Pursuing a fitness career can help you stay active, allow you to help others, and present you with many unique career opportunities. To become a Pilates instructor, you can earn a certification to learn exercises, instruction tactics, and proper poses for Pilates exercises. Learning about the different Pilates certification programs available can help you determine which one might suit your needs and career goals.
In this article, we explain what Pilates certifications are, share eight certifications to consider, provide tips for choosing one, and answer frequently asked questions about Pilates instructors.
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What are Pilates certifications?
Pilates certifications are training courses that fitness trainers may undergo to become certified in Pilates training. Pilates is a form of fitness training involving low-impact exercise and focusing on flexibility, muscle training, and endurance. Doing Pilates exercises may help class attendees improve their posture, alignment, wellness, flexibility, muscle tension, and joint strain in daily life. Many Pilates exercises use mats, specialized chairs, and other exercise equipment to aid in endurance and balance.
8 Pilates certifications to pursue
If you want to teach Pilates to others professionally, consider these eight certifications:
1. Power Pilates Comprehensive Program
The Power Pilates Comprehensive Program is a classical Pilates program that offers training for beginner, intermediate, and advanced Pilates students. This program teaches Pilates topics such as mat workouts, reformer exercises, Cadillac training, chair Pilates, barrels, Ped-o-pull, and magic circle exercises. The Power Pilates Comprehensive Program is available in three sections according to skill level, Apparatus One, Two, and Three. Most students can complete all three levels in 600 hours.
2. Comprehensive Matwork and Reformer
The Comprehensive Matwork and Reformer Pilates Certification (CMR) is one of the Stott Pilates certifications available. The CMR program teaches functional anatomy and principles of biomechanics in relation to Pilates. This STOTT program offers flexible scheduling and takes about 12 to 15 weeks to complete for most students. The program includes an apprenticeship, which can provide valuable experience and may help you in future job searches.
3. Comprehensive Cadillac, Chair and Barrels
The Comprehensive Cadillac, Chair and Barrels (CCCB) program is another certification course from Stott Pilates that teaches students how to work with Cadillac, chair and barrel exercises. Students can take this certification after completing the CMR program and apprenticeship from Stott Pilates. The CCCB program typically takes 165 hours to complete.
4. Peak Pilates
Peak Pilates is a classical Pilates certification program that consists of four modular programs based on skill level. This program focuses on building a strong foundation in Pilates principles and can benefit both beginner and advanced Pilates practitioners. Completing this certification can help you develop proficiency in the reformer, mat, tower, chair, barrel, and auxiliary equipment exercises.
5. BASI Foundation Program
BASI offers two separate certification programs. The first is the BASI Foundation Program, which has six different modules, each focusing on a separate subject. These subjects include mat work, reformer exercises, Cadillac, ladder barrels, and the Wunda chair. Students can take the BASI Foundation Program to familiarize themselves with Pilates instruction. This certification program also teaches students to observe their posture, correct their form, and undergo individual or group lessons. The program takes an average of 500 hours to complete.
6. BASI Graduate Program
The BASI Graduate Program is the second certification from BASI, and you can only complete it after finishing the Foundation Program. Students of the Graduate Program gain a deeper knowledge of Pilates and teaching principles. They learn intermediate mat, reformer, and Cadillac principles, in addition to ladder barrel, F2 spine corrector, the Wunda chair, F2 armchair, Ped-a-pul, and auxiliary apparatus instructions. After completing both courses, students can teach advanced clients, both individually and in groups. This certification takes 500 hours to complete.
7. Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Training
The Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Training certification program provides students with a foundational set of lessons to build their knowledge of anatomy in relation to Pilates. Students learn how to instruct clients on ways to improve posture, balance, and muscle strength in specific areas of the body. This certification program also gives comprehensive lessons in mat and reformer exercises. The course usually takes around 800 hours.
8. Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training
The Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training program provides Pilates practitioners with instructional principles they can apply in the classroom or in personal training settings. Those who already understand Pilates concepts can take this certification program to improve their interaction, communication, and correction methods. Students learn to think critically about Pilates concepts and their practical applications. This course is available online or in person through teaching centers. The program lasts approximately 551 hours, depending on whether you choose to take the course online or in person.
Why are Pilates certifications important?
Obtaining a Pilates certification can be important for the following reasons:
It displays your Pilates qualifications
Having a Pilates certificate shows employers that you understand the concepts of Pilates as a practice and how to teach these concepts to others. It also proves you understand how to illustrate safety principles to all participants. If you choose to teach Pilates independently, having a certification can show potential students that you’ve completed professional training and are qualified to instruct them.
It improves your Pilates skills
Gaining a Pilates certification can help you better understand exercise safety, teaching methods, and the proper use of exercise equipment. Studying Pilates teaching methods can prepare you to address students’ needs, such as joint pain, balance, and core strength. Pilates certifications can also teach you how to correct students if they perform an exercise improperly and how to give them suggestions for improvement.
Tips for choosing a Pilates certification
If you’re considering pursuing a Pilates certification, you can review these tips to help you make your decision:
Take a class
Before deciding if you want to begin a Pilates certification, consider taking some Pilates classes as a student. Attending Pilates classes may help you gain insight into how Pilates teachers work with students, what responsibilities instructors have, and how to structure Pilates classes. Consider asking your instructor about their own experience in this role and what their work entails.
Understand the responsibilities
When deciding to pursue a Pilates certification, consider whether you can fulfill the responsibility of teaching others. Talking to a Pilates instructor can help you determine whether you might be comfortable in an instructor role. Researching the job duties and expectations for Pilates instructors can help you understand if this position is right for you.
Determine your experience level
Some certifications may focus on intermediate learners of Pilates, while others may be more optimal for beginners. Before choosing a certification, consider your experience level. If you aren’t sure what your experience level is, you can take a class and talk to a Pilates instructor for assistance. They can help you identify the type of exercises you may know well and which ones you can improve.
Consider the costs
Many Pilates certification programs represent a significant investment. It’s important to assess how a Pilates certification might fit your financial goals and how you might want to use your certification. You may be seeking short-term financial gain, or you may view a certification as a way to increase long-term profit.
Secure liability insurance
Before working independently or within a center, purchasing liability insurance may be beneficial. Liability insurance helps protect you from the legal consequences of any potential client injuries or accidents. It’s necessary to ensure safety for all your students, and liability may be one of your responsibilities as the owner of an independent business or an independent contractor within a fitness center.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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