Pilates Exercises Method

Obtaining Pilates certification is not as difficult as you might think. The difficulty depends on the board that you obtain certification from. The most basic form of Pilates training is Pilates mat certification. This will qualify you to teach exercises carried out on a mat only.

If you would like to teach a more comprehensive class that includes use of Pilates’ equipment then you will need more Pilates training. It might amaze you just how specialized you can become when training to be a Pilates instructor. The first step is to have practised Pilates for some years, although not a prerequisite by all boards, it is a good idea to have been practising Pilates for a year or two.

Mat Certification

You can start Pilates training for mat instructor certification if you have been practising Pilates for some time and show good ability in your classes. The course will expect you to be able to perform basic Pilates’ exercises.

Typically this type of Pilates training will last for two weekends or for one intensive weekend. You will learn how to adapt the exercises for different people, such as elderly students, pregnant women, and so on. At the end of your course you will need to complete an exam that includes a teaching demonstration and a written exam.

Pilates training varies from one board to another; there is no standardized training for instructors. This means that the cost of your course will also vary; courses start at about $100 and can cost as much as $300. Before you sign up research the board you are obtaining certification from. Talk to an instructor you respect about where they got his or her Pilates training.

Full Pilates Training

If you want to be certified with comprehensive training then the process is a little more complicated. You will need to learn about all the different machines and equipment used in Pilates and how to modify exercises on each one for different students.

Before you can sign up for comprehensive training you are usually required to have mat instructor certification. You will also need to have studied Pilates for a year; this should also include private lessons.  Part of your training will include learning about anatomy and physiology, the history of Pilates, and how Pilates has evolved over the years.

Sometimes training at this stage is divided into different levels. For example each level is dedicated to learning how to use different machines in Pilates. There might also be a level dedicated to learning about issues affecting different people who wish to take up Pilates.