Interest in Pilates is flourishing. A 2010 CNBC report cited that 8.6 million Americans participated in Pilates in 2009, up 456 percent since 2000. The 2010 IDEA Fitness Programs and Equipment Trends report found that despite a decline in other mind-body formats, Pilates participation continues to grow. The growing Pilates participation has created a growing need for certified instructors. If you want to be a Pilates teacher, choosing a respected certification puts you on the fast track to career growth.
Traditional vs. Modern
The word "Pilates" was once trademarked and limited to instructors certified in the classical, traditional technique. Then, on Oct. 19, 2000, the U.S. District Court in New York City ruled that the Pilates trademark was invalid. Other certification programs suddenly came out of hiding. While Pilates instructors agree about the merits of the method, they disagree about the method of execution. Before you choose a program, examine the different techniques to see which aligns with your fitness philosophy. Proponents of the classical technique believe that the lumbar spine should be imprinted into the ground while lying in the supine position. Those who adhere to modern principles believe in maintaining the neutral curves of the spine. Other examples exist, including the order of the exercises, and the ability to make modifications. If you are targeting a particular studio or fitness center, check to see which certifications it prefers that its instructors have.
The Pilates Elders
Joseph Pilates taught his method during the mid-20th century. Only a few of his original students are alive today. Some of them, called Pilates elders, designed instructor training programs. Romana Kryzanowska, for example, designed a 600-hour program, taught at True Pilates in New York City and at various locations throughout the world. Pilates elder Ron Fletcher designed a 500-hour training course, taught in Arizona, Illinois, Canada and California. While the elders themselves do not teach these programs, they often give lectures and workshops.
Authentic Pilates
Authentic Pilates, also called New York Pilates Studio and Pilates Association of America, is one of the first organizations to offer Pilates certification. Its 600-hour training programs adheres strictly to the classical principles.
Stott Pilates
Canadian ballet dancer Moira Stott studied with Ramona Kryzanowska, but after reviewing the principles with sports medicine and physical therapy experts, she decided to modernize the method, placing it in alignment with modern principles of fitness. This 310 hour contemporary Pilates certification has training centers in all parts of the world.
Polestar Pilates
Polestar Pilates president Brent Andersen is a physical therapist. Much of the 240-hour Polestar certification program emphasizes rehabilitation and post-rehab exercise. Polestar has training centers in all parts of the globe.
Trainers
Veteran Pilates instructors often express an interest in training other instructors. Most studios do not have a formal master instructor training program, but they do have certain requirements for instructors who want to teach their method. Authentic Pilates, for example, requires the prospective instructor trainer to have five years of teaching their method. They must undergo an interview, and take workshops with a master trainer. Certified Pilates master teacher trainers at the Pilates Studio of Los Angeles must have 10 years of experience teaching clients and five years of supervising Pilates apprentices.
References
- EasyVigour.net: Comprehensive Guide to Major Pilates Teacher Training Schools and Pilates Certification Bodies.
- United States Pilates Association: Become a U.S. P.A. Authentic Pilates Teacher of Teachers
- Stott Pilates: Education
- True Pilates: Certification
- Fletcher Pilates: Program Overview
- Pilates Certification Online: History of Teachers
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