Pilates Instruction Certification

An Internet search for a Pilates teacher training program can turn up hundreds of options in your area. When choosing a certification program, consider who you want to be able to teach, and the length and depth of the programs available. When researching a potential teacher, consider your needs and what you might want to ask about their certification before dropping in to a class.

History

Joseph Pilates taught many students before his death in 1967, and several have gone on to become teacher trainers. Romana Kryzanowska and Ron Fletcher both trained directly with Pilates as young professional dancers and still run certification programs as of 2010, according to the Pilates Association of Canada website. As the number of Pilates teachers has increased, so has the number of teacher-training programs. The American Council on Exercise lists more than 300 continuing education modules for Pilates training.

Legalities

As of 2010, Pilates teachers in the United States do not need a license to teach. A Federal Court ruled in 2000 that the word "Pilates" is generic, meaning that no entity owns the term, reports the Balanced Body website. This means that training companies can set their own certification criteria and use the term Pilates as they see fit. The Pilates Method Alliance offers a third-party certification that requires 450 hours of training and a written exam, with the intent of setting high educational standards for Pilates teachers.

Types

Prospective students have the option of getting certified to teach using all of the Pilates apparatus, mat only or individual machines, like the Pilates reformer. When your goal is to learn all of the apparatus, breaking the time and financial commitment into manageable chunks can be helpful for some, while others find it easier to learn teaching techniques as a system, rather than piecemeal. Once a teacher has an initial certification, many Pilates schools also offer training for special populations like breast cancer recovery programs, Parkinson's disease options and prenatal training.

Length

Certification programs in teaching Pilates mat classes vary in length from an afternoon program taken online to a 100-hour program that requires face-to-face classes and both a written and practical exam. Equipment-based certification programs have similar options, with some requiring observation hours and monitored student teaching prior to the exam.

Considerations

Think about where you might want to teach and what criteria that employer may require. Large health clubs like Club Sport in Tigard, Ore. like to see a group fitness certification from a company like ACE or AFFA, in addition to a background in Pilates training. Stand-alone Pilates studios may require certification using all of the Pilates machines.