Teacher Training Program

Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program:

This comprehensive, traditional-style, Pilates Teacher Training Program is meticulously designed to equip aspiring teachers with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to teach Pilates safely and effectively on all apparatus. Our program adheres to the highest industry standards, preparing graduates for the NPCP (National Pilates Certification Program) certification exam and fostering critical thinking skills for a successful career in any Pilates environment.

Program Overview:

Total Program Hours: 550 hours minimum

Program time for completion: 12 months

Apparatus Covered: Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table (Cadillac/Tower), Wunda Chair, High Back Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector/Small Barrels, Magic Circle, Ped-o-Pull, Foot Corrector.

Program Mission: Empowering aspiring Pilates teachers through a mentor-apprentice style of learning, fostering critical thinking to deeply understand the "why and how" of the full Pilates system, enabling confident and adaptive teaching. 

Program Structure and Components:

Our program is structured across several key standards, ensuring a well-rounded and deeply immersive learning experience.

Standard 1: Lecture/Learning Hours

This foundational component provides in-depth theoretical knowledge, covering all essential aspects of Pilates. Our curriculum follows sound educational practices, with pre-planned, systematic, and sequential learning experiences.

Modules:

  • Introduction & Teaching Philosophy: Program overview, teaching methodologies, and Pilates principles.

  • History of Pilates: Exploring the origins and evolution of the Pilates method and Joseph Pilates' work.

  • Anatomy & Movement Science: Introductory study of human anatomy relevant to Pilates, basic movement science, and biomechanics.

  • Special Populations & Conditions: Adapting Pilates for various special populations and common conditions, including considerations for sensitivity, safety, and precautionary issues.

  • Teaching & Cueing Techniques: Developing effective verbal, tactile, and visual cueing, observation skills, and client interaction strategies.

  • Mat Pilates: Comprehensive repertoire, modifications, and progressions for Mat work.

  • Reformer: In-depth study of the Reformer repertoire, safety, and program design.

  • Cadillac/Tower (Trapeze Table): Comprehensive repertoire, safety, and application of the Cadillac/Tower.

  • Wunda Chair & High Back Chair: Repertoire, modifications, and progressions for both chairs.

  • Barrels (Ladder Barrel & Spine Correctors): Comprehensive exercises, applications, and safety considerations.

  • Magic Circle, Foot Corrector, & Ped-o-Pull: Integration of smaller apparatus for enhanced workouts and specific conditioning.

  • Business Practices & Networking: Essential skills for building a successful Pilates career, including marketing, client management, and professional development.

These modules are divided into 10 intensive weekends, 1x/month, and form the core of the lecture component, providing hands-on instruction and practice. (Specific monthly dates are TBD, dependent on the group's needs to accommodate schedules as best we can)

  • Introduction: Zoom discussion, teaching philosophy, history of Pilates, book discussion, meet and greet

  • Weekend 1: Mat

  • Weekend 2: Reformer

  • Weekend 3: Reformer, Cadillac

  • Weekend 4: Chairs (Wunda/High Back)

  • Weekend 5: Cadillac and Inversions

  • Weekend 6: Chair continuation (Wunda/High Back)

  • Weekend 7: Barrels (Ladder Barrel, Small Arc, Spine Corrector)

  • Weekend 8: Small Apparatus (Pedopull, Magic Circle, Foot Corrector)

  • Weekend 9: Lecture intro to Kathy Grant exercises

  • Weekend 10: Final Lecture/Review/Practice/Questions

Standard 2: Observation Hours by Student (150 Hours)

Observation of Qualified Teacher Trainers (QTTs) is crucial for students to internalize teaching methodologies and exercise application. Students will actively take notes on exercise choice, cueing techniques, safety considerations, teacher-client interactions, and program design.

Standard 3: Self-Practice Hours (250 Hours)

Dedicated self-practice is embodied learning, which allows teacher trainees to deepen their understanding of the Pilates exercises in their own bodies.

Standard 4: Student Teaching Hours (150 Hours)

This practical application phase requires students to teach practice clients on a combination of all apparatus. The QTT acts as an observer only and does not assist the student teacher during these sessions. 


Assessments and Program Completion:

Written and Practical Exams

Measurable performance standards are clearly outlined in the course syllabus. Student progress is monitored throughout the program with program faculty. Assessments are periodically evaluated and updated throughout the program to monitor student progress and deepen understanding.

  • Written Exam: Evaluates theoretical knowledge, including apparatus knowledge, and key exercise concepts.

  • Practical Exam: Assesses teaching ability based on a predetermined set of skills, including:

    • Choreography: Ability to sequence exercises appropriately.

    • Set up: Proper setup and transitions for all apparatus.

    • Safety/Precautions: Adherence to all safety protocols and precautionary guidelines.

    • Cueing and client interaction.

Test Out Process for Practical Exam:

  • Day 1: Choreography demonstration.

  • Day 2: Teaching choreography to a client by using tailored cues and session planning.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements and passing the written and practical exams, students are fully capable of teaching Pilates in various settings, understanding necessary anatomy, safety protocol, and basic movement science, and are prepared to test for NPCP certification.

This program prepares you to be fully certified through the only accredited body for Pilates certification.

While we focus primarily on the Traditional style of Pilates, we provide students with critical thinking skills to adapt to any style moving forward to be able to teach in any environment.  

 

Pricing for Program:

Tuition and Payment: $7800 (Full payment discounted by check/cash $7600). An installment payment plan is available, with an additional service fee.

Tuition Includes:

  • Comprehensive Training Manual

  • Study Groups and mentoring with Graduate Student Advisors

  • 10 Comprehensive learning weekends in-studio, taught by the Program Director

  • Additional topics discussions for the program including anatomy, precautions and special conditions taught by the associate program director/Kinesiologist

  • Introductory workshop to Kathy Grant material, and Pilates History taught by Program Director

  • Access and use of the full studio with Gratz Apparatus

  • Option to sit in with other classes who are either ahead or behind your group to increase your exposure to the material

  • Test out process

Tuition cost does NOT include:

  • Private sessions with program faculty or student advisors (not required but highly recommended)

  • Individualized mentoring

  • Extra workshops for continuing education hosted by Program and Associate Director at the studio

  • Professional Liability Insurance

  • Re-testing fees (if applicable)

  • Lost Manuals (Training Manual & Exercise Manuals, up to $300 to replace all)

  • Required reading (list will be given )

  • CPR Training fees (if applicable)

  • Practice Teaching Rental fee to the studio, $30 per hour paid to student by their client

 

Our program space is limited, maintaining a small student-teacher ratio, to ensure original apprentice-style learning.

Once you apply, we will reach out to schedule an interview. Please click below to apply now, or contact us for any questions.


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