b∙long Teacher Training
October 2026
A complete pathway to teaching XFormer Pilates at b·long. Two weekends, a full year of online access, and mentorship that continues long after you're certified.
Program Overview
Everything an instructor needs to teach with us
Our complete, in-house pathway to teaching the b·long method. You'll learn the principles of SRT (Slow Resistance Training) from an SRT Master Trainer, then spend a second weekend on the specifics of teaching at b·long — our Traditional Tone format, pacing, and cueing. Both weekends come with a full year of access to the SRT video library and ongoing mentorship with our lead instructor, so you leave with the technical foundation and the studio-specific skills to teach a confident, connected b·long class.
SRT Foundations Certification
An immersive, hands-on introduction to SRT — the Slow Resistance Training principles that anchor every b·long Strength class. You'll learn the anatomy, alignment, spring loading, and exercise intention behind the work, then put it into practice through teach-backs and individualized feedback. By the end of the weekend you can build and lead a full-body SRT Strength class, and adapt it across ability levels and to specific daily programming.
What’s Included
Investment
One price, the whole program
SRT Foundations Certification (3 days, 18-22 hours)
b·long Culture and Tone Certification (2 days, 4 hours/day)
Full-color SRT Teacher Training Manual
One year of SRT online video access
Ongoing mentorship after certification
20 b·long class credits
Both weekends, all materials, and everything that comes after.
Meet the Trainers
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Maria Pallas has been teaching SRT, Modern Pilates, and fitness for over 14 years. With a
background in dance, professional cheerleading, and acting, she brings a dynamic, expressive, and community-driven energy to every class and training.
A former NFL cheerleader and USO entertainer, Maria has performed and taught around the world, working in 28 countries throughout her career. She is certified in SRT, Da Vinci BodyBoard, and pre/postnatal fitness, and holds both a BS in Nutrition and an MFA in Acting. Outside the studio, you can catch her on screen in shows like High Potential on ABC, St. Denis Medical on NBC, and Shining Vale on HBO.
As a Master Trainer, Maria is known for making instructors feel empowered, inspired, confident, and capable. Her enthusiasm is undeniable — and her ability to bring people together through movement is at the heart of everything she does.
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Kiera Smeenge is b·long's Lead Instructor and Education Manager, overseeing the Certification Program from teacher training through ongoing mentorship.
A San Diego native, Kiera discovered Pilates while transitioning out of collegiate and professional-level soccer and it quickly became the foundation for how she trains and teaches today. She is a 200-hour yoga certified and SRT certified instructor along with teaching over 1,500 hours. She brings a calm, energizing presence to her classes with thoughtful progressions and modifications offered throughout so that every client can build real strength and confidence.