pilates matwork teacher training
- gold coast

teach wisdom. move with intention. lead from heart.
In a world that moves fast, let your teaching be a sanctuary.
Our Pilates Matwork Teacher Training invites you to slow down, tune in, and guide others from a place of embodied clarity.
Rooted in over 25 years of experience, this is not just a course — it’s a calling. Led by one of the Gold Coast’s most experienced educators, this journey offers both depth and direction for those ready to inspire change through mindful movement.
why train with us?
✨ 25+ Years of Experience
Led by Michelle Cassidy and the Essence of Living faculty — pioneers in the industry and trusted mentors to thousands of graduates.
🌏 Gold Coast’s Leading Pilates Educator
A legacy of quality, integrity, and transformation. You’ll be learning from the very best — with deep roots in the local wellness community and global recognition.
🧘 Holistic & Heart-Led Approach
More than just technique — we teach from the soul. Expect a training that nurtures your confidence, creativity, and connection.
what you'll learn
💫 Pilates Principles & Philosophy
Discover the roots of Joseph Pilates’ method and how to honour his legacy in a modern, mindful way.
🧠 Functional Anatomy & Safe Practice
Understand the body deeply, learning how to adapt, cue, and support diverse students with intelligence and care.
🌀 Intelligent Sequencing
Design classes that flow with purpose — balancing challenge and ease, stability and mobility.
🗣️ Empowered Cueing & Communication
Refine your voice. Learn to guide with clarity, presence, and heart.
🌿 Modifications, Progressions & Props
Adapt movement to meet your students where they are — from rehab to high performance.
your certification
On completion, you’ll receive a nationally recognised Pilates Matwork Instructor Certification, giving you everything you need to begin teaching with confidence — in studios, gyms, wellness spaces, or private sessions.
This training forms the foundation of your Pilates teaching journey and can be a standalone qualification or the first step toward further training in Pilates Props, Barre, or Reformer.
🧘♀️ No previous teaching experience required — just a love of movement and a desire to guide.
training format & flexibility
You can now choose a path that suits your rhythm:
• 🌞 In-Person on the Gold Coast
Experience the energy of a real classroom, with hands-on support and community connection.
• 💻 Online Hybrid Modules
Learn at your own pace, from anywhere in the world — while still being deeply held in mentorship and community.
WHAT OUR STUDENTs SAY

Making the decision to embark on the journey of yoga and Pilates teacher training at Essence of Living has been more than just acquiring the skills to instruct - it's had a profound impact on my life.
Through this experience, I've shifted my mindset, met lifelong friends, and connected deeply with my truest self.
I've learnt that it is possible to overcome limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns that I have held for years, ones I never thought I would truly be able to get past.
I've learnt that I may not be the best at everything, but all that matters is that I do everything from a place of love.
Having Michelle by my side as I open my own yoga and Pilates studio has been invaluable.
She has been a role model for me and her support goes well beyond the duration of the teacher training.
Michelle goes the extra mile to bring out the best in everyone.
She has guided me not only in running the studio but also in navigating business with integrity and authenticity and for this I am truly grateful.
Keira
hybrid + In-Person (Weekends):
1st - 30th November 2025
Lectures and training: 5 weekends | Sat & Sun | 7am - 3pm
Location: Essence of Living | Gold Coast
upcoming intensive course: 2nd - 13th March 2026
Lectures and training: 2 weeks | Monday - Friday | 6am - 2pm
Location: Essence of Living | Gold Coast
who is this training for
✨ Aspiring Pilates teachers ready to build a strong foundation
✨ Yoga teachers or fitness professionals expanding their offerings
✨ Movers and seekers called to share their love of mindful movement
✨ Those longing to feel more confident in their body and voice
let's begin your journey
You’re not just learning to teach Pilates — you’re stepping into your purpose as a space-holder, guide, and change-maker.
🎓 Join the Gold Coast’s most experienced teacher training school
🌏 Gain a nationally recognised Pilates certification
💌 Feel supported every step of the way — from enrolment to graduation and beyond
✨ Book a call with Michelle Cassidy
Book a call with Michelle
While you can scroll down and find all of the information about dates, cost, location, assessments and facilitators, we think it's amazing to discuss such a life changing opportunity with a real person!
Michelle has been running Essence of Living since 2004 and these teacher trainings are truly her passion. She would LOVE to discuss any questions you have! Book a call with her!
don’t see a time your like ? click hereCourse Facilitators
Meet our lovely teachers

Michelle Cassidy

Simone Kelly

Susie Tagarro

Jema Lee
ASSESSMENT
In order to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a pilates teacher, there are a number of assessments required as a part of the course.
- 40 x session participations (10 completed in course delivery / rest can be either online via EOL TV or with an EOL ALUMNI)
- 4 x Observation reports 1x online class & 3x in person classes
- 4 x one hour class sessions (with your fellow teacher trainees)
- Business Plan (including market research)
- 1 x written exam
- Design & Create Pilates Resume
- 2 x 500 word reflective essays/book reports
- Develop client screening appraisal
- Personal Development plan
- Online Special Populations Assessment
- Online Anatomy Assessment
- Online Personal Trainer Assessment
Hybrid Course Extra Assessments:
- Online Pilates Anatomy & Physiology Course
- Online Wellness & Nutrition Course
- Online Pre & Postnatal Course
- Online In the Business of Wellness & Pilates Course
Many of these pieces of assessment will be delivered during your training, however you do have a total of 6 months to complete all of your assessment.
REQUIRED READING
There are a number of books required to complete the course, these will be referenced within the training. You do not have to read them cover to cover before training commences.
- Return to Life – Through Contrology by Joseph Pilates
- Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
- Pilates Anatomy – Rael Isacowitz & Karen Clippinger
Online retailers we suggest to find your materials include Book Depository, Amazon and AbeBooks. Fishpond & Audible.
course curriculum
GROUP PILATES TRAINING
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
EXERCISE PROGRAMMING
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
CLIENT SCREENING
EQUIPMENT USE
NUTRITION
BUSINESS SKILLS
WORKPLACE RELATIONS
say hello, don’t be shy
Leave your details and she'll get in contact!
Email : [email protected]
Phone : +0413137155
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