The Polis Pilates™ Mat Certification: Foundations of Intelligent Movement is a foundational training designed for those who want to move beyond choreography and into a deeper understanding of the body.
Structured as four 5-hour modules, this program refines your ability to interpret movement, make informed corrections, and teach with precision and purpose.
This program is open to:
- Pilates enthusiasts who want to refine and deepen their personal practice
- Current instructors looking to sharpen their eye for both corrective and athletic populations
- Aspiring instructors seeking a comprehensive and principled entry point into teaching
At its core, this certification returns to the original 34 Mat exercises as created by Joseph Pilates, while integrating the contemporary developments in biomechanics, fascia research, and nervous system-based training that define modern movement science.
Structure
Upon completion, you’ll receive your Polis Pilates Mat Certification™ and a structured framework to teach, practice, and continue developing with confidence.
Pricing
$350 per Weekend or
4 In-Person Modules
Taught by Poli McCormick | 5-Hours per Module
15 Observation Hours
15 Class Credits included to observe at Solace
25 Self-Practice Hours
Supported by printed workbooks, exercise manuals, cue cards, programming templates, and self-evaluation and assessment tools to guide independent practice.
The Polis Pilates™ Mat Certification
MODULE 1
Foundations: Movement Principles + The Body as a System
Earliest Date Available: Saturday, July 18th 2026 1:30pm - 6:30pm
This day sets the lens through which all Pilates will be understood
What you'll learn:
Pilates as a system, not just exercises
The role of the nervous system in movement control
Breath mechanics (diaphragmatic breathing + coordination with movement)
Joint-by-joint approach to stability vs mobility
Planes of motion + how they show up in mat work
Tempo, time under tension, and control (why slow matters)
Identifying compensation patterns before they happen
Practical application:
Foundational movement drills and gait/postural assessment
Breath + core integration patterns
Intro to observation + cueing
Supporting materials included:
Printed Foundations Manual (Booklet)
Movement principles
Anatomy + systems overview
Breath mechanics + cueing language
Assigned Reading
Read before workshop weekend: Return to Life Through Contrology
By Joseph Pilates (Included )
Optional: Your Health : A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education By Joseph Pilates
MODULE 2
The Original 34 Mat Exercises (Classical System)
Earliest Date Available: Sunday, July 19th 2026 1:30pm - 6:30pm
This is where you learn the source material clean, intentional, and true to Contrology.
What you'll learn:
The original 34 exercises in their classical order
Purpose + intention behind each movement
Muscle involvement + movement objectives
Breath patterns specific to each exercise
Practical application:
Breaking down each exercise step-by-step
Practicing teaching foundational exercises
Supporting materials included:
Full Exercise Manual (Primary Booklet)
Each exercise includes:
Setup
Execution
Muscles involved
Objective
Contraindications
Teaching cues
Reference Sheets (Quick Cue Cards)
MODULE 3
Modern Mat: Progressions, Regressions + Athletic Application
Earliest Date Available: Saturday, July 25th 2026 1:30pm - 6:30pm
This is where you’ll find your signature style bridging classical work into modern, athletic, and adaptable teaching.
What you'll learn:
How to progress and regress the original exercises
Layering intensity without losing form
Training for different populations:
Beginners
Athletic clients
Post-rehab considerations
Tempo manipulation + endurance building
Creating effective, intentional class flows
Practical application:
Building sequences from foundational → advanced
Coaching under fatigue
Real-time correction and adaptation
Supporting materials:
Progressions & Regressions section in booklet
Programming Templates for class design
Module 4
Mock Teaching + Integration
Earliest Date Available: Sunday, July 26th 2026 1:30pm - 6:30pm
This is where everything comes together—knowledge → application → confidence.
What you'll learn:
How to structure a full mat class
Cueing clearly and effectively
Reading a room + adjusting in real time
Developing teaching presence and voice
Practical application:
Each trainee teaches a mock class
Live feedback + coaching
Peer observation + learning
Supporting materials:
Mock Teaching Assessment Sheet
Self-Evaluation + Reflection Form
How do I enroll?
Enroll with Weekend I ($350) or In Full ($700)
Then use the calendar below to book.