XFORMER PILATES CERTIFICATION
Training Dates: May 28-31, 2026
Location: Awen Pilates, Topanga
Pilates Master Trainer: Piper Michelle
Anatomy Trainer: Chelsea Willett
Equipment: XFormer
Certification: Slow Resistance Training
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Slow Resistance Training (SRT), featured in our upcoming training with Piper Michelle, is a set of adaptable principles that can be applied across reformer-based movement.
SRT is a high-intensity, low-impact approach designed to build strength and endurance through slow, controlled movement. Rather than counting repetitions, exercises are performed for time under tension—maximizing muscle engagement, eliminating momentum, and ensuring each movement is driven solely by muscular control.
The result is a highly effective, total-body method that strengthens slow-twitch endurance muscle fibers, improves core stability, and enhances overall body control. -
By completing this training, you’ll earn a Slow Resistance Training (SRT) Certification—a comprehensive program designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead with impact. Here’s what sets this certification apart:
ADAPTABLE & VERSATILE ACROSS STUDIOS: While our training is tailored for the XFormer—the equipment we use at Awen Pilates—SRT is a set of universal principles that can be applied to any reformer with a carriage and springs, or adapted for sliders and mat-based work.
Whether you’re teaching on modern reformers, mega reformers like the XFormer, or leading at-home workouts, you’ll have the skills to adapt seamlessly across environments.
With SRT, you’re not tied to one machine or brand, giving you the freedom to expand your teaching opportunities without licensing restrictions.
MASTER THE ART OF INTENTIONAL MOVEMENT: SRT is rooted in slow, intentional movement—building strength, flexibility, and stability while protecting the joints. You’ll learn to guide clients through high-intensity, low-impact exercises that improve control, precision, and resilience, fostering a deeper connection to their bodies.
COACHING SKILLS: Coaching is more than memorizing exercises—it’s about creating an environment where clients feel motivated, supported, and empowered. This training equips you to inspire clients to push beyond their limits while honoring progress and sustainability.
Key coaching topics include:That + Those vs You + Yours
Vocal Communication
Filler vs Education
Metaphors + Similes
Adjustments + Corrections
Training Hierarchy
Teaching the WHY
Utilizing Music
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This Spring training begins with a focused Anatomy and Physiology Intensive designed to deepen your understanding of movement mechanics and support safe, effective instruction.
This session examines applied anatomy as it relates to exercise execution, including joint mechanics, muscle function, common compensation patterns, and key principles of injury prevention.
The goal is to provide a clear framework for understanding why movements are programmed, how the body adapts under load, and how to cue and modify exercises with greater accuracy and confidence. -
If you’re familiar with the Lagree Method, SRT is built on many of the same foundational principles. For those training on Lagree-branded equipment, we provide a worksheet with side-by-side exercise comparisons for easy reference.
As Piper Michelle wisely says, "Methods are many. Principles are few. Methods always change. Principles never do." -
Anatomy + Physiology
Movement Mechanics
Injury Prevention
Introduction to Slow Resistance Training (SRT)
Routine Building
Exercise Setup + Cueing Techniques
The Benefits of Going Slow
Anatomy of the Reformer
Exercise Transitions
Effective Action Words
Coaching + Communication Skills
Filler vs Education: Keeping Classes Intentional
Adjustments + Corrections
Modifications + Progressions
Plus so much more!
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DAY 1
Thursday May 28
Anatomy + Injury Prevention
12:00 PM - 4:00 PMDAY 2
Friday May 29
SRT Intro + Core
3:00 PM - 7:00 PMDAY 3
Saturday May 30
Lower Body
1:00 PM - 8:00 PMDAY 4
Sunday May 31
Obliques + Upper Body
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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~24 hours of in-person instruction with two expert trainers over 4 days
Anatomy and Physiology Intensive focused on movement mechanics and injury prevention
Slow Resistance Training (SRT) Certification
One-year unlimited access to Piper’s SRT Online Training Academy
Comprehensive, printed SRT training manual covering the entire SRT curriculum
Three complimentary classes at Awen Pilates to observe and practice
30 days of post-training studio access for independent practice hours
Potential job interview opportunity at Awen Pilates following certification and practice hours
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Program Tuition: $2,500
Includes over $3,200 in training, resources, and studio access. Payment plan available. -
To make the training more accessible, we offer the following payment plan:
$1,250 due at sign-up
$1,250 due May 25th
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50% non-refundable deposit
No refunds for cancellations made less than 2 weeks before training
All refund requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis
TRAINEE TESTIMONIALS
“I could not have asked for a better environment, group, and instructor to dive deeper into my love of reformer pilates with. Such an amazing learning experience, and I am so thankful for all of the new knowledge and skills I’ll be able to apply moving forward!”
〰️ SAMMY
“I finished the training feeling deeply supported by the group and genuinely inspired to begin instructing. The environment was thoughtful, encouraging, and rooted in real care for both the body and the individual. It reminded me how powerful mindful movement and community can be. To anyone looking to transform their well-being, this is the place.”
〰️ BRI
“I recently had the pleasure of doing my XFormer teacher training at Awen and had a wonderful experience from start to finish. I really appreciated that it was a smaller group, as it allowed us to really engage and receive 1 on 1 feedback. You can tell the owner wants to see the trainees succeed and fosters an environment that reflects that. Good energy and good vibes, clean and welcoming space.”
〰️ ADDY