dependent on the needs of applicant. Please reach out for more information.
FAQ
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Strong Body Pilates is located in Toluca Lake, a Los Angeles neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, next to Burbank, Studio City and just over the hill from Hollywood. Our studio is housed in the Toluca Towne Center, at 10660 Riverside Dr, between the major intersections of Lankershim and Cahuenga. We’re on the second floor, Suite B, which can be accessed via two stairwells, located at the center of the building and near the far west end of the building.
We regularly welcome clients from surrounding neighborhoods including Valley Village, Sherman Oaks, and Universal City.
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Yes, there is parking in the lot as well as street parking.
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For both private and group sessions: Wear comfortable, fitted workout clothes that allow movement Grip socks are highly recommended for safety and hygiene (available for purchase at the studio).
Bring water; filtered water is available on site you do not need to bring your own equipment — we provide everything you need.
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We love working with beginners! Start with a private lesson if you’d like personalized guidance, or join one of our small group classes for a supportive, structured introduction to the classical Pilates method.
Our instructors will ensure you’re comfortable and progressing at your own pace.
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Yes! All of our classes are available both in-studio and online via live video. Whether you’re across town or traveling, you can still participate in your private sessions or group classes from the comfort of your home.
You’ll receive a secure link upon booking. Just make sure you have a mat, space to move, and a stable internet connection.
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Yes. We always offer introductory packages for new clients.
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Our group classes are intentionally small — Up to 6 students max — so you can get personalized attention in a community setting. This keeps our focus on proper form and tailored instruction.
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Our instructors are fully certified in the classical Pilates method, with advanced training under Jay Grimes and other respected figures in the Pilates world. Each instructor brings years of experience and personalized care to every session.
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Yes. We offer a mentorship program for aspiring Pilates instructors, with hands-on training in classical principles. If you're looking to deepen your practice or pursue a teaching path to become a pilates instructor, visit our For Teachers page or contact us for more info.
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Yes — Pilates gift cards are available for purchase and can be used toward private sessions, group classes, or packages. Perfect for birthdays or wellness gifts.
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Yes, Strong Pilates — especially when rooted in the full classical Pilates system — is a highly effective full-body workout. It builds core strength, improves posture, enhances flexibility, and supports injury prevention, making it an excellent choice for people of all fitness levels.
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Pilates helps sculpt a lean, toned physique by strengthening muscles without bulk. It focuses on core control, alignment, and flexibility — which can contribute to a balanced, “long and strong” look over time.
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Yes, consistent Pilates practice can change how your body looks and feels. It improves muscle tone, alignment, and posture, which can make you appear taller, slimmer, and more balanced in movement.
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Most comprehensive Pilates certification programs generally take 12 months, including classroom hours, practice teaching, and exams. Mentorship-based programs like ours offer more flexible pacing.
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If you're passionate about movement, wellness, and helping others, absolutely. Teaching Pilates can be deeply fulfilling and offers flexibility, personal growth, and career opportunities across fitness and rehab settings.
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In California, there’s no state licensure, but most studios require instructors to complete a reputable certification program and maintain liability insurance. Many instructors also carry CPR/AED training.