Education FAQ's

This page includes questions and links that address the most common questions. If you need further assistance regarding certification, continuing education and certification renewal, please contact us at education@peakpilates.com.

Can I submit my CPR/AED and First Aid certification for Peak Pilates® CECs? 

Yes, you can earn 1 Peak Pilates® CEC for CPR/AED courses and 1 Peak Pilates® CEC for First Aid courses that you complete during your Peak Pilates® certification period by uploading a valid certificate of completion here. CPR/AED or First Aid credit can only be submitted once per certification period.  

Please note – if you have both CPR/AED and First Aid, please choose this option which will award 2 CECs.

How can I get a copy of my certificate?

Once you have completed the Certification course and passed the online exam, you will be able to download your certificate through your PeakU account certifications tab. 

How can I find out if there is a certification course near me?

Visit the Find a Training page to view available courses by date and location. You can also sign up for training updates.  

General Questions

What is PeakU and how do I access my course? 

PeakU is the Peak Pilates® online learning platform. Once you register for a course, you'll receive access via email with login details and step-by-step instructions to begin your modules. 

Please note: If you live in Europe, the Middle East or Africa, log in to the EMEA site at peaku.peakpilates.eu.

 

I got certified a long time ago and don't have a PeakU account. How can I get a copy of my certificate? 

If you do not have a PeakU account, it means your certification has not been kept current and we are unable to issue a certificate. Please email education@peakpilates.com to learn how you can bring your certification back into good standing. 

 

How do I change the last name or email address on my account?

You can manage your account details by logging into your PeakU account and navigating to the Accounts Details tab, then select Edit on the section you would like to update. 

I can't log in because I don't remember my password, and I can't reset it because my account is associated with an old email address that I don't have access to anymore. What do I do? 

Please email support@inspire360.com and ask to have your email address changed. 


What are observation and student teaching hours?

Peak Pilates® certification programs require you to log a certain number of observation and teaching hours prior to being awarded your instructor certification. To log these hours, you must make arrangements to observe a Peak Pilates® professional teacher, and you must also schedule time to practice teaching Pilates in a setting that gives you access to the proper Pilates equipment.


How far in advance must I register for a course?

All courses require registration a minimum of 2 weeks before the course start date. There is online course work that needs to be completed prior to your live training. The live component builds upon what you have learned from the online content and therefore it is important to have enough time to complete before your live training.

Can I cancel or reschedule a workshop I am signed up for?

For information about our education refund/cancellation policy, please visit this page.

 

Do you provide payment plans? 

Yes, we partner with Affirm to offer flexible payment options. Just choose Affirm at checkout and you will instantly receive your payment plan choices. Also, the Comprehensive Certification pathway is structured to allow students to pay per module. 

 

Do you offer a scholarship program?  

We have an Expanding Accessibility Scholarship. This was born from a desire to address the inequities found in the greater Pilates community and help break down barriers of access. BIPOC, AAPI, LATINX, LGBTQIA2, those experiencing financial hardship, and any other member of a marginalized community are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information and to apply, click here. 

Please note: you may apply at any time; however, applications are only reviewed from June through August for training programs held between September and May. 

 

What if I already have a non-Peak Pilates® certification, but want to enter into the Peak Pilates® Certification Pathway? 

The Peak Pilates® Bridge Program is a special Peak Pilates® certification pathway. It allows instructors who are certified through other nationally recognized Pilates organizations to enroll in an online course that leads to the Peak Pilates® Comprehensive Certification.

Certification Questions

What certification programs do Peak Pilates® offer? 

Our world class education program offers Mat, Comprehensive and FitCore™ Certifications.  

The Classical Mat Certification provides a solid foundation in classical Pilates mat work and prepares you to instruct Pilates mat classes safely and successfully.  
The Comprehensive Certification prepares you to teach a wide range of clients in both individual and group settings. It includes training on all apparatus and provides the skills to modify exercises for special populations.  
FitCore™ is a dynamic, fusion-style fitness certification designed to energize your teaching and expand your offerings. It blends classical Pilates with cardio, standing movement, and bodyweight training.   

 

How long do the certification courses take? 

The Classical Mat Certification is self-paced and takes approximately 70 hours.   
The Comprehensive Certification is a 655-hour program.  
FitCore™ offers 3 different certifications. 
       - FitCore™ Mat consists of 21 hours, including 15 online study hours and 6 course contact hours.
       - FitCore™ Group Reformer consists of 36 hours, including 20 online study hours and 16 course contact hours. 
       - FitCore™ Chair consists of 23 hours, including 15 hours online plus 1 day live (8 hours).  

 

How do I know which certification is right for me? 

Choosing the right Peak Pilates® certification depends on your current experience, goals, and how deeply you want to dive into the classical Pilates method. Here's a helpful breakdown: 

The Classical Mat Certification is a two-level, self-paced online program focused solely on mat work, based on classical exercises and the Peak Pilates® teaching formula. It's ideal for beginners or Pilates enthusiasts who want to lead mat-based classes. 
The Comprehensive Certification is a three-level, in-depth program covering mat, reformer, tower, chairs, barrels, and auxiliary equipment. It's perfect for those who want full instructor status and versatility across all equipment and opens the door to teaching private sessions and group classes, including modifications for diverse populations. 
Bridge to Comprehensive is for existing Pilates instructors certified by other recognized organizations. The Bridge Program (Level I Bridge) fast-tracks you into the Comprehensive pathway, allowing you to earn full Peak Pilates® certification at an accelerated pace. 
 

How do I know which FitCore™ certification is right for me? 

FitCore™ Mat is for instructors seeking to enhance mat-based, Pilates inspired classes with dynamic, full-body movements and cardio elements. 
FitCore™ Chair is for instructors ready to bring cardio-rich, full-body workouts to the Pilates chair. 
FitCore™ Reformer is for professionals using reformers who want to add dynamic, mind–body fusion to traditional sessions. 

Is CPR certification required to teach Pilates classes?   

While Peak Pilates® does not require CPR certification to earn your instructor credential, many gyms and studios do require it as part of their employment policy. We strongly recommend maintaining current CPR/AED certification to ensure you're prepared to lead safe, effective classes and meet hiring standards in your area.  


What is required to maintain my certification?

Peak Pilates® and FitCore™ Certifications require 14 continuing education credits (CECs) and a renewal fee ($69.95) every two years. You can also progress to the next level of your training to keep your certification active. Continuing education is professional learning that follows the basic level of certification for professionals in a given field. It helps you to be knowledgeable and proficient and is typically required to maintain certifications and licenses in any profession that involves public trust. Please find all our continuing education options here.

 

What if I let my certification lapse?

If you fail to renew your certification, you will no longer be a current Certified Peak Pilates® Instructor. Being recognized and current in your certification is essential to maintaining good standing with your clients and employers. It shows that you are up to date with your education and committed to serving your clientele in the best way possible. Additionally, it is important for maintaining insurance and limiting liability.

 

Is the certification valid outside of my home state or country? 

Yes, the Peak Pilates® Instructor Certification is globally recognized. However, should you relocate or decide to teach in a different country, be mindful to research the local government and health ministry regulations to determine if any additional certification requirements are needed. 

 

What materials are included in the course? 

Each certification program registration comes complete with all materials needed. Your pre-course online work will include a study guide, exercise video library, slide presentations, practice audio and video support, and more.  

However, we also recommend you purchase Joseph H. Pilates books: Return to Life through Contrology and Your Health. If you do not have an anatomy background, it is helpful to also read Anatomy of Movement, by Blandine Calais-Germaine. 

 

How long do I have access to the training material? Can I rewatch or revisit the training material later?   

Course access to the training material does not expire. You get lifetime access and can rewatch and revisit the material as much as you'd like after completing the course. The Instructor Manuals that come with each certification are very comprehensive, and you'll find the information very useful for years to come. 

 

Why are the course videos not being marked as complete after viewing?  

As long as you watch the entire video, it will be marked complete. You don't have to watch it all in one sitting, though. If you stop and come back to the course, just click Resume on the video, and it will pick up where you left off. 

 

I would like to host a certification at my studio. How do I go about it?  

To get started, choose the certification you'd like to host. You can learn about our certifications here. You can also host 3 to 8-hour continuing education workshops. 

When you're ready, simply fill out the form here. We'll contact you to confirm the date and answer any questions you have.
  

Do I need to own Pilates equipment to enroll in a virtual course? 

For CEC workshops, it's not required. You can watch and learn the information, then try it when you are in the studio or able to use equipment. 
For Virtual FitCore™ Chair Certifications, a chair is required. 

What's the difference between in-person, virtual, and online training formats? 

In-Person Certifications are led by a Master Instructor in a group setting. 
Virtual Certifications bring the Master Instructor to your home via Zoom.  
Online Certifications allow you to complete the entire course on your own, at your own pace.

My certification is expired, can I still renew my certification? 

If your certification has expired, you can still renew. Depending on how long your certification has been expired, it will determine how you will be able to renew your certification. 

If your certification has been expired for less than 90-days: There is a 90-day grace period, and you can renew your certification once you have all 14 CECs through the "Renew Now" button in the Course History Tab of your PeakU account. 

If your certification has been expired for more than 90-days but less than 2 years: You can renew with 14 CECs, and you will incur a $50 late fee in addition to the renewal fee. You must email education@peakpilates.com to receive the payment link. 

If your Comprehensive Certification has been expired for more than 2 years: You have the following 2 options – 
- Option #1: Challenge the Assessment (In person or virtual assessment with a Master Instructor). 
You will complete the Exercise Technique and the Full Session Teaching Assessment for the highest level you have achieved. 
- Option #2: Complete the Bridge Course
You may purchase the Bridge Course for the highest level you have achieved. For Level I & II, you are required to pass the theoretical exam only and no practical assessment is required. 

Continuing Education Questions

What continuing education options are available? 

We offer 2 virtual workshops each month on a variety of topics. You can click here to see the upcoming Virtual CEC Workshops. 
We also have an online video library of on demand courses you can see here.

When does my certification expire, and where can I view and track my CECs? 

Log in to your PeakU account to view your course history and how many CECs you've earned. You'll also see how many are needed before your next renewal, and your certification expiration date.

How many CECs do I need to renew my certification?  

Peak Pilates® and FitCore™ Certifications require 14 continuing education credits (CECs) and a renewal fee ($69.95) every two years. You can also progress to the next level of your training to keep your certification active.

 

I took a CEC workshop with another school; can those CECs be added toward my Peak Pilates® Certification renewal? 

Yes, you can petition up to 6 CECs from outside organizations to go toward your Peak Pilates certification renewal. All CEC credits must have a positive impact on your Pilates growth. We recommend credits in Pilates technique, teaching, anatomy, and/or special populations work. We also accept credits for other movement modalities such as Alexander, Feldenkrais®, Franklin Method ®, and Spiraldynamik® that contribute to a deeper understanding of movement that is applicable to Pilates. 

We do not accept credits for Personal Training, Barre, Yoga, Dance, Kick Boxing, etc. or other modalities that are group fitness oriented. For example: Yoga Teacher Training courses, ACE/ AFAA/NASM/NCSF certifications. While we realize that these trainings are educational, they are not directly applicable to Pilates instruction. 

If you have CECs you would like to petition, please click here and scroll to find the Petition applications. Select the application for the number of credits you would like to Petition and complete the check-out process. Then, add all of the course details and certificate to be approved. Once approved, they will be automatically added to the progress bar in your account.