Pilates has a mind-bogglingly high number of exercises in the program, it is a difficult exercise routine to master. In this article, we’ll tell you about what you need to do in order to become a certified pilates instructor.
If you are planning to become a certified Pilates instructor, you have probably noticed that there are numerous pilates training programs to choose from. How do you know what Pilates training program is right for you? Part of the answer has to do with your motivation for becoming a Pilates instructor.
For instance, if you want to become a Pilates instructor in order to work in a physical therapy setting, than you may be inclined to one particular program.
On the other hand, if you are more interested in opening your own Pilates studio, you may be attracted to a different Pilates training program.
Before you enroll for a Pilates instructor training program, take the time to learn more about the program before making a final commitment.
Once you have found a training program that you are interested in applying for, here are a few questions that you should ask before enrolling.
Entrance Training Exam
First, make sure you understand the entrance requirements (if any) that you need in order to initially enroll.
Most comprehensive pilates instructor training programs require that their students have at least some kind of experience with pilates.
Many comprehensive training programs even require that you pass an entrance exam before formally being accepted. Ask what the prerequisites are for entrance, if any.
Understanding The Pilates Instructor Training Program
Next, make sure you understand what sort of pilates instructor training the program offers. Will you receive training in different pilates exercise apparatus and machines? Or will you just be receiving training in mat work?
Another significant consideration is to understand the structure of the program. When do your classes meet? Are classes offered at a convenient time and location? How long does the program last?
In general, the longer the program, the more rigorous and complete your training will be. Most programs will let you know how many hours of training you are expected to receive by the completion date.
How Classes Are Taught
Next, find out how classes are taught. Does the program consist of observation, lecture, apprenticeship, student teaching, or a combination of all of these? Make sure you can commit to all aspects of the program.
Learn About The Background Of The Program
Finally, learn about the background of the program director and course facilitators? How many years experience do they have, and what sort of certification do they have? All of these questions are important when you are looking for the right program.
Pilates Mat Exercise
To become a certified Pilates instructor, you’re going to have to learn a whole lot about the program. What most people do is begin by learning all that they can about mat exercises.
Mat exercises are one of the most basic forms of Pilates, and you can perform mat exercises pretty much anywhere. For that reason, it’s a great starting point for someone who is looking to increase their knowledge and build a basis for becoming a certified Pilates instructor.
There are many different organizations that offer Pilates certification, and they often allow the program to be learned in increments, much like karate, so that you can fully and completely understand all of the proper methods of exercises that you will be teaching.
Beginning Pilates mat exercise certifications generally involve the teaching of around 18 different mat exercises. In addition to learning the proper form and technique to perform the exercise properly, you will learn more about Pilates from a philosophical standpoint as the teachers try to add fuel to your teaching fire.
In more advanced Pilates mat exercise certifications, you may find yourself learning much about the human body as the anatomy plays a major role in properly teaching Pilates.
You will learn several different facets of the workout so that you can be informed when a student asks you any type of question about the exercises that you are learning. While there are many different certifying agencies, most Pilates certificates are formally recognized when on the hunt for a Pilates instructor job.
Additionally, many agencies that only teach limited aspects of the pilates exercise program are willing to consider your training from a previous teacher to be adequate, giving you a type of ‘transfer credit’ and cutting down on your need to learn it all from one Pilates instructor.
When you become certified in advanced mat exercises, you may feel confident enough to begin your own Pilates classes. However, for those who are interested in furthering their Pilates education, you can quest towards a comprehensive Pilates certification which includes the use of pilates apparatus in order to more accurately perform the exercises.
When you’ve learned all of these exercises, you can truly consider yourself a master of the Pilates program. With hard work and dedication, you may find yourself fluent in pilates in less time than you’d expect! Good luck!