Level 3 Reformer Pilates Instructor Course
About This Course
Reformer Pilates Instructor Course | Online Certification, EFWA
How this programme is delivered
This programme is delivered entirely online. Lectures, learning materials and assessments are completed remotely at your own pace, with tutor support through the course Q&A. There is no in-person practical observation.
About this course
Whether you are beginning a career in fitness or adding a specialised skill to an existing teaching practice, this self-paced course covers the Reformer repertoire together with the anatomy and biomechanics that underpin it.
Client demand is moving from high-impact cardio towards controlled, resistance-based movement. Teaching that work well requires more than knowing the exercises — it requires understanding what the spring load is doing to the body, and why a given cue produces a given change. That is what this course is built around.
Essential details
Certificate awarded: EFWA Certificate in Reformer Pilates Instruction
Format: 100% online, self-paced
Endorsement: International Pilates Federation (IPF)
Support: Tutor support through course Q&A, unlimited access
Guided learning time: Approximately 10 hours
The EFWA Anatomical Overlay
This is what separates an EFWA programme from a Pilates video library.
Every practical demonstration runs alongside an anatomical panel prepared by Dr Mert Eray Onen, author of Anatomy of the Locomotor System. For each exercise the panel identifies the joints involved, the movement occurring at each — flexion, extension, abduction, rotation — the muscles producing that movement, the muscles stabilising isometrically, and the muscles being lengthened.
Most instructor courses show you the exercise. This one shows you what is happening inside the body while you perform it, and why the cue you give a client works.
Who teaches what. Theoretical modules — anatomy, kinesiology and exercise physiology — are delivered by Dr Mert Eray Onen, who has taught these subjects at university level since 2004. Practical demonstrations are delivered by Melisa Arslan, with the anatomical analysis for each exercise prepared by Dr Onen.
What you will learn
Equipment competence. Set-up, safety protocols and maintenance. You will learn to adjust springs, footbar and straps for different heights and abilities, and understand what each adjustment changes mechanically.
The Reformer repertoire. A structured progression of Reformer-specific exercises from foundation to advanced, covering Footwork through to the Long Box series.
Precision cueing. Short, specific verbal cues that allow a client to find a position without manual adjustment — and the anatomical reasoning behind why each cue works.
Adaptation. How to regress or progress any exercise for different body types, fitness levels and limitations.
Applied anatomy. Which muscle groups are working during each exercise, which are stabilising, and which are lengthening.
Why study with EFWA
Flexibility. Approximately ten hours of guided learning in replayable video lessons, suited to study alongside full-time work.
Tutor guidance. Q&A access to experienced tutors, not simply a login and a video library.
Programming, not just movement. You will finish able to plan and lead a full 45- or 60-minute session, rather than only able to demonstrate individual exercises.
Unlimited access. Your access does not end when your certificate is issued. Course materials remain available to you indefinitely.
Who this course is for
Those preparing to teach: Committed practitioners moving from personal practice into instruction.
Practising fitness professionals: Gym instructors, personal trainers and coaches extending their teaching into Reformer work.
Movement and therapy professionals: Massage therapists, sports therapists and physiotherapists who want to understand Reformer mechanics in depth.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start teaching?
Requirements vary by country and by employer. In the UK, some studios and insurers ask for a regulated qualification from an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation; in many other countries there is no such requirement at all. EFWA is an independent provider, so we would encourage you to check what applies where you intend to teach.
What this course gives you is the part no regulator can issue: the repertoire, the safety knowledge, and the applied anatomy behind every exercise you will teach.
Will studios recognise this certificate?
Your EFWA certificate is issued by EFWA and can be verified by QR code. It evidences the knowledge and competence you have demonstrated. Recognition itself varies by country and employer, so requirements are worth checking locally.
In practice, what studios respond to in an interview is whether you can explain why an exercise works. That is what this programme trains.
Can I complete the course entirely online?
Yes. The programme uses high-definition video lessons you can replay as often as needed, allowing you to review a movement from a fixed viewpoint as many times as you wish. There is no in-person practical observation.
Join learners in more than 60 countries studying Reformer Pilates with EFWA.
Enrol in Your Reformer Pilates Instructor Course Today
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Learning Objectives
Target Audience
- Those who want to obtain a Pilates Certificate.
- Those who are interested in pilates as a hobby.
- Those who want to do pilates at home.
Curriculum
Locomotor System Anatomy
Skeletal System36:15
Muscular System35:53
Locomotor System Anatomy Quiz
Exercise Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology
Reformer Pilates Course
Your Instructors
Dr. Mert Eray Onen
PhD · Founder & Academic Director, EFWA
Dr Mert Eray Onen is the founder of the European Fitness and Wellness Academy and the author of Anatomy of the Locomotor System, 2022.
He has taught human anatomy and kinesiology at university level since 2004, delivering these subjects across all departments of the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Kocaeli University, where he remains a member of the teaching staff. He holds a PhD in Sport Health Sciences from Marmara University and an MSc in Coaching Education from Celal Bayar University, where he graduated first in his cohort.
Published work
Alongside Anatomy of the Locomotor System, his books include Doping in Sport, second edition 2014. He is editor and contributing author of Training Physiology, 2026, for which he wrote the chapters on muscle physiology, neuromuscular control, and the peripheral and central mechanisms of exercise-induced fatigue. He has contributed chapters on muscle physiology and fatigue mechanisms to Exercise and Sport Physiology. His research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, most recently on the effects of massage practice on low back pain and physical fitness.
Teaching in Pilates and movement
In 2011–2012 he delivered the anatomy, kinesiology and exercise physiology curriculum across all International Pilates Federation instructor programmes — Matwork I–II and Reformer I–II — and served as the Federation’s Vice President for Education and Chair of its Education and Science Board. He has taught sports anatomy on Turkish Gymnastics Federation Pilates instructor courses in 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2016.
Beyond Pilates, he has delivered anatomy, physiology and nutrition modules on national coaching certification courses across more than fifteen sports, including swimming, athletics, tennis, judo, boxing, handball and bodybuilding. Since 2004 he has been programme coordinator and anatomy lecturer on the massage therapist training courses run jointly by the Turkish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Ministry of National Education.
In 2025 he received the Best Educator award at the 9th International Achievement and Career Award.
At EFWA
Dr Onen writes and delivers the theoretical modules of EFWA’s programmes, and prepares the anatomical analysis that accompanies every practical demonstration: the joints involved, the movement occurring at each, the muscles producing it, the muscles stabilising isometrically, and the muscles being lengthened.
Student Feedback
Reviews (8)
Good anatomy learning, would have liked more of a repertoire of classical exercises on the reformer
Not the best way to learn. it would help if someone was speaking English and explaining things in a more simple way. Very complex and someone talking at you is not the best way to learn such complex anatomy.
Course was very informative, only thing was the modules were not in English, so had to stop the video to take notes of the subtitles.
Love
yes i got lots of details.
I would rate Reformer Pilates as an excellent exercise method for a wide range of individuals due to its versatility, low-impact nature, and comprehensive benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how it might score based on various factors:
1. Effectiveness for Strength and Toning:
9/10
Reformer Pilates is highly effective at building core strength, toning muscles, and improving muscle endurance. The resistance from the springs offers a great challenge for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
2. Flexibility and Mobility:
8/10
The exercises stretch and lengthen muscles, improving flexibility and mobility, particularly in the spine, hips, and shoulders. It might not be as focused on deep flexibility as yoga, but it certainly offers great results for most people.
3. Low Impact on Joints:
10/10
Reformer Pilates is an excellent choice for people with joint issues, those recovering from injury, or anyone looking for a low-impact workout. The controlled movements help reduce the risk of injury while still providing an effective workout.
4. Improvement in Posture and Alignment:
9/10
Pilates emphasizes posture, spinal alignment, and body awareness, which can greatly improve posture over time. It’s especially beneficial for individuals who sit a lot or have poor posture habits.
5. Mind-Body Connection:
8/10
Pilates requires concentration, control, and precise movements, which strengthens the mind-body connection. While not as meditative as yoga, it still fosters focus and mental clarity.
6. Suitability for All Fitness Levels:
9/10
Reformer Pilates is highly adaptable. Modifications can be made for beginners, and advanced exercises can challenge even experienced practitioners, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
7. Variety and Versatility:
9/10
The Reformer machine offers endless variations of exercises targeting different muscle groups, providing variety and keeping workouts interesting and dynamic.
8. Cost and Accessibility:
6/10
One of the few drawbacks is the cost and accessibility. Reformer Pilates requires access to a Reformer machine, which may not be available in all gyms or may require a specific class or equipment rental fee. It’s also often more expensive than traditional mat Pilates.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
In conclusion, Reformer Pilates is a fantastic exercise method for building strength, improving flexibility, and maintaining joint health, making it an excellent choice for most people. The only real downside is the potential cost and need for specific equipment, but the benefits it offers often outweigh these factors.
was really good
Yes
£149.00
