Question 1

Why choose Balanced Body?

Accepted Answer

All Balanced Body educational programs highlight movement principles that are universal to the way the body moves, strengthens and heals. These principles incorporate the most up-to-date biomechanical theories of movement and exercise science. Understanding these principles in relation to the program of study creates a dynamic learning experience which can be immediately incorporated into practice.

Question 2

What are the benefits of becoming a Balanced Body instructor?

Accepted Answer

A Balanced Body certificate is the gold standard throughout the mindful movement space and beyond. As a result, our instructors are respected innovators and contributors to the fields of movement science, physical therapy and fitness. A Balanced Body certification gives you access to some of the best instructors in the world, the most innovative educational curriculum, and a wealth of online support such as educational videos, virtual learning workshops, conferences and streaming workouts, and marketing materials.

Question 3

What resources are available to a Balanced Body instructor/student?

Accepted Answer

Balanced Body students and instructors not only have access to best-in-class educators in the field of mindful movement but are also supported by our dedicated and experienced infrastructure with over 40 years in the industry. Once you have taken the Balanced Body Pilates curriculum you will receive 5&percnt; off Pilates equipment and accessories for a full year after your last course registration. In addition, a Balanced Body instructor has access to continually updated and progressive educational content, virtual learning workshops and conferences, and streaming workouts.

Question 4

How does your Pilates program work?

Accepted Answer

Our Pilates program is set up as modular course offerings. Courses are most often offered on weekends to allow those working or with busy weekly schedules to be able to participate. If virtual course, it may be taught in shorter, 4 hour segments. Each course covers a specific amount of work designed to create an educational arc of learning that is digestible and easily integrated into practice. Courses have a hierarchy and though some can be taken independently of other courses, they are often taught as stepping stones toward completion of your certification program of choice.For example, if you want to become a Mat instructor, you would take Movement Principles Mat I, Mat II and Mat III courses to be eligible to test out. Mat II cannot precede Mat I.

Question 5

Can I take individual courses, or do I need to commit to the whole course?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. Since our courses are structured in an educational hierarchy, some of them have pre-requisite requirements. For example, you must take Reformer I before taking Reformer II. However, our introductory courses, Anatomy in 3 Dimensions&trade; and Movement Principles may be taken as individual courses.

Question 6

What is the difference between Balanced Body and other Pilates certification programs?

Accepted Answer

First and foremost, Balanced Body acknowledges that many of the currently top-rated instructional teacher training programs have great value, merit and a level of quality that creates a thriving and diverse instructor population. Though we cannot speak to what other programs offer or do not offer, we can speak to what Balanced Body has to offer.

Balanced Body respects the traditions of Joseph H. Pilates’ original works while also incorporating the best of contemporary research from exercise science to leading full-body movement theories. Students not only learn the exercises but strategies on how to use the exercises to best meet a client’s individual needs.

Our manuals and teaching materials are some of the best in the world. The curriculum, created by Nora St. John, has been taught since 2006. With over a hundred thousand courses being taught and thousands of instructors accessing our trainings, it is safe to say our curriculum leads the industry in how it educates new Pilates instructors.

Finally, Balanced Body prides itself on providing you with the educational tools to help you teach and grow as a practitioner. We do not dictate “how” you should teach. We encourage each of you to find your voice, your rhythm and your style as practitioners. Our master instructors are your guides and mentors and will help to empower you as you create your place within the Pilates community.

Question 7

How do I do my personal practice, observation and student teaching hours?

Accepted Answer

It is perfectly clear to a seasoned instructor when a student shows up to a test out and has not completed the required hours. For this reason, the hours are self-reported and on the honor system. While we believe it is good to observe and complete hours at the studio you take courses at, this is not required. In truth, we highly recommend that you teach, observe and practice in as many different environments as possible. This allows you to hear cues, observe hands-on techniques and employ strategies from a wide variety of teachers. It also makes you think about what good teaching is and how best to approach it.

Question 8

What module should I start with?

Accepted Answer

Movement Principles is the gateway course and is highly recommended as the starting place for your course work. If it is not possible to start with Movement Principles, please contact your chosen Master Instructor and see if they will permit you to start with either Mat 1 or Reformer 1 (the introductory course that is appropriate for you is dependent on the level of certification you desire. For example, Mat 1 for Mat, Mat and Reformer and Apparatus certification and Reformer 1 for Reformer certification only).

Question 9

Where do you teach the Pilates program?

Accepted Answer

We have a robust network of master instructors all over the world, so chances are there is a studio hosting courses near you. Visit our education finder to see a list of current course offerings and our master instructors page for information about the master instructors teaching in specific areas.

Question 10

Can I transfer to Balanced Body from another program? If I am already certified in Pilates, do you offer a bridge program?

Accepted Answer

If you have started your course work with another recognized Pilates teacher training program you can have some, and possibly all, of your prior courses credited toward your Balanced Body Education. If you have either completed a certificate program from another education program or you have taken coursework but have not yet tested out, Balanced Body Education offers an easy bridge opportunity. Contact us for more information.

Question 11

Can I get Balanced Body to offer this class at my studio?

Accepted Answer

Balanced Body offers you the opportunity to bring our education into your facility via an onsite. Please email education@pilates.com for information on hosting an onsite.

Question 12

Do you meet the NPCP requirements for test out?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Balanced Body Pilates certification will allow you to sit for the National Pilates Certification Program exam. As a third-party testing organization, NPCP certification is an industry standard that indicates you, the instructor, has met a high standard of excellence.

Question 13

Do I have to take all of my courses at the same location?

Accepted Answer

No. As a matter of fact, we often encourage students to take courses from different instructors as it provides an opportunity for the student to experience different teaching styles and techniques. As long as you take courses in the appropriate sequence, you can take them anywhere in the world that suits your needs and schedule.

Question 14

Is there a final test out?

Accepted Answer

To complete your program of choice there is a test out which consists of a practical and a written examination. Depending on the course of study, the practical examination requires each student to be responsible to demonstrate competence in class design, appropriateness of exercise choices, exercise progressions and regressions as well as equipment setup, safety and appropriateness. The written examination consists of multiple choice, fill in the blank and essays.

Question 15

What is the Materials fee?

Accepted Answer

A materials fee includes an Instructor Training Manual and web access to the DVD content via streaming video. All courses require a manual, some courses require both the manual and access to video streaming. Many manuals are available in multiple languages, but video streaming is currently only available in English. Digital manuals will be available in 2023.

Fitness Professional Programs

Expand your skills with Pilates. Learn the “why” behind the “how” in mind body movement.

Group Reformer for Fitness Professionals

Integrated Movement Specialist®