Options Pilates Studio Dubai
Teach What You Love

Become an Instructor

Turn your passion for Pilates into a globally recognised certification.

Pilates Instructor Training

At Options Pilates, we provide a comprehensive suite of Pilates courses and certifications through Pilates Academy International (PAI), a globally recognised institution based in New York. Since 2007, we have certified hundreds of instructors who now teach across Asia and beyond.

40-hour Matwork

All Populations Mat (APM) — the foundational Pilates Mat repertoire for teaching clients of all levels.

40 Hours

50-hour Reformer

All Populations Reformer (APR) — learn to teach safe and effective Reformer sessions.

50 Hours

50-hour Full Studio

All Populations Cadillac, Chair and Barrels (APCCB) — expand your skills across full studio equipment.

50 Hours

Advanced Courses

APM II, APR II and APCCB II — deepen your knowledge and teaching repertoire at an advanced level.

Advanced

Pre/Post-Natal Workshops

Specialised training to safely and effectively teach pregnant and postpartum clients.

Workshop

Continuing Education

Rehab workshops and a variety of continuing education courses to keep your skills current.

Ongoing

Which Course Do I Take First?

Your first step is the Anatomy, Biomechanics and Posture Analysis (ABP) workshop. This foundational course is mandatory for all first-time PAI students and covers the structure of the human body, including bones, muscles and joints.

After ABP, we recommend starting with All Populations Mat (APM), as it lays the groundwork for all Pilates exercises. You may also choose to begin with All Populations Reformer (APR) depending on your interests and goals.

ABP APM I APR I APCCB I APM II APR II APCCB II

Course Requirements

Attendance

  • Attend all scheduled training hours.
  • Missed hours must be made up through a private review session with the master trainer.
  • Missing more than 12 hours requires auditing the entire course in the next available session.
  • Course auditing is subject to availability and may be streamed online if full.
  • Students may audit courses as many times as needed, provided space is available.

Outside Class Requirements

  • Observation hours — observe classes, private sessions or PAI videos (max 5 hours).
  • Practice teaching — verbally teach exercises to another person to build proficiency.
  • Personal study hours — study exercises in depth, including design, modifications, breath patterns and muscle involvement. Attending classes can count.
  • All hours must be logged and submitted on test day.

Mentorship Program

We strongly encourage students to join our Mentorship Program, which provides comprehensive support to meet observation, practice teaching and personal study requirements.

Observation

Watch an instructor teach a session, subject to client approval.

Practice Teaching

Use the studio space to practise teaching in a supportive environment.

Personal Study

Participate in group classes to study and analyse exercises in action.

The Mentorship Program is available exclusively to Options Pilates course students for a monthly fee of AED 980. Individual packages are also available: 10 hours of Observation for AED 490 or 10 hours of Studio Usage for AED 580.

Certification Exam & Fees

Students must complete the certification exam within one year of the final day of their course. If more than one year has passed, a review session with a certifying instructor is required.

All Populations Level I Courses

Includes both a written exam and a practical exam.

  • A minimum score of 80% is required to pass the written portion.
  • The practical portion is graded on a pass/fail basis.

All Populations Level II Courses

Includes only a practical exam, graded on a pass/fail basis.

Course Materials Included

All Pilates Academy courses at Options Pilates include the relevant manuals in the course price.

Private Courses

If our regular term schedule doesn't fit your availability, we offer private courses with our master trainer, tailored to your schedule. Choose 1-on-1 sessions or arrange your own group.

Approximate Classroom Hours

  • ABP: 11 hours
  • APM I: 30–32 hours
  • APR I: 40 hours
  • Cadillac I: 22 hours
  • Chair I: 10 hours
  • Barrels: 6 hours

Actual hours may vary based on group size, learning pace and additional guidance required.

How to Register

To register your interest, please contact us using the form below or email us directly. For private course enquiries, please email courses@options-studio.com.

Other Courses & Continuing Education

Pre and Post-Rehabilitative Pilates

Learn the protocol for teaching post-rehabilitative clients, from the initial meeting through ongoing sessions and return to recreational activities. Covers anatomy, injury definitions and safe progression benchmarks.

Prerequisite: APM

Post-Rehab: Sacrum & Lumbar Spine

Review the anatomy of the lumbo-pelvic region and common injuries, with exercises specific to post-rehabilitating the sacrum and lumbar spine on all equipment.

Prerequisite: APM + Foundations

Post-Rehab: Cervical Spine & Shoulder

Explore the biomechanical link between the neck and shoulder, review anatomy and common injuries, and learn exercises to safely rehabilitate the cervical spine and shoulder girdle.

Prerequisite: APM + Foundations

Post-Rehab: Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot

Understand lower-extremity biomechanics and common injuries, with targeted exercises on all equipment and modifications for safe recovery.

Prerequisite: APM + Foundations

Start Your Teaching Journey

Contact us to learn about upcoming course dates, fees and enrollment.

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