The first 200 hours of our 500-hour Classical Comprehensive program — taught live in our Port St. Lucie studio under the direct mentorship of Master Teacher Deb Lemon.
Over four weekend intensives you'll learn to teach Mat and the full range of Classical apparatus in the authentic Joseph Pilates Method, guided by a Master Teacher with more than 20 years of experience training instructors.
Level One is the foundation of our Classical Comprehensive Teacher Training, a 500-hour program built on the original teachings of Joseph Pilates. It combines in-studio instruction, observation, self-practice, and practice teaching — 200 hours across four modules.
It's designed to take you from practicing the Method to understanding how to teach it: the anatomical knowledge, cueing skills, and hands-on confidence you need before moving into Level Two and Level Three.
You don't have to commit to the full 500 hours to start. Many Teachers in Training complete Level One first, then decide whether to continue.
Every Level One module is taught in person by Deb Lemon, Founder and Director of Education at Lucie Lemon Pilates.
Deb's clients call her "Debbie Details," a name earned from the precision she brings to every correction and cue. That same attention shapes how she trains new teachers in Level One — nothing about the Method is glossed over.
Meet Deb Lemon →Master Teacher. Educator dedicated to preserving the craft of Classical Pilates.
Level One is built for Pilates practitioners in Port St. Lucie and across Florida's Treasure Coast — Stuart, Palm City, Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, Vero Beach — who are ready to move from doing the work to teaching it. Our application asks about your current experience because your background guides your conversation with Deb; Level One is the entry point into the Comprehensive program.
This is not a fast-track certification. It's built for practitioners who want the Method with precision, depth, and integrity, and who are ready to commit to four weekend intensives plus homework in between.
Still deciding whether you're ready? Meet Master Teacher Deb Lemon or explore our classes to experience the work as a practitioner first.
Level One unfolds across four 3-day weekend intensives, each building on the last.
Module scheduling depends on the availability of Deb and your fellow Teachers in Training. Module 1 runs October 23–25. The remaining module dates are shared once you apply and speak with Deb, since she works with each cohort to find dates that respect everyone's schedule.
All Level One instruction happens live, in person, at our Port St. Lucie studio at 145 NW Central Parkway. There is no virtual or self-paced option — the hands-on correction and observation are part of how you learn to teach the Method.
Between weekend modules you'll use studio hours for self-practice, observation, and practice teaching. That rhythm — an intensive followed by weeks of applied practice — is what carries 200 hours from classroom learning into real teaching skill.
Level One ends with a test out: one written test and one practical test. Every detail of what's expected is laid out ahead of time, so you know exactly what you're working toward.
Completing your 200 hours and passing your test out earns you certification for Level One. From there you can continue into Level Two and Level Three to complete the full 500-hour program and work toward eligibility for the NCPT exam — or stop after Level One. That choice is yours.
Employment is never promised as part of this program. What every graduate does get is a lifetime mentor: Deb stays involved after you finish training, helping with job leads and continued growth as a teacher.
Lucie Lemon Pilates is an approved NPCP Continuing Education Credit (CEC) provider, so certified teachers can return here for CECs toward maintaining national certification.
"Deb is an exceptional Classical Pilates teacher and mentor. The teachers she has trained uphold the same high standards — authentic, high-quality Pilates."
"Deb Lemon is so knowledgable and experienced I couldn't imagine trusting anyone else with my pilates practice. She runs teacher-trainings at her studio which elevates the quality of her staff."
Level One is open to Pilates practitioners ready to commit to learning the Method at a teaching level. The application asks about your current experience so Deb can talk through fit with you directly.
200 hours of in-studio instruction, observation, self-practice, and practice teaching across four modules.
In person only, at our Port St. Lucie studio — hands-on correction and observation are central to how the Method is taught.
3 to 4 months, across four 3-day weekend intensives with homework in between.
Module 1 runs October 23–25, 2026. Modules 2, 3, and 4 follow roughly a month apart, with dates confirmed once you apply and meet with Deb.
No. You can certify after Level One, after Level Two, or complete the full 500-hour Comprehensive program.
Passing your written and practical test out earns certification for Level One. Continuing through all three levels works toward eligibility to sit for the NCPT exam.
Tuition and payment plan details are shared during your initial consultation with Deb, since your path varies depending on your background and starting point.
Deb reaches out to schedule a conversation and share upcoming cohort details, including confirmed module dates.
The best way to know if Level One is right for you is a direct conversation with Master Teacher Deb Lemon. She'll walk you through the program, answer your questions, and share the confirmed dates for this cohort.
Want the full picture first? Explore the complete 500-hour Classical Comprehensive program →
Begin your journey at our Port St. Lucie studio — small-group reformer, private sessions, and Comprehensive Teacher Training.
