We are pleased to offer
a Comprehensive Pilates
Teacher Training education,
BREATHE PILATES Academy.
BREATHE PILATES Academy offers Comprehensive and Bridge Teacher Training for those looking to learn Classical Pilates exercises as well as modern modifications and related exercises. We cover theory, biomechanics and anatomy, as well as real life case studies and scenarios. Once completed, you will have well over the required 450 hours required to be eligible to sit for the National Pilates Certification Program exam to qualify you as a National Certified Pilates Teacher.
Which apparatus will you learn?
- Mat
- Reformer
- Cadillac or Trapeze Table
- Wunda Chair
- Ladder Barrel
- Spine Corrector
- Ped-o-Pull
- Magic Circle
Where?
At BREATHE PILATES Miami in El Portal, FL. There will be 6 live in-person modules and 1 virtual anatomy module. Various virtual practice movement sessions will also be available throughout the course at an additional cost.
What will you learn?
- Pilates as a system, how the exercises relate to one another throughout all of the Pilates apparatus.
- How to assess a student and safely take them through a program design which will not only progress their practice but improve their wellbeing outside of the studio.
- How to communicate effectively and successfully in both group and Private sessions to keep students coming back.
- Various pathologies and contraindications and what modifications and considerations are needed for special populations.
- Classroom and required virtual hours – 100
- Lectures: history of Pilates, anatomy, special populations
- Teaching:
- Practice Teaching Hours – 150
- Observation Hours – 100 total, at least 75 hours must be live at an approved studio
- Self Practice Hours – 150
- Testing Date: Approximately 6 months after the last module
Practical and written exam – 6 hours - Classroom meeting hours – 6 modules
- Fridays 1–6 pm
- Saturdays 12:30 – 6pm
- Sundays 12:30 – 6pm
- Prerequisite hours required to apply to teacher training course: 30 Hours
- Hours may be completed in the form of Private and/or group classes at BREATHE or an approved studio.
What sets BREATHE PILATES Academy Teacher Training apart?
- Developed by a seasoned Pilates Instructor of over 17 years and a Pilates Instructor, Doctor of Physical Therapy and former university lecturer, with experience in sports, orthopedics, and pelvic health. Between the two of us we have vast knowledge, endless curiosity, and decades of experience to share and answer your questions.
- We are working professionals who not only love what we do but are ourselves Pilates nerds who continue on with our own education and practice.
- Our training is held almost exclusively in person in an intimate setting where you are encouraged and taught how to think critically, not what to think.
Our Bios:
Gretchen Wagoner
BREATHE PILATES Miami Instructor & Owner
NCPT – National Certified Pilates Teacher
Graduate of the Kathy Grant Heritage Training®
After taking her first class over 23 years ago, Gretchen instantly became hooked on the body, mind, and spirit connection of the Pilates Method. Mat was her first love and after being a student for 6 years in 2008, she obtained her first certification in Mat Pilates under Teri Steele through Dance New Amsterdam in NYC. Gretchen went on to continue her education and received her Comprehensive Certification on all Pilates Apparatus through Polestar Pilates in Miami in 2010. She quickly became a mentor for other students going through the program and then an Educator for the organization.
In 2016, Gretchen opened up BREATHE PILATES Miami which hosted many other esteemed teachers and became a studio where fellow Pilates instructors and students alike practiced.
Gretchen has taken Advanced continuing education courses in Osteoporosis, Scoliosis, Women’s Health (including pre/post natal), Pilates for the Dancer, Pilates for Rotational Sports, and Pilates for Hip and Knee Replacements, Pilates for MS™ & Neurological Conditions & Advanced Pilates for MS™ & Neurological Conditions, and multiple Oov trainings.
Gretchen is a graduate of The Kathy Grant Heritage Training® (Kathy Grant was an original student of Joseph Pilates) led by renowned teacher and student of Kathy Grant, Cara Reeser. Gretchen continues to study movement, anatomy, and body mechanics with Cara Reeser and Jeremy Laverdure in their ‘Movement Science Made Simple’ courses and takes regular Private sessions with Cara in order to keep advancing her own practice.
Mahitha Brown
BREATHE PILATES Miami Instructor
PT, DPT, ATC, NCPT – National Certified Pilates Teacher
Graduate of the Kathy Grant Heritage Training®
Mahitha first took Pilates at her university gym when she was recovering from an injury. She knew immediately that Pilates was something she wanted to continue practicing. During her undergraduate program, she studied Athletic Training and received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Miami. Throughout the program, Mahitha worked with many of the university’s Division I sports teams, ultimately gaining the experience that led Mahitha to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. Mahitha went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, also from the University of Miami. Because of her consistent practice, Mahitha knew Pilates could be an essential tool that could benefit her education and help others. While obtaining her doctorate, Mahitha completed a comprehensive Pilates training with Polestar Pilates Education and further became a Certified Pilates Teacher in 2016.
Mahitha has done advanced training in obstetric physical therapy, pelvic health physical therapy, manual therapy, Pilates for Neurological Conditions, and is a Pre and Post Natal Specialist through The Center for Women’s Fitness. Most recently, she has also graduated from The Kathy Grant Heritage Training®, led by Cara Reeser in 2022.
Throughout her career, Mahitha has worked as a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, and a university lecturer. Currently, Mahitha has continued to teach Pilates, as well as practice as a pelvic health physical therapist. Through her experience and continued education, Mahitha continues to gain a great understanding of anatomy, injuries, and overall function that she hopes will benefit her Pilates students, her patients, and herself.
