BASI Pilates in Dublin

Live & Breathe Pilates are proud to be the BASI Pilates Host in Ireland and studio owner Steph is the Irish Faculty for BASI.

In conjunction with our Matwork and Comprehensive Programs, we also offer regular Mentorship Days, Workshops, Certificate Courses and Teachers Only classes to support our students.

Our goal is to bring the best education available to those embarking on their Pilates career, with a supportive
community of mentors, graduates and fellow students working and moving together.


BASI Pilates Course Dates & Pricing

BASI Matwork CourseBASI course

The matwork course is a stepping stone to the full comprehensive course. The mat course is very affordable and introduces people to the foundations of Pilates. Students study the full complement of Matwork exercises (basic to master level) and the integration of small apparatus into the program. BASI encourages students to use this program as a springboard to the Comprehensive Program.

Upon completion of the Mat course, you will be qualified to:

  • Work according to the principles of Pilates and introduce them to clients and students
  • Assess posture and posture types, as well as detect postural deviations
  • Solve problems and provide effective exercise solutions to many physical conditions
  • Compile comprehensive and safe Pilates Mat work programs tailored to individual and group needs
  • Adapt a class to different settings and environments
  • Integrate small apparatus into a Mat class to achieve optimum results
  • Use the BASI® Block System to successfully administer Mat work classes
  • Analyse and understand the Pilates exercises based on anatomical and biomechanical principles
  • Demonstrate at a high level the vast repertoire of classic Pilates exercises as well as a wide range of original BASI exercises
  • Modify exercises according to the needs and goals of the individual

BASI Matwork Course Syllabus

The course structure is modular and is provided in both online and in person over it’s duration. Each module consists of practical and theoretical components.

Module 1 – The Fundamentals
The principles, the pelvis, breathing, exercise description, historical overview, safety.

Module 2 – Anatomy Part 1
Anatomy overview & terminology, joints, centre of gravity, cueing & imagery.

Module 3 – Anatomy Part 2
Anatomical movement analysis, muscles, aerobic & anaerobic exercise, the BASI Block system.

Module 4 – Posture Assessment
Principles of alignment, posture and posture assessment; types of faulty posture.

Module 5 – Core Strength – Back & Abdominals
Core strength, effective exercise, contraindications for the spine, guidelines for successful teaching, being a teacher.

Module 6 – Exercise Adaptation
Exercise adaptation, exercise progression, modifications to exercises, using small equipment, constructing a complete and comprehensive program.
In addition to the academic study, students must complete the following hours of study: observation (15 hours, of which 50% can be done using BASI Interactive ), self-practice (40 hours, of which 50% can be done using BASI Interactive ) and student teaching (30 hours). Your observation and personal practice are best done in a BASI class, for your learning sake. Your teaching can be done at home or anywhere you can find friends or family willing to have you teach them.

Book Matwork Program Now

Instalment options are available for any course over €500. Get in touch if you would like to learn more. Admin charges apply.


BASI Comprehensive Global Format CourseBASI Matwork

More than simply a program of study, the BASI Comprehensive Global Format is an enduring foundation for a career in Pilates, with graduates qualified to teach all levels of student on the full complement of equipment including Matwork.

The Comprehensive Global Program includes the Mat Program as well as a thorough and complete education in Pilates covering the full range of Pilates equipment (Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ped-a-pul, Ladder Barrel, Step Barrel and various other Auxiliary apparatus). This program consists of 12 modules, which is comprised of 72 hours of lecture, discussion, and exercise analysis and practice.

This is a college-level teacher training program that give students knowledge of Pilates theory, exercises, and teaching skills on all Pilates equipment.

Upon completion of the course, you will be qualified to:

      • Work according to the principles of Pilates and introduce them to clients and students
      • Assess posture and posture types, as well as detect postural deviations
      • Solve problems and provide effective exercise solutions for many physical conditions
      • Compile comprehensive and safe Pilates programs, tailored to individual needs
      • Direct a studio according to the highest professional standards
      • Use the BASI® Block System to successfully administer individual and group sessions
      • Analyse and understand the Pilates exercises, based on anatomical and biomechanical principles
      • Demonstrate at a high level the vast repertoire of classic Pilates exercises, as well as a wide range of original BASI exercises
      • Use the full line of Pilates apparatus (Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Barrels & Auxiliary Equipment) including the Matwork
      • Modify exercises according to the needs and goals of the individual

BASI Comprehensive Global Format Syllabus

The course structure is modular. A student can make up or repeat any of the 12 modules at any BASI Pilates host location around the world where available. Each module consist of practical and theoretical components.

Module 1 – The Fundamentals
The principles, the pelvis, breathing, exercise description, historical overview, safety.

Module 2 – Anatomy Part 1
Anatomy overview & terminology, joints, centre of gravity, cueing & imagery.

Module 3 – Anatomy Part 2
Anatomical movement analysis, muscles, aerobic & anaerobic exercise; the BASI Block system.

Module 4 – Posture Assessment
Principles of alignment, posture and posture assessment; types of faulty postures.

Module 5 – Core Strength – Back & Abdominals
Effective exercise, contraindications for the spine, guidelines for successful teaching, being a teacher.

Module 6 – Exercise Adaptation
Exercise adaptation, exercise progression, modifications to exercise, using small equipment, constructing a complete and comprehensive program.

Module 7 – Muscle Balance and Imbalance
The meaning of balance, imbalances in strength and flexibility as a cause of injury, functional versus isolation exercises, muscle testing and function.

Module 8 – The Lower Limbs
The hip joint and the knee joint and the ankle-foot complex are the significant concepts covered. The gait cycle is discussed and analysed. Repertoire taught is intermediate Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac. A one-hour mat class is given. 6 hours long.

Module 9 – The Shoulder
Significant concepts covered are the structure and function of the shoulder region. The shoulder joint, muscles of the shoulder, and the importance of correct mechanics are presented. Discussion includes how to work with clients with shoulder problems and recognising their boundaries and limitations. Repertoire taught is intermediate Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and introductions of the Ladder and Step Barrels. A one-hour mat class is given. 6 hours long.

Module 10 – Program design principles
Significant concepts covered are the principles of training such as overload, specificity, and reversibility. Components of physical fitness are addressed and analysed. Discussion includes repertoire levels and how they relate to working with a broad range of clientele. Repertoire taught is advanced Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac. A one-hour mat class is given. 6 hours long.

Module 11 – Specific population Part 1
Significant concepts covered are habitual movement patterns, cross training, imbalances and setting goals. The athletic population is looked at more closely. Discussion includes teaching methodologies. Repertoire taught includes intermediate and advanced level work on both Ladder and Step Barrels. A one-hour mat class is given. 6 hours long.

Module 12 – Specific populations Part 2
Significant concepts covered are populations with restrictions with an in-depth look at pregnancy. Topics discussed include teaching men and women, different body types, and different objectives and approaches. There is a general overview of repertoire.

In addition to the academic study, students must complete the following hours of study: observation (100 hours, of which 50% can be done using BASI Interactive ), self-practice (200 hours, of which 50% can be done using BASI Interactive ) and student teaching (200 hours).
Your observation and personal practice are best done in a BASI environment, for your learning sake, and we will allow you time for observation in the studio and to practice quietly on the apparatus. You can also book in with us for paid sessions, which is highly recommended and a very important part of your learning.
If you have no access to a BASI studio and don’t live near your host studio, then you can log hours in a non-BASI environment and then refer to BASI Interactive to check on what might be different and why. Your teaching can be done at home or anywhere you can find friends or family willing to have you teach them. To teach using the apparatus, you can book in time at our studio to teach fellow students to gain hours of practice.
There are exams during and at the end of the course, both practical and written. There is a research paper to complete as well as a teaching evaluation and practical demonstration to do in order to complete the final stages of the course. Exam dates are booked when faculty is teaching the next modules.
Exams are not included in the course fee, they are charged at the time of examination booking with BASI UK. A digital set of manuals is included in the course fee. A hard copy set of manuals can be purchased at an additional cost from BASI UK.

Book Comprehensive Program Now

Instalment options are available for any course over €500. Get in touch if you would like to learn more. Admin charges apply and all fees must be paid in full prior to access being granted to online libraries.


Practice & Observation Hours

At Live & Breathe Pilate we provide “open studio” observation hours online and in studio. You can observe specific classes free of charge if you are one of our current BASI students.

We will also provide specific hours for personal practice in the studio for our Comprehensive students.
Please note that Live & Breathe Pilates is a separate entity from BASI. Our studio acts as a host for BASI, and BASI ‘rents’ the space from the host for the duration of the course days. Hosts don’t have any obligation to give freebies or deals to BASI students. However, as the owners of Live & Breathe Pilates, who are passionate about producing awesome BASI graduates and Pilates teachers in Ireland, we do try to support students as much as we can.
We offer our student discounts on our 5, 10 and 20 multi class packs for the duration of your course. Attending regular classes and one to one training with one of our certified BASI Teachers is an essential part of your education.


“I recently passed my BASI Mat Certificate Course with Live & Breathe Pilates. I found Steph and her team incredibly helpful and supportive throughout my journey. I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Live and Breathe studio each week and learned so much from each visit. They really are Pilates gurus. The BASI course was very challenging but was soooo worth it, as I am now a very strong and confident Pilates Instructor. I completed this course while still working and with a 2 year old toddler having no Pilates instructor experience previously. I would highly recommend the BASI Course and the Live & Breathe Pilates studio.” Martina D
“Since I first trained as a Pilates teacher I have been a big fan of BASI so I was thrilled when I discovered that BASI Teacher Training was taking place at Live & Breathe as it offered me a chance to further my training but also to become part of the BASI community. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, met wonderful people and found the instructors to be excellent - incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, patient and fun! It was a proud moment when I received my BASI certificate last year. Live & Breathe is such a great studio to work in and Steph the owner, could not be more supportive and has done everything she can to offer incredible support to students past and present. BASI has always struck me as having a wonderful community of teachers and student and I think this is really obvious in the Dublin contingent! I can't recommend BASI or Live & Breathe highly enough.” Gráinne O'D
“I have been teaching Pilates for over 17 years and am a great believer in continuing education. I completed the BASI Comprehensive Course in 2016 and would highly recommend it. It was fantastic to find a course that included all of the apparatus as well as the matwork. It was a great investment and upon completing the course, my business naturally expanded.In particular, 1. The tutors were excellent - very knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging. Rael's passion and focus on the precision of exercises shone through! 2. The Block System has been an invaluable tool in planning my classes. 3. The online resources, including the library of student case studies and Pilates Interactive are extremely useful. 4. As part of the BASI family, I now have a network of teachers all around the world.'Live & Breathe' is a lovely, bright studio - well located in an old part of Dublin with great cafes/parks nearby! Steph welcomes you no matter what your Pilates background and encourages teachers to continue to practice together to maintain a high standard of teaching. Can't recommend this course enough!” Joan B
“Delighted I embarked on my BASI Pilates journey with Steph at Live & Breathe. I would highly recommend the BASI training course. All the mentors are highly qualified and impart so much knowledge and information. They have been truly inspirational. Live & Breathe studio is such a beautiful bright space to work in and a great location. Steph & her team are so welcoming and approachable and are always on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have. Doing my BASI training course here has been a wonderful experience. The support and use of facilities has been fantastic. There is a huge emphasis on building a BASI community which I really love. It is super to meet up and practice with others who are training also.” Aoife D
“Live & Breathe Pilates is my happy place! Steph & the team are highly trained, experienced, knowledgeable & friendly. The studio is beautiful - an amazing & welcoming space for class work, practice & learning. As a long-term client, I took the leap within the last year to study for the BASI mat qualification. It has been a wonderful experience -impressive tutors with ongoing support & mentorship. I cannot recommend Live & Breathe Pilates or BASI enough ... 5 Stars plus!” Cáit H
“Tough, extremely professional and detailed course, totally exceeded my expectations in a fantastic way. AMAZING tutors, extremely knowledgeable and inspirational with amazing support not only during the course but ongoing even when you have finished your exams. Also fabulous studio to train and practice in. My only regret would be that I did not train with BASI earlier!” Therese M

Instructors

Emily Odoire

Emily has been practicing Pilates since 1992 when she was at the Emily OdoireRoyal Ballet School and required help with recovery from injury. Pilates helped increase her strength and balance even when practising ballet for 8 hours a day.
Emily holds certificates in two Pilates methods: firstly with Alan Herdman completed in 2001 and then BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Course in 2004 (during which she was fortunate enough to have Rael Isacowitz teach her several of the modules).
Emily also has a certificate in Pilates and pregnancy with The Center for Woman’s Fitness, and has done numerous courses in bio mechanics and injury.  She also holds a teaching diploma with Cecchetti Ballet.
Prior to owning her own studio in Balham London, Emily has had 14 years teaching experience instructing both Mat and Equipment classes privately and in studios around London (The Harbour Club, Pilates Practice, The Pilates Studio and Pilates Performance).
Over these many years of teaching Pilates she has worked with injuries, illnesses, pregnancy, athletes, soldiers and dancers and she believes Pilates has a place for every body whatever age or ability .
Pilates is a true passion for Emily and she continues to strive to improve her teaching as she challenges the minds and bodies of her clients every day.

Julia Pietersma

Julia is a Body Arts and Science Institute (BASI) Pilates instructor, Julia Piertersmaborn and educated in South Africa. She graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2010 with the degree in BA Human Movement Science. In her third year of her studies she was introduced to Pilates, and it was here that her passion for Pilates started, and when she decided to study further.

Julia has worked with a diversity of injuries and enjoys seeing the development and improvement of her clients through Pilates. She enjoys meeting new people and sharing her enthusiasm for the body.
Julia has also completed the BASI Pilates Injuries and Pathologies courses, as well as having a keen interest in Womens Health and Pre and Postnatal Pilates.

Lisa Lamberti

Lisa has a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in business, Lisa Lambertimarketing and psychology and had a first career in IT, and sales and marketing.  In 2000, Lisa did her first Pilates teacher training and transitioned to teaching Pilates in a Physio therapy practice in South Africa.  Whilst working there Lisa attended a workshop with Rael Isacowitz, and she decided that training with BASI would be a definite future step.  In 2004, after moving back to London and setting up a small home Pilates studio, Lisa attended the BASI Comprehensive Program and joined the family of BASI graduates!  Lisa’s teaching was revolutionised by this training and her passion for Pilates re-ignited!  Since then Lisa has done many different workshops offered in London by various education providers, covering topics like pregnancy, spinal pathologies, teaching and cueing techniques, and many others.

Lisa combines her two passions: her love of business development and her love of Pilates and the change it makes in the lives of her clients.  She has expanded her business 3 times and in 2013 hosted her first BASI course at the studio she is immensely proud of, The Pilates Clinic, in Wimbledon.

Grace Hurry

Grace has been practicing Pilates for many years during her dance training.Grace HurryGrace is from the UK, and first fell in love with movement when she started ballet at the age of 2. Aged 11 she was accepted to full time ballet school where, alongside ballet training, Grace was lucky enough to be introduced to Pilates. From then on Pilates became an integral part of Grace’s dance training and career.

In 2010 Grace transitioned from professional dancer to ballet and Pilates teacher, and became certified through the Royal Academy of Dance, the Pilates Method Alliance, and Body Arts and Science International (BASI) Pilates in the UK.


BASI Pilates has long been regarded as the pinnacle of education in the method by Pilates professionals worldwide. While many programs have fashioned their education after the BASI model, none have met or surpassed the standard set by BASI’s founder and CEO, Rael Isacowitz.

Rael’s passion for excellence and love of Pilates has shaped the past, present and now the future of the method.

“I was first attracted to the program after I realised that all my favorite Pilates classes were taught by BASI-qualified Pilates instructors. I have multiple certifications and BASI has given me by far the most value.”—Kaita Lepore, Santa Barbara Athletic Club

Catch the BASI spirit. Live the BASI lifestyle. Be a BASI professional.