TRUNK Academy runs Pilates and Barre teacher training in Zurich, at Brauerstrasse 40, in groups of no more than 8. You study anatomy and Pilates fundamentals online first, then train in person with our lead educator Rima, and finish with an exam.
Our in-person courses are recognised by Qualitop, Qualicert and Fitpass. This guide explains exactly how each course works: what you do, how many hours it takes, what it costs and when the next dates are.
Which in-person courses do you offer in Zurich?
Mat & Reformer bundle: online theory + 5 weekends in Zurich. From CHF 3,900. Starts 29 January 2027 (enrol by 15 January).
Reformer, in person: online theory + weekends in Zurich, 200 hours. From CHF 2,800. Starts 29 January 2027.
Mat, in person: online theory + weekends in Zurich, 170 hours. From CHF 1,800. Starts 12 February 2027.
Intensive Reformer: online theory + 3 full days in Zurich. From CHF 1,900. 20 to 22 January 2027 (enrol by 4 January).
Barre, hybrid: online course + 1 in-person day, max 6. From CHF 990. Next date: TBC.
If you'd rather study from anywhere, we also offer Mat, Reformer and Barre teacher training fully online.
What does the training involve?
Every in-person course follows the same path:
Online first. Anatomy and Pilates fundamentals (breathing, neutral spine, core activation, posture) at your own pace, with a written test on your first day.
In-person modules in Zurich. You learn the full repertoire hands-on, practise teaching each other and get feedback in every session. Weekend sessions run on Fridays from 3.15 to 7.15pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12.15 to 6pm.
Practice hours. You attend classes, observe experienced teachers, practise on your own and teach real classes.
Two exams. Exam 1: you teach a 40 to 50-minute class and answer questions on anatomy, injury management and pre and postnatal Pilates. Exam 2: you design a class, and once it's approved, film yourself teaching it to at least 3 people.
How many hours is it?
The in-person Reformer course is 200 hours: 80 hours face to face, 60 hours of self-study and 60 hours of practice, teaching and observation. The in-person Mat course is 170 hours. On the Mat & Reformer bundle, you attend 20 Mat and 20 Reformer classes, observe 10 of each, practise 10 hours of each and teach 20 of each.
Where do I do my practice hours?
Anywhere you like. If you're on a Reformer course, our optional studio package (CHF 1,150) lets you do many of your Reformer hours at our sister studio, TRUNK Pilates, at a lower cost. TRUNK Pilates is a Reformer studio, so Mat classes and observation are done at a Mat studio of your choice.
Why groups of 8?
We take a maximum of 8 trainees per intake, so everyone has their own Reformer. Teaching practice starts on day one, and with your own machine you're hands-on the whole time instead of waiting for a turn. It also means Rima sees every trainee teach, every weekend, and can correct the small things before they become habits.
Who teaches the training?
Our lead educator, Rima, leads the in-person training. She has taught Pilates for almost 10 years, ran studios in Australia for nearly 9 years, and is qualified in Mat, Reformer, Barre and yoga, with further training in back pain and pre and postnatal Pilates.
What support do I get?
Weekly check-ins, a WhatsApp group with your cohort, and personal feedback on your practice teaching. Support doesn't stop at the exam: our graduates go on to teach at TRUNK Pilates, and we stay in touch with every group.
Is the training recognised?
Yes. Our in-person courses are recognised by Qualitop, Qualicert and Fitpass. Many Swiss supplementary health insurance plans contribute to classes with recognised instructors, which matters to your future clients and to the studios that hire you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience before I start?
For the in-person Reformer courses, you should be comfortable on a Reformer as a client. You don't need any teaching experience.
Can I do the training alongside a full-time job?
Yes. Most of our trainees work. You'll need a few Friday afternoons off for the weekend modules; everything else fits around your week. If weekends are difficult, the intensive packs the in-person part into 3 days.
Is the training in English?
Yes, all our training is in English.
How many people are in a group?
No more than 8.
Where is the studio?
Brauerstrasse 40, 8004 Zurich.
Rima is the founder and lead educator of TRUNK Academy in Zurich. She has taught Pilates and Barre for almost 10 years.