The Pilates Practice is an official independent study and satellite training location for Metropolitan Authentic Training (M.A.T.) of Seattle, WA, where our owner, Fiona Wendorf, was certified.

The M.A.T. Pilates certification program is one of the most comprehensive and rigorous Classical instructor training programs in the United States, and is led by renowned Master Trainer, Dorothee VandeWalle of Metropolitan Pilates. Her talent and commitment to excellence make the M.A.T. Pilates Teacher Training Program the best training program in the Pilates industry, and attracts apprentices from around the world. Find more information about Dorothee VandeWalle here.

This partnership between The Pilates Practice and Metropolitan Pilates allows students to complete the majority of their training hours in beautiful Napa Valley.

The Pilates Practice offers an independent study option for students who would like to pursue a certification from Metropolitan Pilates but are not able to relocate to Seattle. This option allows students to complete their practical training in Napa, with mentorship from owner, Fiona Wendorf, while still having the opportunity to study with Dorothee VandeWalle.

Apprenticeship at The Pilates Practice includes:

700+ hours of study, practice, observation, mentoring, feedback, and workouts. 62 hours of training seminars on all Pilates Equipment. Classroom instruction with Dorothee VandeWalle (Via Zoom & in-person in Seattle), hands-on training with clients, apprentice meetings, practical & written exams. All held in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

Training seminars are held at Metropolitan Pilates in Seattle, WA

This program is not a weekend certification. It involves time, commitment to yourself, your practice clients, and to the studio. Under normal circumstances the program typically takes anywhere from 10 months to 15 months for apprentices to complete the approximately 700+ hours needed for this demanding certification. The hours are comprised of observation, practice teaching, independent study, seminars and Pilates sessions. Apprentices are required to attend all levels of the Pilates instructor training seminars at least once before certification. Practical and written exams are taken in Seattle with Dorothee VandeWalle at all three levels; basic, intermediate and advanced.

Apprenticeship involves being at The Pilates Practice for a minimum of 20 hours per week; observing, teaching, and working out (practicing Pilates). It’s important to look at this program like a part-time job. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself. You’ll also learn a lot about the difference between doing Pilates and teaching Pilates. For some this is a challenge and can take longer but we’ve never seen a participant go through the program and regret it. This program will be life changing and transformative.

TO ENSURE QUALITY OF TRAINING, ONLY 2 APPRENTICES WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE PILATES PRACTICE EACH YEAR. New training cycle beginning in 2025

More details about the Metropolitan Authentic Training Program can be found here.

Contact us if you have questions or are interested in applying for teacher certification.