Science-Based Reformer (SBR™) Teacher Certification
Now Accepting Applications!
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4.7 of 5 – Trustpilot Top Rating
Finally, a reformer teacher training course that empowers graduates with the real-world skills needed to launch a career in this booming industry. Here are the top reasons to get certified:
- Turn your passion into a career you love
- Deliver visible, measurable results for clients
- Enjoy the freedom to set your own schedule
- Inspire students, change lives
To Future SBR™ Instructors
From Lucas Rockwood, Course Manager
It’s an exciting time to become a Certified Science-Based Reformer Instructor. New studios are opening every week, the market is expanding, and qualified teachers can turn their passion into a meaningful career.
Imagine, a few months from now, you can lead high energy group classes, teach private sessions from home, or coach online to students around the world. When it’s your job is to help people improve their health, it doesn’t feel like work at all.
In reformer classes, students get stronger. They improve their mobility and balance, and they develop confidence in their bodies. The SBR Method is designed to scale up or down to match the needs of your students including those with injuries and age-related challenges.
What Is Science-Based Reformer (SBR)?
The SBR Method combines the original teachings of Joseph Pilates with modern exercise science, with one clear goal: Results.
First developed in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2011 with Absolute Pilates Group, the method has evolved into an internationally renowned system built around intelligent sequencing, progression, and measurable outcomes.
The SBR Difference
- Science-based sequencing
- Full-body progression
- Lean-body strength and mobility
- Movement as medicine
Sadly, many reformer classes today focus primarily on creative choreography. Constant variety can make a class fun, but more exercises, more props, and more complexity doesn’t necessarily produce better results.
SBR takes a different approach.
Modern students are busy. They want to enjoy their practice, of course, but they need classes to deliver results they can feel in their bodies and see in the mirror. That’s where the Science-Based Reformer Method excels.
If you’ve taken Pilates classes before, much of the SBR repertoire will feel familiar. What’s different is how the exercises are structured, timed, and progressed.
Rather than chasing novelty, SBR uses purposeful repetition and careful sequencing to develop full-body strength, mobility, movement quality, and confidence. Just as importantly, the practice meets students right where they are. Whether they’re brand-new beginners, experienced students, injured or with limitations, SBR offers a clear path forward.
The Three Pillars of the SBR Method
Sequencing
Movement
The Reformer is Powerful
The reformer apparatus was first developed by Joseph Pilates over 100 years ago in New York City, and it remains one of the most versatile resistance-training machines ever created. The Reformer elegantly combines three of the most popular gym training tools:
- A cable machine
- A leg press
- A core trainer
The reformer’s biggest advantage is its spring system that maintains tension throughout the entire rep range, including concentric and eccentric phases as well as isometric holds. This makes training extremely efficient, allowing a 50-minute SBR class to accomplish what would otherwise require multiple machines much more time in a traditional gym setting.
On the reformer, you can train the upper body, lower body, and core from nearly every direction, while adjusting resistance, range of motion, and difficulty as you progress. This is why students start to feel the difference after just three classes and see the difference in the mirror after about three weeks.
The SBR 5×5 Formula
SBR classes are structured using a block system. This provides teachers with enormous freedom while ensuring a full-body, structured training. Every class is organized around five essential training categories: footwork, core, lower body, upper body, and mobility.
Within each category, you’ll learn five unique practice blocks that can be mixed, matched, progressed, regressed to create dozens of –
complete full-body classes. This means if you have a student struggling with joint pain and limited mobility, you can choose the appropriate blocks to keep them safe. Similarly, if you have a class with athletes looking for a challenge, you can choose high-capacity blocks that demand strength and flexibility while staying true to the principles of practice.
The Big Problem with Most Trainings
Many old-school courses claim to offer 450-hour certifications, but only a small portion of those hours involve direct instruction. Much of the “training” consists of attending studio classes, observing other teachers, and completing unpaid apprenticeship hours.
To many aspiring teachers, this can feel like gatekeeping. The process is
long and inefficient, often requiring six to twelve months before you’re qualified to teach independently.
The second type of popular trainings are offered by reformer manufacturers themselves. There’s nothing inherently wrong with manufacturer-based education, but their training naturally reflects their equipment, methodology, and brand.
If your goal is to work independently, you may be better served by an education focused on developing your skills and career rather than promoting a particular equipment brand.
Lastly, there are now and proliferation of two-day courses. It’ll come as no surprise that you cannot realistically develop the skills, confidence, or experience needed to work professionally in just one weekend, but many people sign up anyway hoping they can figure it out after the course. Some do, most don’t.
Before you choose a course, here are the top 3 questions to consider:
- Does the training give you the real-world skills you need to teach successfully?
- Is the program designed around your professional development, or more around the studio or Reformer brand’s goals?
- Does the training method, philosophy, and mission represent you as a teacher?
The Hybrid Training Model (online + in-person)
Level 1
SBR Methodology
Level 2
SBR Teaching Lab
SBR Methodology (100% online)
Next: 16 Nov – 18 Dec
Level 1 is the academic and methodology foundation of the SBR Certification. It is 100% online and can be completed from anywhere in the world. All you need is a reliable internet connection and access to a reformer, either at home or through a local studio.
SCHEDULE (16 July – 11 Dec 2026)
- 2hrs Daily (Monday – Friday)
- Hour 1: Guided Reformer practice
- Hour 2: Interactive lecture and practice teaching
Format
- Live Zoom training
- Same-day class recordings available
- Mobile and web learning portal
- 24/7 training community
- Assignments and practice teaching
- Private tutoring and additional sessions available
NOTE: Live attendance is strongly recommended, but every session is recorded and available the same day through the SBR app for students managing work, family, or time-zone conflicts.
Level I Curriculum
- History of the reformer
- Reformer selection, setup, and safety
- Anatomy and biomechanics
- Science of strength
- Injuries and modifications
- Movement as medicine
- Teaching techniques
- Public speaking
- Session planning
- Business and marketing
We do online training differently with live video sessions, guided practices, interactive workshops, breakout sessions, practice teaching, and feedback. Level 1 is designed to be taken in conjunction with the Teaching Lab (Level 2), but it can be taken as a standalone course in its own right
SBR Teaching Lab (In-person)
Next: 9-16 Jan 2027
The in-person teaching lab is a time for detailed exercise clinics, fine-tuning of setups and modifications, and more than anything, student practice and practice teaching.
Because you’re in a group setting and will constantly work with partners, it allows you to get hands-on experience with different ages, different body types, and different apparatus, which is invaluable.
This is not a practice boot camp. It’s a teaching boot camp. While you’ll do lots of practice during the course, the focus is not on pushing your body to extremes. It’s really on pushing your teaching ability to your maximum potential. You’ll walk away job-ready on the very last day of the course and highly employable.
SCHEDULE (16 July – 11 Dec 2026)
- 7:00 – 8:00 am – Guided class + practice teaching
- 8:00 – 9:00 am – Exercise Clinics
- 11:00 – 1:00 pm – Teaching Techniques, Sequencing & Public Speaking
- 3:00 – 5:00 pm – Guided class + practice teaching
- 6:00 – 7:00 pm – Business, community, Q&A
Learning process: experience it as a student, understand it in theory, teach it to your peers, get feedback, and lock in the learning. You’ll constantly alternate between being the student and being the teacher, developing the physical familiarity, observation skills, and cueing confidence that are difficult to build through academic study alone.
By the end of Level 2, the goal is for you to confidently and independently lead a complete 50-minute SBR class.
Our next Level 2 intensive will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, with future trainings planned for Hong Kong, Singapore, Koh Samui, Western Europe, and the United States.
Certification and Assessment
Our goal is to support you every step of the way as you develop from a passionate student into a confident, qualified SBR teacher. To graduate, you’ll complete the following assessments:
Certified Teacher Qualifications
- Internationally recognized
- ACE approved
- Work in gyms and studios
- Work from home and online
- Lifetime certification, no required retraining or fees
Level 1: SBR Methodology
- Multiple-choice exam
- Mini-class video submission
Level 2: SBR Teaching Lab
- Final multiple-choice exam
- Full-class video submission
Students often ask, “Does everyone graduate?” The answer is no. A credible certification requires students to demonstrate both knowledge and teaching ability. At the same time, any student who is serious, committed, and willing to put in the work should be able to successfully complete the program.
Some students simply need more practice or support. If you struggle with an exam or teaching assessment, we’ll help you identify what needs improvement and provide additional guidance and tutoring so you can develop the required skills and try again. If you show up for the course, we’ll show up for you.
Meet the Team
SBR uses a team-based approach to teacher training. Rather than learning from a single instructor, you’ll work with career educators whose backgrounds span Pilates, Reformer training, yoga, anatomy, biomechanics, flexibility, breathwork, teacher development, and business.
The result is a broader education with exposure to different teaching styles, professional backgrounds, and perspectives.
Ole Eugenio
Lead Trainer
Originally from the Philippines, Ole Eugenio is one of Asia’s most experienced Pilates educators, with more than 25 years in the industry.
With roots as a competitive gymnast, Ole brings a deep understanding of movement, alignment, and biomechanics to his teaching. He was the first Filipino to become fully certified in STOTT PILATES® and later went on to found Options Studio Philippines and Smart Movement International, as well as co-create the Core Suspend training system.
Benjaporn “Ben” Karoonkornsakul
Development
Ben is the founder of Absolute U, one of Asia’s pioneering mind-body fitness companies. Founded in Thailand in 2002, Absolute U helped introduce and popularize yoga, group cycling, functional fitness, and group Reformer training across the region.
Under Ben’s leadership, the company expanded across Thailand and Singapore and played an important role in the development of the contemporary Asian group Reformer movement.
Her experience building studios, developing instructors, and bringing Reformer training to a large group-fitness audience provides an important part of the foundation behind SBR.
Natalie Weissenberger
Senior Trainer
Originally from Switzerland and trained as a lawyer, Natalie Soh discovered Reformer training to decompress from the demands of her professional career.
movement education a major part of her career.
Today, Natalie is a senior instructor in Singapore and a core member of the SBR training team.
Her analytical background, technical approach, and experience on both sides of the Reformer, first as a student and now as an educator, give her a particularly valuable perspective.
Lucas Rockwood
Curriculum Director
Lucas Rockwood has worked in fitness and wellness education since 2003, with a background spanning yoga, anatomy, biomechanics, flexibility, breathwork, nutrition, spine health, and healthy aging.
His TEDx talk has been viewed more than 3 million times, and his books, courses, and educational content reach millions of people each month.
Within SBR, Lucas leads curriculum development, anatomy and biomechanics, online education, and business training. His approach is simple: Cut through the noise. Understand the science. Teach what works.
Camilo Carreiro
Teaching Coach
Born in Mexico and raised in Spain, Camilo Carreiro is a career teacher and teacher-trainer with extensive experience in yoga, breathwork, flexibility training, teacher mentoring, and client management.
professional career coaching teachers, both in the classroom and behind the scenes.
Within SBR, Camilo focuses on the practical skills that turn knowledge into great teaching: class planning, teaching methodology, communication, leadership, and client management.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is for anyone passionate about mind-body fitness who has fallen in love with the Reformer as a uniquely adaptable training tool for people of all ages and backgrounds.
We recommend that you have completed at least 25 guided Reformer classes before beginning the course. Online guided sessions count, and previous experience in yoga, Pilates, strength training, dance, fitness, or another movement discipline is helpful but not required. Our students typically fall into three groups:
You do not need to know where this course will lead before you begin. You do need to arrive ready to participate, practice, study, and take the training seriously.
Future Full-time Teachers
About one-third are career-minded students ready to make a major shift and build a new career teaching Reformer.
Future Part-time Teachers
About one-third plan to teach alongside their existing career, family commitments, or other work.
Serious Students
About one-third simply want to deepen their knowledge. They may eventually teach, or they may decide that teaching isn’t for them.
You do not need to know where this course will lead before you begin. You do need to arrive ready to participate, practice, study, and take the training seriously.
Tuition Investment
Level 1
SBR Methodology
$1,995
What’s included:
- Training manual (PDF)
- Pose charts (PDF)
- Online learning platform & app
- Business resource center
- All live classes + replays
- 100% individual exam assessments
- Ongoing access to course updates
Level 1+2
SBR Methodology + Teaching Lab
$4,995
Includes everything in Level 1, plus
- Advanced exercise library
- Teaching refinement & progression
- Advanced programming strategies
- Advanced cueing & adjustments
- Business & marketing training
- Mentorship & feedback sessions
- Live Q&A & case studies
Additional costs? There are no mandatory certification fees beyond the stated tuition. However, you should budget separately for personal expenses such as travel to and from the Level II certification (if applicable), purchasing a Reformer if you choose to own one, and any local studio classes you decide to attend.
Frequent Questions
Student Feedback
2000+ students already graduated!
“Easy-to-Follow, Science-Based Classes”
I have completed several YOGABODY challenges, including 21-Day Hip, Happy Back, Happy Feet, and Science of Stretching. All of Lucas’s classes are easy to follow online, as he explains the science and purpose behind the poses. Adaptations and progressions are clearly specified. I return to the sessions frequently. I am currently participating in the Science-Based Reformer classes and am already feeling results after just one week. Highly recommended!
-Jackie G
“I’m Seriously Into Fitness Again!”
In the past, I’ve done several online YOGABODY courses, which I really enjoyed. Right now, I’m participating in the Science-Based Reformer group practice, and I’m seriously into fitness again, using my own reformer and Pilates principles. I love it!
-Erica
“Clear Instruction and Great New Moves”
Lucas does a terrific job of explaining the moves as we go, and he keeps the class on track. I’m learning lots of new movements and stretches that I really appreciate. I’m so grateful for this opportunity!
-Noname
“Just Like an In-Person Class!”
Lucas is a fantastic instructor, and I’ve loved every single class session I’ve done with him. I started with the on-demand stretching classes years ago and am currently doing some live sessions via Zoom. I LOVE the live sessions—they feel so much like an in-person class because I can’t get sloppy! :) Thank you so much!
-Laura D
“Challenging Yet Accessible”
I’ve really enjoyed these lessons. They are structured in a way that makes them easy to follow, while it’s clear that the instruction comes from a teacher who truly understands anatomy. The classes are challenging enough to push me while still being accessible to anyone, with modifications always offered when needed. I’m so happy to be able to enjoy this practice!
-KG