Functional Mat Pilates
50 Hour Teacher Training
Four Days / Three Nights at the Source Retreat in the Douro Valley, Portugal
Thursday, May 28th - Sunday, May 31st, 2026
with Esperanza Eusebio
Welcome to Functional Pilates Training, a comprehensive, in-person immersion designed to strengthen your understanding of movement, anatomy, and mindful teaching. Held in the natural beauty of the Douro Valley, this four-day program invites you to explore the art and science of Pilates - how to move with precision, teach with confidence, and support others in building strength, stability, and balance for life.
Learn how functional Pilates can enhance body awareness, improve posture, increase mobility, and cultivate resilience through intelligent, embodied movement. With 40 hours of in-person study, daily Pilates sessions, and hands-on teaching practice, you’ll gain the tools to refine your own practice and guide others safely and effectively. From anatomy and alignment to sequencing, cueing, and class design, this training offers a holistic foundation for teaching movement that supports every body.
Enjoy three nights of accommodation (Thursday to Sunday) in a serene retreat setting, complete with nourishing meals and guided outdoor sessions amidst the rolling vineyards of the valley. Whether you’re a movement professional or simply seeking to deepen your personal practice, this training offers a grounded, inspiring approach to strength, awareness, and longevity through mindful movement.
Your Pilates journey starts here...
About Functional Mat Pilates
Functional Mat Pilates is a mindful movement practice that focuses on strengthening the body from the inside out - building stability, mobility, and balance through controlled, intentional movement.
Rooted in the original work of Joseph Pilates, this method emphasizes precision, breath, and body awareness. Each exercise is designed to integrate the deep core, improve posture, and enhance the body’s natural alignment - creating strength that supports both physical performance and everyday living.
But beyond the physical benefits, functional Pilates cultivates mental clarity and presence. The practice sharpens focus, nurtures patience, and develops the ability to move - and live - with greater awareness and ease.
Our Functional Pilates Teacher Training takes this experience a step further, combining classical Pilates principles with functional movement, anatomy study, and mindful teaching techniques. This holistic approach helps you not only refine your personal practice but also learn to teach movement that’s adaptive, inclusive, and empowering for all bodies.
Whether you’re new to Pilates or ready to deepen your understanding, this training offers a grounded, intelligent, and transformative path toward strength, awareness, and sustainable movement.
Benefits of Pilates
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Core Strength & Stability | Builds deep abdominal and postural strength for improved balance and control
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Injury Prevention & Recovery | Enhances joint mobility, muscular support, and safe movement patterns
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Improved Posture & Alignment | Restores natural spinal alignment and relieves chronic tension
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Increased Flexibility & Mobility | Encourages balanced movement through mindful stretching and strengthening
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Mind-Body Connection & Focus | Deepens awareness through coordinated breath and movement
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Functional Strength for Daily Life | Supports everyday movement efficiency and overall vitality
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Stress Reduction & Nervous System Regulation | Encourages calm, steady breathing and mindful presence to ease stress and tension
About The Ice Bath Facilitator Training
This four-day Functional Pilates Teacher Training offers a comprehensive exploration of Pilates as both a physical discipline and a mindful teaching practice. Each day blends movement, anatomy, and teaching methodology, giving you a grounded understanding of how to move - and teach - with intelligence, precision, and care.
Daily sessions include dynamic Pilates practice, functional anatomy study, classical matwork, breath and alignment workshops, sequencing and cueing labs, and guided practice teaching with feedback. You’ll learn how to safely and effectively adapt exercises for different bodies, developing confidence in leading inclusive and multi-level classes.
Our training covers all key aspects of functional mat Pilates, from foundational principles to advanced teaching applications. Here’s what you’ll gain:
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Introduction to Functional Pilates | Understand the philosophy and foundations of Pilates as a mindful movement system that integrates strength, breath, and awareness.
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Anatomy & Movement Foundations | Deepen your understanding of muscular function, alignment, and biomechanics to teach with clarity and safety.
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Classical Pilates Matwork | Learn the original movements designed by Joseph Pilates and how to adapt them for today’s practitioners.
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Functional Movement Integration | Explore how to connect Pilates principles to everyday movement patterns, improving posture, balance, and coordination.
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Breathwork & Core Engagement | Develop skillful use of the breath to stabilize the core, regulate the nervous system, and enhance focus and endurance.
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Safe Modifications & Props | Master how to adapt exercises for different abilities, ages, and needs using props and creative sequencing.
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Practice Teaching & Feedback | Gain hands-on experience in cueing, observing, and adjusting students with supportive, confidence-building guidance.
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Teaching Methodology & Class Design | Learn how to structure effective classes, integrate themes, and create progressions for a variety of settings.
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Trauma-Informed & Inclusive Teaching | Cultivate sensitivity and awareness to create a safe, supportive space for every body and experience level.
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Business of Pilates | Explore practical tools for launching your teaching career—from studio work and private clients to retreats and online offerings.
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Integration & Embodiment | Develop your own sustainable practice and teaching voice through reflection, mindful movement, and community connection.
By the end of this training, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and embodied understanding to teach functional mat Pilates safely and effectively. Whether your goal is to deepen your personal practice or share the method professionally, you’ll leave with confidence, skill, and inspiration to guide others toward strength, balance, and awareness.
Our Course Curriculum Includes:
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Three nights accommodations
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Daily nourishing meals and snacks
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20+ hours of guided practice and lectures
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Gift of a pilates ball and therapy stretch band
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Course manual and source swag bag
Who is this Training / Retreat for?
Whether your intention is to share mindful movement with others or to reconnect with your own body’s natural intelligence, you are welcome here. Our Functional Pilates Teacher Training is designed for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of movement, expand their teaching toolkit, and guide others toward greater strength, mobility, and awareness. Whether you’re a wellness professional or a dedicated practitioner, this training offers both personal transformation and professional growth.
This program is ideal for:
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Certified Yoga Teachers | Pilates offers a complementary discipline to yoga, helping teachers build core stability, refine alignment, and introduce intelligent strength-building to their students.
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Personal Trainers & Fitness Professionals | Learn how to integrate Pilates principles into strength and conditioning programs to enhance posture, coordination, and safe movement mechanics for all clients.
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Dancers, Movers, & Athletes | Deepen your understanding of movement efficiency, control, and body awareness to prevent injury and improve performance both on and off the mat.
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Health Practitioners & Bodyworkers | Pilates training offers valuable tools for supporting clients in recovery, rehabilitation, and holistic body awareness through mindful, functional movement.
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Dedicated Students & Individuals Seeking Growth | If you’re passionate about movement and curious about teaching, this training provides a solid foundation for deepening your personal practice and building confidence to share it with others.
About Your Guide
Esperanza Eusebio
Esperanza Eusebio
Yoga and Pilates Teacher,
& Owner of the Yoga Barn
Esperanza Eusebio is a movement educator originally from Mexico, now based in Ontario, Canada. She has been teaching yoga for over 14 years and brings a deep understanding of the body, breath, and mindful movement to everything she shares.
As the owner of The Yoga Barn in Lake Rosalind, Espe has guided countless students through yoga teacher trainings, retreats, and workshops both locally and internationally.
Over the years, her curiosity for movement and anatomy led her to expand her practice - studying functional movement, Ayurveda, and most recently, Pilates.
In 2024, she completed her second Pilates certification and began developing programs that bridge strength and mindfulness, offering movement that is both intelligent and accessible.
Her teaching blends precision with compassion, focusing on functional strength, nervous system awareness, and sustainable practice for all bodies.
A personal note from Espe: “I’m passionate about mindful movement - whether it’s chair yoga, a private class, yin, hot vinyasa flow, or a fiery hot Pilates class. My intention behind offering this in-person Pilates Teacher Training is to give future educators a strong foundation to teach in a way that is accessible, intelligent, and safe for every person who walks through the studio doors.”
Welcome to the Source
Housed in a beautifully restored 400-year-old Quinta (vineyard estate), our retreat offers guests a unique blend of history, nature, and modern comfort. Also known as Quinta do Outeiro, our home is nestled in the small village of Cidadelhe, overlooking the rolling hills and surrounded by grape vines and olive trees.
Take in the endless landscapes while wandering through the vineyards or get back to our simple roots by picking lemons or oranges in the gardens. Enjoy meals by the fire in our medieval dining room and practice under the starry constellations painted across the yoga room ceiling. Slow down. Rest in the hammocks or lounge by the plunge pool before withdrawing to your shared or private room.
We have poured seven years of love and labour into creating this space for you. Join us to rest and reconnect with your inner self in a truly unique and special place.
Training Investment
Your training/retreat package includes:
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Course Tuition | Comprehensive instruction and guidance from our experienced teachers.
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Three Nights of Accommodations | Spend three nights/four days at the Source. Out thoughtfully designed, cozy guest rooms each have private en-suite bathrooms and lots of storeage, offering a relaxing retreat atmosphere.
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Three Delicious Daily Meals | Nutritious and satisfying meals prepared fresh, with seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients.
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Fruit, Tea, Coffee, and Water | Available throughout the day to keep you refreshed and energized.
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Source Retreat Amenities | Enjoy access to our serene amenities, including a refreshing plunge pool and peaceful outdoor spaces.
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Fully Equipped Yoga Space | A dedicated, fully-kitted yoga studio with all the props you’ll need for practice.
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Full-Color Printed Manual & Course Materials | High-quality printed materials to support your learning and practice during and beyond the retreat.
Prices increase January 1st, 2026 | Save your space with a €500 deposit. See our full booking process below.
Guest Rooms and Rates
Our rooms are each inspired by things we grow and source in our gardens, with views overlooking the vines and garden. Depending on the retreat or training, we have nine bedrooms that may be available to hosts and guests, including private and shared accommodation options. Learn more about our rooms below...
Romã |
Pomegranate Dorm Room
Our dorm hosts four guests in two comfy bunkbeds. Each bunk has been handcrafted and includes a partition for a little privacy, as well as their own reading light and charging port.
Come with friends or make new connections. This room also features an ensuite bathroom, small sitting area, and plenty of intentional storage space for comfy communal living.
Early-bird Rate (per person) | €1200
Regular (per person) | €1300
Figo |
Fig Triple Room
Our triple room offers a spacious shared accommodation for three guests, including two beds which can be configured into singles or a king, plus a third single bed tucked into a cozy nook beside the stone chimney. This room also benefits from a built in storage area and private ensuite bathroom.
Early-bird Rate (per person) | €1250
Regular (per person) | €1350
Lemon Double Room
Limão |
Sitting closest to our lemon tree, this warm and sunny room hosts two guests in two single beds (or one king). This room has a unique ensuite bathroom, including an original window within the tiled shower. Furnished with golden tones and antique touches including a custom headboard and built-in dresser.
Early-bird Rate (per person) | €1300
Regular (per person) | €1400
Laranja |
Orange Double Room
Overlooking the orange trees, this comfortable double room offers two single beds which can be configured as two singles or one king. Share a week away with a dear one or meet a new friend. Comfortably furnished with antique Indonesian wardrobe, unique hand painted accents and a private ensuite bathroom.
Early-bird Rate (per person) | €1300
Regular (per person) | €1400
Azeitona |
Olive Private Room
A private suite for guests who wish to restore within their own energy. The olive room features an antique green velvet double bed under the cozy pitched roof beams of our 400-year old house. Here you’ll enjoy a private ensuite bathroom, window reading nook, and olive green accents complementing the trees beyond.
Early-bird Rate (per person) | €1400
Regular (per person) | €1500
Uva |
Grape Vine Private Room
Another private option for guests who wish to enjoy their own company in the evenings. The grape room features an antique wooden double bed under the cozy pitched roof beams of our 400-year old house. Here you’ll enjoy a private ensuite bathroom, window reading nook, and soft purple accents reflecting the vines in your view.
Early-bird Rate (per person) | €1400
Regular (per person) | €1500
Flor de Protea |
Deluxe Private Room
Our beautiful rich blue protea room offers a romantic experience, including high ceilings and an antique four-poster double bed. The spacious ensuite includes a bespoke shower with a floral tile mural that scales towards the high waterfall shower. Situated on the first floor, you’ll enjoy the privacy and luxury of your own special suite.
Early-bird Rate (per person) | €1500
Regular (per person) | €1600
Enquire for shared rate (for couples)
Girassol |
Sunflower Private Room
An ideal space for visiting facilitators or teachiing assistants, this quaint golden-yellow room with high ceilings overlooks our garden and sunflowers. This room does not have an ensuite bathroom, but has access to a shared bathroom just outside its door. Located on the first floor close to all activities, but offering a private space to withdraw and rest.
Message to inquire
Sign Up + Step In
Train & Retreat at the Source in Portugal
Training Dates + Travel Details
Training Dates | The course runs from Thursday, May 28th - Sunday, May 31st, 2026
Location | The Source Retreat is located in a small town in the Douro Valley, centered between the larger towns of Mesao Frio and Peso Da Regua. In advance of the immersion, we will be in touch to help you to plan your journey here.
Check-in | Please plan your travel to arrive between 10 - 11am on Thursday, May 28th, 2026
Check-out | Please plan to depart between 4:00pm - 5:00pm on Sunday, May 31st, 2026
Traveling to the Training | Flights and travel to the training are not included in your retreat package. The closest international airport to the retreat is in Porto. Guests may choose to take a train from Porto to our closest train station called Rede where we can collect you. Otherwise we can also help connect you with shuttle services to arrange a drive from Porto to the retreat. Please do not book travel until we confirm minimum attendance.
Animals | Please note we have a resident dog at the retreat and some frequent cat visitors.
Deposits are non-refundable | Please see our full terms and conditions here.
Application Questions? |
Please reach out to us directly at info@source.yoga
FAQ's
Do I need prior experience with pilates? No prior experience is required. This training is suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. You’ll be guided step-by-step through the foundations of Pilates movement, anatomy, and teaching methodology, with plenty of hands-on support to help you build confidence in your own practice and when guiding others.
What can I expect to learn? You’ll study the core principles of Pilates, functional anatomy, safe cueing and sequencing, the use of props and modifications, and practical teaching skills. The training also includes breathwork, postural awareness, and tools for building intelligent, inclusive classes that meet your students where they are.
Is accommodation and/or food included in my training package? Yes, this program includes three nights of accommodation and meals during your stay. Each of our guest rooms has been kindly considered, with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful storage for a relaxing stay. Within the historic walls of our 400-year old Quinta, you'll feel at home in both its rustic charm and modern comforts. You'll also feel nourished by our menu, including locally sourced ingredients (as much as possible from our own garden and orchards). Our cooking is primarily plant-based and carefully crafted to support your energy levels throughout the training and we are happy to accommodate specific requirements. With room and board included, you can fully immerse yourself in the learning experience without worrying about any extra arrangements.
What should I bring to the training? Please bring comfortable athletic clothing for the training, and layers suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. We also recommend bringing sturdy shoes for our local vineyard paths, and bring a water bottle, sun protection, and layers for varying weather conditions - rain or sun. Towels and basic toiletries will be provided. You do not need to bring any Pilates equipement - mats, balls and therapy bands are all provided.
How physically demanding is the training? Pilates emphasizes mindful, functional movement rather than intensity. You’ll move daily, but classes are designed to meet a range of levels and body types. Expect a balance of dynamic sessions, gentle recovery practices, and theory time to support both body and mind.
Can I teach after completing this training? Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Functional Pilates Teacher Training Certificate, confirming 40 hours of in-person study plus 10 hours of anatomy and practice teaching. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to teach group classes, one-on-one sessions, or integrate Pilates principles into your existing movement or wellness offerings.
How will this training benefit my business? This training expands your skill set with a strong, practical foundation in functional movement. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, fitness professional, or wellness coach, Pilates training allows you to broaden your offerings, support more clients, and bring depth, structure, and versatility to your teaching.
What is not included in the training package? Your travel and transfer to the retreat are not included. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel, but we are happy to help you plan your journey. Despite being surrounded by vineyards, wine and alcohol are also not included or served during the training period to support a clear and focused experience. Additionally, any personal expenses, such as souvenirs or extra snacks off-retreat, are not covered by the package. While we provide all necessary facilities, yoga props and course materials, please bring any specific items you may need for your personal practice. If you have any questions about what to pack or need guidance on travel arrangements, we will provide a packing list and our team is here to assist you every step of the way.