Pilates small props and apparatus provide a cost-effective and space-saving means of adding variety and challenge to a traditional Pilates mat class. Some instructors even use these props in conjunction with the Pilates equipment. Small prop instructor training programs are cheaper, and consume less time than traditional Pilates certification programs.
Typical Pilates Props
The flexible metal Pilates fitness circle, designed for leg and upper body resistance training, was one of the original props. Resistance bands simulate the movements of the Pilates pulley machines. Some companies make special types of bands and tubes, designed specifically for Pilates exercises. Rotational disks add rotary movement to the otherwise linear Pilates routines, and balance equipment, such as bands, balls, bosu or half balls and foam rollers, increase range of motion and add stability training to the Pilates exercise repertoire.,
Training Locations
Individual Pilates studios, Pilates instructor training programs and international and regional fitness conferences offer Pilates prop instructor training workshops. A studio may offer a one-day training program Pilates prop training program for continuing education credits. Some certification programs, such as Balanced Body University, offer Pilates barrel and small apparatus programs as part of their certification program. These training programs usually have prerequisites, such as prior Pilates equipment certification. Fitness conferences, such as the International Dance Exercise conference and Sara City Workout, provide a viable way to get a taste of Pilates prop training. Select a one or two hour session, for register for an all-day pre-conference training.
Stott Pilates
The Toronto-based Stott Pilates boasts training centers in all parts of the globe, making it easy to take in a workshop while traveling on vacation. They offer more prop workshops than any other Pilates certification organization. The Pilates with props workshop includes exercises with the fitness circle, resistance band and small medicine balls. Stott offers three levels of foam roller training. The cylindrically shaped foam rollers challenge balance and coordination. Rotational disk training incorporates supine, prone, standing and kneeling rotary movements. The toning ball, Stott's version of the medicine ball, adds resistance training to the mat workout. Other strength workshops include five types of resistance band training and three types of fitness circle classes. The bosu or half ball is a balance-training tool that resembles the Pilates arc barrel. The essential and intermediate bosu workshops include and flexibility exercise. Stott also offers five levels of Pilates stability ball training and one balance disk workshop. Workshops lengths vary from 90-minutes to six hours.
American Fitness Professionals And Associates
American Fitness Professionals and Associates offers a Level II, Pilates with Props certification for instructors that have experience with Pilates mat exercise and extensive knowledge of anatomy. Most of their certifications are distance learning programs, but they also conduct certifications workshops at their annual conferences, usually in the spring in Ocean Beach Maryland and in the fall in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Workshop materials include a textbook, an instructional workbook, seven instructional DVDs, a fitness circle, a resistance band and a CorePlus Reformer, which is a set of linked resistance bands that simulate the movements of the Pilates reformer.
Tye4
The PhysicalMind Institute created a new prop called the Tye4, which consists of a neoprene mini-vest with bungee cords that attach to the hands and feet. The Evolution 101 is a weekend training that uses this prop, for standing Pilates exercises and circular Pilates, which incorporates rotational movements.
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