Pilates Comprehensive Instructor Certificate prepares students to instruct the complete repertoire of Pilates Mat, Reformer, and Apparatus equipment exercises in group classes and one-on-one private or semi-private training sessions at health clubs, fitness and wellness centers, community centers, corporate settings, or private studios. The program includes instruction in the principles, techniques, teaching skills, history, and movement theory behind Pilates training in addition to applied kinesiology and anatomy. Students are required to complete and document personal Pilates sessions, observation hours, and student teaching hours.
Tuition for the Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Certificate is $736
16 units x $46 per unit
Financial Aid Available
Contact me about the Pilates Instructor Program
Classes are held in the evenings and one weekend a month at the Petaluma Campus. Please see the schedule of classes for specific dates and times. Look under "Kinesiology Lecture".
The smaller certificates (Mat, Reformer, Apparatus) stack and equal the larger "Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Certificate" = 16 units, that qualifies for financial aid and prepares students to sit for the: National Pilates Certificate Exam
Certificate Requirements:
Pilates Comprehensive Certificate = 16 units (475 Total Hours)
| Course | Description | Units | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIN 80 | Introduction to Applied Kinesiology and Anatomy | 3.0 | 52.5 |
| KIN 90 | Pilates Teaching Methodology and Principles | 2.0 | 35 |
| KIN 91 | Pilates Mat Instructor Training | 3.0 | 52.5 |
| KIN 92 | Pilates Reformer Instructor Training | 3.0 | 52.5 |
| KIN 93 | Pilates Apparatus Instructor Training | 2.0 | 35 |
| KIN 50.3 or WE99I | Pilates Mat Teaching Practicum or Internship Work Experience (for experienced instructors with a mentor) | 1.0 | 52.5 |
| KIN 50.4 or WE99I | Pilates Reformer Teaching Practicum or Internship Work Experience (for experienced instructors with a mentor) | 1.0 | 52.5 |
| KIN 50.5 or WE99I | Pilates Apparatus Teaching Practicum or Internship Work Experience (for experienced instructors with a mentor) | 1.0 | 52.5 |
| 10 Observation Sessions + 20 Personal Sessions (Pilates Mat) | 30 | ||
| 10 Observation Sessions + 20 Personal Sessions (Pilates Reformer) | 30 | ||
| 10 Observation Sessions + 20 Personal Sessions (Pilates Apparatus) | 30 | ||
| 16.0 | 475 |
Individual Certificates:
SRJC has the following Balanced Body Pilates industry standard equipment for students to get extensive hands-on practical experience. A unique feature of our program is the opportunity to obtain all required practice teaching hours under the guidance of an experienced teacher, embedded within the course curriculum. Students should feel confident in their teaching skills and ready to instruct others upon completion.
| 14 Allegro Reformers with Towers | Two Cadillac Trapeze Tables | One Reformer/Trapeze combo |
| 1 Wunda chair | 1 EXO chair | 14 arcs |
| 3 Clara Step Barrels | Ladder Barrel | 14 Combo Chairs |
If you are not a current student at SRJC, your first step will be to apply to the college to be able to register for classes: https://admissions.santarosa.edu/new-or-returning-credit-student-information
Instructors:
Tara Jacobson, Program Co-founder & Coordinator
Email: tjacobson@santarosa.edu
Dr. Tara Jacobson holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from San Diego State University, as well as a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University. With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Tara has dedicated her career to helping people improve their health, discover the joy of movement, and prepare for meaningful careers in the fitness industry.
Tara is a full-time Kinesiology faculty member, Department Chair of Kinesiology, Athletics, and Dance, and Program Coordinator at Santa Rosa Junior College, where she teaches a wide range of lecture and activity-based courses in kinesiology, fitness, yoga, and Pilates. She has extensive experience teaching in face-to-face, online, hybrid, and HyFlex formats and is committed to creating engaging, inclusive learning environments that support student success.
Her love of movement began with dance at an early age and evolved into teaching dance and group fitness while still in high school. Since then, she has continued to expand her knowledge through advanced education and professional certifications. Tara completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Integrative Yoga Therapy at Bodyworks in Petaluma and later earned a 300-hour advanced yoga certification in Peru. She is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C), a National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC) Certified Health Coach, an E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher, a Balanced Body Comprehensive Pilates Instructor, and a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT). She completing most of her Pilates training with master educator Gwen Miller.
At Santa Rosa Junior College, Tara developed and coordinates Career Education certificate programs in Fitness, Yoga, and Pilates Instruction, helping make high-quality instructor training more affordable and accessible. She is passionate about preparing students for careers in the health and fitness industry while promoting evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and inclusive movement for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Beyond the classroom, Tara serves as the Treasurer of the California Community College Physical Education, Kinesiology, Dance, and Athletics (CCCPEKD) Association, where she advocates for health and movement education across California's community colleges. She also continues to teach Pilates, yoga, and fitness classes in the community, staying connected to the real-world practice that informs her teaching.
Carrie Stillman, Program Instructor
Email: cstillman@santarosa.edu
Carrie Stillman holds a BA in Dance from UC Santa Barbara and an MA in Dance Education from CSU Long Beach. She is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) with the National Pilates Certification Program, and the PhysicalMind Institute. She has been teaching Dance and Pilates fitness since 1994, and continuously studies current practices in functional anatomy, exercise physiology, and the practical application of using Pilates for conditioning, injury prevention & recovery, and functional movement education. She draws inspiration from an eclectic blend of several holistic movement practices to devise an integrative, thorough, and appropriate personalized program for her clients and students. She owns and operates her fully equipped Pilates studio, Mindful Movement Pilates and has been an associate faculty member at Santa Rosa Junior College since 2000 teaching Dance and Pilates in the Kinesiology, Athletics & Dance Department. In her free time she loves to be active outdoors, spread love to all animals, spend time with friends and family, promote a sustainable and equitable world, and laugh as often as possible.