STOTT PILATES® Intensive Matwork Plus (IMP) Course – Level 1
Every Pilates program begins with a strong foundation in Matwork. This STOTT PILATES course helps build repertoire from the ground up and teaches clients body awareness before moving on to spring-resistance equipment. Learn countless modifications, how to cue for smooth transitions and incorporate fitness accessories into Matwork-based programming. IMP provides the solid foundation needed to develop effective and motivating personal training and group programs. Learn to design and teach Level 1 (Essential & Intermediate) Matwork repertoire, integrating light equipment to meet the needs of clients.
What you will learn
- Workout composition for personal and group training
- Essential, Intermediate, Power workouts
- Flex-Band, Fitness Circle and Arc Barrel workouts
- Effective communication and observational skills, verbal cueing and imagery for performance enhancement and client motivation
- Modifications for specific body types, postural issues and conditions
- How to incorporate resistance equipment to support and intensify exercises
- Theory and practice of postural analysis
- Exercise layering related to effective program design
- 63 exercises plus 100’s of modifications for client’s needs
Equipment Presented (& supplied for course duration)
- Floor Mat
- Arc Barrel
- Mini Stability Ball
- Fitness Circle Resistance Ring
- Foam Cushions A & C
- Spine Supporter
- Flex-Band Exercises
- Eco-Friendly Pilates Pad
Pre-requisites
-
- 30 hours plus of attending any Pilates classes/workouts.
- Working knowledge of functional anatomy (can be achieved with the recommended reading below under course materials). In addition, attendance at the STOTT PILATES Anatomy Review Workshop is highly recommended STOTT PILATES Workshops
- Teaching experience – applicants with a strong history of Pilates participation and/or experience teaching/managing clients in another field will be considered.
- In the Intensive stream we’re looking for self-directed and highly motivated people with industry-specific knowledge and skills, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ideal candidates include:
- Current health and fitness professionals with prior teaching experience
- Career changers who would like to begin their training while still working full time
IMP involves 40 hours of instructor training conducted over 8 days.The schedule is either consecutive day or split format with the course split into 2 segments.
The course timetable maximises weekend dates/times.

STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, Remuera, AUCKLAND – Total 40 hours
Day 1/8: Friday 02 February 2018 – 11.00am-4.30pm
Day 2/8: Saturday 03 February 2018 – 11.00am-4.30pm
Day 3/8: Sunday 04 February 2018 – 11.00pm-4.30pm
Day 4/8: Monday 05 February 2018 – 11.00am-4.30pm
Day 5/8: Tuesday 06 February 2018 – 11.00am-4.30pm
(Note Wednesday 07 February – day off – Total Barre course running)
Day 6/8: Thursday 08 February 2018 – 11.00am-4.30pm
Day 7/8: Friday 09 February 2018 – 11.00am-4.30pm
Day 8/8: Saturday 10 February 2018 – 11.00am-4.30pm
STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, Location TBC – Total 40 hours
Day 1/8: Friday 01 June 2018 – times TBC
Day 2/8: Saturday 02 June 2018 – times TBC
Day 3/8: Sunday 03 June 2018 – times TBC
Day 4/8: Monday 04 June 2018 – times TBC
Day 5/8: Tuesday 05 June 2018 – times TBC
(Note Wednesday 06 June – day off – Total Barre course running)
Day 6/8: Thursday 07 June 2018 – times TBC
Day 7/8: Friday 08 June 2018 – times TBC
Day 8/8: Saturday 09 June 2018 – times TBC
Day 1/1: Sunday 10 June 2018 – STOTT PILATES Advanced Matwork Course, Location TBC – Total 6 hours
Extra Workshops to Compliment Intensive Matwork Plus Course
Thursday 01 February: STOTT PILATES Anatomy Review – 11.00am-6.00pm STOTT PILATES Workshops
Sunday 11 February: STOTT PILATES Postural Analysis Review – 9.00am-11.00am STOTT PILATES Workshops
Sunday 11 February: STOTT PILATES Mini Stability Ball Workout – 11.30am-1.30pm STOTT PILATES Workshops
Sunday 11 February: STOTT PILATES Intense Sculpting Challenge, Flexband Level 4 – 2.00pm-4.00pm STOTT PILATES Workshops
Price: NZ$2600Includes GST & course materials
Terms
20% deposit is required at time of registration to secure enrolment. Balance due 02 January 2018. Courses limited to 12 participants.
Continued Education Credits
STOTT PILATES 4.0 / REPS max credits
IMP course materials include the following 2 manuals & 4 dvds:
-
-
- STOTT PILATES® Comprehensive Matwork Manual
- Matwork & Reformer Support Materials Book
- STOTT PILATES® Essential Matwork DVD, 3rd Ed.
- STOTT PILATES® Intermediate Matwork DVD, 3rd Ed.
- STOTT PILATES® Total Body Sculpting DVD
- STOTT PILATES® Fitness Circle® Challenge DVD
-
Optional Resources
These resources are not supplied within the course cost, however you may want to purchase these as additional excellent resources for your practice.
-
-
- Trail Guide to the Body, Andrew Biel
- Anatomy Flash Cards, Anne Gilroy
- Atlas of Anatomy, Gilroy, MacPherson, Ross
- Anatomy of Movement, Blandine Germain
- Muscular System Flash Pak, Bryan Edwards
-

Requirements post course & prior to certification
-
-
- After training, instructors can begin teaching clients as a ‘STOTT PILATES Trained Instructor’. Upon certification instructors can advertise their ‘STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor’ status.
- If you choose to become certified in the STOTT PILATES® method, you have 6 months from the last day of your course to sit your exam. If this time expires, you are required to book at least 1 hour with an Instructor Trainer to reinstate your eligibility.
- A minimum number of 10 hours of observation, 15 hours of practice teaching and 30 hours of physical review are required for all courses and should be completed prior to your examination date. Observation hours can be logged by observing a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer or a certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor. If access to either is not possible due to location challenges, these hours can be logged by observing your course material DVDs supplied. Physical review is logged by practicing the course content yourself (or being taught by a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor) and practice teaching hours are logged by teaching clients/friends/fellow students, etc.
-
“Sharon’s knowledge of Pilates, body mechanics, joints, muscles and how the body works is impeccable. You will not only learn STOTT PILATES indeppth, but you will come away confident you can take your knowledge and experience to teach client’s perfectly” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, August 2017)
“Awesome course, mind & body was thoroughly challenged in a good way. Love the body science & knowledge gained throughout this course” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, August 2017)
“Sharon is very knowledgeable & clearly passionate about teaching as well as the STOTT PILATES curriculum. I’ve really enjoyed the learning process & will definitely consider further training in the future” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, August 2017)
“It was a great course. I learned more than expected” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, August 2017)
“Sharon is a positive and bubbly instructor who shares her passion for Pilates in a supportive and encouraging environment. Exercises are thoroughly explained with excellent support materials. I loved the details. We are lucky to have the talented Sharon teaching STOTT PILATES in New Zealand. I’m going to do further STOTT PILATES courses with Sharon and I can’t wait. Would highly recommend this course. Thank you Sharon for being such an awesome instructor!” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, August 2017)
“What a fantastic course and Instructor Trainer! The course was very thorough and I feel very well prepared for teaching. Sharon was very professional yet made the whole experience fun! Everything was explained so clearly & logically. This course & Instructor Trainer far exceeded my expectations. I’m so excited to start teaching!” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, May 2017)
“Having trained previously with classical Pilates, STOTT PILATES has been an incredible journey deepening my knowledge of the Pilates system & biomechanical movement patterns. Highly recommend this course. Sharon is an incredibly supportive instructor, incredibly knowledgeable, passing on her knowledge & experience with huge passion & enthusiasm. Thank you!” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, May 2017)
“Sharon has been great, very knowledgeable & down to earth, really emphasising an intelligent approach & not compromising structure for an outcome. Very encouraging & supportive”. (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, May 2017)
“Great training experience! Sharon is an amazing knowledgeable techer. Can’t wait for the Reformer training! Would highly recommend Sharon to anyone wanting to take the Pilates path. Also lover her encouragement to keep in touch & join the STOTT PILATES community. Thanks Sharon!” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, May 2017)
“Loved it! Feel confident that I was given all the information for a future as a more than competent Instructor”. (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, May 2017)
“My learning and deeper understanding of my body and what I can get it to do is invaluable to me. Love it, love it, love it! Thank you Sharon” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, May 2017)
“Great motivation to continue my journey. I achieved my first ever full press up with correct positioning!” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus Course, May 2017)
“I really enjoyed the STOTT PILATES course, I learnt so much about my body and how relevant and beneficial it is for my dancing. Sharon was amazing, very helpful and knowledgeable about her craft” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Course, November 2016)
“Sharon is a really fun, knowledgable, easy going yet a professional teacher! Loving this course even though every muscle is sore! (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Course, November 2016)
“Through chosing STOTT PILATES it has made me so much more aware of my body. So thank you to have chosen this course over any other Pilates courses offered. It’s so in depth and requires a lot of understanding. Sharon was great” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Course, November 2016)
“Really enjoyed working with Sharon. Her experience and knowledge is inspiring. Great to have all the support material. Thank you ;-)” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Course, November 2016)
“This is a fantastic Pilates course! Very informative and in depth and Sharon’s method of teaching is easy to understand while still remaining fun” (attended STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Course, November 2016)
“I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. Sharon and the ladies on the course have made it easy to learn and Sharon has a great way of teaching without losing me, along the way. Looking forward to the next installment. Thanks Sharon for having faith in my abilities” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, March 2016)
“Course was a little bit intense but fun and Sharon was a lovely instructor. Very knowledgable, got intense skills and very supported. Thank you Sharon” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, March 2016)
“Sharon has created a very comfortable and nurturing learning environment, where I have always felt keen and willing to learn and participate. My expectations have been far exceeded and my learnings have left me feeling excited to start sharing my knowledge and teaching straight away.” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, March 2016)
“I feel Sharon really knows her subject and teaches well. Great personality and keeps class fun. I look forward to taking another course!”(attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, March 2016)
“Sharon’s training is just perfect for anyone with a passion for being the best instructor you can be. Sharon is clearly passionate about the Stott Pilates method and after training with her I am now too! For anyone wishing to be trained to be the best and provide the best service, this is the course.”(attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, March 2016)
“Sharon is fantastic at training, she has a wealth of knowledge and is able to teach it very clearly. I wouldn’t hesitate to do another course with her and am already thinking about what I can do next! :)”(attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, March 2016)
“Sharon is amazing, so much energy and passion for Pilates. She has so much knowledge to share and always gives you that extra workout by making you laugh. I don’t want the course to end!!” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, March 2016)
“Sharon is in my opinion an exceptional trainer, mentor and Pilates ambassador. She has given me so much inspiration and her passion for STOTT PILATES is also infectious. She has made my introduction into the Instructor world an awesome one and has given me tools and knowledge to develop myself. Thank you ;-)” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – September 2015)
“Sharon was a fantastic instructor with an amazing wealth of knowledge and made everything accessible and was very encouraging. I’m so impressed with the course materials and content – super professional. I feel confident going on to teach classes. The course is definitely worth every cent.” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – September 2015)
“Great in-depth course. The teaching has given me confidence to teach others as emphasis was placed on principles, muscle groups and techniques throughout every exercise.” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – September 2015)
“Awesome! Truly profound results!” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – September 2015)
“It’s a great course with a very knowledgeable & patient teacher. Great at teaching to all backgrounds and making everyone feel positive.” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – September 2015)
“Awesome, I love it, I love it, I love it. Thank you so much Sharon, you have made my transition from the old life to my new one AMAZING and so very positive.” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – September 2015)
“Sharon has been a great instructor, very good at making the information clear and functional. I would highly recommend her.” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – September 2015)
“Great trainer who is so enthusiastic and encouraging!” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – September 2015)
“Sharon was brilliant, her instruction & demonstration of exercises were precise and well thought out, together with putting us at ease when we couldn’t achieve the exercise. I for one will be back for more” (from New Plymouth, attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – February 2015)
“Sharon’s energy, passion and enthusiasm for what she does is awesome to behold. I cannot believe the improvement in my form over the last 8 days. Love how the course is constantly referring back to anatomy & biomechanics. A perfect compliment to my physiotherapy practice. Highly recommended!” (from Auckland, attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – February 2015)
“I travelled from Australia to attend this course and it was definitely worth the trip. The studio is wonderful and such a welcoming environment to spend each day. Sharon’s knowledge and teaching is so inspiring. I have learned so much and can’t wait to start teaching it at home” (from Gold Coast Australia, attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – February 2015)
“This was such an amazing experience and journey. Amazing teacher, great ladies and inspiring all round. Thanks for the opportunity” (from Hamilton, attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – February 2015)
“Very professional and indepth. Loved every minute of it. Can’t wait to return and do another course” (from New Plymouth – attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course – February 2015)
“Fabulous setting, very calming. Sharon makes the training an awesome experience” – (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, July 2014)
“Awesome! Sharon was a really generous, energetic and positive Instructor Trainer. It made every day a pleasure to be there. Great course and I can’t wait to learn more and put my training into practice” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, July 2014)
“Coming from a personal training background, I found this to be incredibly empowering, challenging and enlightening. I learnt to tune into my body in a way personal training has never given me. Sharon was an amazing instructor and coming from a similar background, understood my mindset and could help me evolve, through slowing down and making those mind-body connections” (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, July 2014)
“Sharon is a vibrant and professional teacher. I would definitely return to further my knowledge and experience to Core Pilates New Zealand. Thanks Sharon! (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, July 2014)
“Excellent course, learnt a lot about body movement and it was great to further build on and establish my skills in a different area (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, July 2014)
“I have only just scratched the surface in the realm of Pilates but after completing the STOTT PILATES Intensive Matwork Plus course with Sharon in her dream studio I can’t wait to learn more and become fully qualified! I have a huge passion for sport and since being asked to step inside a studio many years ago, pilates has complimented my sport extensively. Making the decision to become STOTT PILATES trained was nerve racking as I knew I had a solid background in sport, having played professionally for many years; however, I was anxious about my limited knowledge in anatomy, biomechanics, teaching skills and least we mention my lack of flexibility. I feared such key skills would hinder my ability to learn the exercises to the extent required and then in time teach them. All I can say is myth myth myth…. The Intensive Matwork course was extremely thorough and presented in a way that promotes learning with ease and enjoyment. Sharon was a phenomenal instructor from demonstration of the exercises to the write up of notes whilst ensuring I grasp concepts such as postural analysis well enough to further develop on my own. All I can say is if you have a passion for pilates these courses will only amplify your enjoyment of pilates and your knowledge base” – Laura Langman, New Zealand Netballer (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, June 2014)
“I have found this training to be very well structured, stimulating, challenging and enjoyable. Sharon is personable and inspirational, very caring, responsive and supportive. She creates a cheerful, friendly and relaxed but focused atmosphere” – Jan Daley, Dunedin (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, June 2014)
“Sharon’s passion and enthusiasm for her subject is evident in her teaching style. Fantastic course with a knowledgeable instructor who can break the information down into manageable sized pieces” – Pilates Instructor, Dunedin (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, June 2014)
“The course has been fun and an amazing experience, finding out what, why & how! And getting to really feel when you’ve got it right and being able to laugh and try again when you haven’t got it right. Sharon is a great instructor and nobody felt like they wouldn’t succeed in reaching their goals due to her encouragement with all the modifications. A lot to learn & practice but so worth it!” – Chris Ure, Dunedin (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, June 2014)
“Sharon went out of her way to make sure we were understanding and following. I appreciated the personal experiences and tips she shared. It made us feel connected to the ‘real life’ side of teaching as well as the educational side of things” – Rachel Heseltine, Dunedin (attended Intensive Matwork Plus Course, June 2014)
“I have gained a thorough understanding of STOTT PILATES principles. Sharon’s passion for Pilates and teaching are inspiring and motivating. She has a wonderful and impressive knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology and is well able to transfer this to the students. I have been impressed with how apparently minor corrections can have such a profound result (both immediate & lasting) on my own body’s performance. Was great fun to do and very inspiring! Thanks.” Marjolijn Walsh, Physiotherapist, Morrinsville, New Zealand, (attended Intensive Matwork Plus, Auckland, March 2014)
“I just want to say thank you Sharon! The course was incredible. Everything was more than a score 5 out of 5. Sharon you are amazing! Looking forward to getting more knowledge from you and STOTT PILATES. I felt absolutely happy every day of the course, loved the environment and Sharon’s skills. Thanks again!” Florencia Ladida Menehem, Argentina/Waiheke Island, New Zealand, (attended Intensive Mat Plus Course, Auckland in March 2013)
“Even as a teaching novice, this was a very warm and accessible course, which demands high levels of focus and commitment but at the same time is appropriate for all levels. Even more importantly, there were many laughs exchanged over the days and friendships formed. The course couldn’t come more highly recommended. Not only has it seeded a pilates ‘bug’ in me, but I finished the course with bounds of confidence which on day one I thought was impossible!” Emma Lakeman, England, (attended Intensive Mat Plus Course, Auckland in March 2013)
“I found the STOTT PILATES IMP course to be inspiring on a professional and a personal level. As a physiotherapist, it was fantastic to become enthusiastic again about exercise-based prescription and postural analysis techniques that I know will compliment my treatments and get results for my patients. As a new mum with a seven-month-old baby and low back pain, it was awesome to see results on myself just by learning, performing and teaching the STOTT PILATES exercises. I feel like I have my pre-pregnancy figure back and feel my back pain fading already. As for Sharon, the NZ instructor, gotta love her! Don’t think there could be a better course instructor.” Jenny Watts, Physiotherapist, Raglan, New Zealand, (attended Intensive Mat Plus Course, Auckland in March 2013)
“Although I have been teaching Pilates for over 2 years, I still found the STOTT PILATES Intensive Mat and Reformer courses to be packed with a wealth of postural insights, “cueing-gems”, and opportunities for understanding the difference between the benefits of almost getting an exercise right and getting it spot-on. Sharon is an inspiring teacher, and her passion combined with her wealth of experience and knowledge contributed immensely to the value of the courses. My teaching tool-kit has greatly increased and improved as a result of attending these STOTT PILATES courses.” Alison Allen, Wellington, New Zealand, (attended Intensive Matwork Plus, Auckland, March 2014)
