What is a Teacher Training program?

Teaching the system of Pilates requires an knowledge of the basic choreography of over 700 exercises, an understanding of the apparatus and safety techniques in teaching on the apparatus, and an awareness of how to assist a client to move well through each exercise, all while simultaneously building a system for the client. Our instructor training program uses a hands on apprentice style approach to ensure understanding of the Pilates system, as well as how to move a client safety and well through the system of exercises, taking into account imbalances, injuries and the specific needs of the client.

The Swansea Pilates Teacher Training program (SPTT) through Romana's Pilates International is a continuation of the first developed international Pilates training program, making the program one of the the most comprehensive and demanding in the world. As a result, our teachers are some of the best in the business. Our training program includes:

A course of 3 independent 2-3 day seminars covering all exercises on all apparatus, safeties and modifications, teaching tips and techniques.
700-1000 apprenticeship hours including observation, personal pilates practice, teaching practice. (approx 10-20 hours weekly.)
Workbook including all exercises covered in the course.
Full studio access for weekly hours.
Weekly apprentice meetings.
Specific development on how to work with clients including introduction to the Pilates system, safety when using the apparatus, anatomy, and considering injuries and imbalances.
Comprehensive testing of both knowledge and teaching development.

The course and testing is comprised of the following:

The Basic

Basic Seminar covering all basic exercises on all apparatus.
Focus on introducing clients to the Pilates system and pre-Pilates.
200-300 minimum apprenticeship hours.
The practical basic exam ( test by a level III or higher teacher trainer).

The Intermediate

Intermediate seminar covering all intermediate exercises on all apparatus.
200-300 minimum apprenticeship hours.
Analysis of imbalances and modifications.
The intermediate written exam and practical exam ( tested by level II or higher teacher trainer).

The Advanced

Advanced seminar covering all advanced exercises on all apparatus.
200-300 minimum apprenticeship hours.
In-depth exploration of developing clients through the system to fully embody the principles of Pilates within an individual session.
The advanced practical and written exams (tested by level I or X teacher trainer).

Who are we?

Fera Smith, the studio owner and senior teacher, is a 2nd generation teacher with over 21 years international teaching experience. Fera competed her initial comprehensive training in the original training program under Romana Kryzanowska, and has continued training and working with other 1st and 2nd generation teachers trained by Joseph Pilates and Romana throughout the world. Fera is a level IV teacher trainer with Romana's Pilates International.

The Romana´s Pilates Instructor Training Programme is one of the most respected comprehensive pilates teacher training certifications in the world. Romana's Pilates has the largest number of high level master teachers who trained directly with Romana Kryzanowska (Joseph Pilates' chosen protegée). It is because of this unparalleled concentration of excellent teacher trainers and depth of knowledge regarding the work of Joseph Pilates that Romana´s Pilates instructors are considered some of the best in the industry.

Apprentices in our program will be directly supervised by Fera Smith in the Swansea studio and will have the opportunity to collaborate with other apprentices internationally and to work with our teacher trainers from around the world. Seminars and testing will be with level III, II, X, or I teachers, including:

Rebecca Convey (III), London, UK
Jane Poerwoatmodjo (III), Den Haag
Marjorie Oren (X) , Den Haag
Cynthia Lochard (I), Sydney, Australia
Sari Mejia Santo (I) , Florida, USA

Where is our Training Programme?

Our teacher training program is primarily located at our studio in Mumbles, Swansea. Seminar weekends and testing may also be at our sister training centre, Kinetic Pilates in London and our European training headquarters The Pilates Studio, Den Haag. Apprentices are encouraged to visit our Romana's Pilates studios and training centres across the UK and the world. This extensive network and Pilates family is an incredible benefit to our apprentices.

Our next training program will commence September 2025.

Where do our Graduates Work?

Upon completion of our program our instructors can teach locally or internationally through our extensive network of studios and beyond. As some of the most comprehensively trained teachers globally, Romana's Pilates graduates are in high demand. Our knowledge and skillset applicable in both fully equipped studios and group settings.

Romana's Pilates teachers also have exclusive access to continuing professional education, hosted by some of the most experienced and seasoned teacher trainers in the world.

How much does the program Cost?

The tuition for the program covers the cost of the manual, seminars, weekly apprentice meetings, studio access, exams. This does not include additional weekly private sessions (offered at a discount at The Pilates Studio Swansea and Kinetic Pilates), travel costs, or re-testing.

Please contact the studio for the 2025 pricing.

When to Apply!

The Pilates Teacher training program is designed to teach apprentices how to teach, not to provide a basic knowledge of Pilates. Entrants to the program are expected to have the following:

Attended a minimum 50-70 privates sessions with a comprehensively trained teacher.
Understand in their personal practice of Pilates both the mat and reformer system to an intermediate level.
Assess with level IV instructor or above to enter the program.

In order to learn the work of Pilates and understand how to teach to the highest standard, apprentices are expected to have the intent to commit to the hours and intensity of the program. Most apprentices spend 6 -12 months preparing for the program and 12 to 18 months completing the program, with a minimum of 10-15 hours weekly for the duration of the program.

In order to prepare potential apprentices, the studio offers apprentice pre-requisite workshops and pre-training sessions in order to prepare for the entrance assessment and program. Please contact the studio for more information regarding workshop/sessions.

To express your interest in the program or to apply, please contact The Studio.