| Spa Wellness Articles :: Program Descriptions & Career Overviews :: Pilates Teacher Studies • Pilates Teacher Training Programs |
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| Pilates Teacher Studies • Pilates Teacher Training Programs |
| by Robyn Tellefsen |
As defined by the Pilates Method Alliance, Pilates is a full-body system of specific, sequenced exercises performed on the mat and specially designed equipment. The method is centered on the concepts of awareness, balance, breathing, centering, concentration, control, flowing movement, and precision. The principle of Pilates is to uniformly develop the body and mind.
Pilates offers improved alignment, coordination, endurance, flexibility, posture, and strength. Each movement doesn't just tone your body; it teaches you correct alignment so anatomical movements are more relaxed and flexible. Pilates workouts don't build bulk, they elongate and strengthen muscles. This develops muscle elasticity and mobility in the joints, which decreases the risk of physical injury.
What You'll Learn
In a Pilates teacher training program, you'll learn basic movement science, including biomechanics, functional anatomy, Kinesiology, motor learning, and physiology. Pilates teacher training covers all pieces of exercise apparatus, including barrels, chairs, ped-o-pull, reformer, tower, trapeze table, and more. Pilates teacher training typically includes lectures, observation, personal Pilates practice, and supervised student teaching.
Degree Types
Pilates teacher training options range from weekend-long workshops to yearlong certification programs, but the trend is toward requiring more training. The Pilates Method Alliance has established training standards that recommend at least 200-400 hours of training for certification.
Career Paths
With Pilates teacher training, you can work at a fitness center, health club, luxury spa sports clinic, or anyplace in between, enjoying the freedom to design your own classes and work one-on-one or with groups.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of fitness workers, including Pilates teachers, is expected to increase 27 percent over the 2006-2016 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. In May 2006, median annual earnings of fitness workers were $25,910; the top 10 percent earned $56,750 or more. And, these figures do not include the earnings of the self-employed, which can be higher.
Licensing and Accreditation Information
The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) maintains a list of training schools that meet its requirements; it also confers the PMA-Certified Pilates Teacher designation. Though Pilates teachers are not under any licensing or accreditation requirements, Pilates teacher training certification programs may be accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (http://www.noca.org/).
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