Pilates Principles: Pilates Foundation Course

6 Hours CE/CPD | Online Course with Karen Vizueta

Pilates is built on principles that support movement quality, core control, breathing, balance, concentration, and functional coordination.

Pilates Principles: Pilates Foundation Course combines current research around core stabilization with the six fundamental Pilates principles to help practitioners support more comfortable, efficient, and pain-free movement.

Presented by Karen Vizueta, this course provides Pilates practitioners, massage therapists, manual therapists, rehabilitation professionals, and movement specialists with a practical foundation in core function, stabilization, breathing, fascia, neuroplasticity, and movement retraining.

Course Overview

Across this 6-hour CE/CPD course, participants will explore how the core functions and how stabilization may help support healthier movement patterns through balanced muscle activity, joint alignment, breath control, and improved body awareness.

The course introduces the six fundamental Pilates principles: Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow. These principles are explored through the lens of current research on neuroplasticity, fascia, movement habits, and functional rehabilitation.

Students will learn how breathing techniques, self-myofascial release, core control, and movement awareness can support the parasympathetic nervous system, help identify habitual movement patterns, and promote improved functional balance.

Supported by video classes, a fully illustrated course text, companion course, lesson quizzes, online exam, certificate of completion, subtitles, and lifetime access, this course provides a structured and practical introduction to Pilates-based movement principles.

What You Will Learn

Topic Focus Six Pilates Principles Understanding Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow Functional Core Control Exploring how the core should operate to support efficient and pain-free movement Breathing & Myofascial Balance Learning how breathing can help balance deep and superficial myofascial systems Neuroplasticity & Movement Habits Understanding how the brain adapts and how daily habituation may influence posture and movement Self-Myofascial Release Using self-myofascial release techniques to support relaxation, recovery, and parasympathetic activity Movement Restoration Applying Pilates principles to restore functional balance and promote optimal movement patterns

Course Content

The course combines Pilates principles, core stabilization, functional anatomy, fascia education, neuroplasticity, breathing strategies, self-myofascial release, and movement retraining.

Module Focus Foundations of Pilates Principles Introducing the six fundamental principles and their role in movement quality Functional Anatomy of the Pilates Core Understanding core function, stabilization, joint alignment, and balanced muscle activity Breath, Fascia & Myofascial Systems Using breath and body awareness to support deep and superficial myofascial balance Neuroplasticity and Movement Re-Education Exploring how new movement patterns can be learned and reinforced Self-Myofascial Release and Nervous System Support Applying self-care strategies that may promote relaxation and parasympathetic tone Clinical and Movement Integration Using Pilates principles to support posture, movement quality, and functional balance

Who This Course Is For

This course is suitable for rehabilitation professionals, massage therapists, manual therapists, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, athletic trainers, exercise professionals, fitness professionals, Pilates practitioners, and movement educators.

It is especially valuable for practitioners who want to better understand core function, stabilization, movement habits, breathing, fascia, and Pilates-based strategies for supporting pain-free movement.

About Karen Vizueta

Karen Vizueta graduated with honors and holds a BSc in Communications from the University of Rhode Island.

Her professional certifications and training include STOTT Pilates Mat and Reformer, NASM CPT, AFAA Primary Group Exercise, AFAA Step, TRX, BOSU Kids, and Precision Nutrition Level 1.

She is also trained in Balanced Body Jumpboard, Power House Pilates Integrated Tower, and IMX Pilates Mat and Reformer, bringing a broad and practical movement background to her teaching.

Included With This Course

Included Details Video Classes Online video instruction presented by Karen Vizueta Fully Illustrated Course Text Functional Anatomy of the Pilates Core with full-colour illustrations and quick-reference learning format Companion Course Structured companion lessons designed to reinforce and deepen course understanding Lesson Quizzes Knowledge checks designed to reinforce learning throughout the course Online Exam Multiple-choice assessment included for successful completion Certificate 6 Hours CE/CPD following successful completion Lifetime Access Study at your own pace and revisit the material whenever required Subtitles English, French, German, and Spanish subtitles included .nat-ce{margin:50px 0;padding:36px 0 20px;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;color:#222}.nat-ce h2{margin:0 0 10px;color:#c3283d;font-size:30px}.nat-ce p{margin:0 0 18px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.7;color:#545454}.nat-ce-info{margin-bottom:24px;padding:16px 18px;background:#fafafa;border-left:4px solid #c3283d}.nat-ce-cue{margin:0 0 16px;text-align:left;color:#222;font-size:14px;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:.03em;text-transform:uppercase}.nat-ce-row{display:flex;gap:14px;overflow-x:auto;padding:4px 20px 20px 0;scroll-snap-type:x proximity}.nat-ce-card{scroll-snap-align:start;flex:0 0 min(245px,76vw);max-width:min(245px,76vw);border:1px solid #e5e5e5;background:#fff;box-sizing:border-box}.nat-ce-board{height:86px;padding:12px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;background:#f7f7f7;color:#222;font-size:13px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.35;display:flex;align-items:center;box-sizing:border-box}.nat-ce-hours{padding:12px 14px 14px;color:#545454;font-size:13px;line-height:1.5}.nat-ce-hours strong{display:block;margin-top:3px;color:#c3283d;font-size:26px;line-height:1}.nat-ce-note{margin:18px 0 0!important;font-size:13px!important;line-height:1.7!important;color:#666!important}

CE Finder

This course has been approved for continuing education by numerous professional boards and associations worldwide. Scroll sideways to find your board or association.

Course: Pilates Principles
Approvals Listed: 65
CE Broker Provider: #20-896448 Scroll right to view all approvals in alphabetical order → Alabama Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Alabama Board of Physical Therapy Approved Hours
6 Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy *General* Approved Hours
6 Alaska Board of Massage Therapists Approved Hours
6 American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP) Approved Hours
6 Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Approved Hours
6 Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Arkansas Board of Massage Approved Hours
6 Association of Massage Therapists (AMT) Approved Hours
6 Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Approved Hours
6 Canadian Athletic Trainers Association (CATA) Approved Hours
2.4 Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA) Approved Hours
6 CEU/CPD Self-Cert Approved Hours
6 Chiropractic Board of Australia Approved Hours
6 College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia (CCHPBC) Approved Hours
6 College of Massage Therapists of New Brunswick (CMTNB) Approved Hours
6 College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador (CMTNL) Approved Hours
3 College of Massage Therapists Ontario (CMTO) Approved Hours
6 College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC) Approved Hours
6 Connecticut Board of Chiropractors Approved Hours
6 Connecticut Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Deleware Board of Massage and Bodywork Approved Hours
6 Distrcit of Columbia Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Florida Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Georgia Board of Massage Therapy *General* Approved Hours
6 Georgia Board of Nursing Approved Hours
6 Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy Approved Hours
6 Indiana Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Iowa Board of Chiropractic Approved Hours
6 Iowa Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Kansas Chiropractic Association Approved Hours
6 Maine Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners Approved Hours
6 Massage Therapists' Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS) Approved Hours
6 Massage Therapy Assc of Manitoba (MTAM) Approved Hours
6 Massage Therapy Assc of Saskatchewan (MTAS) Approved Hours
6 Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy (MSBMT) Approved Hours
6 Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage Approved Hours
6 Missouri State Board of Chiropractic Examiners Approved Hours
6 Montana Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Approved Hours
6 National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Approved Hours
6 Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) Approved Hours
6 Nebraska Massage Licensure Board Approved Hours
6 Nevada Board of Massage Therapists Approved Hours
6 New Hampshire Advisory Board of Massage Therapists Approved Hours
6 New Jersey Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy Approved Hours
6 North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy Approved Hours
6 North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Ohio Chiropractic Board Approved Hours
6 Oklahoma Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners Approved Hours
6 Oregon Board of Massage Therapists Approved Hours
6 Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Prince Edward Island Massage Therapy Association (PEIMTA) Approved Hours
6 Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario (RMTAO) Approved Hours
6 South Carolina Massage/Bodywork Panel Approved Hours
6 South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy Approved Hours
6 Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure Approved Hours
6 Virginia Department of Health Professions (Massage Therapy) Approved Hours
6 Washington Board of Massage Approved Hours
6 Washington Board of Physical Therapy Approved Hours
6 West Virginia Massage Licensure Board Approved Hours
6 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Athletic Training) Approved Hours
6 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Massage Therapy) Approved Hours
6

Approval requirements can change. Please confirm acceptance with your own board, association, employer, or regulatory authority before registration.

Pilates Principles

Professional Reviews & Feedback

The reviews below represent feedback provided by students and practitioners through Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Judge.me.

★★★★★ 4.6 average rating across reviews collected via Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Judge.me

“Karen Vizuetta explains the foundations of Pilates in a way that is clear, practical, and easy to apply with clients.”

Janice M., LMT

“The course helped me understand the Pilates principles as a movement framework, not just a set of exercises.”

Andrew R., PT

“I appreciated the focus on breath, control, precision, and movement quality throughout the course.”

Laura V., RMT

“A very useful foundation course for therapists who want to better understand Pilates-based movement.”

Damon J., Sports Therapist

“Karen’s teaching style is calm and organised. The material felt accessible even without a strong Pilates background.”

Meredith K., Massage Therapist

“The course gave me practical language for explaining core control and movement awareness to clients.”

Phillip E., Manual Therapist

“The six Pilates principles were explained clearly and connected to real movement practice.”

Carmen P., LMT

“I found the sections on concentration, control, and flow especially useful for client education.”

Brent S., ATC

“The course helped me see how Pilates can support posture, stability, balance, and functional movement.”

Rachel T., RMT

“A thoughtful introduction to Pilates foundations with strong relevance for rehabilitation and movement professionals.”

Graham C., DC

“The movement demonstrations were easy to follow and helped connect the principles to practical application.”

Megan L., Massage Therapist

“I appreciated the focus on controlled, intelligent movement rather than simply performing routines.”

Elliot H., PTA

“This course gave me a better understanding of how Pilates principles can support core stability and body awareness.”

Edit S., LMT

“Karen presents the material professionally and makes the foundational concepts easy to remember.”

Sean F., Sports Therapist

“The course helped me integrate Pilates-inspired cues into my existing treatment and movement sessions.”

Monica D., RMT

“I liked the emphasis on breath, alignment, and mindful movement as part of functional rehabilitation.”

Lydia W., OT

“A practical, well-paced course that makes Pilates principles relevant for both therapists and movement educators.”

Shlomo S., Manual Therapist

“The foundation material was clear without feeling basic. It gave me a stronger appreciation of Pilates as a system.”

Laura F., LMT

“The course improved how I think about movement control, breathing, and stability in client care.”

Jordan G., Massage Therapist

“An excellent Pilates foundation course for professionals interested in movement, rehabilitation, and client education.”

Vicki H., PT, DPT .nat-student-reviews { margin: 50px 0; padding: 42px 0; border-top: 1px solid #e5e5e5; border-bottom: 1px solid #e5e5e5; background: #ffffff; } .nat-section-heading { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto 30px auto; text-align: left; padding: 0 20px; } .nat-section-heading h3 { margin: 0 0 8px; color: #545454; font-size: 17px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.4; letter-spacing: 0.02em; text-transform: uppercase; } .nat-section-heading h2 { margin: 0 0 12px; color: #c3283d; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.3; } .nat-section-heading p { margin: 0 0 14px; max-width: 900px; color: #545454; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7; } .nat-review-summary { display: inline-block; margin-top: 6px; padding: 8px 14px; border: 1px solid #e4e4e4; background: #fafafa; color: #545454; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.5; } .nat-review-scroll { display: flex; gap: 20px; overflow-x: auto; scroll-snap-type: x mandatory; padding: 20px; } .nat-review-card { flex: 0 0 340px; scroll-snap-align: start; background: #fafafa; border: 1px solid #e4e4e4; border-left: 4px solid #c3283d; padding: 24px; } .nat-review-card p { margin: 0 0 18px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.7; font-style: italic; } .nat-review-author { color: #545454; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; border-top: 1px solid #e6e6e6; padding-top: 12px; } .nat-review-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar { height: 8px; } .nat-review-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-track { background: #f0f0f0; } .nat-review-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { background: #c3283d; } @media (max-width: 768px) { .nat-section-heading h2 { font-size: 26px; } .nat-review-card { flex: 0 0 290px; } .nat-review-summary { font-size: 13px; } }