Fully Comprehensive Pilates Apparatus Diploma

Fully Comprehensive Pilates Apparatus Diploma

We are very pleased to be able to live stream or attend face to face, our Fully Comprehensive Pilates Apparatus Diploma including the AIQ Pilates mat diploma the YMCA Diploma in Studio Reformer Groups, One to One and Advanced and the Pilates studio apparatus with our international team of presenters in conjunction with MK Pilates. You can take your course in our unique clinical Pilates apparatus studio’s in the Cotswolds Nr Swindon,  with Align Ladder Barrel, Wunda Chair and Spine Correctors and Peak MVE Reformers and Towers. Each course has limited places so that learners have their individual reformers and towers to enable plenty of individual practice time. You will learn over 500 traditional exercises across the repertoire with over 500 hours of study, shadowing and self practice. You can build up your training module by module, or you can book as one diploma from the start. If you already hold your mat qualification you can move straight to apparatus and choose the option without mat. 

MK/Drummond Pilates believes a a fully trained Pilates Teacher knows the full classical work which you will learn through our repertoire and training, and also understands the skill of adaptions that can be made for different clients with different needs. If you are working with a new client to method who is also just starting out exercising for the first time, or a professional dancer, the end goal is the same for both clients and that is the traditional Pilates Method. We also recognise there are many legacy techniques with the original teachers and we bring these differences into our teaching.  By embracing the differences you become a better teacher.

Our Fully Comprehensive Pilates Apparatus Diploma!

In our main Studio Apparatus Certification and consists of our 7 individual apparatus certifications as detailed below.

Each of the Mat and Apparatus certifications consists of a blended formats with face to face training days, of which you can attend as many as you would like and with a full online programme of videos of the repertoire in support materials. The best of both worlds. You get to learn face to face or live streaming and practice using our full video repertoire in your own time. 

We have an amazing exclusive and private apparatus studio in the Cotswolds nr Swindon which is junction 15 of the M4 or 50 minutes on a train from Paddington. We offer the full range of apparatus training on our MK/Drummond Pilates certifications and national diplomas. You can build it up modularly towards your fully comprehensive diploma or take any of the apparatus as a stand alone module. You can also use the studio for personal practice at any time. If you are not able to attend in person you can live stream your attendance over zoom however you must be on the apparatus at your home studio for the duration of the course. 

For each course and apparatus,  you will receive full course notes and access to video’s of the exercise repertoire that you can access for personal practice and embodiment after the courses. The MK repertoire is a full repertoire of the traditional repertoire with adaptations for specific clients. It is important to learn the traditional repertoire showing full knowledge of the method and the connection of the system of apparatus and mat. 

We give you all you need to safely and effectively teach your client through the MK Pilates repertoire to all levels in a One to One personal training environment and in group sessions with sample progressive programmes provided for each piece of apparatus across the system. Each apparatus stands alone and includes its own learning and assessment. If then combining after completion of all apparatus there will be further assessment for the fully comprehensive which will include a case study and session to include a mix of the apparatus.

Assessment for each individual apparatus will include.

• A period of self-practice with an appropriate repertoire for your personal physical needs followed by a video submission of a self-practice session of 45 minutes covering the appropriate use of all areas.  This will be accompanied by a written programme with movement selection goals and a personal critique of your own technique.
• You will also attend an assessment day and be observed taking a client through a movement assessment and teach a client an appropriate repertoire for each apparatus for one hour. If you can not attend an assessment day you can also submit this by video.
• Worksheets
• Multiple choice exams

You can attend any of the training days face to face or you can live stream in via zoom. Which ever is your preferred study option.  If you prefer to study the apparatus individually and wish to combine to Full Comprehensive at a later date you can. To combine the apparatus after individual modules for fully comprehensive diploma assessment there is an additional assessment process and assessment fee of £895. This is for the fully comprehensive assessment and certification which combines with an assessment case study combining teaching a client across all of the apparatus where appropriate. The Fully Comprehensive Diploma Assessment is detailed below. 

Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Overview

A comprehensive Pilates teacher is fully trained in Matwork as this underpins the Pilates method and system. This ensures a strong foundation in the method, where movement control, breath, alignment, and progressive programming are developed without reliance on equipment. The mat provides clarity and reveals the teacher’s understanding of the system.

Comprehensive training includes full Reformer education. This extends beyond introductory group.instruction and includes programming skills, progression and regression, safety awareness, and adaptation for varied client needs. The teacher understands how to use resistance, alignment, and load to develop strength and postural control.

Tower/Cadillac training forms a central component of a truly comprehensive qualification. The Cadillac allows assisted and resisted movement, suspension work, push through work, inversion, and advanced spinal articulation. Tower training can be accepted; however, the Cadillac represents the complete expression of the apparatus system.

The mat, reformer, tower and cadillac underpin the largest number of exercises in the Pilates repertoire

Training must also include the Ladder Barrel, Wunda Chair, and Spine Corrector. The Ladder Barrel develops spinal articulation, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. The Wunda Chair builds strength, stability, and upright integration. The Spine Corrector refines alignment, enhances mobility, and supports awareness of spinal and rib cage mechanics.

Together, the Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, and fully completed Matwork form the full system of Pilates apparatus and mat work. These components are designed to function together as an integrated method rather than isolated certifications.

A comprehensive teacher is able to assess posture and movement patterns with clarity. They design progressive programmes that respond directly to the client’s postural presentation and functional needs. They move between apparatus with purpose and can teach both individual and group sessions safely and effectively.

Assessment for comprehensive qualification must reflect integration across the system. Candidates are required to undertake an 8 week case study which is developed across the whole system. Week 2 and week 8 must be observed and use a minimum of three pieces of apparatus within their practical assessment. Mat work should be incorporated where appropriate. Exercise selection must demonstrate clear reasoning and reflect the specific postural needs of the client.

The teacher must first analyse pelvic position, spinal curves, rib cage alignment, shoulder girdle function, and lower limb mechanics. Programme design must respond directly to these findings. For example, limited thoracic extension may indicate work on the Ladder Barrel or Spine Corrector. Reduced posterior chain strength may require appropriate loading on the Reformer or Wunda Chair. Shoulder instability may guide work on the Cadillac to develop control and alignment. The requirement to use multiple pieces of apparatus ensures the teacher understands the system as a whole. It prevents reliance on a single piece of equipment and demonstrates the ability to integrate the method across environments.

Comprehensive training represents depth of knowledge, clarity of programming, and full understanding of the Pilates system. It is defined by integration, purpose, and professional standards in both teaching and assessment. The Comprehensive Assessment and certification as a stand alone cost is £895. 

If you were intending to be fully comprehensive and take all of the apparatus you can reduce the cost by purchasing the courses as a Fully Comprehensive Diploma at the cost of £5295. This is a saving of just under £1,000. It is a good option to take the Fully Comprehensive certification as it includes all the apparatus and certificates you as a fully comprehensive teacher recognised by the Society for the Pilates Method. 

For Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates dates click here. For apparatus dates see dates here on the right. For further dates please contact the office.

You can attend the fully comprehensive Pilates apparatus diploma course fully in the comfort of your own home or studio. Which ever is your preferred study method you can now take your Fully Comprehensive Pilates Apparatus Diploma instructor training with Drummond & MK Pilates

You can take the course module by module and build on your mat Pilates Diploma or you can book and pay for the course as one diploma. 

This Fully Comprehensive Apparatus Pilates Diploma instructor training course gives you the best of both worlds. A classical mat Pilates Diploma combined with the latest research on restorative movement and the traditional Pilates Method and the full classical apparatus repertoire on the main 5 pieces of apparatus.  It has been developed by our leading clinical physiotherapist and international Pilates coaches. If you already hold a qualification in one of the disciplines or apparatus and want to take the fully comprehensive diploma then do email admin@drummondeducation.com to discuss the remaining modules and the prices will be adjusted for you accordingly.

Each individual piece of apparatus course will give you everything you need to safely and effectively take your clients through the MK/Drummond Pilates repertoire in a one to one personal training environment on the Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Tower & Cadillac and Reformer. For individual module prices click on the select options below.

This course is internationally accepted and certificated by MK Pilates and Drummond Health & Fitness Education Academy and YMCA Awards for the Reformer Diploma Module Certification. The UK Fitness Awarding Organisation.

We recommend getting in touch with the office to discuss your individual requirements and needs and so that we can bespoke the Full Comprehensive Training programme or individual apparatus training to your needs, schedule and most importantly budget. 

What our learners say:

“I just wanted to ask ‘WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?!!?’  LOL. I LOVED the course.  I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I had no idea about this kind of work before I looked into studying Pilates a few weeks ago.  When I finished school I really wanted to become a physiotherapist but I didn’t have a high enough Maths score to get into the university courses where I lived in South Africa.  I also equally wanted to be a ballet teacher and so pursued that career instead. I just loved every moment on the course with you.  I really have learnt so much and I am just so excited to really go and sink my teeth into all the resources that you have made available to us. So I just wanted to thank you for your time, knowledge and expertise that you shared with us this weekend. ” (KL)

“I attended the course yesterday and I wanted to say a big thank you. I absolutely LOVE learning with Drummond Education; it has consistently been a very nurturing and reliable place to learn which I have found from experiences with other training providers quite hard to come by. ” (AH)

“Thanks to Drummond Education Academy I could become a Pilates Instructor which was the objective but I got more than just the diploma. I have really enjoyed (and still enjoying) the overall structure of the program, practice, values and ways of working. Drummond is making each individual self develop throughout the program at their own pace with customised support. Any program at Drummond is very flexible, you can repeat a class as many times as you want. The teachers are amazing highly knowledgeable driven by the wonderful Gill (and Alex). At Drummond, you are really challenged but at the same time, you never feel that you can’t succeed, they are supporting you all the way from homework to practical sessions.  I have found a fun and supportive team who can not never do enough for you even during lockdown, they organise free workshops. I highly recommend Drummond to anyone willing to start a career in Fitness.” (AS)

This Pilates Diploma Instructor Training course is internationally accepted and recognised by the Pilates Method Society

Career Advice

Whether you would like to take this fully comprehensive Pilates apparatus diploma, or just want to talk to someone and ask questions to gain some career advice, we are always happy to hear from you. You can email us on admin@drummondeducation.com or telephone us on 0203 326 3009 and we would be delighted to give you the most current industry advice. the Drummond Team is available for help on any topic,  any Monday to Friday 10.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m.

Green Policy

As an organisation our environmental policy is to print as little as possible. With this in mind all of our courses have downloadable manuals on your own online learning centre. You can download these to your own computer and you can keep them for life