PROFESSIONAL COURSE

Comprehensive Pilates
Instructor Training

Ours is considered the best Pilates education for career-minded Instructors for a reason.

Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Training is the gold standard of Pilates education. A comprehensively trained instructor understands the breadth and immeasurable value of the Pilates system and can apply the entire studio apparatus toward the goals and aspirations of individual client.

The comprehensive approach adds diversity of training, potential of movement options and expands your professional teaching skills and practice.

Consists of Balanced Body Movement Principles, 9 Apparatus Courses and Anatomy

Mat 1

Introduction to Pilates & Beginning / Intermediate Exercises

16 Hours

Mat 1 forms the foundation of the Pilates method. This course includes an introduction to the history and principles of the Pilates method and the beginning and intermediate level exercises. Each exercise includes training on modifications, challenges, the purpose of the exercise and any precautions for injuries and special populations. How to design and teach group classes and guidelines for teaching seniors and pre and post–natal classes are included.

Prerequisites
• 10 Mat Classes (recommended)
• 6 months experience teaching movement and anatomy (recommended)

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Mat 2

Intermediate / Advanced Exercises

16 Hours

Mat 2 teaches the remaining intermediate and advanced level Mat exercises for a complete understanding of the Pilates Mat program. Lectures include progressive skill development to achieve the advanced exercises, programming for intermediate and advanced classes and creating successful Mat classes.

Prerequisites
• Mat 1

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Mat 3

Enhanced Mat & Props

16 Hours

Enhanced Pilates Mat completes the Mat training by adding rings, rollers, bands and balls to the traditional Mat exercises. In addition, Enhanced Mat includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop whole body strength and flexibility. The Balanced Body Programming System is introduced to make class design easy, effective and fun. Adding props to a mat class makes them more dynamic, creative and accessible and clients love toys!

Prerequisites
• Mat 1 and 2, or successful completion of comparable Pilates mat program.

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Reformer 1

Introduction to Reformer Beginning Exercises

16 Hours

This course introduces you to what Joseph Pilates called the ‘Universal’ Reformer, which is the centerpiece of the Pilates equipment studio and an invaluable training tool. Reformer 1 teaches you how to safely utilize the Reformer and many of the beginning and intermediate Pilates Reformer exercises. Reformer 1 also reviews common modifications and variations necessary for teaching the client in front of you and gives you the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’, empowering critical reasoning skills from the very start of your training.

Prerequisite Recommendations
• 20 Reformer classes (recommended)
• 1 year teaching movement (recommended)

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Reformer 2

Intermediate Exercises

16 Hours

Reformer 2 expands the potential of the Reformer with intermediate and advanced exercises and and includes associated safety protocols and modifications. Reformer 2 also explores programs designed for specific populations including pre and post–natal clients, clients with osteoporosis, and clients with lower back issues. Class design, dynamic assessment and correcting common dysfunctional movement patterns are also included.

Prerequisites
• Reformer 1

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Reformer 3

Advanced Exercises & Programming

16 Hours

Reformer 3 is the pinnacle of the Reformer work and includes advanced and super advanced exercises. Challenge clients to achieve their best with progressive sequences designed to teach students advanced movement skills. In addition, our principle based programming will guide you in the creation of safe and successful multi-level classes.

Prerequisites
• Reformer 1 and 2, or successful completion of comparable Pilates Reformer program.

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Apparatus 1

Introduction to Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels

Apparatus 1 introduces the Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Chair and Barrels to provide a complete education on the Pilates system. Apparatus 1 includes beginning and intermediate level exercises on each piece of equipment along with safety, set up and their role in the Pilates studio environment. Each piece of equipment provides a unique training environment to create a well-rounded experience for a client or class.

Prerequisites
• Mat 1
• Reformer 1
• 20 Pilates studio sessions (recommended)
• 1 year work experience in related field (recommended)

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Apparatus 2

Intermediate Exercises and Class Design for the Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Chair and Barrels

12 Hours

Apparatus 2 includes intermediate exercises on the Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels as well as information on class design in the Pilates Studio environment. Information on working with special populations including lower back and shoulder problems included.

Prerequisite
• Apparatus 1

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Apparatus 3:

Intermediate, Advanced and Super Advanced Exercises on the Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Chair and Barrels

12 Hours

Apparatus 3 completes the comprehensive Pilates teacher training program with intermediate, advanced, and super advanced exercises on the Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels. The Balanced Body Movement Principles programming system is applied to the apparatus to create clear guidelines for class design.

Prerequisite
• Apparatus 2

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Alternative Coursework: The coursework below may be taken in place of Apparatus 1,2 & 3 above

Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower

Complete Trapeze Table and Tower Exercises

18 Hours

Provides a thorough introduction to Trapeze Table and Tower exercises as well as applications for beginning, post–rehabilitation and advanced clients. Sequencing, program design and exploration of exercise applications are covered as well as equipment set up, safety and maintenance

Prerequisites
• Mat 1
• Reformer 1
• 20 Pilates studio sessions (recommended)
• 1 year work experience in related field (recommended)

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Pilates Chairs

Exploration of the Wunda Chair, EXO® Chair and split pedal Combo Chair

14 Hours

The Pilates chair is great for strengthening athletic clients, and as an addition to group programming. Any of the chairs can be used to incorporate standing and upright core work into a clients studio experience. This course includes exercises, programming, and variations for the original Wunda chair, the EXO chair, and the split pedal Combo Chair.

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Pilates Barrels

Introduction to the Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel

6 Hours

Includes exercises and variations for the Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel, both are excellent tools for enhancing spinal mobility and core strength. The Ladder Barrel is most commonly used in a studio setting while the Step Barrel is a great addition to group classes.

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Comprehensive Pilates Program Includes:

Exercise instruction on the complete studio system repertoire including Trapeze/Cadillac/Tower, Pilates Chairs, Barrels
Detailed, full color manuals with accompanying video support to enhance your learning experience.
Successful class design and delivery based on the Movement Principles and Balanced Body Programming System.
Development of cueing, coaching and teaching skills.
Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills for common physical limitations and conditions.
Equipment set-up, safety and maintenance.

Requirements for
Completion

Movement Principles (16 hours)
Anatomy in Three Dimensions™ (16 hours) or anatomy equivalent
Mat instructor coursework
Reformer instructor coursework
Apparatus
- Trapeze Table/Cadillac (or Tower) coursework (18 hours)
- Chair coursework (14 hours)
- Barrels coursework (6 hours)
OR
- Apparatus 1 (14 hours)
- Apparatus 2 (12 hours)
- Apparatus 3 (12 hours)
20 Mat personal sessions
65 Reformer personal sessions
65 Observation sessions
220 student teaching hours
Final written and practical test

FROM THE COMMUNITY

I've been an instructor for the almost last two years. It's been incredible and I love that it will be lifelong learning.

Sylvia P.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

I've been an instructor for the almost last two years. It's been incredible and I love that it will be lifelong learning.

Sylvia P.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

I've been an instructor for the almost last two years. It's been incredible and I love that it will be lifelong learning.

Sylvia P.

FAQs

Why should I become a comprehensively trained Pilates Instructor?

The comprehensive training is the Gold standard in the industry. By being comprehensively certified with Balanced Body Education you maximize your earning potential, your visibility and your ability to teach and train in just about any studio environment, anywhere in the world. As a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor you will have a strong foundation in the Pilates repertoire across all apparatus, including the Reformer, have cultivated teaching skills that will help you retain clients, and learn how to critically reason and apply these skills to clients regardless of skill and ability.

What coursework do I need to be a comprehensively trained Pilates Instructor?

The Balanced Body Comprehensively trained instructor must complete all of the Mat, Reformer, Apparatus (Trapeze Table/Cadillac, Chair and Barrels) coursework. In addition to course work, successful completion of the program requires student teaching hours, observation hours and self-practice hours.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Give us a call at 916-388-2838.