Program overview:
Life Time Academy, a renowned provider of comprehensive fitness education, has recently forged an exciting partnership with Merrithew, a global leader in mind-body fitness and creator of the STOTT PILATES® method. This collaboration between two powerhouse organizations brings forth an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring Pilates instructors to receive top-notch certification and training. By combining Life Time Academy’s expertise in fitness education with Merrithew’s industry-leading Pilates methodologies, this partnership promises to deliver an exceptional learning experience and open new avenues for professional growth.


In-Person Workshops:
Life Time Academy, in partnership with Merrithew, is offering in-person workshops for certified Pilates instructors to earn continuing education credits (CECs). These one-day events, lasting 2 to 4 hours, provide advanced training and specialized knowledge in the STOTT PILATES® method. Instructors can enhance their teaching skills, learn new techniques, and earn valuable CEC credits recognized by leading fitness organizations. These workshops create a collaborative learning environment, allowing instructors to network and build a strong professional community.
Current Workshops:
STOTT PILATES Beyond the Biomechanical Principles
October 27th 2-5pm
COST: $200
The STOTT PILATES Principles form the foundation of the STOTT PILATES Movement System and provide the initial framework for programming. These concepts, when applied appropriately and strategically, will facilitate awareness and ensure optimal alignment as well as appropriate engagement of required muscles in clients. For the instructor, these Principles act as a reference tool that can be continually utilized when systematically evaluating and correcting static and dynamic alignment through any and all movement sequences. In each case, we’ll examine what the Principle is, why it is important within a programming context, and how we can use movement to reinforce and integrate it into the system as a whole. This workshop, created by the Merrithew programming team, presents the Principles and shows how they are related to movement patterns crucial to optimal function and discusses their application to any type of activity as a platform for instructors at any level.
Learning objectives:
- Discover how the STOTT PILATES Principles form the foundation for any type of movement programming.
- Experience movements that illustrate the what, why and how of each Principle.
- Learn how the individual Principles support and facilitate movement patterns crucial for functional activity for all clients.
- Explore how the Principles have been evolved based on current scientific research in movement and exercise physiology.
Workshop Details:
- Location: Life Time Highland Park
- In-Person: Required
- Cost: $200
- CECs: .3 (STOTT PILATES)
- Difficulty: Essential
Get to Know Life Time Pilates Info Session Details:
- 30-minute session after the workshop
- Introduction into Life Time Pilates
- Meet the team behind the program


STOTT PILATES Reformer with Fitness Circle®
October 28th: 12-2pm
COST: $135
In this workshop, developed by the Merrithew® team, learn how the Fitness Circle® brings variety and challenge into group or private Reformer settings. Add more challenge to adductors and abductors of the peripheral limbs as well as assist in activating the core. The Fitness Circle® resistance ring reinforces correct muscle firing patterns and helps ensure correct positioning while adding an element of fun and variety to each workout.
Learning objectives:
- Understand how the STOTT PILATES Principles apply to exercises using the Reformer and Fitness Circle
- Discover how the Fitness Circle can be used in innovative movement sequences
- Utilize the resistance ring to increase challenge to upper and lower body respectively
- Learn how to incorporate these movements into a complete Reformer workout to create variety and challenge
Details:
- Location: Life Time Highland Park
- In-Person: Required
- Cost: $135
- CECs: .2 (STOTT PILATES)
- Difficulty: Essential
Get to Know Life Time Pilates Info Session Details:
- 30-minute session after the workshop
- Introduction into Life Time Pilates
- Meet the team behind the program
STOTT PILATES Ultimate Body Sculpting, Flex-Band® Level 3
October 28th 2:30-4:30pm
COST: $135
Learn Intermediate-level exercises that challenge core and peripheral strength, and add variety and multi-dimensional joint movements to the basic Flex-Band® exerciser routine. This intense full-body workout, developed by the Merrithew® team, emphasizes the upper and lower body working together while maintaining correct alignment and form. Exercises mimic those from the Reformer repertoire featuring the same movement essence and breath and movement patterns. Cues and corrections for safety and effectiveness are also covered.
Learning objectives:
- Apply the STOTT PILATES® Principles to an Intermediate-level workout with the Flex-Band exerciser
- Understand movement essence and exercise goals
- Learn how the Flex-Band can intensify a routine and make it more three-dimensional
- Focus on upper and lower-body work simultaneously using resistance
Workshop Details:
- Location: Life Time Highland Park
- In-Person: Required
- Cost: $135
- CECs: .2 (STOTT PILATES)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Get to Know Life Time Pilates Info Session Details:
- 30-minute session after the workshop
- Introduction into Life Time Pilates
- Meet the team behind the program


STOTT PILATES Flexion-Free Workshop
November 11th 12-2pm
COST: $135
Fitness and Pilates Instructors meet a variety of clients who are restricted in their movements for a variety of reasons. Often, spinal flexion is contraindicated due to some specified concern. Learn how to modify Pilates exercises in a range of intensity levels to create workouts that achieve the primary goal of limiting spinal flexion while providing an effective full-body workout. Small handweights, Stability Cushions and the Flex-Band® exerciser are used to increase upper body resistance while further challenging the stability of the torso in a neutral alignment.
Learning objectives:
- Discuss how the STOTT PILATES® Principles apply when movement is restricted
- Discover how to create a challenging workout without altering spinal alignment
- Learn to incorporate small handweights in a full flexion-free workout
- Explore exercise modifications in order to keep the workout safe
Workshop Details:
- Location: Life Time Highland Park
- In-Person: Required
- Cost: $135
- CECs: .2 (STOTT PILATES)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Get to Know Life Time Pilates Info Session Details:
- 30-minute session after the workshop
- Introduction into Life Time Pilates
- Meet the team behind the program
STOTT PILATES Toning Ball™ Workshop
December 9th: 12-2pm
COST: $135
This workout, developed by the Merrithew® team, incorporates hand-held, weighted Toning Balls™ into select exercises from the STOTT PILATES® Essential Matwork repertoire. Discover how core musculature can be stimulated to stabilize and control with the addition of light weights. Learn how to increase awareness and strength of the entire upper quadrant, all while adding variety, challenge and resistance.
Learning objectives:
- Apply STOTT PILATES Principles to Toning Ball exercises focusing on movement essence and exercise goals
- Understand how the Toning Balls add variety, challenge and resistance
- Learn cues and corrections for safety and effectiveness
Details:
- Location: Life Time Highland Park
- In-Person: Required
- Cost: $135
- CECs: .2 (STOTT PILATES)
- Difficulty: Essential
Get to Know Life Time Pilates Info Session Details:
- 30-minute session after the workshop
- Introduction into Life Time Pilates
- Meet the team behind the program
