Want to learn how to teach Pilates?

You will find the following general information helpful in your search for an appropriate training program to suit your needs. You may also refer to the PMA listing of Pilates teacher training Programs on this web site in your search. The PMA recommends Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training for all individuals interested in teaching the Pilates method.

Comprehensive Training Program – general guidelines recommendations:

• Director should have at least 10 years prior Pilates teaching experience.
• Facilitators of the program should have at least 7 years prior Pilates teaching experience.
• Minimum 450 hours required for completion of program.
• Program hours should include: lecture/observation/personal Pilates practice or lessons/workouts/supervised student teaching.
• Program covers reformer/trap table/ped-o-pul/barrels/chair.
• Course participants should have prior Pilates experience or a course entrance requirement.
• Written and practical test with passing scores required for completion.
  

Please take the time to gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your professional development as a Pilates teacher.

Pilates is a full-body system of specific sequenced exercises performed on the mat and specially designed equipment. The method is centered around the concepts of awareness, balance, breath, centering, concentration, control, flowing movement, and precision. The principle of Pilates is to uniformly develop the body and mind.

The Pilates method is best taught by a comprehensively trained instructor.

Here is a list of questions to ask once you locate a training program from our web site:

• Are there any requirements for entry into the program? (Most comprehensive Pilates programs require prior Pilates exercise experience or an entrance exam as a pre-requisite for entry into the program.)
• Does the training program offer instruction on all the pieces of exercise apparatus or just a specific piece?
• What is the time structure for the program? Does it meet weekly or weekends, monthly, etc.?
• How long does it take to complete the program? (For example: Total structure of the program requirements in hours/months.)
• Are lecture observation, apprenticeship and practice hours involved? (Remember, a well-rounded program includes all of the above.)
• Who is the program director, and what is his/her background and training?
• How long has he/she been teaching?
• Who are the program's other facilitators, and what are their backgrounds? (The Pilates Method Alliance guidelines suggests facilitators of comprehensive training programs to have taught Pilates a minimum of 5 years prior to instructing instructors.)
• Can the program provide references with contacts of prior graduates of their program?
• Does the program administer a practical and written exam prior to issuing a certificate?