GYROTONIC® Level 1 Certification Pathway Overview
In this program, students will learn to design and teach a progressive sequence of GYROTONIC® Level 1 workouts on the Pulley Tower.
This 195-hour program consists of four sequential courses, typically taking about one year to complete and qualify as a GYROTONIC® Trainer. Please note: while Pilates Fit Studio provides a structured pathway and recommended timeline, students are not required to follow this specific schedule. GYROTONIC® courses are offered year-round at various licensed studios throughout the country. You are welcome to pursue your training wherever best fits your personal goals — and we would love for you to complete your apprenticeship with us at PFS.
1. Preparation Phase
To be completed at your own pace before the pre-training.
Contact the studio for discounted pricing.
Before beginning the Pre-Training, the GYROTONIC® Method certification pathway requires a minimum of 10 private or semi-private lessons.
At PFS, we offer a discounted preparation program to help you meet this requirement and set you up for success. Please contact us to get started.
2. Pre-Training (6 Days)
March 4-9, 2026
$1,050 + $300 Studio Fee
Full Course Tuition ($1,050) must be paid directly to the Master Instructor on the first day of the course.
This course lays the groundwork for GYROTONIC® Level 1 training, helping students build the physical readiness and personal understanding needed for the Foundation Course.
The pre-training will occur in Louisville at Pilates Fit Studio, where Rich O’Connor, a certified GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® pre-trainer, will teach it.
This 6-day course prepares students for the Foundation Course.
3. Foundation Training (12 Days)
June 2nd – 16th, 2026
$2,100 + $600 Studio Fee
This course deepens students’ understanding of the GYROTONIC® Level 1 system and develops the practical skills to teach the method effectively.
Guided by a GYROTONIC® Master Trainer, participants learn the teaching techniques, cueing strategies, and movement principles that support the entire GYROTONIC® Level 1 curriculum.
This 12-day intensive in Louisville with Master Trainer Rich O’Connor.
4. Apprentice Teaching (60 Hours)
After completing the Foundation, apprentices must complete 60 hours of apprentice teaching to strengthen teaching skills and confidence. This is unpaid teaching at Pilates Fit Studio.
5. Apprentice Review (6 Days)
TBD Fall 2026
$1,050 + $300 Studio Fee
The GYROTONIC® Apprentice Review Course is where everything comes together — a time to deepen understanding, refine teaching, and prepare for the Final Certification.
Held at Pilates Fit Studio over two immersive three-day weekends, this 6-day course gives apprentices focused time to review the full GYROTONIC® Level 1 curriculum under the guidance of a Master Trainer.
Apprentices will strengthen their technique, polish their cueing, and gain the confidence and insight needed to move into the final stage of certification.
Held in Louisville with Master Trainer Jessica Gowen.
6. Final Certification Washington, DC — $525 + Studio Fee
TBD
$525 + Studio Fee
This course serves two purposes: it functions as both an educational experience and a practical assessment of each apprentice’s teaching proficiency and understanding of the GYROTONIC® Level 1 curriculum.
To successfully complete the course, apprentices must demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the exercises and principles presented in the GYROTONIC® Level 1 Foundation syllabus through precise and confident execution.
They must also demonstrate effective verbal cueing and appropriate physical guidance skills, showing their ability to teach and communicate the work accurately and safely.
Mentorship Opportunities with Pilates Fit Studio and Master Trainer Jessica Gowen
At Pilates Fit Studio, we’re proud to partner with Master Trainer Jessica Gowen and Core Movement Education to offer a unique mentorship opportunity for our apprentices.
Participation in this mentorship program is optional and not a required component of the GYROTONIC® certification process. It is simply an additional resource PFS offers to support our apprentices’ growth, development, and confidence as future instructors.
During this period, apprentices have access to the Core Movement Education Mentorship Program, which includes:
- Access to an online portal with training videos and observation worksheets
- Weekly Zoom tower classes with Jessica
- Four 75-minute observed teaching lessons for personalized feedback and progress tracking.
This program is not required. Pilates Fit Studio maintains a business account for this mentorship, which is exclusive to PFS apprentices. Pilates Fit Studio fully covers the $2,000 cost.
Apprentices who complete their training with another Master Trainer will not have access to this program.
We believe in supporting our instructors from the beginning of their journey, and this mentorship is one way we invest in your success.
Apply TodayGYROTONIC® Teacher Training Scholarship Program
We’re excited to announce the launch of our GYROTONIC® Teacher Training Scholarship Program — an opportunity to grow, train, and teach with us at Pilates Fit Studio.
We’re offering one full scholarship and two partial scholarships (or two full scholarships) to motivated individuals who are ready to dedicate themselves to becoming certified GYROTONIC® instructors and join our team.
Scholarship Commitment
Full Scholarship
- Teach 15–18 hours per week at both Pewee Valley and Indian Hills for 2 years after final certification. This is paid teaching
- If the program is not completed or the 2-year teaching commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship amount must be reimbursed.
Partial Scholarship
- After final certification, teach 8–10 hours per week at either Pewee Valley or Indian Hills for 2 years. This is paid teaching.
- The exact expectations for completion and commitment apply.
Application Requirements
To apply, please submit the following required items to [email protected]:
- A Letter of Intent explaining why you want to pursue GYROTONIC® certification and teach at PFS.
A signed acknowledgment of your commitment to completing all certification steps within one year, following the PFS outline. - Completion of the 10 required private lessons (or our PFS Prep Program) before starting Pre-Training.
Note: The scholarship does not cover the 10 required private lessons. This step helps ensure each applicant is fully prepared and dedicated to the process.
Request an Application Interview
Start by scheduling a 1:1 application interview with studio owner Erica Walters where she will answer all of your questions about the certification program. We can’t wait to support you on this journey and continue growing the GYROTONIC® community here in Louisville!
