The YMCA employs health and fitness professionals to teach various classes, including aerobics classes, swimming, yoga and Pilates. The organization provides hands-on certification courses for its employees. Local YMCAs offer one-day mat Pilates certification courses as needed. The YMCA does not offer the course on a regular schedule.
Description
The YMCA mat Pilates certification course is a one-day class that includes practical, hands-on sessions. The class lasts nine hours with a one-hour lunch break. The course teaches instructors the principles and philosophy behind Pilates and how to integrate the exercises into group classes and personal training sessions. You learn various Pilates mat exercises and have an opportunity to practice the movements.
Prerequisites
The YMCA requires that you meet three prerequisites to take the mat Pilates course. Your must have a current CPR certification through a recognized organization such as the American Red Cross. You also need a current Foundations of YMCA Group Fitness certification or YMCA Group Exercise Instructor certification. The third prerequisite is the YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles certification of Principles of Health and Fitness.
Textbook
To take the YMCA mat Pilates certification course, you need the textbook that goes with the class. You can purchase the "YMCA Pilates Instructor Manual" online at the YMCA Program Store. The book includes chapters on the philosophy, history and principles of Pilates. It also provides information about the biomechanics and movements involved in Pilates as well as picture demonstrations of 29 exercises.
Cost
The YMCA mat Pilates certification course costs $50, as of January 2011. You include your payment when you register for the class. The YMCA accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, checks and cash. The "YMCA Pilates Instructor Manual" textbook costs $26, as of January 2011. You pay for the textbook separately when you order it, rather than when you register for the course. Each participant is responsible for getting the textbook prior to the course.
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