Qualitop & Qualicert
Health-insurance recognised – fitness centres across Switzerland can employ you.
Your leading Swiss fitness academy
Pilates Reformer Instructor course
Take your Pilates onto the apparatus: learn how to teach precise, safe and inspiring group classes with the Reformer and its spring resistance. You learn the theory and all 94 exercises flexibly on the learning platform, and the practice at a three-day weekend at CULT Pilates in Wädenswil.
- Start anytime: theory and learning videos 100 % online, at your own pace
- 3 modules with 94 Reformer exercises and 2 sample classes
- Three-day practical weekend at the Reformer studio in Wädenswil
- No exam stress: assessment via exam video with personal feedback
Recognised throughout Switzerland
Qualitop, Qualicert, SFGV, SBFI, SVBO and Swiss Active stand behind our trainings – your diploma is valid across the entire Swiss fitness industry.
Start your training now
Training
Pilates Reformer Instructor online
- Learn flexibly: theory, script and 32 learning videos on 94 Reformer exercises on the learning platform – whenever and wherever you want.
- Practice on the apparatus: three-day practical weekend (22 hours) at CULT Pilates in Wädenswil.
- No exam stress: assessment via exam video with personal feedback from the course director.
- Lifetime access to the learning platform
from CHF 204.–/mo.CHF 1'990.– one-timeincl. VAT
Purchase on invoice available · TWINT · Mastercard · VISA · PayPal
Optional: book together
Pilates Instructor + Pilates Reformer Instructor (bundle) — CHF 2'990.–View bundle →
Basic Heart + Pilates Instructor + Pilates Reformer Instructor (bundle) — CHF 3'450.–View bundle →
Take a look inside the course
In the demo course on our learning platform you can see an excerpt from the script, sample learning videos and how the course is structured – free of charge and without registration. Guest key: Reformer2026
Your certificate in 3 steps
1
Learn online
After registering you get instant access to the learning platform: the script, 32 learning videos on the three modules and online consultations with the course director. Once you have passed the knowledge check, you sign up for the practical weekend.
2
Practical weekend
Three days (22 hours) at CULT Pilates – The Reformer Room in Wädenswil: you practise all 94 exercises on the apparatus, refine your cueing and corrections and learn how to build a 60-minute class.
3
Exam video & certificate
Within 90 days of the practical weekend you submit your exam video on the learning platform. After passing the knowledge check and the video you receive the update Akademie certificate as a Pilates Reformer instructor.
Schedule & time commitment
How your study time is distributed – flexibly plannable alongside work and everyday life.
100 hoursDigital learningflexible scheduling
10 hoursPractical assignmentsindividual dates
22 hoursPractical transferselectable dates
2 hoursOnline consultation hoursflexible, optional
10 hoursExam preparationflexible scheduling
2 hoursAssessments & examsfixed date
Total effort: 146 hoursTotal duration (average): 3 – 4 months
Prerequisite: Basic Heart online (103 hours) and Pilates Instructor online (140 hours) – not included in the hours above – already completed or book together
Everything together in the bundle: Basic Heart + Pilates Instructor + Pilates Reformer Instructor (bundle) · 389 hours in total · CHF 3'450.–
A LOOK INSIDE THE LEARNING PLATFORM
A direct excerpt from our learning platform – you unlock this content when you sign up.
01Your script (174 pages)
The course script guides you through all three modules. Every exercise follows the same pattern: setup, aim & focus, starting position, execution & breathing, repetitions, cues and common mistakes with corrections – your reference work even after the course.
02Fundamentals: method, apparatus, body mechanics
The Pilates method and its six core principles, the Reformer with its components and spring resistance, neutral alignment, pelvic tilt and powerhouse activation, plus safety, contraindications and modifications.
03Module 1 – Fundamentals and basic exercises (28 exercises)
Seven series from Footwork through Core Work, Spinal Work, Arm Work with Hands in Straps and Leg Work with Feet in Straps to the Long Stretch Series and Mermaid Series – the basic repertoire of every Reformer class.
04Module 2 – Advanced fundamentals (35 exercises)
Short Box Series, Reverse Abdominals, inversions such as Short Spine and Long Spine, Arm Work seated and kneeling, Standing Lunge, Stomach Massage Series and Back Extension on the Long Box – the transition to a technically demanding repertoire.
05Module 3 – Specialisation and integration (31 exercises)
Sitting on the Bar, Knees in Straps, Kneeling Arm Series, Up-Stretch Series, Side Over on the Short Box, Front and Back Splits and Knee Stretches – the peak exercises that challenge the whole body as one coordinated system.
06Two sample classes and teaching tips
A beginner and an advanced class as complete lesson plans with teaching tips show you how to link the series into a flowing 60-minute class.
0732 learning videos
Each series comes with a learning video featuring Christina Strecke on the Reformer – with a reference to the matching chapter in the script. Watch setup, execution and cues as often as you like and practise at the studio.
08Knowledge check, consultations and practical assignment
With the knowledge check (at least 70 % correct) you test what you have learned. In the online consultations you clarify open questions live with the course director. After the feedback you sign up for the practical weekend and prepare your practical assignment.
Lifetime access
Your learning platform stays yours after you graduate – including all later updates. To look things up, refresh and prepare your classes.
Recognised throughout Switzerland
The most common question first: yes – with your diploma you can work in any fitness centre in Switzerland. These recognitions and partnerships stand behind it:
SVBO
The Swiss industry association – your path to the industry certificate.
SFGV seal
SFGV-recognised module exams – your admission to the final exam “Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion with Swiss federal diploma”.
SBFI
Federally recognised for subsidies – federal contributions on the way to the federal exam.
TÜV ISO 9001:2015
Externally certified training and process quality.
Swiss Active
Member of the leading association of the Swiss fitness industry.
Your investment
PILATES REFORMER INSTRUCTOR
CHF 1'990.–
- Start anytime with our learning platform
- Script with 94 exercises and 32 learning videos
- Online consultations with the course director
- Three-day practical weekend in Wädenswil (22 hours)
- Exam video with personal feedback
- update Akademie certificate
Why update Akademie?
Competence & knowledge at the level of research
Our courses meet all the criteria of the Qualicert OK status and prepare you optimally for working in the fitness industry across Switzerland. Our training concept is based on the latest scientific findings in sport and movement research and is professionally evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Flexible training and self-determined learning
Do you want to reorient your career and take a new path step by step – without neglecting family, finances or your social life? Our courses adapt to your life – not the other way round. For an optimal learning experience, our e-learning portal gives you all the tools to acquire the necessary knowledge through self-study. You also take the exam stress-free from your home computer.
The starting shot for your trainer career
The fitness industry is a growth market – and a recognised qualification is your ticket to a new career path! Our courses build on each other logically, so every hour you invest gives you maximum learning value.
Do you want to start right away?
Click the button and sign up for your online course now.
HOW THE COURSE WORKS
The Pilates Reformer Instructor course builds on a mat Pilates qualification – for example our Pilates Instructor course. It is divided into three modules that build on each other and take you from the basic repertoire to the advanced exercises.
The first part takes place on the learning platform: script, 32 learning videos, online consultations and the knowledge check. As soon as you have passed the knowledge check with at least 70 %, you can sign up for the practical weekend.
The practical weekend covers three days (Friday 2:00–8:30 pm, Saturday 10:30 am–6:30 pm, Sunday 9:00 am–4:30 pm, 22 hours in total) and takes place at CULT Pilates – The Reformer Room in Wädenswil. There you practise all exercises of the three modules on the apparatus, work on cueing and corrections and learn how to plan a 60-minute class.
Within 90 days of the practical weekend you submit your exam video on the learning platform. After passing the knowledge check and the exam video you receive the official update Akademie certificate as a Pilates Reformer instructor.
REQUIREMENTS
- Completed mat Pilates qualification (e.g. Pilates Instructor at update Akademie)
- At least 10 attended Reformer Pilates classes (no Lagree) with at least two different instructors – signed off by the studio
You upload both documents on the learning platform before the practical weekend. If you have no opportunity to attend Reformer classes, contact us at info@update-akademie.ch.
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements for the course?
You need a completed mat Pilates qualification – for example our Pilates Instructor course – and at least 10 attended Reformer Pilates classes (no Lagree) with at least two different instructors. Have the classes signed off by the studio and upload both documents on the learning platform.
I don’t have a Pilates qualification yet – can I still start?
Then you start with the Pilates Instructor course (mat Pilates). It is the foundation for the Reformer course: powerhouse, Pilates principles, cueing and class structure are covered there. Afterwards you move on to the Reformer course. The easiest way is the bundle Pilates Instructor + Pilates Reformer Instructor – both courses in one order. Without prior knowledge of anatomy and physiology, choose the bundle with Basic Heart.
When can I start the course?
Anytime. After registering you get immediate access to the learning platform. For the practical weekend you choose one of the 2027 dates in Wädenswil – sign up early, places on the apparatus are limited.
How long does the course take?
That’s up to you. Expect around 146 learning hours, including 22 hours of attendance at the practical weekend. Most participants complete the course in 3 – 4 months – easy to fit alongside your job.
Where does the practical weekend take place?
At CULT Pilates – The Reformer Room in Wädenswil (ZH), right on Lake Zurich. Friday 2:00–8:30 pm, Saturday 10:30 am–6:30 pm, Sunday 9:00 am–4:30 pm. You practise on a fully equipped Reformer.
Do I need my own Reformer?
No. You get to know the exercises through the script and the learning videos and practise them in Reformer classes at a studio – that is part of the requirements anyway. At the practical weekend you work on the studio’s apparatus.
How is the course assessed?
No exam stress in front of a jury: you pass the knowledge check on the learning platform (at least 70 %) and submit an exam video within 90 days of the practical weekend. You receive personal feedback from the course director and then the update Akademie certificate as a Pilates Reformer instructor.
How long do I have access to the learning platform?
Lifetime. Your access remains active after you complete the course – you can revisit the script and learning videos at any time, for example to refresh before your first Reformer classes.
How much does the course cost?
The course costs CHF 1'990.– – including the script, learning videos, online consultations, the three-day practical weekend and the assessment of your exam video. There are no hidden costs.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. For orders of CHF 1'000 or more, simply choose invoice as the payment method at checkout and pay in either 2 or 10 instalments.
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→Questions about this training?
We advise you without obligation and free of charge — in a 1:1 conversation or at the online info evening.