Become a Balanced Body Pilates Instructor

Hello, I'm Kim West! I’m the only Balanced Body Educator in New Zealand with 18+ years as a NYC-certified Pilates practitioner, biomechanics teacher, former professional dancer, and lifelong student of somatics.

I bridge the gap between traditional Pilates repertoire and movement science to help Pilates teachers and enthusiasts understand the "why" behind the exercises and deepen their own connection to the method.

I train and mentor teachers across the globe, imparting knowledge I learned from second-generation Pilates teachers and industry leaders in NYC, Seattle and LA.

Rooted in the Movement Principles, Balanced Body teaches the work of Joseph Pilates integrated with the current theories in biomechanics and fascia research.

You’ll learn the Pilates method repertoire, class design for all fitness levels, modifications to meet individual client needs, and mentorship to develop your teaching voice and style.

New York City Pilates Lineage Meets Movement Science

Flexible Learning

Each module serves as a stepping stone toward certification in your chosen program (Mat, Reformer, etc).

Certain modules may be completed independently, such as Movement Principles.

With 400+ education sites worldwide, you can complete courses from various Balanced Body instructors.

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2027 Reformer Training Dates

Announced Soon!

Auckland

Feb - March 2027

Allegro Reformer Long Spine

Christchurch

March - May 2027

2026 Mat Training Dates

Auckland

Movement Principles
17 - 18 June (Wed & Thurs)

Mat 1
19 - 21 June (Fri - Sun)


Mat 2
31 July - Aug 2 (Fri - Sun)

Mat 3
14 - 16 Aug (Fri - Sun)

Christchurch

Movement Principles
27 - 28 Aug (Thurs & Fri)

Mat 1
29 - 30 Aug (Sat & Sun)


Mat 2
12 - 13 Sept (Sat & Sun)

Mat 3
26 - 27 Sept (Sat & Sun)

2026 Comprehensive Teacher Training

Become a comprehensive Pilates instructor by learning the method on Joe Pilates' other apparatus: the Trapeze Table, Chair, and Barrels.

Apparatus 1 / Christchurch
Sat + Sun, 17 - 18 Oct

Apparatus 2 / Christchurch
Fri + Sun, 6 + 8 Nov

Apparatus 3 / Christchurch
Sat + Sun, 21 -22 Nov

CHAIR
A compact box with a spring-loaded pedal and optional handles that builds powerful, functional strength and balance in small space.

TRAPEZE TABLE / CADILLAC
A raised table with a metal frame, springs, bars, and straps for supported strength, mobility, and alignment work in every plane.

BARRELS
Curved, padded shapes like the spine corrector, small barrel, and ladder barrel that teach spinal articulation, hip opening, and support for backbends and core work.

APPLY HERE!

Anatomy for Movement Professionals

Join Online or In-person (Christchurch)

2027 dates dropping soon!

Offered only once per year, this course not only a deepens your knowledge as as a fitness professional, but also completes your anatomy prerequisite for Balanced Body teacher trainings.

Learn the major tissues and joint mechanics of movement. Theory is paired with movement experiences so you don’t just learn muscles origin, intersion and function—you feel how they work together in your own body.

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Path to Certification

Mat Instructor Training

MAT MODULES:

Movement Principles (16 hours)

Mat 1 (16 hours)

Mat 2 (16 hours)

Mat 3 (16 hours)

Includes 4x manuals and video streaming

PREREQUISITES:

Participate in 20 Mat Classes

COURSE PRICING:

Per module: $1,075

Full training: $4,300

Pay-in-Full Option: $3,900

(Includes GST, manuals, videos)

Flexible payment plans available.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION:

Personal practice (20 hours)

Observation (15 hours)

Student teaching (35 hours)

Anatomy course approved by Balanced Body

Written and practical test ($300 NZD)

Completion of practice hours is required before your test out is scheduled.

TIME TO COMPLETE:

Self-paced, but generally 6–12 months

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations made within 30 days of the training start date cannot be refunded. However, the full payment can be transferred to another training date at any location.

Reformer Instructor Training

PREREQUISITES:

Participate in 20 Reformer Classes

REFORMER MODULES:

Movement Principles (16 hours)

Reformer 1 (16 hours)

Reformer 2 (16 hours)

Reformer 3 (16 hours)

Includes 4x manuals and video streaming

COURSE PRICING:

Per module: $1,075

Full training: $4,300

Pay-in-Full Option: $3,900

(Includes GST, manuals, videos)

Flexible payment plans available.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION:

Personal reformer practice (30 hours)

Observation (30 hours)

Student teaching (90 hours)

Anatomy course approved by Balanced Body

Written & practical test ($300 NZD)

Completion of practice hours is required before your test out is scheduled.

TIME TO COMPLETE:

Self-paced, but generally 6–12 months

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations made within 30 days of the training start date cannot be refunded. However, the full payment can be transferred to another training date at any location.

Balanced Body Modules

The following modules taught at various locations around New Zealand.

  • Learn the major tissues, joints and muscles of movement to help your clients move better. Muscle origin, insertion and action are covered along with movement experiences to help you understand and remember not just the individual muscles, but how they work in synergy for functional movement. Join us online or in person.

  • Learn how to recognize, improve and teach fundamental movement patterns with the Movement Principles, the foundation of the Balanced Body instructor training system. This course is designed for both new and experienced instructors to refine their understanding of the body in motion.

  • Mat I forms the foundation of the Pilates method. This course includes an introduction to the history and principles of the Pilates method and beginning and intermediate level exercises, including an introduction to program design, teaching private sessions and group classes.

  • Mat 2 teaches intermediate and advanced level Mat exercises including progressive skill development to achieve the advanced exercises, programming for intermediate and advanced classes and creating successful multi-level Mat programming.

  • Mat 3 adds rings, rollers, bands and balls to the traditional Mat exercises, and includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop whole body strength and flexibility.

  • Reformer 1 introduces the center piece of the Pilates equipment studio and invaluable training tool, the Universal Reformer, and how to safely use it for a wide variety of supine, seated and standing exercises for the beginning to intermediate student.

  • Reformer 2 expands the repertoire with intermediate and advanced exercises and modifications for special populations including pre-and postnatal clients, clients with osteoporosis and lower back injuries. Class design, dynamic assessment and correcting common dysfunctional movement patterns are also included. 

  • Reformer 3 is the pinnacle of the Reformer work and includes the ultra-advanced exercises for clients ready for higher challenges. Progressive sequences designed to teach students advanced movement skills are included as well as practical systems to help you create successful classes for clients at any level.

  • The chair is great for strengthening work with athletic clients, and as an addition to group programming. Includes exercises and variations that apply to the original Wunda chair, the EXO chair and the split pedal Combo Chair. This course includes exercises and programming for both personal training sessions and classes.

  • Includes exercises and variations for the Pilates Arc, the Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel, all excellent tools for enhancing spinal mobility and core strength. The Ladder Barrel is most commonly used in a studio setting while the Pilates Arc or Step Barrel is a great addition to group classes.

  • Provides a thorough introduction to the Pilates Trapeze Table, Tower and Cadillac exercises as well as applications for beginning, post-rehabilitation and advanced clients. Sequencing, program design and exploration of exercise applications are covered as well as equipment set up and safety.

  • Learn to perform, teach and cue MOTR exercises in all positions on this portable full-body training system. Learn programming for easy class design to help you teach dynamic 30–60 minute classes. Includes equipment set-up, safety, and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • A Balanced Body certificate is the international gold standard in the Pilates industry. Instructors are respected contributors to the fields of movement science, physical therapy and fitness. A Balanced Body certification gives you access to master instructors, cutting-edge educational curriculum, and a wealth of support including educational videos, virtual learning workshops, conferences, and streaming workouts.

  • Balanced Body is a comprehensive training in the Pilates method and qualifies you to teach at Pilates studios worldwide. Balanced Body education is rooted in functional movement principles that are universal to the way the body moves, strengthens and heals.

    We respect the traditions of Joseph H. Pilates’ original works while also incorporating current biomechanical movement theories. Students not only learn the Pilates repertoire but strategies to best meet a client’s individual needs.

    Created by Nora St. John, the curriculum has been taught since 2006 reaching thousands of instructors globally. It is safe to say Balanced Body leads the industry in how it educates new Pilates instructors.

    We do not dictate “how” you should teach but encourage you to find your own voice, rhythm and style to create your own place within the Pilates community.

  • Yes! If you have started your course work with another recognized Pilates teacher training program you can have some, and possibly all, of your prior courses credited toward your Balanced Body Education.

    If you have either completed a certificate program from another education program or you have taken coursework but have not yet tested out, Balanced Body Education offers an easy bridge opportunity.

    Learn more about Balanced Body’s Bridge Program here.

  • Balanced Body’s training is offered as modular courses. Each course covers a specific amount of work designed to create an educational arc of learning that is digestible and easily integrated into practice. Courses have a hierarchy and though some can be taken independently of other courses, they are often taught as stepping stones toward completion of your certification program of choice.

    For example, if you want to become a Mat instructor, you would take Movement Principles Mat I, Mat 2 and Mat 3 courses (in that order) to be eligible to test out and earn your certificate.

  • Yes! Balanced Body offers you the opportunity to bring our education into your facility via an onsite training. Please email kim@kimwestwellness.com for information on hosting an onsite within New Zealand.

  • Movement Principles is the starting place for your course work.

  • Your practice, observation and teaching hours are self-reported and on the honor system. We recommend that you teach, observe, and practice in as many different environments as possible. This allows you to hear cues, observe hands-on techniques and employ strategies from a wide variety of teachers so that you can analyze the teaching approaches that work or don’t work for you.

  • No. You can complete courses from different instructors as long as they are done in the appropriate sequence. You can do courses from any Balanced Body educator and location that suits your needs and schedule.

  • If you want to earn a Balanced Body Instructor Certificate, you will set up a practical and a written exam with your educator after you’ve completed the courses and practice hours in your program of choice. This may be 6-24 months after you’ve begun the program. The timing is up to you.

    The practical exam requires you to demonstrate competence in class design, appropriateness of exercise choices, exercise progressions and regressions as well as equipment setup, safety and appropriateness. The written exam consists of multiple choice, fill in the blank and essays.

  • Yes. All courses require a manual and will be provided to you at the start of each course.

  • Cancellations made within 30 days of the training start date cannot be refunded. However, the full payment can be transferred to another training date at any location.