Welcome to the Somaphyx® Practitioners' Apprenticeship

The Somaphyx Practitioner's Apprenticeship (SPA) is a Pilates teacher training program rooted in the methodology of Joseph Pilates. You will learn the traditional exercises across all major pieces of equipment through the Somaphyx Comprehensive Repertoire and Seminars. Supporting coursework in anatomy, kinesiology, and pedagogy will hone your abilities as a teacher along with the in-studio requirements.

The SPA is more than a fitness certification. The program is focused on Pilates as corrective conditioning in addition to its fitness attributes. You will gain the expertise to truly educate each body in both private and group sessions. Graduates are successful career teachers who are sought out for their extensive knowledge as Pilates practitioners.

Unlike many training programs, enrollment is limited to ensure a personalized experience. Each enrollment term only allows for 3-5 students. Apprentices work closely with faculty and the program and education directors to ensure student growth during the program. Therefore, we require completion of an Entrance Application that includes a Demonstration Benchmark or successful completion of the Somaphyx Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

All program details are below. Should you have any questions, or to request a consultation, please email us at pilates804@pilates804.com.

Curriculum

• Anatomy and Kinesiology course, completed with a passing score within 30 days of registration (on demand)

• The Somaphyx Comprehensive Repertoire: On demand library of the traditional Pilates exercises:

  • Mat + Magic Circle

  • Reformer I-III

  • Cadillac/Tower

  • Wunda Chair, High Chair, Arm Chair

  • Spine Corrector, Small Barrel, Ladder Barrel

• 48 Seminar hours in studio, with Somaphyx faculty:

  • Intensive accompaniment to the Repertoire

  • Props and how to integrate them into teaching

  • Cueing and Creating Dynamic Classes

• Access to seminar replays

• Total Matness

• Select FBombs

• Slack Community/Mentorship Classroom

Program Requirements

Pillar Hours

• 100 Hours of Personal Practice Sessions

• 300 Hours of Student Teaching

• 100 Hours of Observation

• In studio at Pilates 804 or an affiliate studio

Proficiency Benchmark Requirements:

• 1 Written Exam

• 1 Teaching Practical

• 1 Demonstration Practical

Curriculum Breakdown

Somaphyx Repertoire: Comprehensive Full Apparatus The Somaphyx Repertoire is a complete on demand library of the traditional Pilates exercises on Mat, Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Barrels and Chair. Once enrolled in the SPA program, one year of access to the Comprehensive Repertoire will be unlocked for study. While the program is designed to be completed in approximately 9-12 months, the Repertoire access remains active to support the student through their testing.

Seminars There are 48 hours of seminar done with members of the Somaphyx faculty. Seminars may be attended in-studio or on-line, and provide for hands-on training and the opportunity to refine the material.

• 36 hours of seminar clarify the exercises and define key elements of pedagogy, anatomy, and kinesiology.

• 6 hours of seminar focus on the implementation and use of props beyond the Magic Circle.

• 6 hours of seminar focus on cueing and creating dynamic classes for all levels of movers.

A&K + Movement Fundamentals Anatomy and Kinesiology and Movement Fundamentals is a nose to toes anatomy course designed for Pilates professionals. It is an eight hour on demand course that students will have a full year of access to but must complete within 30 days of program registration. A passing score of 80% must be achieved. Anatomy and Kinesiology coursework, Total Matness, and the select FBombs will be unlocked for student access upon payment. The Total Matness content (20 hours of on demand Mat classes) and the FBombs will be released to the participant at the time of the A&K enrollment, allowing an immediate start to personal practice hours upon payment of tuition. The A&K course is taught through modules consisting of power point presentations, video recordings, and downloadable worksheets. Modules utilize the academic text by R.T Floyd, The Manual of Structural Kinesiology. Other supported readings are suggested in the course.

Studio Pillar Hours

Personal Pilates Practice Sessions Students must complete 100 hours of self-guided workouts on the Mat and all apparatus. 20 hours of on-demand Somaphyx Mat classes are included with enrollment, with select FBomb workouts from the studio archive. Access to the Mat classes is indefinite while the classes remain on the Somaphyx platform. Pilates 804 will provide studio space for individual practice for students enrolled in the program, subject to space availability. Sessions should be scheduled through Vagaro. The studio is open five days per week, from 8 AM to 7 PM most days. Students will not be permitted to be in studio without a staff member present.

Observation Hours Students must complete 100 hours of observation. Ideally all hours are completed at Pilates 804 in Richmond VA, and a minimum of 40 must be completed in-studio. There is no charge for enrolled students to observe sessions at Pilates 804. Slack should be used to communicate with faculty about planned observation hours. Up to 60 observation hours can be completed virtually through membership sites Pilates Anytime or Pilatesology. At time of printing, each site is offering a 30-day free trial, but membership fees are to be paid by the student. Fees are NOT included in the SPA program.

Pilatesology is strictly classical Pilates taught by classical teachers. Any class or session can count towards observation hours. Pilates Anytime is a great platform that offers a variety of teachers, styles, and modalities. Only pre-approved teachers can be observed on Pilates Anytime for hourly credit. This is to keep students focused on the training.

Student Teaching Students must complete 300 hours of practice teaching. Ideally each hour is a group class but private sessions are also accepted. Private practice teaching sessions can be scheduled at Pilates 804 through Vagaro. It is recommended that students film practice teaching hours for personal review. Classes can also be linked into Slack Classroom for director and peer review.

Slack Classroom Somaphyx utilizes Slack as a classroom discussion and advisory board. The app is free and will be available for the duration of the program. This is where students have direct access to the Program Director and faculty, to ask questions and gain clarification whenever needed. Voice and video notes are easily attached within the app, and any link can be inserted. Students are encouraged to utilize these tools to get direct feedback and support.

Benchmark Final testing (Benchmark) is done in three parts. The written exam is administered online, and consists of multiple choice, and short and long answer questions. A passing score of 80% must be achieved. Retakes are issued at a fee of $100 each. The Demonstration Practical is an assessment of a student's grasp of the Comprehensive Repertoire. The Teaching Practical evaluates a student's ability to plan and deliver instruction to a group class or a private session. The practicums are evaluated by a scaled rubric that students will have access to before scheduling their tests. Should a student not satisfy the rubric, practicums may be completed again for a fee of $200 each. Practicums should be conducted at Pilates 804, with advanced scheduling required. Two members of faculty will be required to participate in practicums scheduled on-site. In some cases, video submissions may be substituted with advance approval from the Program Director. Fees are the same for video and live exams.

Cost and Fees

Tuition: $5450

• A&K + Movement Fundamentals

• Total Matness

• Included FBombs

• On-demand library: Comprehensive Classical Pilates Repertoire

  • Mat and Magic Circle

  • Reformer - Levels I - III

  • Cadillac/Tower

  • Chair: Wunda Chair, High Chair, Arm Chair

  • Barrels: Spine Corrector, Small Barrel, Ladder Barrel

• Studio Pillar Hours

  • All hours must be reserved and scheduled through Vagaro

  • Volunteers for student teaching will not be charged an additional fee

• Seminar Weekends

  • Six weekends of eight hours each (48 hours total)

  • Replays will be available in the on-demand library

• Advisory Hours = $120/hour

  • Must be scheduled in advance through Vagaro

• Private Lessons with Faculty = $105/hour

  • Must be scheduled in advance through Vagaro

  • Packages are available at a discounted hourly price

• Continuing Access for Pillar Hour Completion (after 12 months) = $295/month

  • Observation in studio

  • Personal Practice Space

  • Practice-Teaching Space

  • Continued access to all on-demand course materials

Benchmark Testing

• Written = $100

• Demonstration Practical = $200

• Teaching Practical = $200

• Any portion of the Benchmark can be retaken for a fee of $200 each.

It is advised though not required that students come to Pilates 804 for private or semi-private lessons. Studio pricing for sessions will apply, and registration in Vagaro is required. Somaphyx faculty all offer Advisory Hours to enrolled students. Students may reserve Advisory Hours with a member of faculty through Vagaro. This is focused time for students to use as they deem necessary. Scheduling is subject to faculty availability. Current pricing is $120 per hour for the 2026/27 program year.

A&K + Movement Fundamentals may be purchased separately, with the payment serving as a deposit and place holder for the next available certification class.