Pilates Certification

Pilates certification is the sure way for any enthusiast to become a qualified instructor.

Many Pilates instructors find the position rewarding and inspirational.

Certification directors recommend you have an intermediate skill level with Pilates before pursuing teaching. There are many hybrid forms of Pilates, including Yoga Pilates. However, the general consensus is to first understand and practice foundational Pilates, which involves mat and apparatus exercises. On average, there are approximately 500 Pilates exercises to learn!

Additionally, many programs ask for a letter of recommendation from your studio or personal instructor, as well as a guaranteed location to fulfill student teaching requirements.

The non profit organization Pilates Method Alliance advises all potential instructors to consider the following in their teaching program review:

• Program facilitators should have at least seven years of Pilates teaching experience in the particular method.
• All programs should combine lecture, observation, practice, apprentice teaching, and practical and written exam aspects.
• Ask for director and instructor backgrounds, as well a list of previous graduates.
• Training needs to include all methodology and equipment involved in that particular practice.
• Verify the length of the program, as in hours or months, and intervals of training, such as weekly, on weekends, monthly, multi-day intensives, etc.
• Confirm acceptance and entrance requirements.

Unlike yoga certification, which generally follows 200-hour or 500-hour training increments, Pilates teaching instruction time requirements vary by method. The average hourly commitment is 400 hours.

Completing a Pilates certification program usually takes one year, depending on the structure of the hands-on workshops, the in-home study, and student teaching requirements. However, some programs take as long as 18 months to complete.

Cost also differs widely, based on the method, level of class work involved, and necessary materials. On average, set your budget between $3,000 and $5,000 for tuition and materials. Many established programs have teaching centers in metropolitan areas with intensive training that you participate in over several months. However, if you have to travel for training and/or additional workshops, factor in transportation, meals, and accommodation costs as well.

Research Pilates methods carefully, because there are many different versions.

Classical or Pilates Method: The original exercise, created by Joseph and Clara Pilates. The Pilates Method Alliance oversees training, certification, re-certification, and national exams.

Other certification programs affiliated with Joseph Pilates’ method include:

• The PhysicalMind Institute
• Romana Kryzanowska Pilates Instruction
• The Ron Fletcher Method
• Power Pilates

STOTT Pilates: Rooted in classical Pilates, founders Lindsay and Moira Merrithew developed the STOTT Pilates method as a more contemporary approach to the exercise. Individuals are trained, certified, and receive continuing education in this version through the Merrithew Corporation at licensed training centers.

Peak Pilates: Founder Julie Lobdell combines the classical method with updates based on an advanced scientific understanding of the body. Peak Pilates develops additional equipment pieces, too. Prospective instructors receive training, certification, and different levels of specialized training at a variety of locations.

Core Dynamics Pilates: Creator Michele Larsson focuses her historical Pilates method on the teaching of an individual, not an entire class. Interested students of Core Dynamics take a series of workshops and tests for certification in this method.

As a certified Pilates instructor, you have many options.

Sign on with a fitness club or spa. They will promote you as a certified instructor, coordinate classes, and provide an instant client base.

Become a personal instructor. A number of individuals appreciate the dedicated one-on-one time with a personal instructor, especially one that will work with them in their homes.

Specialize in a hybrid form of fitness program. Pilates is often the core body movement of various physical fitness exercises that involve a balance ball, resistance bands, and other equipment.

Start a studio. If you dream of owning a Pilates studio, review these helpful tips from Balanced Body, a leader in Pilates education and equipment supply.

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