On the whole, Pilates certification for instructors can be segregated into two different parts. One part is the Pilates mat certification and the other is a complete Pilates instructor certification, which basically covers all types of Pilates equipment including the mat. Following is a brief outline of the comprehensive and mat Pilates certifications, along with other options:
Pilates Certification for Mats Pilates Instructor:
Training for mats instructor Pilates certification is generally available to Pilates students who have shown a natural aptitude in their classes. A Pilates mat instructor training covers all the fundamental mat exercises as well as methods to modify them in order to suit different people at different fitness levels. You can expect the mat instructor certificate examination to be a written test as well as a teaching demonstration.
The basic mat instructor certification course is usually offered as an intensive course over the duration of a weekend or two weekends. Generally such courses will cost you around $100 to $300. However, bear in mind there’s no standardization procedures for Pilates training, so you can expect to get exactly what you pay for. This is why its always a good idea to do some research about the certifying body that you intend to join and find out if it has a decent training program.
Pilates Certification for Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Certification:
In order to get a full certification as a Pilates instructor for all Pilates equipment, you need to have accomplished at least a year of Pilates study, which includes private lessons. It may also require you to have successfully completed mat teacher training, as well. The complete certification course includes a basic study of the human anatomy and physiology, evolution of the Pilates technique and the history of Joseph Pilates, along with an exhaustive instruction on various exercises for different equipments and related modifications.
Such a comprehensive Pilates certification course can take you over a year to complete and also require you to spend a major chunk of your time as an apprentice teacher in a Pilates studio. For the full course, you can expect to pay nothing below $2,000, although the cost of the course can vary, as do the programs included in your course.
Another option as far as Pilates certification courses go includes a course in Hybrid Pilates.
Hybrid Pilate is basically a combination of Pilates with other exercise techniques and fitness apparatus. For example, certification courses are now available in Yoga-Pilates, Pilates with exercise bands, Pilates on Ball etc. As interesting as this may sound, it’s important to remember that Pilates is a very precise method of exercise and has its own set of principles, so it’s important to at least get a mat instructor certificate before trying to learn crossover teaching techniques.
Apart from the certification course, you should know that even though certification is becoming the norm these days, it isn’t a necessity. There are many exceptional Pilates instructors who have been teaching Pilates for many years now, but don’t have a “certificate.” Thus another valid way of learning to teach Pilates is to take up apprenticeship under established Pilates instructors.
If you are looking to learn how to teach Pilates, keep the aforementioned options in mind and choose a course that suits you best and go ahead with it, since there is nothing really as fulfilling as being able to teach people to exercise and lead happier and healthier lives!
