Pilates is now one of the fastest-growing and increasingly popular exercise forms in the UAE. It focuses on –
- strengthening the core,
- improving flexibility, and
- enhancing posture and body alignment.

According to some surveys, the UAE Pilates studio market shows double-digit growth.
UAE consumers are shifting toward mind-body fitness (Pilates, Yoga, etc.,) thanks to the increasing –
- Mental health awareness
- Stress reduction needs
- Lifestyle disease prevention
Pilates fits well with Dubai/UAE trends of –
- Boutique studios
- Luxury wellness experiences
COURSE DATE & VENUE
Start: June 1
End: Jun 30
The program includes intensive in-person, practical training and teaching practice – see Timeline below.
Venue:
- ONLINE sessions via Zoom: pre-recorded and “live”
- IN-PERSON Training: MAX GYM – IT Plaza, Dubai Silicon Oasis
Why MAT & BALL before Reformer?
- Why should I start with Pilates on Mat and Ball?
- Why can I not jump onto the Reformer straightway?
Here are some of the reasons why you should always start with Matwork, followed by exercises on the Ball before progressing onto the Reformer:
- Matwork helps master the principles of Pilates exercise –
- core engagement through the scoop and imprint,
- control,
- precision,
- breathing,
- flow, concentration,
- centering,
- alignment and
- movement integration.
- Matwork helps master the principles of Pilates exercise –

- Builds core strength and control: Pilates on the Mat – stable surface – and the Ball – unstable, moving surface – helps develop qualities that are essential for safe and effective use of the Reformer and other apparatus –
- core strength,
- control, and
- body awareness.
- Develops proper alignment and posture: Mat Pilates teaches proper alignment and posture, which is crucial for maintaining good form and preventing injuries on the Reformer.
- Improves body awareness on Reformer: Mat and Ball help develop body awareness, which is critical for navigating the Reformer’s moving carriage and springs.
- Strengthens core muscles: Mat and Ball strengthen the core muscles, which are essential for stability and control on the Reformer.
- Prepares for Reformer-specific movements: Matwork followed by work on the unstable, moving Ball introduces fundamental movements and principles that are adapted to the Reformer, making it easier to transition to reformer work.
- Increases flexibility and mobility: Mat and Ball can help increase flexibility and mobility, which is beneficial for movement on the reformer.
- Reduces risk of injury: By building strength, control, and body awareness on the mat, you reduce the risk of injury when transitioning to the reformer.
Matwork and Ball lay the foundation of Pilates on the Reformer and other Apparatus. It is the Ball that will help you transition from the stable surface, Mat, to the unstable, sliding Reformer.
FEE
- Course Fee: AED4,250+ 5% VAT
- REPS UAE Regst & Admin Fee: AED550 + 5% VAT
- TOTAL: AED4800 + 5% VAT
Inclusions
- Certificates
- GĀYO FITNESS SPORTS ACADEMY Pilates on Mat Teacher – offers 20 REPS UAE CPDs
- European Standards – EREPS Level 4 Pilates Trainer certificate
- REPS UAE Pilates on Mat Teacher (Category “F”)
- Complimentary:
- Highfield International FACPR – AED
- For Indians only: Skills India NSQF Level 4 exam and certificate
- Learning Resources – see below
- Training – see below
- Assessment – see below
Exclusions
- Meals and refreshments
- Accommodation
- Travel
COURSE CREDENTIALS

Register of Exercise Professionals – UAE (REPS UAE)
The REPS UAE has pre-approved Pilates on Mat as “entry-level” or professional course in Category “F” – https://www.repsuae.com/training/entry-qualifications
This course offers 20 REPS UAE CPDs

European Standards – European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS)
Our Pilates On Mat together with the below-listed courses leads to EREPS Level 4 Pilates on Matwork and Apparatus Level 4 Pilates Trainer certificate:
- Pilates on Ball
- Pilates on Reformer
- Pilates on Cadillac
- Pilates on Other Apparatus
- Wunda Chair and Barrel including Spine Corrector
- Pilates on Magic Circle
- Pilates on Ped-a-pull
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Personal Trainers, Dance Teachers, Yoga Teachers, Sports Physiotherapists, S&C Coaches, Physical Education Teachers, etc., can benefit from our Pilates on Mat Teacher course in several ways:
- Expand their repertoire of training skill-sets
- Increase clientele and income
- Learn to use Pilates as supplement to their existing skill-sets and / or as a stand-alone value -addition through –
- Understanding of core engagement to help design more effective workouts that target the core and improve overall stability.
- Learning movement analysis and correction to help provide more effective feedback and corrections to their clients.
- Learn how to incorporate Pilates-based functional exercises into the workouts, making them more relevant and effective for clients.
- Understanding how to adapt their workouts to accommodate clients with injuries or limitations.
- Using breathing and relaxation techniques in Pilates exercise programs to help clients manage stress and improve overall well-being.
- Understanding earn how to help clients develop better body awareness, which can improve their overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury.
MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY
These are the minima required for enrolment to our Pilates courses:
- Must be medically fit
- Must hold Level 3 or higher personal trainer certificate or sports coaching certificate / diploma or degree in Phy Ed or Physiotherapy / Dance / etc.
- Must have sound knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology and Kinesiology & Biomechanics.
- Must hold a valid, internationally accepted First Aid & CPR with AED certificate
These are the minimum pre-qualifications required for enrolment to our Pilates on Mat course:
- Must be medically fit
- Must hold Level 3 or higher personal trainer certificate or sports coaching certificate / diploma or degree in Phy Ed or Physiotherapy / Dance / etc.
- Must have sound knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology and Kinesiology & Biomechanics.
- Must hold a valid, internationally accepted First Aid & CPR with AED certificate
- We accept –
- Persons with disability
- Persons with a visual impairment
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL
If you –
- hold prior certificate for Pilates Matwork,
- have undergone practical / “live” training and
- wish to enrol to our course for a shorter duration and / or direct certification from our Academy, you may apply for our RPL assessment.
RPL Terms & Conditions
- The RPL fee is AED350 + 5% GST and will be paid at the time of registration for RPL
- The RPL application fee is non-refundable.
- If RPL application is successful, he / she will have the attend the theory and practical examinations for enrolment to our Pilates on Mat course for a shorter duration and / or direct certification from our Academy.
- On successful completion of the RPL examination – that is, the student earns at least 70% – the RPL fee will be included in the Pilates on Mat course fee.
- If the students secures less than 70% in the RPL examinations, he / she will be required to enrol to the Pilates on Mat course and attend the theory and / or practical training as required.
- The Pilates on Mat course fee will be paid in full before the enrolment.
- Learning resources will be shared along a prescheduled timeline after enrolment.
- The applicant will attend and submit the Pilates on Mat course examinations and will be certified upon earning not less than 70% of the maximum available marks.
- The decision of the Academy will be final in all matters relating to the RPL and course sought to be enrolled to.
Click on this RPL application form, fill in the details and upload the documents and submit. We will get back to you as soon as possible:
CONTENT & RESOURCES
Pilates On Mat
Module 1: ONLINE: Theory and Practice
- Profile, History & Philosophy of Joseph Pilates
- Anatomy & Kinesiology
- Psychosocial aspects of teaching Pilates
- Principles of Pilates – Breath, Concentration, Control, Precision, Centre and Flow
Module 2
- OFFLINE (in-person) Practical Training:
- Principles of Pilates – Breath, Concentration, Control, Precision, Centre and Flow
- Foundation Exercises and variations – about 150 exercises
- Teaching and cueing practice
- Detailed syllabus at: https://www.gayofitnessacademy.com/courses/certificate-course-for-pilates-on-mat-teachers/
LEARNING RESOURCES
- eBOOKs1
- Pilates on Mat textbook
- Exercise Kinesiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Fitness Assessment & Testing
- Access to 145 exercise videos2
- Access to YouTube recordings of online classes, both pre-recorded and “live”
NOTE:
- Soft copies will be emailed as per schedule, free of cost. A full set of the hard copies is available at additional cost of AED500 + 5% VAT, upon prior request.
- Students will receive free access to the videos for 60 days from the date of certification. Thereafter, the access to the regularly updated library of these videos will be continued at a yearly subscription fee of AED300 + 5% VAT –
- Pilates Matwork
- Fitness Assessment & Testing
- Exercise Kinesiology
FACULTY
Saima Khan

With nearly 12 years’ experience in personal training and Pilates, she is a certified Pilates Teacher on Mat and Apparatus (Pilates Institute of America, USA, GĀYO Fitness Academy, India) and qualified Focus Awards (UK) Level 3 tutor, assessor and quality assurer.
With her extensive experience as certified personal trainer and Yoga teacher she brings her integrated approach to Pilates through sound communication skills and the passion to share ker knowledge and experience.
TIMELINE
[In UAE timings]
Start date: June 01
End date: June 30
- ONLINE:
- “Live” sessions: June 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 (02:30 pm to 04:00 pm): Philosophy & History of Pilates, Principles of Pilates exercise, Anatomy of Pilates
- “Pre-recorded sessions – shared regularly: Exercise Kinesiology & Physiology
- HOME STUDY & ASSIGNMENTS:
- June 10 to June 27:
- OFFLINE (in-person): June 12, 13, 14 and 18, 19, 20, 21 (09:30 am to 04:30 pm)
- SUPPLEMENTARY
- Offline / “live” practice sessions in the following subjects are scheduled from time to time –
- Fitness assessment & testing techniques
- Exercise & Fitness Psychology
- First Aid & CPR with AED
- Offline / “live” practice sessions in the following subjects are scheduled from time to time –
NOTE:
- All timings in UAE local time
- Timings / dates may vary due to factors outside our control. Please check with the Course Coordinator in advance of the session/s.
EXAMS & CERTIFICATES
Examinations
- Dates to be announced
- Online Home Submissions
- In-person Theory MCQ exam (proctored)
- Offline practical teaching exam:
Certifications
The certificates listed below will be awarded within 21 working days from the date of the examination, subject to –
- Submission of complete enrolment form and supporting documents
- Completion of fees payment to GĀYO Fitness Sport Academy
- Successful completion of the course
List of certificates –
- GĀYO FITNESS SPORTS ACADEMY certificate for Pilates on Mat Teacher
- European Standards EREPS Level 4 Pilates on Mat Trainer
- FACPR-AED Highfield International
- REPS UAE Pilates on Mat Teacher certificate and card
CONTACT
- English / Hindi / Malayalam
- Hena James + 971 58 249 9750
- English / Arabic
- Amara Al Ahmad +971 55 551 4839
