The Lab: A Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training

A collaborative effort between Holly Swanson, Owner of Core Chicago Pilates and Jacquelyn Brennan, Owner of Pilates + Coffee. With combined 25 years of industry experience, we bring you a our 500-hour Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training program to set you on the path for a successful and fulfilling career.

At the center of The Lab's philosophy is the idea that every teacher has their own teaching style, and we want to give you the foundation to start cultivating one of your own. Our PMA certified program will teach you the classical Pilates repertoire with the addition of specific modifications and variations to allow you teach all populations of clients. 

What our students are saying…

“I thought the Pilates Comprehensive LAB Training Program taught by Jacquelyn and Holly was amazing. The training was very thorough and taught in an effective manner.  With the program being half instruction, and half practical, it reinforced the learning of each and every exercise for every student.

Jacquelyn and Holly are both very wonderful teachers, instructors, and studio owners. Both being very successful and good at what they do, are able to teach new aspiring teachers in a fun and enjoyable way. They want their students to very much succeed as they enter the Pilates World and will help them in doing so. Overall, I highly recommend this program. 

I think for me personally it was one of the best things I have done for myself and I have learned a tremendous amount, all while meeting some really great people.”

— Rita Shah

“My journey with Pilates began as a collegiate athlete rehabbing residual low back pain following a lumbar stress fracture. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Doctorate in Physical Therapy and currently work in a Private Practice specializing in sport -specific rehabilitation for the adolescent athlete. 

I have been integrating much of what I learned in the Teacher Training Program to the clinic for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and maintenance programs. Jacquelyn and Holly both have been beyond amazing; extremely knowledgeable, inspiring mentors that have extensive and valuable experience!

I am always learning something new, with a deeper appreciation for movement. I could not recommend their Teaching Training Program more!”

— Stephanie F.

500 Hour Comprehensive Course Details

  • Anatomy & Movement Principles

  • Mat Instructor training

  • Reformer Instructor training

  • Cadillac/Tower

  • Chair

  • Ladder Barrel

  • Magic Circle + Spine Corrector

  • 75 Personal practice hours

  • 115 Teaching hours

  • 75 Observation Hours

  • Class Programming for Groups + Private Sessions

  • Injuries + Special Populations including Peri-Natal and common injuries

Spring 2024 may be sold out, but Fall 2024 registration is now open!


You can check out the 2024 Spring and Fall schedules below. Want to learn more? Send us an email below and we’ll be in touch!

Spring 2024 Schedule:

Weekend 1: Mat 

2/9 Friday: 5-8pm Pilates Principles + Anatomy Virtual

2/10 Saturday: 1-6pm

2/11 Sunday:  1-6pm

Weekend 2: Mat + Magic Circle

3/1 Friday: 5-8pm Anatomy Review Virtual

3/2 Saturday: 1-6pm

3/3 Sunday: 1-6pm

Weekend 3: Reformer

3/22 Friday: 5-8pm 

3/23 Saturday: 1-6pm

3/24 Sunday:  1-6pm

Weekend 4: Reformer

4/12 Friday: 5-8pm Spine Corrector Virtual

4/13 Saturday: 1-6pm

4/14 Sunday:  1-6pm

Weekend 5: Tower

4/26 Friday: 5-8p Class Planning Virtual

4/27 Saturday: 1-6pm

4/28 Sunday:  1-6pm

Weekend 6: Chair/Ladder Barrel

5/18 Saturday: 1-6pm

5/19 Sunday:  1-6pm

Fall 2024 Schedule:

Weekend 1: Mat

9/20 Friday

9/21 Saturday

9/22 Sunday

Weekend 2: Mat + Magic Circle

10/11 Friday

10/12 Saturday

10/13 Sunday

Weekend 3: Reformer

11/15 Friday

11/16 Saturday

11/17 Sunday

Weekend 4: Reformer + SC

12/13 Friday Spine Corrector Virtual

12/14 Saturday

12/15 Sunday

Weekend 5: Tower

1/10 Friday

1/11 Saturday

1/12 Sunday

Weekend 6: Chair + Ladder Barrel

2/8 Saturday

2/9 Sunday

Want to become an Affiliate Studio of The Lab?

Never be short of qualified instructors again - and open a new revenue stream!